Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna and Francesco Gatta to [PF], 1683-09-08, Tunis
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna and Francesco Gatta to PF. Since Gio' LeVascher [Jean Le Vacher] has recently been killed in Algiers by the Barbarians (as has been reported through various channels), they regard it their duty to report the event to PF. PF came to hear about the event, by the means of CM in France. The reason for why he was killed is still not completely clear. BDue to the distance and the fact that the country is in great disarray, it has been hard find concrete answers. Some say that Le Vacher, in his function of French consol, informed the French army about the decision taken by the tribune of the Divan to make slave 500 French Christians, who were staying there for commerce. Because they were consequently saved, the anger was directed at Le Vacher. He was tied to a canon that was fired, blowing him into 1000 pieces. Others say, it was because they wanted to stop the French army from bombarding the city, and also because after the Turks had freed all the French slaves, the ships still continued to attack the city. Others said that Le Vacher had given a signal from his house to the French army.
Additional comments
The content of this letter is practically the same as another one, the only difference being that that one has (besides Giovanni Maria Da Bologna), also been signed by Christomo Da Genova (instead of Francesco Gatta). This one seems to have been written by Francesco Gatta, after which Giovanni Maria Da bologna added his name. Whereas in the other letter, Giovanni Maria Da Bologna seems to have been the principal creator of the letter.
Francesco Gatta
Christomo Da Genova
APF SC Barbaria 2, 44r
1683-09-08
[Adressed to PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
910
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF, 1681-05-18, Tunis
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Bizerte
Corsairs
Galleys
Salé
Slaves (Christian)
Tripoli
Tunis
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. Gatta has informed PF as well as Gio' Levascer [Jean Le Vacher] the vicar apostolic in Algiers, about the most important matters of the mission in Tunis. Le Vacher released Gatta from his side to go to Tunis. Some people from Messina who had enough of the Pascia tried to be favored by the grand vizier of Constantinople, in order to obtain Turkish troops for Sicily. Giuseppe Marchese was secretly connected with Mamet Agha (the Turkish ambassador in Tunis), to intermediate in the wars that divided the country. By means of this ambassador, he sent his message to Constantinople. From the returning ship, they received no other news except that it disembarked from Naples in the Romagna; there Giuseppe boarded a ship together with four of his children. Gatta hopes that the ambassadors of the Christian princes will be wise enough to stop him. When he was in Algiers, he came to understand that in Salé, there were many Christian slaves who were left without a priest, because of the pest. Likewise, in Tétouan there are 500 Christian slaves without a priest. When Gatta asked the vicar apostolic for permission to go to Tétouan, however it was not granted. Then, the prefect of Tripoli, Da Castel'vetrano [Girolamo Da Castelverrano] saw that in his decree, Salé was annexed to the mission of Tripoli. As the city is 1,700 Italian miles away by sea, it is impossibile to serve them from Tripoli. Because the city has been abandoned, he begged Da Castelverrano to either visit once every seven years, send two companions there (and two others for Tétouan), or to ask PF to provide these cities with missionaries. Da Castelverrano promised him that he would go himself, but because years have passed and nobody has visited, he decided to inform PF. If they decide to send two missionaries, then it would be best to imbark from Marseille. The people who go there however, must be willing to suffer a lot, considering the people there are more barbaric and wild. He also sends PF a list of all the cities and places with Christian slaves, and their distance from Tripoli. List with distances from Tripoli: a) in Tripoli in Barbary, live a little more than a thousand Christian slaves of various nations. From Tripoli to Tunis, the distance is 500 Italian miles, from Tunis to Utica (today Porto Farina), the distance is 24 Italian miles, and from Porto Farina to Bizerte, the distance is 26 Italian miles; b) in Tunis there are around 2,000 Christian slaves, and a few free Christians. In Porto Farina and Bizerte (that are part of the same mission), there are around 200 ships and galleys. In Caponegro there are around 40 free Christians amongst whom soldiers and merchants. From Bizerte to Algiers, the distance is 450 Italian miles. In Algiers there are around 5,000 Christian slaves, even though the size of the city is only a quarter of Tunis. There are however, 46 ships, two galleys, and two other small boats. From Algiers to Orano, the distance is 300 Italian miles, from Oran to Melilla, the distance is 100 Italian miles, from Mellila to Pignon, the distance is 60 Italian miles; c) the places of Oran, Melilla and Pignon are under the king of Spain. Except for soldiers there are farmers, free people, and they have their own parishes and chapels. From Pignon to Tétouan, the distance is 80 Italian miles; d) in Tétouan, a city of the Moors, there are 500 Christian slaves and no-one to administer the sacraments. From Tétouan to Ceuta, also a Spanish city, the distance is 20 Italian miles, and from Ceuta to Tanger, a place in the hands of the English, the distance is 30 Italian miles and from Tanger to Salé, the distance is 200 Italian miles; and e) Salé is a place of the Moors, in the kingdom of Fez, and there are around 500 Christians without priests. The priests stay in Fez and cannot travel around because the countryside is filled with robbers. From Tripoli to Salé is 1,790 miles over sea. He is not sure whether one could do this in a year because of the difficulties of travelling and the few possibilities of doing so.
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SC Barbaria 1, 502r-503r
1681-05-18
Adressed to [PF}
original; signed
Italian
Letter
899
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF, 1677-05-17, Algiers
Algiers
Tunis
Plague
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. To fulfill his obligation, he informs PF about the mission in Tunis, which is under the guidance of Gio Leveascer [Jean Le Vacher]. During the Tuesday of the passion he was in Algiers (where Le Vacher is also staying), to present him the decree, and to also offer his service in whatever place necessary. He was received in his house in the most courteous way possibile. After a while Le Vacher decided to send Costa to Tunis, giving him all the faculties and instructions necessary. He had to wait for a ship, which in these areas can take time, especially due to pests. Three months ago the vicar apostolic was also struck by the pest, however he is now recovering.
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SC Barbaria 1, 399r
1677-05-17
[Adressed to PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
885
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis to PF, [1676]
Algiers
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis (priests from the diocese of Matera), to PF. They ask for the faculties to go to the mission of Algiers, and PF notes mention that the same request has been discussed during the PF meetings of 12 February, and 17 April 1675. When asked about the need of new missionaries, the vicar apostolic of Algiers (Jean Le Vacher), stated there was no need. During their meeting of 2 March 1676, the cardinals decide to ask the bishop of Matera and Jean Le Vacher for more information.
Date discussed 1676-03-02
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis
APF SOCG 458, 11r, 12v
[1676]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
657
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Letter from Giovanni Battista Garbi a slave in Algiers to [the PF Prefect, Paluzio Altieri], 1677-05-20, Tunis
Algiers
Conversion
Poland
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Giovanni Battista Garbi to PF. The slave Gian Battista Garbi, who used to work in the service of Abbot Carlo Grapi in the court of his Eminence in Poland, threw himself at his knees before his Emminence. He begged his Eminence for some alms, in order to help him out of the infernal pains that he is suffering in slavery. His master is mistreating him, in order to make him a renegade of the faith of Christ, or to ransom himself. He is however not able to buy his own freedom, because his master asks for 400 scudi. For this reason he asks the viceroy and the mother of his eminence, to give him some alms to help his ransom. Garbi asks the nuncio to Spain to recommend him to the redemption Fathers, who come to Algiers to ransom slaves; they ask him to write down his name, Gian Battista Garbi Omperial, who is a slave in the baths of the Divan.
Additional comments
Gian Battista Garbi
APF SC Barbaria 1, 407r-408r
1677-05-20
[Adressed to Paluzio Altieri]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
886
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, 1668-06-26 Tunis
Tunis
Algiers
Capuchins
Tripoli
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF in which he describes the persecutions that he and the other Christians suffered in Tunis and how they came to an end. He writes that he has received a letter from Jean Le Vacher saying that he will become vicar apostolic in Algiers, with full authority over the church of Tunis. This surprises him greatly, since the mission was assigned to him with a PF decree on 25 November 1666. He moreover accuses Jean Le Vacher of greediness. Lastly he asks for a missionary patent for Father Antonio Di Seravezza, his companion. The letter signed and dated 26 June 1668.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 254, 209r-210r
1668-06-26
Addressed to PF
For the summary of this document and for the decision by the general meeting of PF, see: APF SOCG 254, 228r-v, 229r 230r-231r, 232v, 233v (database item 403).
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 37, 247r, 259r-262v (same information as in the mentioned summary (database item 403); not in this database).
Italian
Letter
401
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1648-04-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Corsairs
Slave priests
Plague
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa (Brother Giuseppe Maria), prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, letting PF know he had arrived in Algiers several days before, and that the plague continued to ravage the city. He mentions three priests in Algiers at that time (including himself), and that one of them, whom he does not name, was afraid of catching the disease, and therefore was showing some "reserve." Nevertheless he (Brother Giuseppe Maria) is making sure that all Christians receive the Holy sacraments and the required spiritual aid. Brother Giuseppe Maria also heard that a corsair ship was in the area, with three religious men captive on board, two of whom were ordained priests and the third a secular person; he is hoping that they would be brought to Algiers, rather than Tunis, so that they might provide assistance to him and the other two priests in Algiers. Brother Giuseppe Maria would like to add more details on the improvements that could be brought to the Algiers mission, and to the abuses that occur everyday, but "time does not allow for such repose." PF note on 211v mentions that no response was deemed necessary because, "shortly" after the receipt of this letter, news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death reached PF.
Additional comments
The death of Brother Giuseppe Maria is announced to PF in a letter written in Tabarca on 9 June 1648 by Fra Bernardino da Casale (also a Capuchin), who says that Brother Giuseppe Maria of Genoa left Tabarca on 15 April and arrived in Algiers on 21 April. Brother Giuseppe Maria worked there indefatigably for a month, administering the sacraments to the Christians who had taken ill, and that at the end of one month he took ill with the same disease, and died after four or five days of illness. Brother Bernardino mentions some "included letters" that offer more details on Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, but they do not seem to have been filed in this volume. PF received Brother Bernardino's letter on 12 September 1648 (SOCG 65, 205r, 210v).
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 204r, 210v
1648-04-29
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
For news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, see: PF SOCG 65, 205r, 210v (not in this database).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
136
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria Da Genoa to PF, 1647-11-28, Tabarca
Algiers
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Slave priests
Capuchins
Plague
Tunis
Franciscans
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa, prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, offering details on many local issues (relative to Tabarca, Carthage, and the Capuchin mission in the region), but also relays news from Algiers by way of Julien Guérin of Tunis. According to Brother Giuseppe Maria, Guérin wrote to him, in a letter dated 22 November, that two priests of his company had arrived in Algiers, together with a Franciscan slave. The news gladened Brother Giuseppe Maria, who had previously heard that only one ignorant slave priest had remained in Algiers, because the rest had either died of the plague or returned to their home countries. Brother Giuseppe Maria himself tried to go to Algiers but was not able to do so, because transportation and communication had been interrupted between Tabarca and the plague-striken city. He hopes to be able to arrive there soon. PF note does not mention any decision or response.
Additional comments
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 192r-193v, 199r-v, 200v
1647-11-28
Addressed to PF
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
134
Origin: Tabarca
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1668-1671]
Algiers
Other religious orders
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tripoli
Tunis
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher. He asks for the copies of the letters that PF has sent to him, in the case he loses one (as sometimes happens), he will still have the other. He especially asks for the copies of the letters about the spiritual needs of the Christians living in Bastione, Marroc or other countries that were sent to him some months ago. He also brings the news of the death of Costaguti, who was the archbischop of Carthage and also Vicar Apostolic of the city. He proposes Trotti as the new archbishop and vicar apostolic, and asks PF to confirm this election, as they also did with Costaguti with a decree from 17 april 1650. After this there follow a bundle of letters (the numbers are added by us) collected by the secretary of PF [Federico] Baldeschi:
a) Decree for Jean Le Vacher by Innocent X from 17 December 1650, in which he is declared vicar apostolic of Tunis;
b) A decree from PF to Jean Le Vacher from 9 September 1652. He asked for three things. For jurisdiction over secular and regular priests, to forbid all ceremonies and rites that are not part of the Roman church, and to give the priests the faculties to say mass one hour before sunrise and one hour after the midday, so that the laborers who have to work can attend mass. PF agrees with the first and third point, but does nothing with the second;
c) A Petition on behalf of 12 November 1652 on behalf of Adriani a S. Natalia, a discalded augustinian, for missionary faculties for someone of the same order. PF gives the faculties for three years to the augustinian a S. Margarita;
d) A petition to PF on behalf of Jean Le Vacher from 9 December 1652, by which his authority as vicar apostolic is extended to Tripoli and other cities in the diocese of Carthage;
e) is a decree for Jean Le Vacher from 29 November 1667, in which his position as vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis is confirmed;
f) A letter from Cardinal Chigi to Le Vacher, written by Rome from 12 June 1662. The dominican Silvestro Bendici (who has been enslaved during his return from Armenia and brought to Tunis), asked for the missionary faculties to help a great amount of slaves in the city. They ask Le Vacher if the service of this priest is necessary and if he is suitable. If it is true that this priests says mass more often than is necessary and was allowed, this should not be accepted. Or if this still happens because the slaves ask for it, it should be given in moderation through time and place;
g) A decree sent in the name of the prefect of PF, Antonio [Barberini Jr.] from 29 June 1666. For three years Le Vacher is allowed to give missionary faculties to regular or secular priests; h) Letter from the Prefect, Cardinal [Antonio] Barberini, and the secretary of PF, Her'mo Casanate [Girolamo Casanata] from 3 December 1667. For many years Le Vacher has been the vicar apostolic of Tunis, his services are still needed and therefore he is elected vicar apostolic of Algiers. They send him his faculties which also extend to Tunis. They ask him to inform them about the number of Christian slaves and priests in the bagnos;
i) The faculties of vicar apostolic of Gio Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher], from 27 November 1667 or actually 16 February 1668. They have not made the transcription because the stored version was incorrect;
and j) Patent from the archbishop of Carthage, Scipio Costagusti, written in Napels by his secretary Iulius Grimaldus, by which Ioannis Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] is made vicar apostolic.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
It has to be made somewhere between 1668 and 1671. The last letter is from 16 February 1668 and it has to be before 6 August 1671 because that is the date when it was discussed by PF.
Jean Le Vacher; Federico Baldeschi
Innocentius X; Cardinal Pamphili; Dionisio Massari; Antonio Barberinus Jr.; Cardinal Chigi; Girolamo Casanata; Scipio Costaguti
APF SOCG 430, 281r-286r, 288v
[1668-1671]
Adressed to [PF] Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
Letter A is also found as a copy in APF SOCG 494, 4r, 5r-v (database item 695).
See for B also the letter in which Le Vacher requested these things APF SOCG 248, 264r-v, 289v (database item 444) and the decision of PF APF ACTA 21 , 107r, 109r-v, item 11 (database item 543).
There is also a copy in APF SOCG 430, 255, 41r, 42r, 44v (database item 253).
See for the petition of letter D: APF SOCG 308, 438r-446v, 447v (database item 438).
See for the decision of letter D: APF ACTA 21, 127v, 134r-v, issue 20 (database item 544).
See for the petition of E by Rene Alméras on behalf of Jean Le Vacher: APF SOCG 430, 254, 146r, 147v (database item 397).
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this whole bundle and was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Italian
Latin
Petition
Letter
739
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau to PF, [1652]
Algiers
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau to PF, asking if the dispensation from his simple vows is valid; at the time the dispensation was granted, the cardinals thought that he was a priest instead of a brother.
Additional comments
Data based on another petition on behalf of Barreau in which he also asks for dispensation. See: APF SOCG 248, 179r,182v (database item 433)
Jean Barreau
APF SOCG 248, 148r, 153v
[1652]
Addressed to PF
Latin
Italian
423
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau to PF [1652]
Algiers
CM petitions
Other religious orders
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau, who is working for the mission in Algiers to PF, asking for a dispensation of the simple vows of the Cistercians, considering he is working for CM priests. During the PF general meeting of the 6 May 1652, the cardinals decide to send his request to the Apostolic Penitentiary [which deals with the absolution of excommunications].
Date discussed 1652-05-06
Additional comments
Jean Barreau
APF SOCG 248, 179r,182v
[1652]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 21, 47r, 50v, 51r, issue 13 (database item 537).
Latin
Italian
Petition
433
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Statement from Jean Dubourdieu about the ransoming of Luigi Da Palermo, 1671-06-26, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Ransom
Slave priests
Tunis
Statement by Jean Dubourdieu. He attests that Jean Le Vacher has ransomed Louis De Palerme [Luigi Da Palermo] for 650 piece de huit, on condition that he would administer the sacraments in Tunis for the duration of three years, in the position of provicar apostolic.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
This is the evidence that Jean Le Vacher uses to proof to PF that it was him, and not somebody else, who ransomed Luigi Da Palermo.
Jean Dubourdieu
APF SOCG 430, 292r
1671-06-26
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
This document was sent by Jean Le Vacher to PF as proof that it was him who ransomed Jean Le Vacher. See for his letter APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r (database item 740).
Original; unsigned
French
Statement
743
Origin: Algiers
Destination:
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [PF], 1683-05-26, Algiers
Algiers
Civitavecchia
Galleys
Slaves (Muslim)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. The Turkish slaves working in the galleys of the pope, have written to the rulers in Barbary about the piece of land where they used to bury their dead; the land has since been taken from them. They paid 1000 pezze da otto for the land, but have received no compensation. The rulers in Barbary were very displeased when they heared this, and decided to seek revenge themselves on the priests in Algiers (both secular as regular). This would have materialized had Le Vacher not stopped them, telling these men that he would send word to Italy, to either restitute the land or provide a substitute. Therefore he asks PF to do either one of these things, and to also relieve the poor slaves from their extraordinary suffering.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 2, 36rv-v, 37v
1683-05-26
[Adressed to PF]
original: signed
Italian
Letter
905
Origin: Algiers
Destination:
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the PF Prefect [Paluzio Altieri], 1681-12-13, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. He received two letters from PF, one dated 5 May 1681, and the other dated 17 October 1681. In the first letter, they ask him about his opinion on a new missionary. He already responded to this request, by saying that his old age and his illness do not allow him to work for the mission as he used to. He has great need for help at the mission, therefore he asks PF to appoint this candidate as missionary. In the second letter, he received a leaflet about the universal jubilee, which he has to publish. He will do it right away, and make sure that these poor slaves will be spiritually consoled. Because of the renewed warfare between Algiers and France, the slaves have increased in numbers since October. In the last two months there have been over twenty priests (regulars as well as seculars), enslaved. Because they were completely naked, he provided them with the habit of their oders, as well as other clothing. He also gives them other possessions to live, as their patrons do not give them anything. To be extempt from work, they are also required to pay three scudi every month.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 532r-v
1681-12-13
Adressed to [PF]
For the first letter from PF to Le Vacher, see: APF LETTERE 70, 43r-v (database item 642).
Le Vacher responded in another letter to the request of the missionary status for Stella, see: APF SC Barbaria1, 511r-512r (database item 901).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
902
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the PF Prefect [Paluzio Altieri], 1681-08-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. Some days ago he received a letter from a CM superior in Rome, from which Le Vacher understood that Altieri believed that he had extended his jurisdiction over Tripoli, where he had sent a censure of excommunication. PF asked him with a letter dated 30 April 1680, to remedy some problems with Greek slaves in Tripoli, who exercised ecclesiastical functions and administered the sacraments. He has done nothing else, and would not have done anything were it not for PF's request. Later the superior of the house in Rome wrote to him again, informing him that there had been a request to declare Gasparo Stella missionary apostolic in Algiers, and that PF had requested Le Vacher's opinion; so far, he has not yet received a reply. He does however, have a great need of help in the spiritual care of the Christians. His old age and continuous illness has deprived him of the consolation of saying mass, and impeded him to send PF reports on the mission regularly. Therefore, he asks PF to send the new missionary as soon as possible. A French merchant wrote to him some time ago from Tunis, that a group of Capuchins arrived in the city. He had problems allowing there presence, as he (nor Le Vacher) knew that they were coming. Now Le Vacher asks PF what he should do with these Capuchins. In the kingdom of Tunis there is also a place called Capo Negro, which has recently been inhabited by the Genoese. A Trinitarian from Messina fled from Sicily without permission and arrived in Tunis, where Le Vacher forced him to leave as well. He took refuge in Capo Negro, where he is exercising sacerdotal functions. He already asked the governor of this place twice, to make this priest return to Christendom. He asks PF to tell him whether he has jurisdiction over Capo Negro or not, so he is aware of what he is allowed to do.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 511r-512r
1681-08-29
Adressed to [PF]
For the FP letter that Le Vacher did not receive yet, see: APF LETTERE 70, 43r-v (database item 642).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
901
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1681-05-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Mercedarians
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. The provicar of Tunis [Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna] gave Le Vacher some time ago a letter from PF dated 5 April 1680. In this letter PF asks him to inform them about the scandals committed by a Calabrian priest [Antonio Calandrino] and some other priests at the mission. He wrote directly to the provicar of Tunis asking for information about these cases, and the report he received in response, has been included in this letter. He also informs PF that at Tabarca and another place close to Capo Negro (which are both parts of the kingdom of Tunis), are inhabited by Genoese. In Tabarca there are only a few Augustinian priests, and at the other place, only a Trinitarian resides there, despite not receiving the permission of his superiors. Le Vacher does not know who grants these Augustinians and Trinitarian the authority to work as priests, and also whether or not they are subjected to the archbishop of Genoa; they claim that they are directly under the Holy See. He asks PF to clarify whether these two places are subjected to the vicariate of Tunis. He has also heard that the Mercedarian priests from Aragon will come in October to ransom slaves, and in April of the following year, will ransom those from the provinces of Castile and Andalusia. Le Vacher notes that due to his old age and his deteriorating health, the new priests will be of great assistance, as it is currently impossible for him to celebrate mass.
Date discussed: 1682-09-30
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 498, 178r-179r
1681-05-29
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 51, 279r, 296v-299r (not yet in this database).
See for the report of the missionaries in Tunis: APF SOCG 498, f. 177r-v, 180r (database item 806).
Original: signed
Italian
Letter
807
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1680-09-30, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tripoli
Letter from Gio' LeVacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. He received the letter sent by PF dated 10 April 1679, only on 10 September this year. In this letter PF tells him to instruct the Christians in Tripoli to only take the Holy sacraments of their own Catholic priests, and not with the Greeks who pretend to be allowed to administer them. For the execution of this order they have sent a ship to Tripoli, and they hope that their orders will be obeyed. A few months ago Le Vacher already informed PF about the medals and crucifixes they had sent him. Now he does this again, since he is not sure that his letter has arrived. He distributed them among the poor slaves, and they are a great comfort to them. With the Trinitarians who have arrived from Spain he has a good relation. He has maintained their hospitals for eight months, whilst he was waiting for them to arrive. When two Trinitarians were called back to Spain, he made sure that one of them was allowed to stay.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 480r-v
1680-09-30
Adressed to [PF]
The earlier letter Le Vacher sent thanking PF for the received medals and crucifixes probably also arrived, see: APF SOCG 475, 119r-120r (database item 802).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
898
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1680-06-08, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Letter from Gio' le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. From the missionaries of Rome, he received many medals that PF had given him to distribute among the slaves, in order to keep them devoted. They are a great consolation to the slaves, especially now that the war between two Bey brothers is tearing the region apart. As the indulgences conceded to the chapels have expired, he asks PF to renew them. They are for the following chapels: S. Louis of France for its celebration, and for those of S. Anthony Abbot, S. Croce, SS'ma Trinità, l'Immacolata Concezione della B.V., Saint Sebastian, S. Giuseppe, S. Carlo Borromeo, S. Francesco d'Assisi, la Madonna del Carmine, la Madonna del Rosario, S. Rocco, S. Caterina V. e M. and S. Rosalia l'annunziata. The Trinitarian Fathers have once again arrived from Spain, and have been instructed by their provincial Father to be subject to the authority of Le Vacher. Now they are writing each other letters, despite Le Vacher trying to help them; he has been maintaining their hospitals for eight months now, and is waiting for help from Spain.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 467r, 469r
1680-06-08
Adressed to [PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
897
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1679, Algiers]
Algiers
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Trinitarians
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. Some days ago Le Vacher received a letter from CM priests, one dated 16 May, and the other of 24 May; the letters listed the many complaints that the Trinitarians have brought against him. They want to be free from his authority (or better the authority that PF has bestowed upon him), as one can understand from the PF letters he attached. The Trinitarians wanted to bring complaints against him to PF. Le Vacher protests, saying that none of the issues are true. Neither could do this, without first sending someone to Algiers to collect the testimonies of the Christian slaves. He still hopes to send these in written form. He was suprised by the Spanish Trinitarians who he has always helped, as he gave them the greater part of the things they needed, and medicines and sheets from France. He maintained their hospitals for two years at his own expense, and sent a Neapolitan priest there to assist them in their work. During this time, the Trinitarian priests never wrote to him, or sent him money for the maintainance of the hospital. He is astonished by their lack of gratitude to bring these lies to PF against him. They only brought these complaints against him because they want to be free from his authority, to which PF had submitted, as one can read from the attached letters. He also feels obliged to inform PF, that the Trinitarian priests usurped the chapels of the baths of Algiers, without any foundation. Le Vacher always protested against these practices for two reasons: a) there is no legitimate basis whatsoever; and b) if they succeed in usurping these chapels, they will take the best in the city. This would mean that the poor slave priests can no longer collect charitable aid, which is needed to pay their infidel masters three pezze da otto reali every month. A certain Trinitarian named Father Bartolomeo Da Serrano has written to Le Vacher multiple times for this reason. He has attached these letters. Da Serrano had written the cross (the arms of the Trinitarians), on a picture that Le Vacher had made two years before Da Serrano's arrival in the bagno of the king. As Da Serrano had this picture placed above the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ, and not at their feet, he had it removed. After this Da Serrano told Le Vacher that he was the owner of the bagno, the altar and the picture. Da Serrano wanted to start a process against Le Vacher in Madrid, however because their claims were disputed, they brought their case to Rome. If PF would decide to free the Trinitarians from the authority of the apostolic vicar, it would make this position meaningless. Two Trinitarians that came to this city last year showed the patents from their provincial father. Because in these letters there was nothing said about the authority of the apostolic vicar, he tore them apart in their presence. He told them that they had six months to get new letters, in which his authority would be respected. He also suspended them from the administration of the sacraments. One of these priests died of the plague, the other was also afflicted but soon recovered and lived, but did not set a good example. Some time ago, he wrote to Spain asking for a substitute for the other priest. This priest tried to introduce in the hospital of the bagno of Chelibis, the veneration of saints connected to his order. He removed the pictures of saints and replaced them with one of San Roch. The Trinitarian procurator general in Rome, Ferdinando de Alaba, stated in his memorial, that the Trinitarians have had the hospitals in their possession for 70 years. He also stated that those who have been sent there are preachers, that taught children the basic principles of the faith. This is not true as they only had the hospitals from July 1663, when they were given to them by a hermit of St. Anthony of Malaga, Ermanno Pedro de la Conceptione. From alms he collected 45 or 50 thousand pezze d'otto reali. The Trinitarians take two or three thousand every year, of which they use around one thousand for the maintenance of the hospitals. For two years they did not even take care of the hospitals at all, and Le Vacher had to pay for them himself. For five or six months now, they are living on the money that the administrator takes from the poor slaves. He tells them, unjustly, that the king of Spain maintains these hospitals. Also, these priests never taught the Christian doctrine to the children in this city, because the Turks will not allow it. Moreover, most administrators are not very educated in theology, the Holy scripture, and morality. The hermit Ermanno Pedro (the founder of the hospitals who got burned at Algiers for the Holy faith), left the hospitals to the Trinitarians of Madrid, as appears in the deed made in Madrid at 2 July 1663. He wanted the money to be kept in a safe that he called 'Archivio Serrata' with two keys, one kept by Jean Le Vacher (or later vicar apostolics), and the other by the Trinitarians. The bills should have been checked by Jean Le Vacher, however there hardly comes any money from Spain, and the money that arrives, is used by the administrator for other purposes. The Trinitarians should send some priests that are more capable and more experienced. Even though the Trinitarians never show any gratitude, Le Vacher has always remained polite. Le Vacher asks PF to obtain the faculties of vicar apostolic from the pope, or to send him a confirmation of his position as archbishop of Carthage. Because he cannot show that he is vicar apostolic, the Trinitarians think that he is usurping this title.
Additional comments
This case takes place around 1679, therefore it is dated in this year, see: APF SOCG 475, 93r-98r, 124v (database item 798).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 445r-448r
[1679]
Adressed to [PF]
For the attached PF letters, see: APF SC Barbaria1, 449r (database item 894), APF SC Barbaria1, 449r-v (database item 895) and APF SC Barbaria1, 449v-450r (database item 896).
copy
Italian
Letter
893
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [PF], 1679-05-30, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Conversion
Corsairs
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher. From the letters he received from PF, he understood that there was no reason to hope that the loss of souls in Barbaria could not be solved, due to not receiving the sacrament of confirmation. The Holy Spirit will have to work by itself, because the infidels will not allow spiritual assistance. PF suggested that it might be easier if there was a bishop in Algiers, however the bishop would risk his life. He thanks PF for the medals and crucifixes that he received. During the last few years, PF made it clear that the Trinitarian Fathers are subjected to his, or actually the apostolic authority. He has heard though, that the Trinitarians are trying to obtain independence from his authority, from Rome. Le Vacher deems it necessary that PF gives him a decree, declaring that the Trinitarians living in Algiers are subjected to the apostolic authority. He is suprised by the great number of missionaries that PF sends to Tunis, as there isn't a need for them; the slave priests have already complained about this. One Capuchin missionary named Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati], returned to Marseille because of tension between the slave priests and the apostolic missionaries. The slave priests need the alms from the Christians, for their daily lives and to also ransom themselves. PF also wrote to them about the Neapolitan priests that PF sent to Tunis, and the required faculties. Le Vacher however, told them that their services were not needed in the city. Some days ago he received the confirmation of the peace with France. This means that the corsais will not take any more French prisoners, as they had done for some years with the French and English; they also took an Catholic Irish, which he will try to assist. He ransomed a young French woman for 1,000 scudi, who had converted to Catholicism, and was about to lose her honor and faith. He sent her to Nimes in France. Two other women (one from France the other from Denmark) were also ransomed by him for 2,900 scudi and 80 lire. One Englishman converted to Catholicism and some other English and Dutch slaves are considering doing the same.
Date discussed: 1679-09-11
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 475, 119r-120r
1679-05-30
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 49, 205r, 214r-218v, issue 18 (database item 681).
Original
Italian
Letter
802
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1678]
Algiers
CM petitions
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers to PF in which he asks: a) for the faculties of vicar general of Carthage; b) for the permission to administer the sacrament of confirmation; and c) for the faculties of provicar for the Capuchin Giuseppe Maria da Bologna, who he appointed to replace Grisostomo da Genova. During their meeting of 22 August 1678 the cardinals decide not to consent to the first two requests, but they do agree with the third.
Date discussed 1678-08-22
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 470, 167r, 168v
[1678]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 48, 152r, 154r-v, issue 8 (database item 679).
Italian
Latin
Petition
663
Origin: [Aligers]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, 1678-10-[17], Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna. On 17 September, Le Vacher received Da Bologna's letter dated 24 August, to which he has not answered yet for two reasons. First of all, he lacked the proper commodities, and secondly, because of his illness. Le Vacher feels very sorry for the persecution of Da Bologna, and for his companions and slave priests, who are regulars as well as seculars. The priest who has been enslaved again, should not be allowed to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments, before he is deamed capable to do so. Da Bologna should also make sure that the priest Augusten Antonio Calendino Da Cosensa does not keep a tavern; as a priest he was never actually allowed to do this. Because there are enough priests in Tunis, and because Father Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati] is not able to work, it would be of use to send some companions back to Rome. Maybe that way the persecutions against the slave priests (as well against Da Bologna and his missionaries), will lessen.
Additional comments
The date is either 17 or 18 October, but the handwriting is unclear.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 433r-434v
1678-10-[17]
Adressed to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
original; signed
Italian
Letter
887
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Tunis
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1675]
Algiers
CM petitions
Slave priests
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF. Le Vacher requested financial help for the slave priests in Algiers, as they live in great poverty and have to pay their masters 3 piastre each month. The rescript is "nihil."
Date discussed 1675-07-30
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 453, 11r, 12v
[1675]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
655
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [the PF secretary,Francesco Ravizza], 1674-05-31, Algiers.
Algiers
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Conversion
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Salé
Letter from Gio' Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. From the letter that PF has sent to him, Le Vacher understood that PF has been very surprised that he already paid Marcello Costa (who is going to be a missionary in Bizerte), the 30 scudi that was promised by PF. Because of the financial difficulties of Costa, Le Vacher did not only have to give him the money, but also clothes. Le Vacher does not think that Costa did any wrong by staying in Tunis for some time, since there was a great need of priests. There are many poor Christian Catholics in this city, while in Bizerte, there are mostly heretics or scismatics. Now that the two Capuchins sent by PF have arrived in Tunis, he will make sure that Costa will leave for Biserte. Le Vacher asks PF to refund the money to the superior of the CM house in Rome. Now, he will inform PF about the state of Christianity in these regions. They try to cultivate the word of God in as good as manner as possible, and because of the sacraments, most people remain true to the Holy Faith. Moreover, several German, Dutch and Swedish heretics have converted. However, it is true that they lose more souls than they win. Young people have converted in their greatest numbers, mostly because the Mercedarian priests from Spain and Portugal have not been visiting for two years. In Algiers there are 25 slave priests (regulars as well as seculars), who are all in need of help, due to their poverty. In Tetouan there are two priests, there is one at Fes, and at the moment there are none at Sale. When he finds someone to send there, he will inform PF.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 308r-309v
1674-05-31
[Adressed to Francesco Ravizza]
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
884
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1672-08-01, Algiers
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Jesuits
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Giovanni Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to [PF]. According to the letter from 14 March 1671 he had to find a priest for Bizerte. He has found no-one more capable for the task than Marcello Costa, who is currently staying in Tunis. It is not necessary for him to stay there since they already is a Jesuit, a Capuchin, and some slave priests. It is up to PF to decide how much he should be paid for this work. He has heard that there are two priests in Tunis (Costantino Grillo and Michele Lipari), who wear clothes that they are not allowed to wear. Worse still, they also celebrate mass, which they are not allowed to do so. Le Vacher asks [PF] to do something about this case. He also reminds PF that Bartolomeo Da Serrano (a Spanish Trinitarian), is still staying in Algiers and does not want to accept the authority of the vicar apostolic, even though his superiors asked him to do so. PF decides to give Marcello Costa 30 scudi a year, for three years.
Date discussed: 1673-02-28
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 438, 465r, 466r-v, 467v
1672-08-01
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 43, 44r-v.
See for the mentioned letter from PF: APF LETTERE 59, 12r (database item 606).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
769
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1671]
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
Salé
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks: a) that PF either send missionaries to Tetouan, Salé, Fez, and Morocco, or give him the faculties to do so; and b) whether as vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis, or as vicar general, he also has the authority over the surrounding areas where there are many Christians, especially in the Bastion [de France]. If this is not the case, he asks for the needed faculties. At the meeting of 27 April 1671 the cardinals agree to give him the requested faculties to appoint missionaries for the other cities. With regard to the second issue they decide that the secretary should check whether it is the case, and that if not, the needed faculties should be requested [at the Holy Office].
Date discussed 1671-04-27
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 427, 238r, 239r, 240v, 241v
[1671]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
651
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1671]
Algiers
Trinitarians
Mercedarians
Jean Le Vacher reminds PF about the issue of Trinitarian and Mercedarian priests performing missionary activities on the basis of their privileges, but without appealing to him first. Bartolomeo Da Serrano is one of these Trinitarian priests who works in a Trinitarian hospital in Algiers. He administers the sacrements not only to the patients of the hospital but also to anybody else. Le Vacher asks what should be done about the situation.
1671-07-22
Additional comments
The decision in APF ACTA 41 199, 211r-212v (database item 715) is that the secretary and cardinal [Orsini] have to decide to whom they should give the faculties, according to the law.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 429, 90r, 93v, 94v
[1671]
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 199r,211r-212v.
See for the explanation of the procurator general of the Trinitarians: APF SOCG 429, 91r-92v (database item 714).
See for the earlier letter that Jean Le Vacher sent PF about Da Serrano: APF SOCG 289r-v, 293r (database item 740).
Not signed
Italian
Latin
Petition
713
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1671-07-01, Algiers
Algiers
Ransom
Trinitarians
Tunis
Capuchins
Slave priests
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. They probably know by now that Luigi Da Palermo has returned to Sicily, and has left the mission of Tunis. Le Vacher had ransomed him for 650 piastre and given him the position of provicar apostolic for three years. Now he is of the understanding that there is talk of Luigi being ransomed by others and not by him, and that he is therefore free to go wherever he wants. Because this is something other than what Le Vacher has told PF, he will show them proof. He also informs PF about the Trinitarian Bartolomeo Da Serrano, who did not want to show Le Vacher his faculties. Moreover he administered the sacraments in inappropriate places, and tried to stop Le Vacher going to the chapels that he administered. Because he could not solve the problem in a friendly way, he has decided to threathen Da Serrano with interdiction if he keeps administering the sacrements, and does not show his faculties.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r
1671-07-01
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
See for the statement of El Sidy El Hagi Gigeri and Mehamet Langét about the ransoming of Luigi Da Palermo, APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r (database item 741).
See for the statement of a group of priests in Algiers: APF SOCG 430, 291r (database item 742).
See for the statement of Jean Dubourdieu, the consul of Algiers: APF SOCG 292r (database item 743).
Original;signed
Italian
Letter
740
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1671-01-20, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Conversion
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Slave priests
Letter from the vicar apostolic in Algiers Jean Le Vacher, who writes that he has ransomed a Capuchin (Luigi Da Palermo) for 677 scudi, and that he sent him to Tunis to help the people there. Luigi Da Palermo has also written to Le Vacher about an Ethiopian slave named Stefano, who endures many beatings because he does not want to renounce his faith; it would cost 177 piastre to free him. Jean Le Vacher also writes that the Christians live virtuously, which has motivated some heretics to convert. The slave priests there need three piastre a month in order to be able to feed and dress themselves. The slaves from the Papal States have no hope of being saved, while slaves from other areas are regularly ransomed; for instance, there are many Trinitarians from Castile, Andalusia and Flanders who ransom people from their own areas. Because of their hopeless situation, the slaves from the Papal States are tempted to renounce the faith. Some declared themselves subjects of the king of France so that they could be ransomed. PF decides that Cardinal de Maximus will give money to the Trinitarians, so that they can free Stefano and other Christian slaves from the Papal States.
Date discussed: 1671-08-03
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 429, 278r-279v
1671-01-20
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 243r, 252r-v.
There is a letter by PF which is probably the response to this one, see: APF Lettere 57, 75r (database item 863).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
716
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, [1670]
Algiers
CM petitions
Discalced Carmelites
Mercedarians
Trinitarians
Tunis
Petition on behalf of Gio' il Vacher [Jean Le Vacher]. There are priests of the Redemption Orders in Algiers and Tunis who grant indulgences, resolve reserved cases, say mass outside the chapels wherever they want, administer the sacraments, and preach according to the privileges that they claim to have, but which they refuse to show. On one hand Le Vacher does not want to stop them from the work they are doing, but on the other hand he also wants to fulfill the obligations that PF has given him. That is why he asks PF if he should ask them to show their privilges, or whether he should allow them to work as they already do. Summary on the back. According to the secretary of PF [Federico Baldeschi] there has been a similar case before, in which Discalced Carmelites worked in the Scottish mission under the authority of the Custodian of the Holy Land; it was decided that the priests had to show their patents. For the question whether they should receive the license or not, it was decided that they should be allowed to work as priests. PF decides to hear what the superiors of the Trinitarians and the Mercedarians have to say regarding the matter.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Date based on the date of the discussion of this document in PF.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 424, 265r, 266v
[1670]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 203v-204r, issue 19 (database item 671).
See for the anwer of PF to Jean Le Vacher: APF LETTERE 55, 73v (database item 597).
See for the letter of PF to the superiors of the Trinitarians and Mercedarians: APF LETTERE 55, 76v (database item 602).
copy; signed; undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
756
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome