Calasanz had a great hope in the educational fruits that would
be brought forth from the children and youth. He dedicated himself completely to it, burning the bridges that would have taken
him to high posotions in the Spanish Church.
He lived and died hoping against all hope. Referring to the Ponticial
Decree of Dissolution of the Order, he wrote,
"Finally, the document that shows clearly
the ruin of our Order has come out. But I hope that the more men vilify it, that much more God will exalt it. I cannot understand
how our Order can be destroyed, being so much loved in Europe. While I have breath, I have hope of seeing it restored. Although
the adversries are great and powerful, nevertheless we should hope the Divine Goodness will not permit our Order to be completely
destroyed, as it has benn approved by three Popes and applauded and requested thoughout all of Europe and even by the heretics.
God knows what they will say when they read the printed text. Here, in Rome, everybody feels compassion for us, but nobody
wants to be the first to commenr on it to the Pope."
It was not a metaphor when he said, "an Order so much requested
throughout all of Europe." In 1633 Calasanz had affirmed,
"If now I would have ten thousand Religious,
I would be able to distribute all of them in a month to those places whwre thay have been requested with great insestence.
Therefore, our Order is not like many others. They try to enter the cities by different means. Ours is requested and desired
by many Cardinals, bishops, prelates, great lords and important cities, and I can prove it with many letters."