Letter from Jean Le Vacher to René Alméras, 1648-06-22, Tunis
Tunis
Plague
Non-Catholic Christians
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the superior of CM in Rome (René Alméras) reporting: a) the death of Julien Guérin on 23 May 1648; b) that of Jacques Lesage [spelled Le Sagè] in Algiers approximately 20 days before; c) the slow recovery from his own brush with the plague; d) details regarding Julien Guérin's place of enterment; and e) an incident caused by the discovery of a well-preserved corpse in the Christian cemetery in Tunis, and the conflict it caused between the Roman Catholics and the Greek Orthodox; this prompted the local administration to rule that from then on the Greek would bury their dead in a different cemetery.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 65, 207r-v, 208v
Cited in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: Correspondence, Conferences, Documents (Brooklyn, NY: 1985-2010), vol. 3, doc. 1057, p. 349, fn. 4.
1648-06-22
Addressed to René Alméras
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
138
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Paris]
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1650]
Tunis
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, missionary in Tunis to PF. He writes that by a decree of 22 June 1648 he was appointed vicar general of Monsignor Costaguti, the archbishop of Carthage. Yet on that decree instead of "Giovanni," "Philippo" was written. Jean Le Vacher now asks if this mistake can be changed, and if he may be appointed not vicar general (this office does not bring much authority, the people in the region do not even acknowledge the archbishop), but vicar apostolic. The petition was discussed on 7 August 1650. The decision of the cardinals is not mentioned in this document.
Date discussed 1650-08-07
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 195r, 200v
[1650]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 19, 397r, 401r-v, issue 20 (database item 466).
Italian
Petition
436
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1651]
Tunis
Bizerte
Algiers
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He asks for a plenary indulgence for everyone who, after having been to confession and having received communion, visits one of the five chapels in Bizerte, or one of the sixteen chapels in Algiers on their respective feast days. Moreover, he asks for the indulgence of the jubilee year for all Christians of the region.
Additional comments
Date based on a discussion in PF about indulgences, as asked by Jean Le Vacher, see: APF ACTA 20, 21r, 24r, issue 20 &21 (database item 452).
Another petition on behalf of the same SOCG is also discussed at the same time. See: APF SOCG 248, 266r, 287v (database item 445).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 267r
[1651]
Addressed to PF
The minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, might be: APF ACTA 20, 21r, 24r, issue 20 &21 (database item 452).
Italian
Petition
446
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1651]
Tunis
Slave priests
Non-Catholic Christians
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He asks for advice on two matters: a) whether he may allow slave priests who cannot show their certificate of priesthood to say mass, as long as they themselves (or others) swear an oath that they are indeed priests; and b) whether he should allow the Greek Orthodox to celebrate (according to their rites) in the Latin churches and chapels, even though they do have a chapel of their own. A PF note shows that the cardinals decided to forward the two issues to the Holy Office.
Date discussed [1651-03-06]
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 266r, 287v
[1651]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the general meeting of the cardinals during which this petition was discussed, see: APF ACTA 20, 21r, 24r (database item 452).
Italian
Latin
Petition
445
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1652]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Slaves (Christian)
Tripoli
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He asks that his mission be extended to Tripoli, as had been the case for his predecessor Julien Guérin. Le Vacher wants to be able to visit Tripoli, since currently there are many Christian slaves and no missionaries there.
Date discussed [1652-12-09]
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 235r, 252v
[1652]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 21, 127v, 134r-v, issue 20 (database item 544).
Italian
Petition
438
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1652]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Slaves (Christian)
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, to PF. He asks for three things: a) a new decree that clearly states that all members of religious orders (whether free or slaves), fall under his authority, and that he recieves the faculties to punish them with ecclesiastical censures if they refuse to obey; b) that all ceremonies other than the ones prescribed in the Roman liturgy be forbidden; and c) that he can grant other priest's the faculty of reading mass one hour before dawn, and one hour after midday, so that the many slaves who have to work from the break of day onwards, can attend mass. PF agrees to the first and third point, and order that nothing be changed with respect to the second.
Date discussed [1652-09-09]
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 264r-v, 289v
[1652]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 21, 107r, 109r-v, issue 11 (database item 543).
Italian
Latin
Petition
444
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1653]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Slaves (Christian)
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, to PF. He writes that there are many slaves in Tunis, but too few priests, meaning that not all slaves can easily attend mass (as they used to). Therefore he asks for the faculty that he, and one other priest appointed by him, may say mass three times a day on Sundays and on feast days.
Date discussed [1653-12-16]
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 260r, 293v
[1653]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 22, 136r, 143r, issue 28 (database item 551).
Italian
Petition
441
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1654-01-24, Tunis
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF, accompanying an extensive report on his mission. Le Vacher stated that he wrote the report, when asked by PF (via Thomas Bérthe who is the superior of CM house in Rome). The letter signed and dated 24 January 1654.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 298r
1654-01-24
Addressed to PF
See for the actual report: APF SOCG 248, 273r-280v 286v (database item 447).
Latin
Letter
448
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Report from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1654-01-29, Tunis
Tunis
Mission reports
Slaves (Christian)
Extensive report by Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, on the situation in the city and of the slaves, the spiritual assistance of the priests, the hospitals, the chapels of the bagnos, and the problem of apostasy. The report signed and dated 29 January 1654.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 273r-280v 286v
Both the Italian original and an English translation have been published by A. Forrestal and F. Roşu, in: 'Slavery on the Frontier: The Report of a French Missionary on Mid-Seventeenth-Century Tunis', Reformation & Renaissance Review, vol. 14 no. 2 (2012), 170-211.
1654-01-29
Addressed to PF
See for the accompanying letter: APF SOCG 248, 298r (database item 448).
Italian
Report
447
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1654]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, to PF asking for the renewal of his faculties of apostolic missionary, granted to him by a decree of 22 June 1648.
Date discussed 1654-07-13
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 262r, 291v
[1654]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 23, 68r, 73r, issue 25 (database item 558).
Italian
Petition
442
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letters from Jean Le Vacher to [Thomas Berthe], 1655-04-10 and 1655-04-17, Tunis
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Civitavecchia
Non-Catholic Christians
Two letters from Jean Le Vacher, most probably to the superior of CM house in Rome. He asks him to obtain the following from PF: a) the renewal of his faculties of vicar apostolic; b) the faculty to administer the sacrament of confirmation be included; c) all the books in Arabic that PF normally gives to those who go on missions in partibus infidelium, especially the Holy Scripture; and d) a letter from the slaves in Civitavecchia, which would testify that they had not been treated badly, in order to rectify the trouble that they had brought to the Christians in Tuni,s due to their earlier complaints to the Dey of Tunis. In the second letter he writes that the English have come with 18 warships to demand all the English slaves, but the Dey refused, so in retaliation, the English burned all Tunisian ships which were in Port Farine, and threaten to destroy more if their requests go un-answered. Le Vacher also asks for copies of the Koran, the Torah, and the Gospels in Arab and Latin (if they are available in Rome). Lastly, he asks for specific indulgences. The letters signed and dated 10 and 17 April 1655.
Date received 1655-05-15
Additional comments
Since the letter is in French it is probably not written to PF, because Le Vacher would usually use Italian for that purpose. It is also known that Le Vacher sometimes used Berthe to send letters to Rome. See also: APF SOCG 248, 298r (database item 448).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 299r-v, 301r
1655-04-10 and 1655-04-17
Addressed to [Thomas Berthe]
French
Letter
449
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1655]
Tunis
CM petitions
Slaves (Christian)
Conversion
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, asking that PF cardinals see to remedy the problem of many slaves in Tunis never having received the sacrament of confirmation. Without confirmation, many are in danger of renegading.
Additional comments
Date based on two letters sent by Jean Le Vacher in April 1655. See: APF SOCG 248, 299r-v, 301r (database item 449).
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 263r, 290v
[1655]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
443
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1655]
Tunis
CM petitions
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Civitavecchia
Slave priests
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He writes that the [Muslim] slaves in Civitavecchia have sent their complaints to the ruler of Tunis, stating that the land they had bought to bury their dead, has been taken from them. Le Vacher heard that the ruler of Tunis summoned all Christian priests and Christians present in the city, and told them that were the situation in Civitavecchia to remain unchanged, the Christian cemetery in Tunis would be destroyed. Jean Le Vacher therefore asks that the cardinals remedy this problem, and have the slaves in Civitavecchia write to Tunis. In their general meeting of 12 July 1655, the cardinals decide to ask the general treasurer to provide more information about the matter.
Date discussed 1655-07-12
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 257r, 296v
[1655]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 24, 35r, 38r-v, issue 10 (database item 527).
Italian
Latin
Petition
440
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1656]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis to PF. He asks for the faculties that allow him to consecrate chalices and altar stones.
Additional comments
The year is derived from PF filing system, not the petition itself.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 256r, 297v
[1656]
Addressed to PF
The minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, might be: APF ACTA 25, 12r, 16v-17r, issue 20, (database item 512). They mention also the faculty to bless priestly vestments, which is not mentioned in the petition.
Italian
Petition
439
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1659]
Tunis
Bizerte
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis, in which he asks for plenary indulgences for the feasts of the patron saints of the chapels in the bagnos of Tunis and Bizerte. Monsignor refuses to send them in two packages as was done in the past, because it would be too risky to send such a package to a far away and barbarous country. The cardinals are asked if it cannot be done anyway, as it has been sent in the past.
Additional comments
Date based on the other dates of this SOCG.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 5r, 6r, 7v
[1659]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
378
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1663]
Tunis
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Malta
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF. He explains that Giuseppe Guevara and Serafino and Vincenzo Piccinini, all from Malta, have left with 1,000 pezze, which they received from the governor of Tunis in order to ransom a slave. Since they did not keep their word, the governor became angry and forced all priests in Tunis to write to the pope about the matter. PF in response to this, assured the governor that the 1,000 pezze was kept in the Sacro Monte della Pietà at his disposal. Now, however, the Maltese are claiming the money back. Jean Le Vacher writes that if they were to receive the money, it would be very dangerous for him and the other Christians present in Tunis, since PF already wrote two letters in which it was stated that the money was being kept at the disposal of the governor of Tunis; he therefore asks PF not to allow that the money be given to the Maltese. Petition discussed by PF on 3 July 1663; the PF decision on f. 49v shows that the cardinals decided to withhold the money from the Maltese.
Date discussed 1663-07-03
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 39r-v, 40v, 49v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 32, 152r, 156v-157v (same information; not in this database).
It was discussed together with: APF SOCG 254, 44r-48v, 49v (database item 382).
Italian
Latin
Petition
381
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1664-03-13, Tunis
Tunis
Mission reports
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Extensive report by Jean Le Vacher on the situation in Tunis, which lists his missionary work, the behavior of other priests, and the case of several Maltese [Vincenzo Piccinini and Giuseppe and Francesco Guerara] who took 1000 pezze from the Dey, which he had destined for the redemption of a slave in Messina. He moreover reports that there are no priests left in Tripoli. At PF general meeting of 30 June 1664, the cardinals decided that Le Vacher should be asked for more information about the Dey's money; that CM superior [René Alméras] should be asked whether new missionaries would be available for this mission; and lastly that Le Vacher should order the priests that they abstain from usury and commercial activities, on the pain of interdiction to say mass.
Date discussed 1664-06-30
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 65r-v, 67r-v
1664-03-13
Addressed to PF
The draft of a letter answering this letter of Jean Le Vacher can be found on: APF SOCG 254, 66r (database item 385).
Italian
Latin
Letter
384
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1664]
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF asking for the renewal of his faculties of vicar general of Tunis since they are about to expire. At PF general meeting of 22 September 1664 the cardinals approve the request.
Date discussed 1664-09-22
Additional comments
In the corresponding Acta, on f. 123v, the rescript reads: "S. Congr’o annuit ad aliud septennium", whereas on the petition itself (f. 69v) the notes only read: "S.C. Annuit": APF ACTA 33, 119r 123v.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 68r, 69v
[1664]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 33, 119r, 123v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Latin
Petition
386
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to the PF secretary [Mario Alberizzi], 1666-04-23, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Ransom
Renegades
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Mario Alberizzi, in which he explains what happened with the sum of 1,000 pezze that is in the possession of PF, and also claimed by "some Maltese in Rome." He writes that this sum was given by the late Dey to Giuseppe Guevara, a renegade, for the purpose of ransoming a slave in Messina (Sicily). Shortly after he received this money, Guevara fled together with Francesco Guevara, Serafino and Vicenzo Piccinini, their families and some other renegades, and they went to Rome. On hearing this, the Dey called all priests and the most important Christian slaves, and ordered them to write to the pope that his money should be given back to him; the Dey threatened to otherwise have it paid by the free and enslaved Christians in Tunis. The pope ordered that this money be held for the Dey, who continued to claim it up until his death; after his death the Divan took over his claim. Le Vacher advises not to give the money to anyone without a clear receipt, in case the Tunisian authorities attempt to extract it from the local Christians, be they free or enslaved. Le Vacher also mentions that Francesco Guevara threatened him many times in order to force him to write to PF in support of Guevara's request for money. Le Vacher advises to spend part of it for the redemption of Vincenzo Piccinini, a brother of Giuseppe Guevara who is abused, because he helped the Guevara brothers escape. The letter dated 23 April 1666.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 137r-138r
1666-04-23
Addressed to PF
This is a response to a letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, see: APF Lettere 51, 17r (database item 845).
Italian
Letter
396
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1666]
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher in which he asks that his faculties include all the privileges that he held in the past. In 1652 he had been given the authority to give apostolic missionary faculties to priests who had not been approved by PF; PF secretary notes, however, stated that in all the faculties given to prefects and vicars apostolic, the clause was included that all faculties could only be transmitted to priests that are approved by PF. During their general meeting of 12th of April 1666, the cardinals decide to grant Le Vacher the requested faculties for three years, but he needs to communicate the names of the priests to whom he transmits his faculties, so that PF can approve them. A second request of Le Vacher regards the faculties to give a plenary indulgence to all those who will confess and receive Holy Communion in the days of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and the Assumption of Mary. And also to those who are about to leave on the galleys, and an indulgence of ten years to those who will listen to the homilies of the vicar. This has to be asked to the pope.
Date discussed 1666-04-12
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 254, 100r-v, 101r, 102v, 103v
[1666]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 35, 89r, 92v-93r (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Latin
Petition
388
Origin: [Tunis]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1668-07-31, Algiers
Algiers
Mission reports
Other religious orders
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He writes about his travel to Algiers where he arrived on 24 May. He describes the situation in Algiers, that there are 14,000 or 15,000 Christian slaves, among whom there are around 100 women, and 300-400 children under the age of 15. He writes that there are five secular priests and two regulars, who did not all wear the priestly vestments. Upon his arrival he bought appropriate vestments for them and also managed to obtain permission from the Muslim rulers of the city for them to wear the vestments. He writes about the four bagnos that are in the city and the hospitals. Lastly he asks for some indulgences, medals, and crucifixes. The letter was discussed during PF meeting of 13 May 1669. The cardinals decided to answer Jean Le Vacher with a letter expressing their great esteem. The request of indulgences should be forwarded to the Congregation of Indulgences. The medals should be bought and the crucifixes issued, and indulgences should be obtained from the pope.
Date discussed 1669-05-13
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 419, 255r-256r, 262r-v
1668-07-31
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 38, 153, 173-4.
Italian
Latin
Letter
Petition
709
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, [1670]
Algiers
CM petitions
Discalced Carmelites
Mercedarians
Trinitarians
Tunis
Petition on behalf of Gio' il Vacher [Jean Le Vacher]. There are priests of the Redemption Orders in Algiers and Tunis who grant indulgences, resolve reserved cases, say mass outside the chapels wherever they want, administer the sacraments, and preach according to the privileges that they claim to have, but which they refuse to show. On one hand Le Vacher does not want to stop them from the work they are doing, but on the other hand he also wants to fulfill the obligations that PF has given him. That is why he asks PF if he should ask them to show their privilges, or whether he should allow them to work as they already do. Summary on the back. According to the secretary of PF [Federico Baldeschi] there has been a similar case before, in which Discalced Carmelites worked in the Scottish mission under the authority of the Custodian of the Holy Land; it was decided that the priests had to show their patents. For the question whether they should receive the license or not, it was decided that they should be allowed to work as priests. PF decides to hear what the superiors of the Trinitarians and the Mercedarians have to say regarding the matter.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Date based on the date of the discussion of this document in PF.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 424, 265r, 266v
[1670]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 203v-204r, issue 19 (database item 671).
See for the anwer of PF to Jean Le Vacher: APF LETTERE 55, 73v (database item 597).
See for the letter of PF to the superiors of the Trinitarians and Mercedarians: APF LETTERE 55, 76v (database item 602).
copy; signed; undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
756
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, [1670]
Franciscans
Seravezza case
CM petitions
Tunis
Ransom
Tripoli
Petition on behalf of Giovanni il Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. As he is vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis and therefore has the power to appoint a substitute, he has sent a Capuchin priest [Luigi Da Palermo], from Sicily to Tunis; the slaves, priests and consul in the city and the Knights of Malta also asked him to send the priest. Le Vacher ransomed the Capuchin priest for 600 piastre, with the authority of vicar apostolic for three years. He has heard that Antonio Di Seravezza has returned to the mission of Tunis and Tripoli (which his order of the Minor Observants has control of), and according to a letter that Di Seravezza wrote to Le Vacher (and that Le Vacher will now sent to PF), he asks PF what should be done. Summary on the back. Monsignore [Federico Baldeschi?, the secretary] says that not only has Seravezza never been made vicar, but he he has also never been made missionary; the missions of Tunis and Tripoli were also never assigned to the Minor Observants. PF agrees with the appointment of the Sicilian Capuchin [Luigi Da Palermo] as vicar apstolic of Tunis.
Date discussed: 1670-11-10
Additional comments
Date based on the date of the discussion of this document in PF.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 424, 263r, 264v
[1670]
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 39, 197r, 203r-v, issue 18 (database item 670). See for the letter of PF to Jean Le Vacher in which they approved his appointment of Luigi Da Palermo: APF LETTERE 55, 74r (database item 600).
copy; signed; undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
755
Origin: unknown
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 Jean Le Vacher to Jean Ambrozin, 1671-05-25, Algiers
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher (apostolic vicar in Algiers) to Jean Ambrozin (the French consul in Tunis), in which he lets the consul know that PF is making an inquiry into Ambrozin's activities, as there have been several complaints against him. Le Vacher had been asked by PF to provide a report about the situation, but since he is not in Tunis, he cannot do so, and he asks Ambrozin to provide the information himself. Le Vacher sends to Ambrozin the Capuchin father "Louys Da Palermo" (Luigi Da Palermo), who will give Ambrozin a copy of the letter that Le Vacher received from PF and will write a report on this subject. Le Vacher hopes that Ambrozin will not take to heart the bad reports made against him, and that he will be able to provide the necessary information to dispel the rumors. As soon as Luigi Da Palermo sends him his report, Le Vacher will forward it to PF, but not without adding his own testimony to the virtue of Ambrozin, which he has known for so many years.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 430, 223r-v, 224v
1671-05-25
Adressed to [Jean] Ambrozin
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Original; signed
French
Letter
719
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1671-07-01, Algiers
Algiers
Ransom
Trinitarians
Tunis
Capuchins
Slave priests
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. They probably know by now that Luigi Da Palermo has returned to Sicily, and has left the mission of Tunis. Le Vacher had ransomed him for 650 piastre and given him the position of provicar apostolic for three years. Now he is of the understanding that there is talk of Luigi being ransomed by others and not by him, and that he is therefore free to go wherever he wants. Because this is something other than what Le Vacher has told PF, he will show them proof. He also informs PF about the Trinitarian Bartolomeo Da Serrano, who did not want to show Le Vacher his faculties. Moreover he administered the sacraments in inappropriate places, and tried to stop Le Vacher going to the chapels that he administered. Because he could not solve the problem in a friendly way, he has decided to threathen Da Serrano with interdiction if he keeps administering the sacrements, and does not show his faculties.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r
1671-07-01
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
See for the statement of El Sidy El Hagi Gigeri and Mehamet Langét about the ransoming of Luigi Da Palermo, APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r (database item 741).
See for the statement of a group of priests in Algiers: APF SOCG 430, 291r (database item 742).
See for the statement of Jean Dubourdieu, the consul of Algiers: APF SOCG 292r (database item 743).
Original;signed
Italian
Letter
740
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to a Capuchin, 1671-11-13, Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to a certain member of the Capuchin order, in which he describes how he ransomed the Capuchin Luigi Da Palermo. Le Vacher used all his money so that Da Palermo could go and work in Tunis. Da Palermo promised to stay there for at least three years, but he left after only a few months, breaking his promise. Le Vacher now asks whether he can be sent back or whether another Capuchin can take his place. The letter dated 13 November 1671.
Date discussed [1672-05-30]
Additional comments
To this letter another letter was added (APF SOCG 433, 2r, 3v; not in this database), written by Marcello Costa and others on 25 December 1671, asking that Luigi Da Palermo be sent back to the mission because his work there was very beneficial for the mission and for the Christians in Tunis. That letter is signed by: Agostino Rossi, a slave priest, Giovanni Luca Bianco, priest, a free Frenchman De Lebar, someone called Picinino, the majordomo of the Bagno della Conceptione Giuseppe Benincasa, Giovanni Battista Brunelli, scribe of Agì Manet Celibi, and the scribe of the Bey, [Giuano?] Giustiniano.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 433, 1r-v
1671-11-13
Addressed to a Capuchin
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 42, 115r-v (database item 710).
Italian
Letter
652
Origin: Algiers
Destination: unknown
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF [1671]
Algiers
Trinitarians
Mercedarians
Jean Le Vacher reminds PF about the issue of Trinitarian and Mercedarian priests performing missionary activities on the basis of their privileges, but without appealing to him first. Bartolomeo Da Serrano is one of these Trinitarian priests who works in a Trinitarian hospital in Algiers. He administers the sacrements not only to the patients of the hospital but also to anybody else. Le Vacher asks what should be done about the situation.
1671-07-22
Additional comments
The decision in APF ACTA 41 199, 211r-212v (database item 715) is that the secretary and cardinal [Orsini] have to decide to whom they should give the faculties, according to the law.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 429, 90r, 93v, 94v
[1671]
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 199r,211r-212v.
See for the explanation of the procurator general of the Trinitarians: APF SOCG 429, 91r-92v (database item 714).
See for the earlier letter that Jean Le Vacher sent PF about Da Serrano: APF SOCG 289r-v, 293r (database item 740).
Not signed
Italian
Latin
Petition
713
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1671]
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
Salé
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks: a) that PF either send missionaries to Tetouan, Salé, Fez, and Morocco, or give him the faculties to do so; and b) whether as vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis, or as vicar general, he also has the authority over the surrounding areas where there are many Christians, especially in the Bastion [de France]. If this is not the case, he asks for the needed faculties. At the meeting of 27 April 1671 the cardinals agree to give him the requested faculties to appoint missionaries for the other cities. With regard to the second issue they decide that the secretary should check whether it is the case, and that if not, the needed faculties should be requested [at the Holy Office].
Date discussed 1671-04-27
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 427, 238r, 239r, 240v, 241v
[1671]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
651
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1672-08-01, Algiers
Algiers
Bizerte
Capuchins
Jesuits
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Giovanni Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to [PF]. According to the letter from 14 March 1671 he had to find a priest for Bizerte. He has found no-one more capable for the task than Marcello Costa, who is currently staying in Tunis. It is not necessary for him to stay there since they already is a Jesuit, a Capuchin, and some slave priests. It is up to PF to decide how much he should be paid for this work. He has heard that there are two priests in Tunis (Costantino Grillo and Michele Lipari), who wear clothes that they are not allowed to wear. Worse still, they also celebrate mass, which they are not allowed to do so. Le Vacher asks [PF] to do something about this case. He also reminds PF that Bartolomeo Da Serrano (a Spanish Trinitarian), is still staying in Algiers and does not want to accept the authority of the vicar apostolic, even though his superiors asked him to do so. PF decides to give Marcello Costa 30 scudi a year, for three years.
Date discussed: 1673-02-28
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 438, 465r, 466r-v, 467v
1672-08-01
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: ACTA 43, 44r-v.
See for the mentioned letter from PF: APF LETTERE 59, 12r (database item 606).
Original; signed
Italian
Latin
Letter
769
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome