Letter from the PF-secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to Jean Le Vacher, 1672-05-30
Algiers
Trinitarians
Excerpt from a letter from PF-secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to Jean Le Vacher. The father general of the Trinitarians will recall his priest Bartolomeo Serrano [Bartolomeo Da Serrano]. Also the priests are instructed to obey Jean Le Vacher, and they are not allowed to do anything without his permission. Jean Le Vacher states that what is said above, also appears in the original letters.
Additional comments
PF
APF SC Barbaria 1, 449v-450r
1672-05-30
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
For the letter, to whom this copy was attached, see: APF SC Barbaria, 445r-448r (database item 894).
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
896
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
PF minutes, 1672-05-30, Rome
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Ransom
Franciscans
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 30 May 1672 discussing among other issues, a letter from the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher] from 13 November. He requests PF to decide among the following options: a) that the Capuchin Father Luigi Da Palermo be sent back to the mission; b) that the superior general of the Capuchins send another Capuchin; or c) that the Capuchins help the vicar apostolic to ransom another priest who would substitute Luigi Da Palermo. The vicar apostolic thinks that the last option will be easily accepted by the order, because he came to know that the Fathers of Sicily already had money to ransom Luigi Da Palermo (but the vicar apostolic had already ransomed him with his own money). The general procurator of the Capuchins has nominated two candidates to go to that area, Gioseppe [Giuseppe] Maria da Bologna and Francesco d'Arcidosso. In his letter of 23 March, the Minor Observant Elescario Boullard writes that after he arrived in Tunis, the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] wrote to Marcello Costa (a missionary in Tunis), that he should make Boullard leave. This has been confirmed by Leorardo Omodei, the leader of the ransom organisation in Sicily. The cardinals decide to approve the two candidates for the mission proposed by the procurator general and that they should be given missionary faculties. The vicar apostolic and the superiors of the Minor Observants should request that Boullard leaves the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 42, 115r-v
1672-05-30
See for the letter discussed in this minutes: APF SOCG 433, 1r-v (database item 652).
Italian
Latin
Minutes
710
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1672-07-10, Rome
Algiers
Trinitarians
Letter from PF and its secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to Jean Le Vacher. The Trinitarians keep pretending to be exempted from the jurisdiction of Jean Le Vacher. They also failed to order Bartolomeo Da Serrano to return. PF sent several letters but never knew their effect. They will wait and try to get a reaction. Written for Card. Altieri [Paluzio Altieri].
Additional comments
PF
APF SC Barbaria 1, 449r-v
1672-07-10
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
For the letter, to whom this copy was attached, see: APF SC Barbaria, 445r-448r (database item 894).
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
895
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
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
Letter from [Antonio Di Seravezza] to [PF], 1672-10-25, Algiers
Algiers
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Trinitarians
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF. He has previously sent two letters to PF, about the upheavels caused by Gio' LeVacher [Jean Le Vacher]. He knows that his latest letters reached their destination. He trusts in God that PF will understand the truth in these letters, and in the reply to the letter of Cardinal Altieri. He asks PF to pay attention to Barbary because Le Vacher is so dedicated to committing injustices there. If the letters that he sent PF cause any doubt about their legitimacy, he asks PF to request more information to the mendicant priests in Algiers.
Additional comments
The letter is probably written by Antonio Di Seravezza, as it was he who sent two letters earlier to complain about Jean Le Vacher, see: Barbaria 1, 176r-177v (database item 879) and APF SC Barbaria1, 180r-181v (database item 881).
[Antonio Di Seravezza]
APF SC Barbaria 1, 255r
1672-10-25
[Adressed to PF]
The two earlier letters mentioned are probably the following: APF SC Barbaria 1, 176r-177v (database item 879) and APF SC Barbaria1, 180r-181v (database item 881).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
882
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Marcello Costa to the PF Secretary Urbano Cerri, 1674-01-29, Tunis
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Renegades
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Marcello Costa to PF secretary. A month and a half ago he was assigned 30 scudi annually for the mission in Bizerte, for which he received the patent from Monsù Levacher [Jean Le Vacher]. This meant that he lost the right to receive 24 scudi annually for the mission in Tunis. Costa asked PF to repay Le Vacher the 30 scudi that he already gave to Costa. PF replied with a letter, writing that he would not receive his money before arriving in Bizerte, and he directly sent a letter back to PF in which he explained everything. However, according to Rapo Hapro this letter was aboard of a ship that sunk, hence why he is writing another letter. He already served for three years in different missions in Barbary, all at his own costs. In this area there are 20,000 Christians that never see a priest. Le Vacher knew this, and also knew how much debt Costa acquired helping them; because of this reason, he granted Costa 30 scudi. Costa has debts for 28 scudi, not because he spent money on food or clothing, but because he spent it for the church. He lost not only his money for the mission but also his health. Unfortunately he is unable to pay the 30 scudi back that Le Vacher had loaned him, and eventually to raise some money, he sold his Breviary. There are 15 bagnos in the city, and for the souls to be helped, it is necessary that PF pays the expenses. Whilst there are four other priests they are of little use; one is blind, the second an idiot who hardly knows how to say mass, the third has been freed and is about to leave, and the fourth has been chained and is not allowed to leave the bagno. It is important that PF is aware of the things that Costa is writing, as it is very dangrous to travel around in the area. If PF would decide to grant him 100 scudi annually this would be most just and necessary. He has not yet travelled to Bizerte, and he feels sorry for the souls that will be lost now. They are about to lose the great saint of the church of Africa, Jean Le Vacher, for he is too ill to leave his bed; he has spasms in his leg, which is likely to result in amputation. The two Capuchins destined for the mission have not arrived, and during feastdays he takes care of five altars all by himself. When he comes home he is so tired that he does not eat but goes directly to sleep.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Marcello Costa
APF SOCG 448, 140r-v, 145r-v
1673-01-29
Addressed to Urbano Cerri
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 44, 170r, 185v-186v, issue 39 (database item 672).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
779
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-02-28, Rome
Algiers
Bizerte
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers, stating that the cardinals approved Jean Le Vacher's choice of Marcello Costa as missionary of Bizerte. PF sends the patents which state that Jean Le Vacher himself should give him the faculties and that Costa should obey the vicar. Le Vacher is instructed to grant his the faculties when he is certain that: a) Costa freely accepts the tasks and agrees with the salary of 20 scudi per year; and b) there are other priests who can substitute Costa in the work that he is currently doing, or at least until PF can send other missionaries. The letter dated 28 February 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 19v-20r
1673-02-28
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
611
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to Spain [Galeazzo Marescotti], 1673-02-28, Rome
Algiers
Trinitarians
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to Spain, asking him to order that Bartolomeo Da Serrano leave the mission. If this is not done, the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher] should impose censures on Da Serrano. Attached to this letter is another letter for the superior general of the Trinitarians. It is left open so that the nuncio can attach his own letter to it, ordering Da Serrano to return to his own province. The letter dated 28 February 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 19r-v
1673-02-28
Addressed to [Galeazzo Marescotti]
See for the summary and the decision to write the nucnio to Spain: APF SOCG 438, 468r-469r, 470v, 471r-v (database item 770).
Italian
Letter
610
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Spain]
Letter from PF to the superior general of the Trinitarians, 1673-02-28, Rome
Algiers
Trinitarians
Copy of a letter from PF to the superior general of the Trinitarians. In January 1672 PF already ordered the superior to recall Bartolomeo Da Serrano from the mission in Algiers. Since the superior has not carried out this order, and Da Serrano is still in the mission, the cardinals again order the superior to immediately do as previously requested. The letter dated 28 February 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 20r
1673-02-28
Addressed to the superior general of the Trinitarians.
Italian
Letter
612
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Spain]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-07-10, Rome
Algiers
Trinitarians
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers. The Trinitarians working in Algiers have asked for the permission to keep the most Holy sacrament (i.e. consecrated bread) in their hospitals (or at the very least in one called San Giuseppe), stating that it will be very safe. PF wants to know the vicar's opinion on this issue. The letter dated 10 July 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 80r
1673-07-10
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
This letter is also mentioned elsewhere, see: APF SOCG 475, 93r-98r, 124v (database item 798).
Italian
Letter
614
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-12-12, Rome
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers. Carlo d'Ancona and Vincenzo da Frascati, two Capuchins, have been sent to Tunis to assist the slaves, and now ask for the usual faculties. PF asks Jean Le Vacher to give these faculties to both missionaries, provided that they really are in Tunis. If not, Le Vacher is asked to send another able and charitable priest. The letter dated 12 December 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 168v
1673-12-12
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
615
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Summary of a letter sent by the trinitarian procurator general [Domenico Taffuri?], 1673
Algiers
Non-Catholic Christians
Trinitarians
Summary of a letter sent by the Trinitarian Procurator General [Domenico Jafurt], about the case of Bartolomeo Da Serrano. Among other issues, PF discussed the matters concerning Le Vacher and Bartolomeo Da Serrano several times on 11 January. Da Serrano was sent from a Trinitarian house in Spain to Tunis to take care of the hospitals. The problem is that he does not accept the authority of the vicar apostolic, and that he administers the sacraments without a licence. PF praises Le Vacher because he first warned Da Serrano not to administer the sacraments, and only later threathened with interdiction. PF also wrote to the Trinitarian general and asked to let their priests obey the vicar apostolic, and to call Da Serrano back. However, he thought that he was not obliged to listen to the vicar apostolic, and in collaboration with his superior he wrote a letter to PF, stating the following: a) on 6 November 1671 Le Vacher told Da Serrano that he could not give absolution, though he could do this according to the rights granted to his order; b) he forced a companion of Da Serrano (Gio' Marcos), to accept ill lutherans in the hospital, when it would have been better to keep the wolfs seperate from the lambs; c) on 19 March Le Vacher told Da Serrano that he wanted to sing mass in his chapel, when Da Serrano objected Le Vacher threatened to suspend him from the administration of the sacraments; d) on 24 May whilst they were celebrating mass in the chapel of the bagno of the king, Le Vacher removed a crucifix that Da Serrano placed there four months earlier, because he believed they should place something of S. Louis, the French king. After this he supsended Da Serrano from administering the sacraments. He told the Turks that Da Serrano wanted to create a revolt for which he was incarcerated; e) Le Vacher used the Franch consul [Jean Armond Dubordieu], and the Turkish tribunals to press charges against Da Serrano; f) Le Vacher forbade all priests to administer the sacraments in the bagno of S. Gioseppe, and he offered this bagno for 800 pezze as a resident for merchants. He blocked the four reali that each French ship had to pay to the hospital; g) Le Vacher placed a Portuguese priest in the hospital to administer the sacraments and take alms from the sick. After a conflict he forbade the priests to celebrate mass in the hopsital; h) on 28 May the companion of Da Serrano was forbidden to collect money for the ill; i) on that day Da Serrano was also taken from the hospital to the governor, where he complained that he had not done anything wrong; j) when he arrived home he received a order from Le Vacher, not to administer the sacrements outside the chapel of S. Gioseppe; k) all the things written above are absolutely true, one could check it by contacting the mentioned people. That is why the General [Domenico Jafurt] concludes that the charges against Da Serrano are motivated by hate and not by zeal. PF decides to write to the Trinitarian Superior and to the nuncio to Spain, and request that Da Serrano should be recalled.
Date discussed: 1673-02-28
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 438, 468r-469r, 470v, 471r-v
1673
This is a copy of the same text in the ACTA file: ACTA 43, 44v-47r.
See for the letter to the nuncio in Spain: APF LETTERE 61, 19r-v (database item 610).
Original
Italian
Latin
Summary
770
Origin: unknown
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
PF minutes, 1674-07-23, Rome
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 23 July 1674 discussing among other issues, a petition by Jean Le Vacher asking that his faculties which are about to expire, be renewed. The cardinals agree to the request.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 44, 204r, 205v, issue 10
1674-07-23
Latin
Italian
Minutes
674
Origin: Rome
Destination:
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
Petition on behalf of the Republic of Venice to PF, [1675]
Algiers
Capuchins
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Ransom
Tripoli
Tunis
Because the republic of Venice has been very compassionate about her subjects that have been kept as slaves in Barbaria, she has decided to ransom some of them; this is why Venice wants to send Capuchins from her lands to these regions. For this reason Venice asks PF to grant Capuchins from Venice the right to settle in Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli as missionaries, not only to ransom the slaves, but also to help them in their religious needs. They ask PF to send the Capuchins to Barbaria, and to give them the same priviliges, faculties, and provision as other missionaries. PF decides not to grant the Venetian Capuchins the licenses, and instructs those who really want the faculties to contact the prefect of the mission.
Date discussed: 1675-06-25
Additional comments
The Republic of Venice
APF SOCG 454, 64r, 65v, 66v
[1675]
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 45, 142r, 147r-v.
Original
Italian
Petition
784
Origin: unknown
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from PF to [Jean Le Vacher], 1676-02-04, Rome
Algiers
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, the vicar apostolic of Algiers. Fran'co [Francesco] Gatta and Gio Batt'a [Giovanni Battista] de Bonis from the diocese of Matera, want to join the mission in the area where Le Vacher is working. Before agreeing to the proposal, the cardinals want to know Le Vacher’s opinion on whether other priests are necessary. The letter dated 2 March 1676.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 65, 13r
1676-02-04
Addressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
Italian
Letter
628
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
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
Petition on behalf of Luigi Da Palermo to PF, [1677, Rome]
Algiers
CM petitions
Corsairs
Ransom
Renegades
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Petition on behalf of Luigi Da Palermo to PF. Luigi Da Palermo has (previously in a long letter) explained himself, and now humbly returns to PF. He was made slave by Corsairs of Algiers, who was operating under the French flag. During a year in slavery he suffered a lot. He postponed his liberty for his companion, who was freed by the redemption priests from Spain. In Algiers, he worked day and night for the well-being of the poor Christian souls. Two heretics converted to Christianity because of his persuasion. A Dominican, who had fled to Oran (leaving his wife and children behind), converted himself. The patron of the bagno, offering many treasures, wanted him to convert, and also offered one of his daughters as wife. In the coming year, the French army arrived to negotiate peace. In this time, Da Palermo went to this patron, explaining his disgraceful situation, and asking for his liberty. This was agreed upon, and Da Palermo offered to work for the Christians in Barbary. Consequently he was appointed vicar apostolic and vicar general of Carthage by Gio' LeVascier [Jean Le Vacher], and this was also approved by PF. Upon arriving in Tunis he united and pacified the place, as can be understood from many accounts found in the letter sent to PF by the most important Christians in Tunis. Sent by PF, Marcello Costa has also recently arrived in Tunis as missionary. Two heretics wanted to convert to Catholicism, and whilst discussing the Holy faith with him, a Moor named Gerbino told Da Palermo told him that he wanted to become Christian; Da Palermo told him to go to Malta, and six other Moors converted to Christianity. Two obstinate Christians confessed to Da Palermo, that for years they did not live in good will. The following night, one killed the other with a knife. The murderer was sentenced to death. Many Christians ware amazed by Da Bologna, which was the reason that they lived more prudently. He paid 15 piastre for the burial of the body of the murderer, who had been stoned to death before. With great effort Da Palermo was able to baptize a child of a Christian slave, that she bore from her patron. Two months later the child died. Two Christian slaves had bought two Greek women and for a long time they treated them badly. Da Palermo made sure that they married them, and that they converted to Catholicism. Da Palermo made sure that the Dey, and others in Tunis would no longer destroy the churches. He told renegades that they knew what to do for eternal salvation, and the renegades promised to flee to Christianity. Da Palermo wrote their names down and promised them mild penance in Christendom. Da Palermo told the French consul, Gio' Ambrosini [Jean Ambrozin] that he could not just usurp the goods of the church. Le Vacher was given the order to investigate six complaints against Ambrozin. Le Vacher ordered Da Palermo to conduct the investigation, and Ambrozin yelled so loud that Da Palermo was forced to leave the case. A mother with two old spinsters from Corsica were made slaves. Da Palermo brought the missionaries together to pray to God to free these women. He entrusted their case to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. While Da Palermo was in Palermo, the Grand Duke gave 1,000 scudi to ransom all three. Filippo Brescia (a doctor in law from Trapane in Sicily), arrived in Tunis to convert to Islam. Da Palermo found him and brought him back to Christianity and went with him back to Christendom. There were also two free Christians, who had no money and could not pay for their return in Christendom. Da Palermo collected 60 piastre to make sure they could return home.
Da Palermo used to travel to where the bodies of St. Perpetua and St. Felicitas were, and thought to use 280 piastre that he had gained from giving alms. He was forced however to use the sum for the liberation of two young Spaniards, who were forced by their masters to convert. One of them had 200 piastre. Da Palermo brought in his 280, and the other 400 was lent from merchants. When Da Palermo left, they asked him to restitute the money. Da Palermo had received 200 piastre from the Bagno of Saint Francis. They were meant to buy vestments but Da Palermo gave them to the merchants. He also took 50 piastre from the bagnos of S. Lucy and S. Leonardo. He freed five Christians, and entrusted the two Spaniards to the viceroy of Sicily, asking him to pay back these churches. The viceroy promised to refund them, but when the troubles started in Messina, this was no longer possible. Da Palermo went to Rome to present the problems of the church to PF, but from there he was sent back to Palermo. It has been six years since Da Palermo has taken the money from the church, and he has been persecuted as a thief. In Palermo a complaint has been made in Spanish by Luis de Loyo (conservator of the royal patrimony in Sicily) on the 200 piastre of Pietro di Salorsano. Luigi Da Palermo does not ask anything for his works, but if he appears to be guilty, he should be punished; if he is innocent, it is not right that he is suffering. If he asks to return to the lands where his life is at risk every hour, he does this because he wishes to serve. Therefore PF should either decide to satisfy the churches, or the other one in Sicily.
Additional comments
The letter is undated, but Luigi Da Palermo left Tunis in 1671; which according to the letter was six years ago. That is why it should be dated around 1677.
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SC Barbaria 1, 435r-436v
[1677]
Adressed to PF
copy
Italian
Letter
888
Origin: unknown
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
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]
PF minutes, 1678-08-22, Rome
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 22 August 1678 discussing among other issues, a 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. They do however agree to the faculties for the new provicar.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 48, 152r, 154r-v, issue 8
1678-08-22
See for the petition discussed during this meeting: APF SOCG 470, 167r, 168v (database item 663).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
679
Origin: Rome
Destination:
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
PF minutes, 1678-11-14, Rome
Algiers
CM petitions
Minutes of PF general meeting of 14 November 1678 discussing among other issues, a petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher. He asks for a plenary indulgence in articulo mortis, for six crosses, and some medals with indulgences, which he will distribute among the people. The cardinals agree to both requests.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 48, 199r
1678-11-14
Latin
Italian
Minutes
680
Origin: Rome
Destination:
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
Petition on behalf of the Venetian slaves in Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, [1678]
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Ransom
Algiers
Tunis
Tripoli
Petition on behalf of Venetian slaves in Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli. They ask that PF allow two Capuchins per each city to handle financial matters, as they have nobody from their own region who they can rely on for their ransom. At present they have to do business with Jews, and they claim this only icreases problems, as opposed to helping them. During their meeting of 29 March 1678 the cardinals agree to this request.
Dated discussed 1678-03-29
Additional comments
Venetian slaves in Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli
APF SOCG 468, 131r, 132v
[1678]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 48, 64r, 71v-72r (database item 678).
Italian
Latin
Petition
662
Origin: [Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli]
Destination: Rome
Letter from unkown to PF, [1679, Algiers]
Algiers
Trinitarians
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from an unknown person to PF. Joannes le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] has assisted those captive (and other christians), through consolation and spiritual help for years in Algiers. The Trinitarian priest Ferdinandus de Alaba (from the province of Castile-Leon), brought a letter against him.
Additional comments
The date is based on the fact that it is known that this case was discussed in 1679, see: APF SOCG 475, 93r-98r, 124v (database item 798).
APF SC Barbaria 1, 441r
[1679]
copy; unsigned
Latin
Letter
891
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Vincenzo Da Frascati to [the PF Secretary, Urbano Cerri], 1679-01-30, Tunis
Algiers
Capuchins
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Vincenzo Da Frascati to PF. Since there are many slave priests in Tunis, Le Vacher has written to them stating he believes it is a good idea to send some missionaries back to Christendom, since there is no longer any need for them. That is why they decided to send Father Cherubino Da Frascati (their companion) back. From him PF can undertand the persecutions they went through.
He does not want to recount the stories of some slave priests in this city. One of them was killed at home by a woman, and others acted with little consideration of the missionaries. They worked together with the Turks, and tried to have the missionaries arrested on false pretenses. But God showed through signs, how much he likes those that serve him, without looking for temporary interests.
Additional comments
Vincenzo Da Frascati
APF SC Barbaria 1, 437r
1679-01-30
Adressed to [Urbano Cerri]
Possibily, the letter metnioned of Jean Le Vacher was written to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, see: APF SC Barbaria 1, 433r-434v (database item 887).
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
889
Origin: Tunis
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]
Translation of petition with five testimonies, 10-06-1679, Rome
Algiers
Conversion
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Petition with five testimonies. Bartolomeo Serrano [Bartolomeo Da Serrano] and Matteo Losana, are both discalced Trinitarians working in the Trinitarian hospitals in Algiers, who now claim their rights. Pope Clement VIII gave a papal bull to the Trinitarians (this was later confirmed by other popes), in which they were given various privileges, exemptions and liberties; they now ask for these privileges to be confirmed, and also for new privileges. First however, it is necessary to give information about the ongoing problems with a French priest, who calls himself vicar of Carthage [Jean Le Vacher]. Le Vacher impeded in various ways their assistance in the divine worship of the Spanish Catholics. He gave order that instead of peace, there would be unrest, giving hardship to all the Christians that could not celebrate the divine worship. They asked for testimonials to describe what actions Jean Le Vacher had committed, and how the two priests of the hospitals behaved in response. The case has been refered to Cardinal Massimi, a patron of the order, and he requested Pietro d'Aragona (in a letter dated 20 February 1677) to collect more information on the case; this was done by talking to former slaves who are currently staying at the court of Madrid, from both a religious and secular backgrounds. Their testimonies were shown to PF and to others to whom it might be necessary; this happened on 25 May 1677. The notary received in Madrid on 31 May 1677, a petition on behalf of Francesco Garcia from la Terra di Tineo in Asturië. He is the cook of the count of Umanes and is staying at his court. He left the court together with Lorenzo Santos Di San Pietro (councilor of the king of Castile), who went to the Canary islands as a judge and a visitor. Around 10 years ago, whilst they were returning to Spain, they were taken as slaves by Moorish Corsairs from Algiers. They stayed there for six years, and he worked in the hospital of San Giuseppe in Algiers, where he met Da Sarrano. He states that he always saw Sarrano working hard at the hospital. He also saw a French priest, who he thought was named Giovanni di Bachel [Jean Le Vacher] bothering Da Serrano, as he was frustrated with his religious work at the hospital. Le Vacher told the authorities that Da Serrano wanted to create an uprising, for which he was imprisoned. While Da Serrano was in prison for 13 days, Le Vacher took all the crosses, and the symbol of the Trinitarians, from the hospital. He also saw how Le Vacher forbade the slave priests to go to mass, and administer the sacraments for the sick Christian slaves without his license. He also forbade them to go to the feast of the patron saints of the hospitals, by sending Turks who said that they were sent by the French. He also forbade the administration of the sacraments, and took the eucharist from the hospital to his house. He did this so that everyone would need to go to his house. Le Vacher also wanted to keep the sick heretics and Lutherans in the same room as the Catholics. The second witness is Gio' Maria Sana [Giovanni Maria Sana] from Cagliari in Sardinia, but he is currently living at the court of Madrid. Around eight years ago this witness wanted to go from Sardinia to Napels, but was made slave by Moors from Algiers. They brought him to the city, where he was a slave for almost eight years. Last year in 1676, he was freed by Discalced Augustinians. Because he was sick, he stayed in the hospital of San Giuseppe, where he met Da Serrano. The witness saw how Da Serrano worked in the hospital, but was frustrated by a French priest who called himself vicar apostolic; in the petition he states that he does not remember the name of the French priest, but it is obviously Jean Le Vacher. He saw how Le Vacher gave orders to remove the coat of arms of the Trinitarians. He said he did this to replace them with San Louis, and other saints of his devotion. In order to do this, he had Da Serrano imprisoned by the Turks under the false pretense of wanting to cause an uprising. He forbade the slave priests from administering the sacraments in the hospitals, and allowed their masters to order these slave priests to work in the gardens. He forbade them to keep the sacrario in the chapels of the hospital, so that they had to go to the house of Le Vacher. Once, Le Vacher sent Turks to the feast of San Giuseppe to end the celebration. He also wanted to keep heretics and Lutherans in the same rooms as Catholics. The third witness is Giovanni Maria di Castello from Baiona in Galicia. In the year 1675 he was taken slave while returning from the Indies on the ship of Don Antonio Di Lima. He was brought to Algiers, where he remained a slave for 10 years and nine days. He knew Bartolomeo Da Serrano as well as Jean Le Vacher. He saw that on 25 November when Da Serrano was giving the general absolution, Le Vacher forbade him to do so, and told him that only he could do this. On another occassion, on the feast of San Giuseppe during the Holy sacrament, Le Vacher entered the chapel and said that he could not proceed. Da Serrano responded that they had always celebrated this way and that he (as a patron of the Hospitals and Chapels), did not have to answer to anyone else. Le Vacher angered by this, went to the Mohammedan Tribunal, and had the Turks and Moors stop the festivities. He also forced the Trinitarians to remove a painting of their order, and had it replaced with a painting of Saint Louis of France. After Da Serrano forbade this, Le Vacher went again to the Tribunal, and told the Turks and Moors that Da Serrano placed crosses in their country, and that he wanted to start a rebellion. All the crosses were consequently removed from the hospitals, and Da Serrano was thrown in prison were he stayed for 13 days. Le Vacher forbade anyone to administer the sacraments to the sick in the hospital, and to ensure that they would listen, he allowed their masters to have them work in the gardens. Together with the French consul, he tried to buy the hospital of San Giuseppe to turn it into a house for French merchants. They offered the Turks 800 pezzi to buy it, and whilst at first the Turks accepted, they later wanted to keep it for themselves. The Holy sacrament, that used to be kept in the hospital of San Giuseppe, was brought to the house of Le Vacher, a place full of Moors, Jews and Lutherans. Le Vacher also forced Da Serrano to accept a Lutheran among the Catholics. According to Da Serrano this was not possible, because it was against the rules of the order, and because one shouldn't place wolves among the angels; its noted that on one occassion whilst giving the Holy sacrament to a Catholic, a Lutheran nearby started to laugh. The fourth testimony is Gio' Garcia di Acevo, who is from the the archbishopric of Burgos in Saunus, and is currently staying at the court of Madrid. He has been in Algiers for 10 years, after he was taken as slave whilst travelling from Gilbraltar, with the provision for the soldiers of the king. In Algiers he met Jean Le Vacher, and when he went to the hospital of San Giuseppe, he also met Bartolomeo Serrano. Le Vacher was very close with the Turks and with their help, he had the crosses removed from the hospital of San Giuseppe, and also a painting of the mystery of the Trinity which was replaced with a painting of King Loius of France. Da Serrano was imprisoned for 13 or 14 days under the false accusation of wanting to cause a rebellion. Le Vacher forbade the priests to administer the Holy sacraments in the hospitals, forcing them to go to his house or the oratory. To make sure that they would obey, he had their masters make them work in the gardens. Le Vacher also tried to buy the hospital of San Giuseppe from the Turks. He tried to place infidels and sectarians in the same hospital rooms as the Catholics; usually the infidels were kept apart, in order for them to be converted more easily. Jo Giovanni Di Cabredo, the apostolic notary and archivist of the audience and tribunal of the nunciary in Spain, signs this in Madrid on 5 June 1677. The notaries Antonio Del Sola, Pietro Bermejo and Francesco Gutierrez do the same. Claudius Franciscus Louvet translated this from Spanish to Italian in Rome, on 10 June 1679 with his own hand.
Date discussed: 1679-09-11
Additional comments
Giovanni Di Cabredo
Claudio Francesco Louvet
APF SOCG 475, 101r-111v
1679-06-10
[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).
See for the Spanish original: APF SOCG 475, 113r-114v, 117r-118v (database item 801).
Contemporary translation
Italian
Latin
Statement
800
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Rome]