PF minutes, 1627-02-22, Rome
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of SC general meeting allowing the Capuchins to hear the confessions not only of heretics, but also of Catholics (and to grant them indulgences) throughout France, with the exception of important towns and cities.
Additional comments
The PF general meetingwas held in the Vatican, in the presence of the pope. Seven cardinals and three clerks were present: "Bandinus, Millinus, Borgia, Bentiuolus, Ludouisius, Magalottus et Barbarinus, et R'mi Sanctacrucius, et Montius, et P'r D'nicus à Scala, qui attulit scuta 250. Sac. Cong'ni donata." (f. 184r).
PF
APF ACTA 4 184r, 186r, issue 7
1627-02-22
Original registry entry; Latin
Latin
Minutes
50
Origin: Rome
Destination:
PF minutes, 1627-04-16, Rome
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Minutes of PF general meeting discussing, among other things, the request by the Count of Joigny to grant the Capuchins from his town the faculty to hear the confessions of the town dwellers; PF asks for the opinion of the curia's procurator, who would see the general of the order soon and transmit his response.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 4, 204r-v, 208r, issue 19
1627-04-16
In reply to: APF SOCG 387, 142r, 148v (database item 28).
Original registry entry; Latin
Latin
Minutes
42
Origin: Rome
Destination:
PF minutes, 1627-06-05, Rome
Galleys
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Minutes of PF general meeting rejecting the request by the count of Joigny to allow the Capuchins to instruct, hear confessions, and teach the catechism to the soldiers and sailors working on the triremes under his control.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 4, 225r, 237r, issue 30
1627-06-05
In reply to: APF SOCG 129, 140r-141r, (database item 6).
Original registry entry; Latin
Latin
Minutes
45
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi to Bernardino Spada [1627]
Galleys
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Galleys
The general of the triremes (Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi) asks Cardinal Spada to obtain a brief from the pope ordering the superior of the Capuchins of Provence to send thirteen priests "to instruct, hear confessions and teach the catechism to the captains, soldiers and sailors of said triremes," in Tollon as well as in other places where the triremes would go. The Fathers have been doing their mission on the triremes for one or two years already and they say they cannot continue to do so without a brief. The PF notes on f. 140v indicate that Ingoli was going to discuss the matter with Barberini, and that there was a negative response to the request, given in June 1627.
Date discussed 1627-02-20 and 1627-06-08
Additional comments
a) Cardinal Spada was leaving the French nunciature that year, and was therefore probably somewhere in France, possibly Paris, at the beginning of 1672.
b) Petition discussed twice by PF.
Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi
APF SOCG 129, 140r-141r
[1627]
Addressed to Bernardino Spada
See for the pope's rejection of the request: APF ACTA 4, 208, 237 (database item 45)
For the approval: APF ACTA 17, 164 (not in this database).
See also similar request in APF SOCG 387, 142r, 148v (database item 28).
Original; undated; no signature; French on 140r (followed by Italian translation on 141r); verso of folio 140 contains PF notes in Latin and Italian; 141v has following note: "Avignon".
French
Italian
Latin
Letter
6
Origin: [France]
Destination: [France]
Petition on behalf of Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi to PF [1627]
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Galleys
Summary of petition submitted by Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi, count of Joigny, general of Triremes, requesting PF to grant the Capuchins the license to hear confessions on the land of Joigny, because the inhabitants of the land are ignorant of religious matters and there are no other members of reformed religious (orders) to educate them.
Date discussed 1627-04-16
Additional comments
Philippe-Emmanuel de Gondi
APF SOCG 387, 142r, 148v
[1627]
Addressed to PF
See for a similar petition by the general: APF SOCG 129, 140r-141r (database item 6).
For the pope's rejection of the request: APF ACTA 4, 208, 237 (database items 42 and 45).
For the approval APF ACTA 17, 64 (not in this database).
Contemp. copy; not signed; undated; Italian
Italian
Petition
28
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Brother Léonard to PF [1628], Paris
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Petition on behalf of Brother Léonard. Faculties requested by the provincial of the Capuchins from the Paris province, so that their mission in that province may continue with good results, according to the suggestions of the nuncio to France. The first clause asks for the renewal and extension of the papal bull giving them the right to bring their mission not only to the heretics but also to the Catholics, especially for hearing confessions. The fifth clause asks for the right to exercise these faculties everywhere in the province, except for the most important cities and towns. The sixth and last clause mentions that all conditions are subject to approval by ordinaries. The note on 41v summarizes the document and adds, regarding the fifth clause, that it was included in order to "not allow the Capuchin missionaries to hear confessions everywhere."
Date discussed 1628-06-20
Additional comments
Letter signed "F. Leonardus" (probably Father Léonard of Paris).
Brother Léonard
APF SOCG 130, 40r-v, 41v
[1628]
Addressed to PF
Original; signed; Latin; PF notes in Italian and Latin.
Latin
Italian
Petition
8
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Father Hyacinth to PF, [1633]
CEC
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Conversion
Petition on behalf of Capuchin Father Hyacinth, requesting PF's confirmation of the "Company of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross," which he had established in Paris with the approval of the archbishop of Paris, with the main goal of converting heretics. A PF note on 169v indicates that the matter was assigned to Cardinal Spada for presentation at a PF meeting.
Additional comments
Father Hyacinth
APF SOCG 393, 139r-v
[1633]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
266
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Father Hyacinth to PF, [1633]
Capuchins
Levant
Petition on behalf of Father Hyacinth to PF requesting 20 new missionaries for the mission in the Levant, in order to replace the ones who are sick.
Additional comments
Father Hyacinth
APF SOCG 393, 170r-v
[1633]
Addressed to PF
Petition
267
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
CEC founding documents from Jean-François de Gondi to PF, 1634-09-26, Paris
CEC
Capuchins
Conversion
France (missions in)
Collation of documents related to CEC, done by notary Delatie on 26 September 1634 for PF. The collation includes: a) a notarized confirmation by Jean-François de Gondi, archbishop of Paris, who is to be superior, president, and moderator of the said congregation, given in Paris, 6 May 1634 (f. 71-72v); and b) the constitutions and statutes of the CEC (f. 72v-77v), including nine chapters on the aims of the congregation, its internal organization, and the election of officials; the original had been signed by the archbishop of Paris.
Additional comments
The documents mention that the CEC was instituted on 14 September 1632 at the initiative of "Pater Frater Hyacinthus Presbyterus predicator ordinis Fratrum Capucinorum Sancti Francisci," who had converted many heretics in Paris (congregation formed by Hyacinth "et alii’"-names not mentioned in this doc.), under the name "Congregatio Exaltationis Sanctae Crucis."
Jean-François de Gondi
Delatie
APF SOCG 199, 71r-78v
1634-09-26
Addressed to PF
Contemporary notarized copy; copy of original sign. and original notary signature; Latin
Latin
Founding documents
Statutes
56
Origin: Paris
Destination:
Report sent to PF [1639], Paris
Other religious orders
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Report on the "state of missions in the Province of Paris," with no particulars given (seems to refer to the Capuchins). Classification of types of missions. Folded inside the first folio there is another folio (same paper, same handwriting) on the mission in Canada, to which Father Hyacinth was appointed as superior; then a paragraph on the mission in England. A paragraph at the end says that the approval for the mission in the Province [of Paris?] expires this July and needs extending for another ten years. A separate folio with names of missionaries and other details is mentioned, but that folio is missing.
Date discussed 1639-07-18
Additional comments
In the middle there is a folded folio with a map of the Mediterranean basin and its surroundings, showing centers "taken" by the Province of Paris and the Province of Touraine, especially in the Middle East. The map (or at least the explanatory note accompanying it) seems unfinished.
APF SOCG 199, 333r-v, 338v
[1639]
Addressed to PF
Original; not signed
Latin
Report
66
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from Henri Loys to Urban VIII, 1641-05-02, Poitiers
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
France (missions in)
Conversion
Letter from the bishop of Poitiers requesting that the Papal Bull, which the late Father Giuseppe of Paris had renewed on 21 February 1635, be continued, as had been the custom so far, in the following respects: a) the faculty of hearing confessions should be granted to all missionaries approved by the ordinaries and their superiors, as has always been done until now, since the beginning of their mission; now, however, they cannot do the 40th oration, nor can they summon the people, as before, to receive the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist, and to do penitence [reasons why this is not allowed any longer are not clear from the letter]; the one missionary hearing confessions is not enough for the thousands of people in the entire diocese; b) the "companion" (a secular or regular priest) assigned to the missionary/confessor, considering that he is approved by the ordinary and his superiors, should also have the faculty to hear confessions, so that he can relieve the missionary of some of his burden; c) the number of missionaries should be raised from 20 (not enough for such a big diocese) to 30 or 40; and d) the provincial of the Tours province should establish permanent missions (confessors) in five or six places that he (the bishop of Poitiers) would indicate, otherwise the Provincial can use the pretext that he does not have the faculty to do so, as he has done in the past. At the end of the letter, the bishop adds that "the Capuchin Fathers are the only ones who help me in the conversion of heretics, especially in the countryside." (f. 328v)
Additional comments
A CM house was established in the Richelieu parish of the Poitiers diocese in January 1638; evidently that did not make a huge impact on the diocese, from the bishop's perspective, at least as far as the conversion of heretics was concerned, since he seemed to consider the Capuchins as the only missionaries who were making a difference in the countryside.
Henri Loys
APF SOCG 83, 328r-v, 331v
1641-05-02
Addressed to Urban VIII
Original; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
70
Origin: Poitiers
Destination: [Rome]
PF minutes, 1645-12-18, Rome
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Petitions for faculties
Capuchins
Minutes of PF general meeting discussing, among other issues, whether to grant Dominicus Raccus missionary faculties for Tunis. The subject was referred by Cardinal Ginetti and was based on a letter from two slaves from Tunis, who requested that the said Raccus be declared a missionary, as the previous missionaries were either old, dead, or had been freed and had gone back to their countries. PF decided - if the pope agreed - to write to Father Alexander of Genoa, prefect of the Capuchin mission in Barbary, in order to ask for his opinion on whether Raccus (or anybody else) should be granted missionary faculties in Tunis. Meeting held at "Collegium Propaganda Fide"; five cardinals were present (Capponius, S. Honuphrii, Cornelius, Ginettus, Pamphylius), as well as the assessor of the Holy See.
Additional comments
This document is not directly related to CM, but it provides background for the Tunis mission.
PF
APF ACTA 16, 491v-492r, issue 36
1645-12-18
Original registry entry; Latin
Latin
Minutes
119
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from Pierre de Piviers to PF the vice-prefect, Luigi Capponi, 1646-12-17, Orléans
Madagascar
Capuchins
Discalced Carmelites
Letter from the Capuchin Pierre de Piviers to Cardinal Capponi requesting a salvoconduct for a number of Capuchin missionaries. At the end of Piviers' letter there is a note suggesting to send a mission to Madagascar, as there are rich and affluent Parisians doing business, and going there regularly. He believes the mission would be fruitful, as the natives have no religion and are docile by nature. PF note at the end indicates that the island had already been assigned to the Discalced Carmelite order, and that the general of the order should be contacted about the matter. The latin translation of this document can be found on f. 125r.
Date discussed 1647-06-17
Additional comments
Pierre de Piviers had also written to PF about Madagascar in 1643, suggesting that a mission of Normand Capuchins be sent there, since Normand merchants went to that isle most frequently. His letter was read in a PF meeting, but no response was sent. PF meeting took place on 1 June 1643, with four cardinals present: St. Onofrius, Pamphylius, Pallottus, and Ginettus (in PF ACTA 15, f. 338v, no. 11. 299, not in this database).
Pierre de Piviers
APF SOCG 145, 125r, 126r, 127v
1646-12-17
Addressed to Luigi Capponi
For the PF general meeting discussing this letter, see: APF ACTA 17, 441r-v, issue 28 (database item 139).
Original (in French) and contemp. translation (into Latin); French original signed; PF notes in Latin and Italian
French
Latin
Italian
Letter
144
Origin: Orléans
Destination: Rome
PF minutes, 1647-06-17, Rome
Madagascar
Capuchins
Discalced Carmelites
Minutes of PF general meeting discussing, among other things, the letter from Capuchin Pierre de Piviers regarding the idea of establishing a mission on the Isle of St. Lawrence (aka Madagascar), considering that French merchants go there regularly. The decision of PF was to inquire about the matter with the general of the Discalced Carmelite order, because the island had been assigned to the Discalced Carmelites previously.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 17, 432r, 441r-v, issue 28
1647-06-17
In response to: APF SOCG 145, 126r, 127v (database item 144).
See for a follow-up discussion on this topic: APF ACTA 17, 571v, 573 (database item 141).
Original registry entry; Latin
Latin
Minutes
139
Origin: Rome
Destination:
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
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1648-04-14, Tabarca
Tunis
Capuchins
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa, prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, mentioning, among other things, the conflict in Tunis between Julien Guérin and a Jesuit Father from Naples (a senior chaplain of the king of Spain), called d'Angelo. d'Angelo seemingly tried to gain some income from the church in his possession (the church of St. Anthony), due to which Guérin chased him away, "under the pretext of service without merchandise." Brother Giuseppe Maria tried to reconcile the two of them, but without much success, what with the two being from "rival" nations, and Father Angelo feeling that he had been wronged and holding a grudge against Guérin. Moreover, Guérin questioned the authority of Brother Giuseppe Maria in the matter, "as if he was in the wrong and did not want me [Giuseppe] to interfere," and since Brother Giuseppe Maria had not received the patent for the vicarate of Carthage, which he had been promised by PF, he did not want to interfere any further, other than by the force of words and entreaties to peace. PF note does not mention any decision or response.
Date received 1648-06-06
Additional comments
Only the paragraph relevant to Julien Guérin is transcribed in the attached file.
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 203r-v, 212r-212v
1648-04-14
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
135
Origin: Tabarca
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 Antonio Da Genoa to PF, 1648-09-12, Genoa
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Plague
Letter from Antonio da Genoa, of the Capuchin order, relating, among other things, that there were only two priests left in Algiers at that time, one from Majorca, the other French. According to the author of the letter, the French priest was of little use, especially in confessions, since he did not know any Italian, only French. The letter also mentions that there were 25,000 Christians in Algiers at that time, and that more priests were needed to provide to their needs, especially now, when the plague was making more and more victims. The letter adds that there were many priests (in Genoa?) ready to go on this mission, not minding the dangers involved. A new prefect for the Capuchin mission in Barbary had to be elected, on account of the death of the previous one (Giuseppe Maria da Genoa). There was also a new "king" in Tunis, who was of Christian descent and sympathetic to Christians.
Additional comments
The French priest mentioned here could be Jean Barreau.
Antonio da Genoa
APF SOCG 247, 35r-36v
1648-09-12
Addressed to PF
Original; signed; Italian
Italian
Letter
128
Origin: Genoa
Destination: Rome
Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF secretary Dionisio Massari, 1653-08-23, Genoa
Algiers
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Tabarca
Tunis
Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF. Approximately 17 months ago he wrote to PF, about his wish to use the opportunity to travel by Pantelleria and Tabarca, to Tunis and Algiers. He would have been able to do this in such a way, that the Lomellini would have allowed his passage over Tabarca. The Procurator Di Corre wrote to him, saying that for now there was nothing else Da Genoa could do. PF however, told him to inform them everything he knows, and therefore Da Genoa will continue doing so. He received a letter from the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Philippe Le Vacher] containing good news; the administration of the bagni is proceeding in good order, there is a bishop in place, and there are enough priests. He only regrets that the Capuchins have left the mission and travelled to Tabarca.
Additional comments
Antonio Da Genoa
APF SOCG 248, 193r, 202v
1653-08-23
Adressed to Dionisio Massari
original
Italian
Letter
912
Origin: Genoa
Destination: [Rome]
Report by [William Ballantyne] on Scottish mission [1654]
Scotland
Mission reports
Conversion
Capuchins
Jesuits
Report from the superior of the Scottish mission, William Ballantyne, to PF. It describes the importance of the mission, the political situation, and the relationship between Protestants and Catholics in the country. The report also lists all the missionaries and their activities: a) secular priests, Ioannes Smiteus [John Smith] and Jacobus Crittonius [James Crichton] who both work in Galloway, Nithsdale and Lauderdale (all in the south). [Joannes Valcherus] John Walker and Thomas Lumsdenus [Thomas Lumsden] work in the territories of the Huntly family; the report also states there are three Irish priests working in the Highlands and on the islands; b) regular priests, Roger Lindzaius [Roger Lindsay], a Capuchin who is already "in officio" for 45 years, and Father Primrosius [Primrose] who works in Lothian; and c) priests from the Society of Jesus, Father Hall, Father Maxuellius [Maxwell], Father Macbreccus [Macbreccus], Father George Lesleus [Lesley], Father Joannes Smiteus [John Smith], Father Grantius [Grant] and Father Andreas Lesleus [Andrew Lesley]. The superior then goes on explaining family ties of important Catholic families, and describing which members of these families have been (re)converted.
Additional comments
The document is not dated but a (PF) note on 324r states the year 1654.
[William Ballantyne]
APF SOCG 297,324r-331v
[1654]
Addressed to PF
Original, unsigned and undated
Latin
Report
302
Origin: unknown
Destination:
Anonymous report with news about missions in Pegu, Persia and Madagascar
Madagascar
Franciscans
Capuchins
Jesuits
Other religious orders
Anonymous report with news about various Franciscan, Capuchin, Jesuit, and Carmelite missionaries to Pegu and Persia, Africa and India; in Madagascar there is just one missionary left because his companion died. The report also states that Marshal de La Meilleraye is now in charge of the castle, there will be a ship going every year with provisions, and that they should take advantage of this opportunity. The report is undated and unsigned.
Additional comments
In another report, made by Marshal de La Meilleraye, it is also mentioned that there is only one missionary left. This report was made in 1660. See: APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269).
APF SOCG 252, 4r-5v
[1660]
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Report
261
Origin: unknown
Destination:
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini, to the PF prefect [Antonio Barberini jr.], 1661-05-06, Paris
Madagascar
Capuchins
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini to PF, in which he states that since PF has agreed to the request sent by Marshal de La Meilleraye to appoint a bishop for Madagascar on 14 June 1660, Marshal has now proposed three candidates, all of them Capuchin missionaries. Whereas in his former letter Marshal had promised to provide some financial support, this time he made no mention of it; the nuncio promises to talk to him about this aspect. On f. 21r the names of the three Capuchins are mentioned: "Josephus de Mortais, Valerianus de Montmiral, Hubertus de Poictiers Capucinus." PF minutes on f. 22v indicate that PF secretary, Mario Alberizzi, does not think its legitimate to appoint a Capuchin bishop since CM priests had always served that mission, and such a decision would discourage them. PF decides that something else should be proposed.
Date discussed 1661-12-07
Additional comments
Celio Piccolomini
APF SOCG 252, 20r, 21r, 22v
1661-05-06
Addressed to [Antonio Barberini jr]
For the earlier requests concerning this topic see: APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269), APF SOCG 252, 14r-v, 19v (database item 270) and APF SOCG 252, 12r-13v (database item 268).
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
271
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
PF minutes, 1661-07-12, Rome
Madagascar
Capuchins
Minutes of the general meeting of PF, held on 12 July 1661, during which a petition by Marshal de La Meilleraye was discussed. He had previously asked for a bishop for Madagascar, but PF responded that the circumstances there did not allow for it. Instead PF proposed to send a titular bishop with faculties of vicar apostolic. For this function Marshal now proposes three Capuchin candidates. The secretary however mentions that the mission has always been in the hands of CM, and that it would discourage them if a Capuchin would be appointed. The cardinals decide that another candidate should be chosen.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 30, 95r, 109v-110v
1661-07-12
Latin
Italian
Minutes
666
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to [Jean Le Vacher], 1666-03-27, [Rome]
Algiers
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Letter from PF to the vicar of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher?]. F' Gio' B'a da S. Malò [François Jean Baptiste de San Malò?] a Capuchin priest who was made a slave when returning to France (he has since been returned to Algiers with another Frenchman), informed PF about the great need for priests in Algiers; he himself asked for the faculties to work as a priest. PF asks [Le Vacher] to grant him the required faculties, as long as he does not have any objections.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 51, 17v
1666-03-27
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
847
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Tunis]
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, 1666-09, Tunis
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to PF in which he recounts how Jean Le Vacher has left the mission in Tunis, and has given the faculties of vicar apostolic to Da Sassari (although he did not want to be vicar). Da Sassari states how this task is going against the rule of poverty to which, as a Capuchin, he has to obey. He therefore asks if PF can send another priest to exercise the office of vicar with two others who can help him, or enable him in some way to fulfill this task without burdening his conscience. At the general meeting of the 15 November 1666, the cardinals decide that Da Sassari has to stay in Tunis until a new vicar apostolic will arrive. In the meantime, however, he will be declared vice-prefect of the mission and will be given the faculty to use money for his needs. Moreover, they order that the nuncio to France be asked if Jean Le Vacher cannot return; if not, the superior general has to be asked to send another missionary.
Date discussed 1666-11-15
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 254, 108r-109v
1666-09
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 35, 276r, 285r-v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Latin
Letter
390
Origin: Tunis
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 [Jean] Ambrozin to PF, 1668-06-28, Tunis
Tunis
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Algiers
Tripoli
Letter from Jean Ambrozin, French consul in Tunis, to PF. He writes that Father Girolamo Da Sassari (Capuchin and vicar in Tunis), has received some letters from Jean Le Vacher, in which he announces that he had been appointed vicar apostolic of Algiers with authority over Tunis and Tripoli. On receiving this news, Girolamo was about to leave the mission, but Ambrozin made him stay. Ambrozin now asks the cardinals not to let Jean Le Vacher return to the mission which he had served so badly for years. He praises Father Girolamo and accuses Le Vacher of several mischiefs, most of which regard money issues: Le Vacher stole money from slaves and merchants, and took possessions of the local church back to France.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
[Jean] Ambrozin
APF SOCG 254, 203r-204r
1668-06-28
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
398
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, [1668]
Tunis
Capuchins
Petition on behalf of Girolamo Da Sassari to PF, in which he asks to be given a more ample faculty to handle money (as a Capuchin, he is bound to the vow of poverty), so that he can govern the mission without scruples. He also asks to be given the title of vicar general of Cartage, besides his office of vicar apostolic.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 254, 215r
[1668]
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
Petition
402
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: [Rome]
Summary of several letters by Jean Ambrozin, Antonio Di Seravezza, Girolamo Da Sassari and Luca Palmaro, [1668]
Tunis
Seravezza case
Capuchins
Extensive summary of several letters by Jean Ambrozin, Antonio Di Seravezza, Girolamo Da Sassari and Luca Palmaro, and the issues surrounding the return of Jean Le Vacher to the Barbary Coast. It includes PF analysis of the matter and the decision of the cardinals; the Tunis mission was to be assigned to the Sardinian Capuchins with Da Sassari as their prefect. It was noted that if other news reached Rome, the decision might be reconsidered. A short summary of the whole matter is also included in the letters.
Date discussed 1668-11-19
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 254, 228r-v, 229r 230r-231r, 232v, 233v
[1668]
The letters and petition summarized in this summary are: APF SOCG 254, 203r-204r (database item 398); APF SOCG 254, 205r-206v (database item 399); APF SOCG 254, 207r (database item 400); APF SOCG 254, 209r-210r (database item 401); and APF SOCG 254, 215r (database item 402).
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 37, 247r, 259r-262v (same information; not in database).
Italian
Latin
Summary
403
Origin: [Rome]
Destination:
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Seravezza, 16[69]-01-16, Rome
Capuchins
Conversion
Franciscans
Ransom
Seravezza case
Tunis
Letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Saraveza [Antonio Di Seravezza]. He has been in Rome for two months, due to the problems in Tunis. They have decided that there will be a Capuchin mission in the city, and that he will be its prefect. Many things that padre Damiano proposed were accepted (the kind of things that were only in their interest), which is why he does not want to go back to Tunis. He is however still willing to help his friend [Di Seravezza]. He hopes that they will see each other again and that he can tell him all the things that he cannot send in writing. Dottore Pagni, the grand duke of Florence, and the secretary of PF [Federico Baldeschi] have both shown him great respect for all the things he has done for the church. Levachier [Jean Le Vacher] cannot any longer pretend to have authority over the mission in Tunis, therefore he should only be concerned about Algiers. Caualli has become bishop in Napels, and he will visit him and give him the letters of Di Seravezza, to tell him about his suffering. He asks him to provide information on how things are going in Tunis. He has tried to help Mustafa della Meca who has converted, and the procurator general of the Celestines will also try to help him. He has given 170 pezze da otto reali to Labar, 150 to ransom Giacinto, and the other twenty are for Di Seravezza. He has also left behind some books, worth 50 pezze da otto reali, which should be used to atone Sig'r Carletto and Sig'r Biagio. He also asks to greet Sig'r Capitan Bernardo Rapalli, and Patron Martino, both from the bagno of San Francesco, and Angelo Bernardelli, Giulio Anastasio, Gio' Antonio, Andrea Caraca. He has tried to ransom the slave from Civitavecchia, but they did not want to let him go. PF wants the consul [Jean Ambrozin] to pay back everything he took from the church. He has been suprised that the consul has shown their writings, because it is very damaging to his reputation, but not to Da Sassari's. Before he can return to Tunis, he will first have to go to Sardinia, in order to see his general.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Because the paper is torn the two last numbers of the year are missing. Even though Girolamo Da Sassari says he has been in Rome for two months, he left Tunis in September 1668. The month of the letter is January, so the year has to be 1669. According to the discussion in PF many things described by Girolamo Da Sassari in this letter are made up by him. APF SOCG 424, 242r-243v (database item 748).
This would mean that Antonio Di Seravezza would still have been in Tunis, as he did not leave before August 1669.
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 424, 245r-246v
16[69]-01-16
Adressed to Antonio Di Seravezza
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 201r-202v (database item 669).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
750
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Tunis]