A year later in July, 1735, he arrived in Florida to assume his duties. Buenaventura in Florida Conditions in Florida had apparently not improved since Resino’s visitation 26 years earlier. Like Resino, Buenaventura was appalled at the spiritual decadence within the colony—the scandals, the lack of moral standards, the desecration of the holy law. The tiny hermitage that served as the parochial church profaned the Mass. Chalices and other church ornaments were hardly fit for use. The curate was old and sick, and no suitable residence could be found for Buenaventura. [Note 39: Auxiliary bishop of Cuba to king 8/27/1735] The dedicated auxiliary was also distressed about the languishing mission program and the apathy of his Franciscan brethren, who were rent by factionalism and had allowed drunken Indians to roam the streets of Saint Augustine. [Note 40: Auxiliary bishop of Cuba to Fray Clarke 10/1/1735] Worst of all, heretical English traders, posing as Roman Catholics, preached Protestant doctrines in the Florida capital, undermining the religious beliefs of the colonists. [Note 41: Auxiliary bishop of Cuba to king 4/29/1736] (Tepaske GSF)