Letter from Jean Ambrozin to [Jean Le Vacher], 1669-07-10, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Slave priests
Seravezza case
Letter from Jean Ambrozin to [Jean Le Vacher], stating that he is happy that he is mentioned in his [Le Vacher´s] letters to Bourdieu, who told him that [Le Vacher] would like to know what happened to Da Sassari. They lived together for two years in good harmony until the advent of Antonio Di Seravezza, who told Da Sassari that he was not obliged to pray for the king [of France]. Ambrozin responded by saying that everyone who stayed in the French consulate should pray for the king. When these two priest said mass in the chapel of the consulate without calling to Ambrozin, it was clear to him that they disliked the French nation; it was whereafter he told Da Sassari that he had to live somewhere else. Da Sassari also said that he should pay for the maintenance of his chapel, and to give money to the chapel of Sant'Antonio. They tried to let the Dutch consul mediate between them and Ambrozin, and when Da Sassari realized he did not have a place to stay, he went to Livorno. It has been 10 months since he left and he has not sent a single letter in that time. He left Di Seravezza in his place, who talked about Ambrozin behind his back (for which he was also thrown out of the house). His accusation was based on a woman ransomed by the French (who he sent to Livorno), so that she could travel to her husband who resides in Sardinia. There are only two priests in this city, one who is not allowed to leave his bagno, and the other [Giuseppe Merino] who is a slave of [Agi Memet de Ainat], says the mass in the chapel of the consulate; it is for this reason, that Di Seravezza wants to excommunicate him. It is noted that something really should have been done against the scandalous behavior of Di Seravezza. If there are others priests who would like to come to Tunis, Ambrozin would be happy to receive them.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430 244r-v, 260r
1669-07-10
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
731
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from Agostino De Rossi and Gioseppe Marino Della Pantelleria, slave priests in Tunis, to [Jean Le Vacher], 1669-07-12, Tunis, Bagno di S. Croce
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Slave priests
Seravezza case
Letter from Agostino De Rossi and Gioseppe Merino Pantalarescho [Giuseppe Merino Della Pantelleria] to [Jean Le Vacher]. With this letter they respond to the request to send information about Girolamo Da Sassari and the situation in Tunis; they are both slave priests, one is owned by the brother of the Dey, and the other by Sidi Mamet Hoge. They are staying in Tunis with Girolamo Da Sassari's successor, i.e. Antonio Di Seravezza, who is very different from Da Sassari. It is also noted that Le Vacher is still very beloved in Tunis. They send a letter to PF about the behaviour of Da Sassari and Di Seravezza. Di Seravezza does not follow the good example of [Jean Le Vacher] and does not live in poverty as he should. When Da Sassari left, Di Seravezza was the only free priest in Tunis who could fulfill the office of vicar apostolic. He took over Da Sassari's position however, without any offical ceremony. Di Seravezza's behaviour in office has often been very violent and scandalous. They hope that Rome will send a new prelate who will restore the church of Tunis.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430 238r-v, 266r
1669-07-12
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Possibly a copy; signed
Italian
Letter
728
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Algiers]
Statement by Delebar, Delorme, Guiraud, Reymond, Boisson, Amarroty, Casthellane about the conflict between Antonio Di Seravezza and Jean Ambrozin, 1669-07-28, Marseille
Tunis
Franciscans
Capuchins
Seravezza case
Statement from Delebar, Delorme, Guiraud, Reymond, Boisson, Amarroty, Casthellane. They declare that Hierosme de Sasseri [Girolamo Da Sassari] and Antoine de Saravezza [Antonio Di Seravezza] were forced to flee from Tunis because of the violent persecution of Jean Ambrozin, the consul in Tunis. Da Sassari had to leave because he demanded that Ambrozin give money to the church. Di Seravezza had to leave for the same reason but also because he wanted to burn a woman that was living with the French consul. In the statement, it is noted that Di Seravezza did many things for the poor Christian slaves, he even went to Malta to secure better treatment for the Turkish slaves there, so that the Turks would treat their Christian slaves better.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
These people where probably merchants as mentioned in APF SOCG 253r-v (database item 736). Here is also being described that it was Antonio Di Seravezza himself who sent this letter to PF.
Delebar Delorme Guiraud, Reymond Boisson, Amarroty Casthellane
APF SOCG 430 247r-v
1669-07-28
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy
French
Statement
733
Origin: Marseille
Destination:
Letter from [Jean Ambrozin] to [Jean Le Vacher], 1669-08-04, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Slave priests
Seravezza case
From the letter of Bourdieu, [Ambrozin] has come to understand that [Jean Le Vacher] has not been able to write him a letter because of his sickness. He has been forced to remove Antonio Di Seravezza, who has been left in the position of Vicar [Apostolic] by Girolamo Da Sassari. Because Di Seravezza had a indecent conversation with a priest, he has been sent away from Tunis altogether, to Livorno. Whilst onboard Di Seravezza decided to go to Marseille, in order to plead an unjust cause of which [Ambrozin] declares he is guilty. It is noted that Di Seravezza has left much division behind. He made many Christians believe that Gioseppe della Pantellaria [Giuseppe Merino] has been excommunicated, because he kept saying mass in the house of [Ambrozin]. Others also told Merino that he was excommunicated.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
The letter is probably written by Jean Ambrozin, the French consul in Tunis, since the writer states that he has thrown Antonio Di Seravezza out of his house, which Ambrozin is described doing in APF SOCG 430, 240r-v, 263r (database item 729).
APF SOCG 430 242r
1669-08-04
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Incomplete letter. Ending is missing. Copy.
Italian
Letter
730
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Algiers]
Statement by Antonio Amarroty about the conflict between Antonio Di Seravezza and Jean Ambrozin, 1669-12-12, Marseille
Tunis
Capuchins
Conversion
Malta
Ransom
Franciscans
Renegades
Seravezza case
Copy of a statement on behalf of Antonio Di Seravezza, a Minor Observant from Rome, who also served as vicar apostolic in Tunis and Tripoli for three years, after he received this authority by Girolamo Da Sassari. In September 1668 he left Tunis for Rome. The French consul in Tunis, Giovanni Ambrogini [Jean Ambrozin] should have collected alms for S. Antonio Abate, in order to buy the necessary things for the church, and also in order to conserve the churchyard; he should also have bought a gift for the Agha. The consul has always been aware of this, but never said anything to the church nor given alms. For this reason Girolamo Da Sassari (the apostolic vicar at the time), threatened to report the case to the pope and the king of France, if the consul would not concede the alms to the church; the consul responded that he did not know any pope, cardinal or king, after which Girolamo Da Sassari was forced to leave. Knowing that his abscence would leave the community without a leader, he [Da Sassari] decided to leave Antonio Di Seravezza in his place. The latter left the bagno of S.ta Lucia and took the room in the house of the consul, that Girolamo Da Sassari had previously used. In December 1669 a French woman called Chiara was ransomed, the greater part was paid by the merchants and slaves. The consul gave the woman a room in his residence very close to his own, and next to the chapel and the altar. When Antonio Di Seravezza said the midnight mass of Easter in the chapel of the consulate, there were many merchants and slaves present, only the consul and Chiara were absent. When he asked the merchants and slaves were they were, they said that the consul had laid in bed with the woman. After this night a servant of the consul named Pietro went to the room of Di Seravezza and asked him to do something about the scandalous situation of his master. At Easter Di Seravezza said mass in all the chapels, after which he went to the consulate where he begged the consul to put the woman on a ship that would soon leave for France. The consul responded, saying that the woman did not want to go to France but to Livorno, in order to be able to travel to Sardinia where her husband lived. Di Seravezza was trying to help the consul, but he took offence and continued in his vice. All the nations started saying that the residence of the French consul was a public brothel, but the consul kept refusing to send the woman away. During Ascension Di Seravezza went to all the bagni to take confessions, after which he returned very tired to the consulate. When passing by the room of the consul, he saw things he cannot describe. He told the consul that he was not living a Christian life, that he would leave his residence, and that the consul should take in mind that his room was so close to the Holy sacrament. The consul responded by stating that he would remove the sacrament, and that he could do whatever he wanted in his own residence; the consul later beat Di Seravezza with a stick and told him that he had to leave his house. He moved to the bagno of S. Leonardo, and the sacrament was also moved. The consul went to the Bey and told him that Di Seravezza had remained in Tunis, in order to make the slaves and renegades flee. Di Seravezza was arrested and beaten up, and as they were about to enslave him, the highest person after the Agha said that he never heard any bad things about Di Seravezza, stating that he risked his own life by going to Malta to mediate for the Christian slaves. He was saved by this person, and he told Di Seravezza that he has always done good things, and that he should not live with the consul anymore. The Agha then went to the consul and orded him to send the woman away, after which she was sent to Livorno. The consul kept trying to condemn Di Seravezza, but with God's help, the Turks kept saving him. In July 1669 Di Seravezza converted two jews, who were named Giuseppe and Angiolo, and stayed in the house of a merchant named Labar. The consul used this situation to his advantage, by saying to the Bey that he already warned him about this, but that he did not want to believe him. The two rennegades were found in the house of Labar. When they were questioned they answered that they were Christians and that they were converted by God. They were tortured and confessed that it had been Di Seravezza who converted them. After being tortured they said that they wanted to become Turks, and because of the consul, these two souls were lost. The consul paid Turks and rennegades to beat Di Seravezza. Afterwards, the merchants and slaves decided that he had to go to Marseille. There in the convent he received a visit from Monsù Pras, who told Di Seravezza that he should be patient, as it would take another year until Ambrozin's consulate would be over. Di Seravezza said that this was too long, and that he could not leave five or six thousand souls without mass or the possibility to confess; Di Seravezza insisted that he [Pras] should think about the interests of the church, and about the Missione della Servitù that had made him chaplain; Monsù Pras only laughed about this, and Di Seravezza said that if he laughed about such a serious matter, he would go to Paris and plead his case to the king. Pras said that he would never reach Paris, and even if he did he would not get an audience. Di Seravezza responded by saying that he would bring his case to Rome. Eventually he decided to stay in Rome, as he did not want to make such a long trip for little purpose. However as it was winter and he was old, he decided to stay in Marseille. After the consuls of the cities visited him, and he told them everything about the case, and they had read the reports from merchants and slaves from Tunis, they told him that justice would be done; they would try to remove Amrozin from the consulate in order to let Di Seravezza resume his position as vicar apostolic.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
There is also a later version of this document (from 1670); there, the first part is missing. At the end there is another line, saying: "Io Antonio Amarroty Mercante in Marsiglia fu fede e Confesso di hauer/ tradutto a litteram il presente verbale di francesce in Italiano." See: APF SC Barbaria 1, 178r-180v (database item 880).
Nicolas de Bausset
Antonio Amarroty
APF SOCG 430, 248r-249v, 255r-256r
1669-12-12
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
This verbale or statement is also mentioned elsewhere, see: APF SC Barbaria 1, 176r-177v (database item 879). For a later version of the same document (from 1670), see: APF SC Barbaria 1, 176r-177v (database item 880).
Copy
Italian
Statement
734
Origin: Marseille
Destination:
Two petitions on behalf of Girolamo Da Sassari to PF and to Pope Alexander VII, [1669]
Tunis
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian)
Two petitions on behalf of the Capuchin Girolamo Da Sassari, prefect of the mission in Tunis. One is written to the pope, in which he explains why he left his mission in Tunis (the consul Jean Ambrozin threatened him, after Da Sassari demanded the money that he was obliged to pay to the church of Tunis). In the petition to PF, Da Sassari asks for the faculties of vicar apostolic or vicar general of Carthage, so that the other missionaries (both free and enslaved), will have to obey him. PF notes state that it is not common to give such faculties to Capuchins, and that it is not wise that he return to the mission because either he left because of the consul's anger (which will not have diminished), or because of an 'instable' character, which would have not changed either. The rescript that followed PF discussion of 26 March 1669 reads "nihil."
Date discussed 1669-03-26
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari was probably in Rome around this time. He left Tunis in September 1668, and travelled to Rome (where he still was in February 1669). See: APF SOCG 424, 245r-246v (database item 750).
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 418, 274r, 275r-v, 276v
[1669]
Addressed to PF and to Pope Alexander VII
Italian
Petition
708
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Casimiro di Monte Vecchio, Rafel Gronosios, Francesco Galerio Spalero, Antonio Bermezó, Charlos Bontemps Escrivain, Francesco Caratelo, Giuseppe Renda to [Jean Le Vacher], 1670-01-30, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Letter from Casimiro Di Monte Vecchio, Rafel Gronosios, Francesco Galerio Spalerio, Antonio Bermezò, Charlos Bontemps Escrivain, Francesco Caratelo, and Giuseppi Rendi. They did not write earlier about the situation in Tunis, as they did not yet know that [Le Vacher] had been chosen by PF as vicar apostolic. Girolamo Da Sassari who had been vicar apostolic before, left after a conflict with consul Ambrosini [Jean Ambrozin], which was about the money that each ship in Tunis should give to the chapel of Sant'Antonio. He left Antonio [Di Seravezza] in his place, but there was never a clear understanding of who the vicar apostolic was. They declare that they never really accepted the authority of Di Seravezza. His behaviour in office was very indecent and he had a group of five or six men around him who did exactly as he said. A freed female slave was housed in the residence of the French consul [Jean Ambrozin], where Di Seravezza also lived. The latter forbade her to sing and at one time she was beaten up. Di Seravezza told the consul that he no longer wanted to stay in his house because the woman used it as a brothel. The consul was furious and sent him away; this is the reason why Di Seravezza illegitimately placed the chapel of the consul under interdict (i.e. forbidding masses in the chapel). However, Gioseppe Marino [Giuseppe Merino] kept celebrating mass in the chapel. The authors of the letter use citations from Bonacina's De Censuris in order to make clear that the interdict is illegitimate since the reason was not made public. Di Seravezza and his group do not fear God for leaving so many Christians without the possibility of confession, and they also have denied Merino the access to the bagnos. The authors of the letter think it best if he [Le Vacher] did not grant the authority of vicar apostolic to anybody else, but instead came to Tunis himself; if he is not able to come, then he should at least send some reputable priests.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430 240r-v, 263r
1670-01-30
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
729
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to Jean Le Vacher, 1670-05-10, Marseille
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Slave priests
Tripoli
Algiers
Trinitarians
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to Gio'ni le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher]. He has most likely already heard about the abuse of the consul in Tunis, Gio' Ambrogini [Jean Ambrozin] towards not only Girolamo Da Sassari, but also to himself; Di Seravezza asked the consul to pay the church back the two piastre he has stolen from every ship for the last four years. He had also tried to burn Da Sassari and Di Seravezza, because the latter wanted the consul to change his dishonest life. In order to get justice, he has been forced to go to PF in Marseille, and he stayed there because of the death of Nostro Sig're. He made a statement before the court in Marseille and sent copies to the Grand Council, Monsù di Lion, and to Colbert. Its noted that he will go to Rome after he received their answers, and if they will not do him justice, he will make sure that the pope does. The superior of his own order and the superior of the Capuchins, have assured him that the mission of Tunis and Tripoli have been assigned to the Observants. After this news he has sent two priests to Tripoli, and two others are still waiting to go to Tunis. These superiors also wrote informing him that PF has sent him a letter written by Livorno, but he never received it. He has received letters from the Christians in Tunis who warned him about the complaints that [Jean Le Vacher] wrote about him and Da Sassari; Le Vacher believes that as they left those poor Christians behind, the mission should be assigned to Giuseppe Marini della Pantelleria [Giuseppe Merino], a slave of Mamet Goggia [Filippo Delustria?]. Di Seravezza though has forbidden this priest to say mass for several reasons: a) because he revealed the confessions; b) because he sold the sacrament of Penance; c) because he usurped the jurisdiction of the superior; d) because he married a couple (Catarina and Andrea), while the wife still had a husband; e) because of the business he did with jews; and f) because he helped the consul in his effort to burn Di Seravezza; in response, Di Seravezza states that he did not leave Tunis to abandon the church and the poor souls. The Christians sent him copies of the letters that Ambrogini [Jean Ambrozin] wrote, from this he has come to the understanding that the letters PF wrote to him were taken by Le Vacher. He asks Le Vacher to send the letters to him through Luigi Calaman. He will leave for Rome when he has sent the two priests to Tunis. After pleading his case in Rome, he will go to Tripoli via Malta, in order to inspect the church there, after which he will return to Tunis. He asks forgiveness for the harsh letter that he sent two years previously, which was in response to Le Vacher informing Da Sassari that he was vicar apostolic of the whole of Africa, and that he wanted to visit the churches of Tunis and Tripoli. Le Vacher should have known that the mission of Algiers is seperate from that of Tunis, however he should never have written to him in such a manner; Di Seravezza was also not a superior back then. Ambrogini [Jean Ambrozin] said that when he leaves Tunis, he will take 24,000 scudi with him, a ship full of items, and maybe also the tabernacle. Di Seravezza asks Le Vacher to send any letters for him to Luigi Calaman. Ambrogini [Ambrozin] states that the ships only give 64 aspri to the Chruch of S. Antonio, though everybody knows that it is actually two piastre; he asks Le Vacher to write a declaration of this, since he is well informed on this issue. He also wrote to Genova, Livorno and Malta, to ask for declarations.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Maybe the Nostro Sig're he talks about is Antonio Crocet, the representative of PF in Marseille. Or maybe the pope?
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SOCG 424, 248r-v, 253r-v
1670-05-10
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
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
Latin
Letter
752
Origin: Marseille
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to [PF], 1670-07-02, Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Slave priests
Tunis
Petitions for missionary patents
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF. They already heard from Girolamo Da Sassari about the things that Gio' Ambrogini [Jean Ambrozin] has done. He took the alms intended for the church, and his successor Gio' Livighieri [Jean Le Vacher] continued this practice. Da Sassari tried to force Ambrozin to pay back the money, the consul subsequently threatened to burn him, after which Da Sassari had to leave the city. Da Sassari informed him that if he saw a way to take the money from the consul, Di Seravezza should do this. For now the consul should no longer be allowed to interfene in the alms. The consul however told him that he would continue with the collection of the alms, as his predecessor had also done. Di Seravezza informed him that the reason his predecessor had collected the alms, is that he had also been vicar as well as consul. Therefore he should not interfene with the buisiness of the church; PF was made aware of this in the translated statement that he sent to them, by the commissionary general of Terra Santa, Father Chintana. He has been away for almost a year without being able to do anything. Now he has put the case into the hands of the nuncio, as had been ordered by the general of the Capuchins; one can read this from the attached document. He ordered him to go to the nuncio [Pietro Bargellini] and let him talk to the king [of France]. However the nuncio did not want to do this, nor did he want to give Di Seravezza's writings to the king. Because the cardinals of PF were in conclave they could also not help him. Eventually the nuncio sent him a letter, the same of which Di Seravezza also sent to PF. Because he could not be helped in Paris or by PF, he decided to return to Tunis. The case has damaged the church of Tunis, and he was informed of this, by the letters that the Christians in the city sent him. Di Seravezza does not know what to do anymore, since the nuncio does not want to speak to the king. He hopes however that PF will bring the case to the king so that he will do justice. He also wishes that the poor slaves who have no hope to be freed will at least receive spiritual consolation from PF. When he returned in Tunis they gave him a letter from Livighier [Jean Le Vacher], who wrote that PF had sent him Di Seravezza's confirmation. Even though he knew that Di Seravezza was in Marseille, he did not send it to him; it is for this reason that he asks PF if they know how to help them. They have heard from Girolamo Da Sassari and read in the letters of the Christians, and the letter written by Angiolo Ranuzzi, the archbishop of Dalmatia, the request to send him the patents. He needs the patents so that he will be better able to serve the church, the slave priests will acknowledge him, and he will be able to manage the money. If they decide to send it to him they can do this by means of the general of the Capuchins, who will send it via Genua and Tabarca to Tunis. PF dedicdes: 1) that the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should be asked to give exact information about the case of the consul; 2) the superior of the Minor Observants should be asked to recall Antonio Di Seravezza; and 3) the patents of Girolamo Da Sassari should be revoked.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SOCG 424, 252r, 255v
1670-05-10
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 201r-202v (database item 669).
See for the Antonio Di Seravezza mentioned translated statement APF SOCG 430, 248r-249v, 255r-256r (database item 734).
See for the letter PF sent to Jean Le Vacher to ask for more information about the consul: APF LETTERE 55, 74v (database item 609).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
753
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to Father Chintana, 1670-05-16, Marseille
Capuchins
Franciscans
Ransom
Seravezza case
Tunis
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to Father Chintana, commissioner general of Terra Santa. Many months ago Di Seravezza wrote a letter to Father Benigno Bruni, commissioner general of Italy, that he should have delivered to PF. In this letter he wrote about what happened in Tunis, and asked the commissioner to bring the case to the attention of PF. Now that the pope and the commissioner general have died, he is not sure whether his writings are lost, or did not have their intended effect. Now he sends this letter again to Father Chintanaso, in order for him to bring it to PF. Di Seravezza asks him first to read the letter, in order to inform him on what to do to achieve justice. This mission used to be of the Capuchin Fathers, but PF has since given it to the Minor Observants (as one can read in the attached letter by the vicar general of that order). In Marseiles there is a congregation called Fathers of the mission (CM) that had held the mission 20 years before the Capuchins. The vicar of that mission was Gio' Livigier (Jean Le Vacher), who destroyed the church of Tunis. In the 20 years that he ruled over this mission, he took 28 thousand piastre, and a boat full of stuff with him. The French consul followed his footsteps. Now this congregation (and in particular Le Vacher), asks PF to take the mission from the Minor Observants, and give it to them; the mission however does not do well in the hands of the French. In 20 years they have never freed anyone, while Di Serevezza granted six slaves liberty in only one year. He sends the letters open in order that Chintana can understand what has happend. He should as well read the letter sent by the poor Christians to PF. He asks him to send him the patents by PF, in order to remove any CM priests from the mission, since they have brought great shame. Father Chintana should avoid that the mission falls in other hands, and make sure that Le Vacher pays for the goods he took from the mission, which were worth around 2,500 scudi. He asks Chintana as well to accept the protection of this mission.
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SC Barbaria 1, 180r-181v
1670-05-16
Adressed to Father Chintana
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
881
Origin: Marseille
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-08-10, Tunis
Tunis
Bizerte
Capuchins
Ransom
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF in which he mentions the following issues: a) he had thought that Antonio Di Seravezza was vicar apostolic in Tunis, until he saw a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, that clearly stated that Di Seravezza had no such authority. Da Palermo suggests that Di Seravezza might not know about the ecclesiastical censures one incurs, by assuming such authority without license to do so; b) Di Seravezza has even administered the sacrament of confirmation in Bizerte; c) a certain Domenico Bernabò had entrusted 150 piastre to Di Seravezza, however the sum was never returned to him; d) a Greek Orthodox Father desires to become Catholic. This would be dangerous if his master found out about it, so first he must be ransomed for the sum of 300 piastres; and e) a Stefano, who is an Armenian who was captured on his way to Rome (where he intended to study), is being treated very badly by his master, because he is black. He could be ransomed for 150 piastre. For the last three cases Da Palermo asks for financial help from PF. During their meeting of 12 January 1671, the cardinals decided: 1) another letter should be written to Di Seravezza's superiors, and that otherwise PF should issue an order for his arrest (at the secretary's suggestion); 2) they decided that information should be requested from Father Lommellino; and 3) Bernabò's superior should be consulted. On the ransom issues, it is decided that the case should be recommended to the Padri del Riscatto. The letter dated 10 October 1670.
Date discussed 1671-01-12
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 426, 90r, 91r, 93v
1670-08-10
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Letter
650
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-10-20, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF. He writes this letter to inform PF about the situation concerning Antonio Di Seravezza. Di Seravezza has abused the authority of the church and divided the Christians in Tunis, which has created disorder. He has also sent two priests from his order [Minor Observants] to Tripoli. From the decree [that Di Seravezza issued on 21 August 1670] one can see his arrogant behaviour. Luigi also wrote about this situation to his vicar general [Jean Le Vacher].
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 232r
1670-10-20
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
With "the decree" Luigi Da Palermo probably means the decree issued by Di Seravezza on 1670-08-21: APF SOCG 430, 229r (database item 721).
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
724
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Summary of SOCG 424 on the case of Antonio Di Seravezza and Girolamo Da Sassari, 1670-11-10
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Tunis
Algiers
Tunis
PF summary of SOCG 424. Because Gio' LeVacher [Jean Le Vacher] could no longer stay as vicar apostolic in Tunis, Girolamo Da Sassari was sent there as vicar prefect; this authority was later given to Antonio Da Serauezza. They did many good things in Tunis, but Da Sassari eventually had to leave Tunis for the same reason. Ships that arrived in the port of Tunis used to always give alms to the bagnos. The French consul [Jean Ambrozin] wanted to keep this money to himself, and if someone objected, he was forced by the consul to leave the city. When Da Sassari went to Rome, Antonio Di Seravezza stayed behind, but never wrote to PF. He did write to the French nuncio in which he called himself vicar apostolic of Carthage, despite never being appointed by PF. In this letter he wrote that the consul took the money of the chapels, and that the consulalso led a dishonest life; he made two vicar apostolics leave the city because they asked him about the money for the chapels. Its noted that the consul did many unworthy things against the faith and the crown, and were he not in Tunis, many souls would not have been lost. In Marseille he asked to restore the order, and to make the consul pay back the money by means of Antonio Croi (a Minor Observant). He stated that these scandals happened, as Colbert protected the consul. The Nuncio talked with Monsù di Lionnè and asked him to force the consul to work in a more honourable way. There are two things to do: a) it is obvious that Di Seravezza is not being honest; and b) though the soulution may seem obvious, it would be more difficult to let the most christian king do something about the consul. Without the missionaries it is also clear that there will be souls lost. There is another letter written by Da Sassari from Rome to Di Seravezza which is signed by the vicar and prefect of Tunis. He says that he received spiritual things from the court but nothing to support the mission, and therefore he does not want to return. He also says that PF wants the consul to return the money, and that the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher], who is also vicar apostolic in Tunis, does not intervene in this mission; also for this reason he does not seem suited for the mission. Di Seravezza wrote to the vicar apostolic of Tunis [Jean Le Vacher] informing him first of all the things that the consul had done, and secondly that he had sent two priests of his order to Tunis, where he also wanted to go himself. He stated that he did not leave Tunis to leave the Christians there behind, but to instead inform the most christian king of the problems caused by the consul. He tells the vicar that he will take care of the churches of Tunis and Tripoli, and that the vicar should only take care of the church of Algiers; this has been decided by PF, and in another letter to PF he also asked for the patents.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
In the corresponding acta file (i.e. the copy) PF decides the following things: 1) the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should be written to for more information about the consul; 2) the superior of the Minor Observants should call Antonio Di Seravezza back from the mission; and 3) the patents that Girolamo Da Sassari received should be revoked.
PF
APF SOCG 424, 242r-243v
1670-11-10
The same summary is found in APF ACTA 39, 201r-202v, (database item 669).
Original
Italian
Summary
748
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1670-11-10, Rome
Tunis
Capuchins
Ransom
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, stating that the cardinals have approved his appointment of Father Luigi Da Palermo (a Capuchin), as pro-vicar of Tunis; its also noted that they admire the fact that he had to spend a considerable amount of money to ransom Da Palermo. The letter dated 10 November 1670.
Additional comments
There is also another copy of this letter with the title: "Copia della lettera della Sacra Co’greg’ne de Propag’a/ a D. Giò le Vaschier Vicario Apost’l’co in Algeri." The one found in Lettere ends in "il Sig’re la felici," while the last line from the one in SC Barbaria is "il sig're la prosperi," SC Barbaria, vol. 1, 231r.
PF
APF LETTERE 55, f. 74r
1670-11-10
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
600
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Tunis]
PF minutes, 1670-11-10, Rome
Tunis
Capuchins
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Minutes of PF general meeting of 10 November 1670 discussing among other issues, letters from the Capuchin Girolamo Da Sassari, (vice prefect to Algiers), the Minor Observant Antonio Di Seravezza (who worked in Algiers without patents of PF), and from others. The summary recounts the following: a) Jean Le Vacher was vicar apostolic in Tunis, until he left the city because of troubles with the consul of France [Jean Ambrozin]; b) Girolamo Da Sassari who was subsequently appointed by PF as vice prefect, had to leave the mission for the same reason; and c) Antonio Di Seravezza continued to live in Tunis, but never wrote to PF. When he did write, his letters were from Marseille, and he signed as vicar apostolic, despite not even being appointed missionary by PF. He wrote to the nuncio complaining about the consul and about Colbert, and the nuncio believed him and tried to remedy the issue. The conclusion from these letters reported on the summary is: 1) that Di Seravezza is dishonest and untrustworthy, and that it is not difficult to remedy this problem; 2) that something should be done about the consul, however this will be more difficult to remedy. The summary also discusses a letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Seravezza, which includes false information about PF's position on the whole issue, e.g. that PF would have decided that the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should not interfere in the Tunis mission despite him being granted vicar apostolic of the mission as well. Lastly, a letter is discussed from Antonio Di Seravezza to the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] in which: a) he complains about the consul; b) he reports to have sent Minor Observants to Tripoli, and tjhat he also wants to send others to Tunis; and c) he tells the vicar apostolic not to interfere with the Tunis mission, assuming that PF commissioned this mission to him (although he did not even receive missionary patents). The cardinals decide the following on the whole issue: 1) the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should be written to regarding information about the consul; 2) the superior of the Minor Observants should recall Antonio Di Seravezza back from the mission; and 3) the patents that Girolamo Da Sassari received should be revoked.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 39, 197r, 201r-202v
1670-11-10
Latin
Italian
Minutes
669
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1670-11-15, Tunis
Tunis
Tripoli
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF. He confirms that the apostolic vicar in Algiers Jean Le Vacher has freed him, after he was captured from a French ship. The titular archbishop of Erevan, Persia, has arrived in Tunis, which has brought Luigi much consolation. The church [in Tunis] is doing well, and much has changed since Antonio Di Seravezza had pretended to be vicar general (which had caused division among the Christians). Luigi still asks PF for a confirmation of his position [as vicar apostolic of Tunis], because many still believe that Antonio Di Seravezza is the rightfull vicar apostolic. Luigi also writes that there is a great need for money to free Christian slaves, who are tempted to renounce their faith.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 233r-v
1670-11-15
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
725
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from the PF secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to the superior of CM, 1670-11-23, Rome
Tunis
Capuchins
Copy of a letter from the secretary of PF to the superior of CM. They ask that he refer the name of the Capuchin that Jean Le Vacher elected as vice-prefect for the Tunis mission [Luigi Da Palermo], because it was not in the report given to PF. The letter dated 12 November 1670.
Additional comments
[Federico Baldeschi]
APF LETTERE 56, 145r
1670-11-23
Addressed to the superior of CM
Italian
Letter
603
Origin: Rome
Destination: Paris
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi], 1670-12-10, Tunis
Capuchins
Conversion
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Seravezza case
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo. He writes that he is very grateful for everything that has been done for him. He asks for the confirmation of his position as vicar apostolic of Tunis, because some Christians only accept the authority of Antonio Di Saraveza, who also claims to be apostolic vicar of Tunis. Luigi also asks for money in order to ransom Christian slaves. Many of them have been forced by their masters to renounce their faith.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 430, 225r-v
1670-12-10
Adressed to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
Italian
Letter
720
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from Beauchamps to [PF], 1671-01-11, Cagliari
Tunis
Franciscans
Malta
Capuchins
Seravezza case
A letter from cavaliere Beauchamps. He feels obliged to tell about the unfortunate events since he left Marseille on 8 December with 25 cavalieri. They were complete overwhelmed by a tempest, and four other cavallieri drowned. They spent hours somewhere at the coastline; he tried to get from board to save himself, but was later pulled back on. In the morning they travelled to Cagliari, where he has stayed in the convent of the Observants ever since. Though he has become sick, there are two things that console him. First of all his acquintance with Ant'o di Saravezza [Antonio Di Seravezza] who had been vicar apostolic for five years, and who would still be vicar apstolic if it were not for the consul Jean Ambrozin; this can be understood from the attached document, and from all the letters that Di Seravezza wrote previously. The behavior of the consul should be reported to the French King, because the whole kingdom is in chaos now that the vicar apostolic has left. The second point is that the person to whom he had given a mission and who could do nothing with this for months because of the "current obstacles," will soon return and continue the mission. He is wainting on a ship that will sail to Malta this month, to which his squadra will also return.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza claimed to be the vicar apostolic of Tunis after Girolamo Da Sassari left but in fact he was not.
APF SOCG 430 246r-v, 258r
1671-01-11
Adressed to [Jean Le Vacher]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
732
Origin: Cagliari
Destination: Rome
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to [PF], 1671-01-11, Cagliari
Capuchins
Corsairs
Franciscans
Petitions for missionary patents
Ransom
Renegades
Slaves (Christian)
Seravezza case
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF. He had previously sent a letter to PF about the poor state of the church of Tunis (which had been caused by the French consul Jean Ambrozin), so that PF would select two priests for this case, and would be well informed enough to remove the consul from his position; he has given this letter to Father Chintana who was instructed to bring it to PF. However, the two ships that would bring the letter to Rome have been capatured by the Turks, therefore he is sure that the letters are lost. For this reason, a copy has been made, and sent with the help of David de Barnard and Cosimo Bouillard, a French merchant. Because he [Di Seravezza] was staying in Tabarca he had to go to Sardinia in order to meet Girolamo Da Sassari (his predecessor who had expierenced the same troubles as he is now), to talk about the case. When he arrived there, however, he found out that he passed away. In Sardinia however, he found two priests willing to serve as missionaries, Elzelario Boulliard and Alexandrino Serro. He asks PF for their missionary patents. In the dispatch that he expected to receive, he hoped to find the patents for these priests from the Father Provincial. He also asks patents for two other priests, Gio' Baptista Pisquedda and Michel Angelo Ledda. In three or four days he explects to return to Tabarca. The letter also notes that three years ago an 18-year-old Capuchin monk named Francesco della Pantelleria (the slave of Agimamamet Cogga, alias Filippo Delustria), renounced the faith. Di Seravezza ransomed him for 450 piastre. He promised to pay the money back to Di Seravezza who had lent it. In Pisa, Della Pantelleria gave it to Giouan Pagni. When Di Seravezza arrived in Genova he wrote a letter to Pagni asking him to give back the money. He said he gave the money to Antonio Maria Vintimiglia who will return the money to Tunis, so that Di Seravezza can give it back to his creditors.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SOCG 430, 250r-v
1671-01-11
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
735
Origin: Cagliari
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF, 1671-01-12, Cagliari
Capuchins
Franciscans
Seravezza case
Tunis
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF. Because he is such a sinner Di Seravezza decided to repent for his sins and by heavenly inspiration, decided to serve as a missionary in Barbaria. After arriving in Tunis he found Girolamo Da Sassari (the vicar apostolic), who was dealing with the tirrany of the French consul [Jean Ambrozin]; the consul threatened to let him burn, for which reason he was forced to go to Rome. Da Sassari left Di Seravezza as head of the church, and told him that he should make sure that the consul would not interfere with the goods of the church. Because the consul also tried to burn Di Seravezza four times, he too was forced to flee to France. The consuls of the city of Marseille listened to his reasons, and made a statement of it; one copy was sent to the Nuncio to France, and another translated copy was sent with the seal of the king of France, to PF. Due to the letters that other Christians wrote from Tunis, he was able to return to Tabarca. Because the consul knew this, he went to the Dey to tell him that Di Seravezza did not work in Tunis to help the Christians, but to instead make the city rebel. Di Seravezza went to Cagliari to discuss the matter with Da Sassari, only to find the latter dead. He has however been very fortunate to meet Cavaliere De Beauchamps, who also sent a letter to PF about his case. He also gave him his statement, and a copy from one of the merchants. Among others, he sent messages to Father Chintana, commissionary general of Terra Santa di Araceli, and to Father Ignatio di Roma; tit is requested that all the letters have to be delivered to PF, in order to ensure that they are well informed about the case.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SOCG 430, 253r-v
1671-01-12
Adressed to [the PF prefect, Antonio Barberini Jr.]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
See for the statement of Antonio Di Seravezza himself, mentioned in the letter APF SOCG 430, 248r-249v, 255r-256r (database item 734).
See for the statement of the merchants mentioned in the letter: APF SOCG 430, 247r-v (database item 733).
The letter of Beauchamps is probably: APF SOCG 430, 246r-v, 258r (database item 732).
Original; signed.
Italian
Letter
736
Origin: Cagliari
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
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to PF, 1671-04-10, Tunis
Tunis
Ransom
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Renegades
Capuchins
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo (apostolic vicar in Tunis), on the case of Vincenzo Piccinini, who in 1661 brought 21 renegades with his ship to Rome. Piccinini also received 1,000 piastres from the Dey of Tunis in order to free a Turkish slave. However, when Picccinini returned to Tunis, he was enslaved himself. During his enslavment in Tunis, the Dey (who orginally gave him the money) and two of his heirs died, therefore they were unable to claim the money. Piccinini wants to use the 1,000 piastres to ransom himself. Luigi Da Palermo also writes about the suffering of the Christian slaves in Tunis, and that in some cases it would be relatively cheap to ransom a slave. He also reports that currently there are 3 priests in Tunis, among whom is Marcello Costa, who has just arrived.
Date discussed: 1671-06-15
Additional comments
Luigi Da Palermo
APF SOCG 428, 14r-v, 16v
1671-04-10
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 153r, 155r, 156r.
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
711
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Letter from PF to Luigi Da Palermo, 1671-05-15, [Rome]
Capuchins
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tripoli
Letter from PF to Luigi Da Palermo, missionary in Tripoli. In Tripoli PF has founded a mission of Reformed Friar Minors to help the Christian slaves. PF has written a letter to the Trinitarian Fathers to ask if they could try to ransom Vincenzo Piccinini. Da Palermo should either be granted more revenues (or should lower his expenditure), in order to have money to spend on ransoming slaves.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 57, 51r
1671-05-15
Adressed to Luigi Da Palermo
For the mentioned letter to the Trinitarian Fathers, see: APF Lettere 57, 50v-51r (database item 858).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
859
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Tripoli
Statement certyfing the Ransom of Luigi Da Palermo by Jean Le Vacher, 1671-06-26
Algiers
Ransom
Capuchins
Slave priests
Statement from El Sidy El Hagi Gigeri and Mehamet Langét. They state that they previously held Luis De Palermo [Luigi Da Palermo] as a slave, but that Juan Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] ransomed him for 650 pessas de ocho realles.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
This is the evidence that Jean Le Vacher uses to prove to PF that it was him, and not somebody else, who ransomed Luigi Da Palermo.
El Sidy El Hagi Gigeri; Mehamet Langét
APF SOCG 430, 290r
1671-06-26
See for the discussion of this letter in PF: 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; stamps
Spanish
Statement
741
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination:
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:
Statement by Bernardus Maria, Joannes Cabrold, brother Emmanuel and Ludovicus Rodriguez, slave priests in Algiers, about the ransoming of Luigi Palermo, 1671-06-29
Algiers
Capuchins
Other religious orders
Ransom
Slave priests
Tunis
Statement by Bernardus Maria, Joannes Cabrold, brother Emmanuel and Ludouicus Rodriguez. These priests in Algiers attest that Joanne’ le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] ransomed Ludouicu a Palermo [Luigi Da Palermo] for 650 scudi in Algiers in 1670. He can therefore administer the sacrements and fulfill other duties, during the next three years in the city of Tunis.
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.
Bernardus Maria; Joannes Cabrold, Emmanuel; Ludovicus Rodriguez
APF SOCG 430, 291r
1671-06-29
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; signed
Latin
Statement
742
Origin: Algiers
Destination:
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 PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1671-08-03
Algiers
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Ransom
Letter from PF to Gio' Levacher [Jean Le Vacher], vicar apostolic of Algiers. PF understands that Le Vacher has always cared for the Christians who stay in the areas assigned to him. It is also well known to PF that Le Vacher has always tried to increase the esteem that PF has for him. Now they have come to understand that Le Vacher has ransomed Luigi Da Palermo (a Capuchin priest), at his own expense. It is believed that Da Palermo is very gifted, and he has not only been recommended by PF, but has also been assigned the cure of the slaves in Tunis. PF remind Le Vacher that he has to pay attention to the behavior of Da Palermo.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 57, 88r
1671-08-03
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
This is probably an answer to a letter by Jean Le Vacher, see: APF SOCG 429, 278r-279v (database item 716).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
863
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Algiers
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi], 1671-08-15, Palermo
Capuchins
Tunis
Petitions for missionary patents
Slaves (Christian)
Seravezza case
Petitions for faculties
Letter of Luigi Da Palermo, who writes that he is staying in Palermo to help in the ransoming of slaves. He is planning to return to Tunis afterwards. He received a letter from Gio' Leuascier [Jean Le Vacher] containing three copies of letters from CM: a) one about the confirmation of Luigi Da Palermo's faculties for the mission of Tunis; b) the second about Antonio da Saraveza [Antonio Di Seravezza], who pretends to be an apostolic missionary in Tunis; and c) the third about the French consul of Tunis, with whom Jean Le Vacher has a conflict. Luigi Da Palermo also writes that there are only two priests in Tunis, Antonio Di Seravezza and Elzeario Da Marseglia. The latter is French and therefore imprisoned because there is a ongoing war with France; hence this is why he asks for the permission to return to Tunis with four new priests. Its noted that he will be staying in Palermo until the answer arrives.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430, 221r-v, 280r
1671-08-15
Adressed to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
718
Origin: Palermo
Destination: Rome