Anonymous report with news about missions in Pegu, Persia and Madagascar
Madagascar
Franciscans
Capuchins
Jesuits
Other religious orders
Anonymous report with news about various Franciscan, Capuchin, Jesuit, and Carmelite missionaries to Pegu and Persia, Africa and India; in Madagascar there is just one missionary left because his companion died. The report also states that Marshal de La Meilleraye is now in charge of the castle, there will be a ship going every year with provisions, and that they should take advantage of this opportunity. The report is undated and unsigned.
Additional comments
In another report, made by Marshal de La Meilleraye, it is also mentioned that there is only one missionary left. This report was made in 1660. See: APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269).
APF SOCG 252, 4r-5v
[1660]
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Report
261
Origin: unknown
Destination:
Copy of PF decree, 1662-01-30
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Copy of PF decree dated 30 January 1662, aiming to appoint a missionary (yet to be chosen and name left blank), to replace Nicolas Etienne (of CM) as prefect of the Madagascar mission, in case of Etienne's death or absence.
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 252, 25r-v
1662-01-30
See for the petition asking for this decree: APF SOCG 252, 26r, 27v (database item 274).
Copy, dated
Latin
Italian
Decree
273
Origin: [Rome]
Destination:
Excerpt from la vie de Mr Nicolas Estienne Pretre de la Congregation de la Mission Martirisé dans l'isle de Madagascar en 1664, [1670 or later], [by Debras?]
Madagascar
Th
Additional comments
The copy itself must be of 1670 or later. The item it is copied from might be from 1664.
[Created by Debras?]
APF SC Africa 1, 31r-33v
[1670 or later]
copy; signed
Frech
Varia
Report
869
Origin:
Destination:
Forwarded copy of report from Nicolas Etienne to CM Superior René Alméras, [original dated 1664-01-16]
Madagascar
Mission reports
Report from Madagascar sent by Nicolas Etienne (prefect of the Madagascar mission), to René Alméras, dated 16 January 1664, to be forwarded to PF. The report starts with their journey from France (including quite detailed information about Cape Verde, where they stopped on the way), the activities of previous CM missionaries in Madagascar, and their own present activities. Discussed in PF on 19 January 1665; matter assigned to Cardinal Pallotto. PF notes on 55v only summarize the description of Cape Verde, and Etienne’s recommendation that missionaries be sent there.
Date discussed 1665-01-19
Additional comments
The minutes of the meeting during which this report was discussed, read: "Cum Superiore g’n’ali Congr’nis Missionum" (APF ACTA 34, 1r, 4v-5r).
Nicolas Etienne
APF SOCG 252, 47r-54v, 55v
[1664-01-16]
Adressed to René Alméras
For the minutes of the discussion, see: APF ACTA 34, 1r, 4v-5r (not in this database).
Contemp. Copy, unsigned and undated
Italian
Report
284
Origin: Madagascar
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from [a Discalced Carmelite] to PF [1649]
Madagascar
Discalced Carmelites
Babylon
Letter written by a Discalced Carmelite [possibly Pierre de Piviers] to PF about the situation in Madagascar. The letter notes that he has heard from merchants of the Compagnie, that secular missionaries have been sent to Madagascar the previous year, and that they do not want Discalced Carmelites to be on the island; they fear this might cause problems, as there is already concern that the people might loose their esteem for the secular priests, and that conflict might arise. Its also noted that people are not very happy with the arrival of the French. The letter also talks about the bishopric of Babylonia and Isfahan. The bishop (Father Bernard) said that he could not reside in his bishopric because he is ill, however he wants to help the mission by apppointing someone of his congregation as his successor; the bishop states he will support him and other missionaries financially and with faculties. The letter is not signed or dated.
Additional comments
There is no signature and no date, but, based on the content, it may be inferred that the letter was probably written by a Discalced Carmelite in 1649, possibly Pierre de Piviers.
[A Discalced Carmelite]
APF SOCG 248, 135r-136r
[1649]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Letter
420
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Letter from CM Superior Vincent de Paul to the PF secretary [Dionisio Massari], 1649-11-05, Paris
Madagascar
Letter from Vincent de Paul to [Dionisio Massari] in which he thanks him for his letter, and congratulates him for his new position as Secretary of PF; addressee implied from content, Dionisio Massari became Secretary in August 1649.
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 126r
Published in Coste (Fr.) vol. 3, doc. 1148 (NB: folios cited in Coste correspond to the old pagination in the PF archives; this db reflects the new pagination); Coste’s version is faithful to the original, with the exception of minor orthography and punctuation changes
1649-11-05
Addressed to [Dionisio Massari]
French
Letter
413
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from CM Superior Vincent de Paul to the PF secretary [Dionisio Massari], 1652-08 - 16, Paris
Madagascar
Non-Catholic Christians
Letter from Vincent de Paul to PF, in which he discusses the conversation he had with one of the captains, who was due to leave for Madagascar. According to the captain, communication with the island has been interrupted and is not likely to be resumed any time soon, because of current situation in France; half of the merchants involved with Madagascar have already left the island for Paris, and the other half are worried about the financial cost of leaving. Vincent de Paul is concerned about the one Vincentian priest who has been on the island for three years, and whom they have not heard any news from (he is referring to Charles Nacquart, who at the time of writing, had already died). Vincent du Paul notes the possibility of passage on a Dutch ship, since the Dutch hold a nearby island, called St. Maurice [Mauritius]. The passage from the Dutch bases to the French ones would, however be difficult, both because of the geography of the islands and because of the rivalry between the Dutch and the French. If Vincent de Paul finds another way to reach Madagascar he will let PF know. The letter dated 16 August 1652.
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 125r-v
Published in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: correspondance, entretiens, documents (Paris: 1920-25), vol. 4, doc. 1538, transcription faithful with the exception of minor orthography and punctuation changes. The closing formula and signature published in Coste do not appear in the original, which ends with the word "Monseigneur."
1652-08-16
Addressed to [Dionisio Massari]
French
Letter
412
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from CM Superior Vincent de Paul to the PF vice-prefect [Luigi Capponi], 1652-05-03, Paris
Madagascar
Vincent de Paul writes to [Cardinal Capponi] about the delay in his plan to send four more priests to Madagascar; the delay was down to lack of transportation, as the merchants who had promised to take the four missionaries with them, have postponed their departure until September. In response to the suggestion made by PF that the missionaries embark on Portuguese ships destined for Goa, Vincent de Paul writes that he just found out that there is no communication between Goa and Madagascar, and therefore they have abandoned that plan. He will look for other opportunities and will let [the prefect] know as soon as one comes up. The letter is dated 5 nonas Maij [3 May] 1652, [erroneously dated 8 May 1652 in the PF notes on 143v].
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 127r, 143r-v
Published in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: correspondance, entretiens, documents (Paris: 1920-25), vol. 4, doc. 1493, but without the PF notes on f. 143v.
1652-05-03
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
Latin
Italian
Letter
414
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from Giacomo Di Santa Teresa to the PF vice-prefect [Luigi Capponi], 1649-12-20, Convent of Santa Maria della Scala [Rome]
Madagascar
Discalced Carmelites
Letter from Giacomo Di Santa Teresa, a Discalced Carmelite, in which he writes about having to send the report on Madagascar, instead of personally handing it over, because he sees no opportunity of leaving his convent during the busy Christmas period. The letter signed and dated 20th of December 1649.
Additional comments
Giacomo Di Santa Teresa
APF SOCG 248, 137r
1649-12-20
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
For the mentioned report, see: see SOCG 248, 135r-136r (database item 420).
Italian
Letter
421
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Isodoro di San Giovanni to the PF secretary [Dionisio Massari], [1649]
Madagascar
Discalced Carmelites
Petitions for missionary patents
Letter from Isodoro di San Giovanni, procurator of the Discalced Carmelites, to PF secretary, Dionisio Massari. He writes about an earlier decision of PF regarding the Madagascar mission (including the decision that two CM missionaries who had been proposed by Vincent de Paul and the nuncio for the mission, were not allowed to go, because the mission had already been assigned to the Discalced Carmelites). He therefore asks for a travel subsidy and a provision for the first year, for several Discalced Carmelites who are about to leave for Madagascar; he also requests the patent of mission prefect for Alberto Di San Michele. Lastly he requests a contribution for the sacred and secular furnishings that are needed in their mission.
Additional comments
Isodoro Di San Giovanni was appointed prefect of the mission in 1647. The Secretary to whom the letter is adressed though, Dionisio Massari, only became PF secretary in August 1649. Therefore the letter must be written in 1649 or later.
Isodoro di San Giovanni
APF SOCG 248, 109r-v,112v,114r-v
[1649]
Addressed to Dionisio Massari
Italian
Letter
408
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Letter from PF to Antonio Barberini Jr., 1663-05-09, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to Car'l Antonio [Antonio Barberini Jr.]. CM superior [René Alméras] proposed the following people for the Madagascar mission, who all priests of CM: Pietro Sconpino Massimiliano, Franc'co Cuvron [Maximilien François Cuvron], Pietro Joverij [Pierre Jovery], Giovanni Gueroult [Jean Guéroult]. PF sends the patents to Barberini, and asks him to decide if they are suitable candidates. If they are, they should be give the required faculties and sent to the mission, if not suitable, this should be withheld.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 99r
1663-05-09
Adressed to Antonio Barberini Jr.
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
824
Origin: [Rome]
Letter from PF to Antonio Barberini Jr., Rome, 1662-11-02
Madagascar
Letter from PF to Car'le Antonio [Antonio Barberini Jr.]. CM superior general [René Alméras] informed PF about the great need for missionaries in Madagscar, as most have died. Due to these circumstances, Giacomo della Fossa [Jacques de La Fosse], Robert Menan, Claudio de la Salle [Claude de La Salle], Massimiliano Fran'co Caveron [Maximilien François Cuvron] and Michele Manie [Michel Manie] have been asked to be sent to the mission. De La Fosse should be made prefect in the case that Nicolò Estienne [Nicolas Etienne] has died. They ask Anotnio Barberini Jr. to decide whether the proposed candidates are suitable for the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 88r-v
1662-11-02
Adressed to Antonio Barberini Jr.
For the petition of René Alméras to PF, see: APF SOCG 252, 26r, 27v (database item 274).
For the letter in which PF informs CM on the decision on the missionaries, see: APF Lettere 43, 88v-89v (database item 820).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
819
Origin: Rome
Letter from PF to CM Superior Vincent de Paul, 1652-03-18, Rome
Madagascar
Other religious orders
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Vincent de Paul. PF writes that some Recollects have proposed to go to Madagascar, in order to address the great need of missionaries in the mission. The cardinals, however, chose to first ask Vincent de Paul, as some of his missionaries have already been to the island. They now ask Vincent de Paul to send four priests (the nuncio to France will have approved them first), and to immediately refer their names to PF, so that their faculties can be drafted. In the meantime, if there is a ship going to Madagascar, the missionaries should embark and the faculties will be sent after their departure. The letter dated 18 March 1652.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 29, 14v-15r
1652-03-18
Addressed to Vincent de Paul
See for the PF decision that preceded this request: APF ACTA 21, 31r, 34r-v (database item 536).
Italian
Letter
577
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to CM Superior Vincent de Paul, 1652-07-02, Rome
Madagascar
Copy of a letter from PF to Vincent de Paul, stating that since there is no ship currently ready to depart for Madagascar, Vincent de Paul should make sure that his missionaries will be ready for the next departure, which will be in September. The letter dated 2 July 1652.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 29, 40v-41r
1652-07-02
Addressed to Vincent de Paul
Italian
Letter
578
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to CM, Rome, 1662-11-27
Madagascar
Letter from PF to CM. PF is delighted to announce that the missionaries proposed by CM Superior General [René Alméras] have been accepted. With this letter, they send the necessary faculties and patents, and praise the piety of the missionaries who are about to undertake such a dangerous mission. They also grant the missionaries the faculty to administer confessions, on the ship that will bring them to the mission. They do not grant the dispensation to eat meat, nor the faculty to do anything in the countries outside their mission. However, if they (whilst travelling to Madagascar), pass any countries were they can be of use, they are allowed to help the people. The other issues are refered to the Holy Office.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 88v-89v
1662-11-27
Adressed to CM
For the petition of René Alméras to PF, see: APF SOCG 252, 26r, 27v (database item 274).
For the letter in which PF asks Antonio Barberini Jr. for advice on the missionaries, see: APF Lettere 43, 88r-v(database item 819).
For the petition by Nicolas Etienne, which contains the issues discussed here, see: APF SOCG 252, 30r-v, 33v (database item 276)
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
820
Origin: Rome
Letter from PF to the nuncio [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno], [1656]-03-27, Rome
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, stating that the cardinals have declared Franc'co [François] Herbron and Fran'co [François] Boussordec, missionaries for the mission in Madagascar. PF sends the nuncio the faculties, so that he can give these to Vincent de Paul. PF also requests that some good advice be given to the missionaries, and that they are blessed in name of PF. The letter dated 27 March [1656].
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 31, 16v-17r
[1656]-03-27
Addressed to [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno]
See for the petition requesting their appointment: APF SOCG 248 98r, 101v (database item 175).
See for the subsequent response by PF: APF LETTERE 31, 16v-17r (database item 583).
Italian
Letter
583
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori], 1664-09-27, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori]. The superior general of CM [René Alméras] granted some priests missionary faculties for the mission of Madagascar; these have been granted to them. With this letter the patents have be sent to de' Vittori, who once seeing the missionaries in person, should grant them the patents; this should only be done if he deems them suitable for the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 100r
1664-09-27
Adressed to [Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori]
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
825
Origin: [Rome]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno], 1648-07-20, Rome
Madagascar
Discalced Carmelites
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno. The cardinals have accepted the apology of Vincent de Paul regarding the mission of Madagascar, and they have also conceded the mission to the two priests going there, as can be seen from the decree and faculties attached. However, they want the nuncio to keep the papers for a while, and see first if other merchants are willing to take the Discalced Carmelites with them to Madagascar. Nevertheless, the nuncio has already confered the necessary faculties to the two priests to hear confession and administer the sacraments, so that they do not travel in vain. The letter dated 20 July 1648.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 26, 79v-80r
1648-07-20
Addressed to [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno]
Italian
Letter
375
Origin: Rome
Destination: [France]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno], 1650-12-29, Rome
Madagascar
Copy of a letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno. The nuncio is asked to choose from the seven candidates proposed by Vincent de Paul for the mission in Madagascar, those he deems suitable, and the number he thinks will suffice for the mission; the candidates were reffered to PF in a letter from the nuncio. The letter dated 19 December 1650.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 27, 89
1650-12-29
Addressed to [Nicolò Guidi di Bagno]
See for the request by Vincent de Paul: APF SOCG 248, 117r-v, 124v (database item 409)
For the decision by PF: APF ACTA 19, 465r, 466v (database item 471).
Italian
Letter
575
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1665-07-1[8?], [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori. PF sents de Vittori the patents for the missionaries in Madagascar. He should only give them to the missionaries, providing he deems them suitable for the mission. In the case that he does not find them suitable, he should send the patents back to PF, for whom it is very important that missionaries all have the required requisites.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 51, 58r
1665-07-1[8?]
Adressed to Carlo Roberti de' Vittori
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
852
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Paris
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1665-09-22, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori. CM superior [René Alméras] proposes 'Giacomo Bruchan' [Jacques Bruchan] as missionary for the mission in Madagascar. PF knows that this mission has a great need for missionaries, and they ask de' Vittori to decide whether the candidate is suitable for the mission. They also send him the missionary patent, so that de' Vittori can either give it to Bruchan, or keep it.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 51, 58r
1665-09-22
Adressed to Carlo Roberti de' Vittori
For the letter in which René Alméras proposes Bruchan as missionary, see: APF SOCG 252, 58r, 59v (database item 286).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
853
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1665-11-14, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori. CM superior [René Alméras] warned for the need of missionaries for the mission in Madagascar, and he proposed to send two priests, Guglielmo Bonable [Guillaume Bonable] and Fran'co Brisione [François Brision], to help in the spiritual needs of the island. PF asks de' Vittori to make a decision on their suitability as candidates. When he deems them suitable, he should give them the patents that have been sent with this letter. He then should inform PF about his decision.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 51, 58r-v
1665-11-14
Adressed to Carlo Roberti de' Vittori
For the letter in which Alméras proposes Bonable as missionary, see: APF SOCG 252, 60r, 63v (database item 287).
For the letter in whcih Alméras proposes Brision as missionary, see: APF SOCG 252, 61r, 62v (database item 288)
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
854
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1666-10-02, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de' Vittori. CM superior [René Alméras] asked for faculties for a few priests of his congregation, that he wants to send to the mission in Madagascar. PF decided to send the faculties to de' Vittori, in order for him to give them to the missionaries; he will do this everytime one presents themselves to him as a candidate, and after he has decided that they are suitable for the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 51, 58v
1666-10-02
Adressed to Carlo Roberti de' Vittori
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
855
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Celio Piccolomini], 1660-04-04, Rome
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini. Due to the death of Carlo Naqueart [Charles Nacquart], there is a vacancy in the position of prefect of the mission of Madagascar. CM superior [Vincent de Paul] has proposed Tonsano Bordaise [Toussaint Bourdaise] as replacement; they ask Piccolomini to approve this proposed candidate.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 93r
1660-04-04
Adressed to [Celio Piccolomini]
For the letter in which Vincent de Paul asks PF to elect Bourdaise as new prefect, see: APF SOCG 252, 10r, 11v (database item 264).
For the discussion of Vincent de Pauls letter in PF, see: APF ACTA 29, 29r, 57v, issue 30 (database item 473).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
821
Origin: Rome
Destination: Paris
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France, [Celio Piccolomini], 1660-09-13, [Rome]
Madagascar
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Celio Piccolomini]. The Maresciallo della Miglieré [Marquis de La Meilleraye] promoted the foundation of a bishopric on the island of Madagascar. However at the moment, they do not yet have the necessary requisites for a cathedral. PF deems it best to send an elected bishop to Madagascar, with the faculties of vicar apostolic. PF asks Piccolomini to produce a suitable candidate.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 93v
1660-09-13
Acressed to [Celio Piccolomini]
This letter is also mentioned somewhere else, see: APF Lettere 43, 94r (database item 823).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
822
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from Pierre de Piviers to PF the vice-prefect, Luigi Capponi, 1646-12-17, Orléans
Madagascar
Capuchins
Discalced Carmelites
Letter from the Capuchin Pierre de Piviers to Cardinal Capponi requesting a salvoconduct for a number of Capuchin missionaries. At the end of Piviers' letter there is a note suggesting to send a mission to Madagascar, as there are rich and affluent Parisians doing business, and going there regularly. He believes the mission would be fruitful, as the natives have no religion and are docile by nature. PF note at the end indicates that the island had already been assigned to the Discalced Carmelite order, and that the general of the order should be contacted about the matter. The latin translation of this document can be found on f. 125r.
Date discussed 1647-06-17
Additional comments
Pierre de Piviers had also written to PF about Madagascar in 1643, suggesting that a mission of Normand Capuchins be sent there, since Normand merchants went to that isle most frequently. His letter was read in a PF meeting, but no response was sent. PF meeting took place on 1 June 1643, with four cardinals present: St. Onofrius, Pamphylius, Pallottus, and Ginettus (in PF ACTA 15, f. 338v, no. 11. 299, not in this database).
Pierre de Piviers
APF SOCG 145, 125r, 126r, 127v
1646-12-17
Addressed to Luigi Capponi
For the PF general meeting discussing this letter, see: APF ACTA 17, 441r-v, issue 28 (database item 139).
Original (in French) and contemp. translation (into Latin); French original signed; PF notes in Latin and Italian
French
Latin
Italian
Letter
144
Origin: Orléans
Destination: Rome
Letter from Pierre de Piviers to the PF vice-prefect, Luigi Capponi, 1649-03-25, Île de Ré
Madagascar
Non-Catholic Christians
Pierre de Piviers writes to PF that it is very harmful for the mission in Madagascar, that a Huguenot is captain of the French fortress. He asks that Luigi Capponi write to the queen of France, and to Cardinal Mazzarin, requesting that they change this situation. During the general meeting of 31 May 1649 the cardinals agree to the proposal.
Date discussed 1649-05-31
Additional comments
Pierre de Piviers
APF SOCG 248, 118r, 123v
1649-03-25
Addressed to Luigi Capponi
French
Latin
Letter
410
Origin: Île de Ré
Destination: Rome
Letter from the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori, to PF, 1664-11, Paris
Madagascar
Letter from the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori to PF, dated November 1664 (exact day not mentioned), letting the cardinals know that he had received the letters patent for the seven priests of CM for Madagascar, which had been written on 27 September of the same year. The nuncio promises to hand them over to the superior general of CM at the earliest convenience. The letter is signed and dated.
Additional comments
Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori
APF SOCG 252, 44r, 45v
1664-11
Addressed to PF
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Latin
Letter
283
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from the nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori, to PF, 1666-11-12, Paris
Madagascar
Other secular missionaries
The nuncio to France, Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori writes to PF, to inform the cardinals that in the East Indies (‘Indie orientali’), France only occupies Madagascar and some small islands. The priests who go there are those sent by CM (‘PP Missionarij’), with the approval of PF. With approval from the bishops [not from PF], some priests leave France in order to provide their spiritual assistance to the people on the ships that will go to China. In the West Indies (‘Indie occidentali’), there is some ‘disorder’ but the nuncio is not well informed enough about it. He knows, however, that there are priests without missionary patents from PF, and who do not want to obey those priests who do have patents. The nuncio moreover says that he will try his best to give all information asked by PF in a letter from 24 July 1666.
Additional comments
Carlo Roberti de’ Vittori
APF SOCG 252, 68r-v, 69v
1666-11-12
Addressed to PF
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
Report
290
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini, to the PF prefect [Antonio Barberini jr.], 1661-05-06, Paris
Madagascar
Capuchins
Letter from the nuncio to France, Celio Piccolomini to PF, in which he states that since PF has agreed to the request sent by Marshal de La Meilleraye to appoint a bishop for Madagascar on 14 June 1660, Marshal has now proposed three candidates, all of them Capuchin missionaries. Whereas in his former letter Marshal had promised to provide some financial support, this time he made no mention of it; the nuncio promises to talk to him about this aspect. On f. 21r the names of the three Capuchins are mentioned: "Josephus de Mortais, Valerianus de Montmiral, Hubertus de Poictiers Capucinus." PF minutes on f. 22v indicate that PF secretary, Mario Alberizzi, does not think its legitimate to appoint a Capuchin bishop since CM priests had always served that mission, and such a decision would discourage them. PF decides that something else should be proposed.
Date discussed 1661-12-07
Additional comments
Celio Piccolomini
APF SOCG 252, 20r, 21r, 22v
1661-05-06
Addressed to [Antonio Barberini jr]
For the earlier requests concerning this topic see: APF SOCG 252, 13r-13v (database item 269), APF SOCG 252, 14r-v, 19v (database item 270) and APF SOCG 252, 12r-13v (database item 268).
Original, signed and dated
Italian
Letter
271
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]