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:
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher to PF, [1656-1657], Algiers
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers to PF. He asks for the faculty to consecrate altar stones and chalices, as sometimes the chalices are either stolen by the Turks, or are gilded again; he also notes that there is currently no bishop to consecrate them.
Additional comments
Date based on the discussion of a petition with the same subject which was in March 1657. APF ACTA 25, 64r-v, issue 1 (database item 520). However it might also be earlier since other document from this SOCG are also from an earlier date.
Philippe Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 180r,181v
[1656-1657]
Addressed to PF
See for a petition with the same content: APF SOCG 248, 177r, 184v (database item 431).
See for a discussion of a petition with the same content: APF ACTA 25, 64r-v, issue 1 (database item 520).
Italian
Petition
434
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher to PF, [1656-1657], Algiers
Algiers
CM petitions
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks for the faculty to consecrate altar stones and chalices, as sometimes the chalices are either stolen by the Turks or are gilded again.
Additional comments
Date based on the discussion of a petition with the same subject which was in March 1657. APF ACTA 25, 64r-v, issue 1 (database item 520). It might also be earlier, however, as another document from this SOCG are also from an earlier date.
Philippe Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 177r, 184v
[1656-1657]
Addressed to PF
See for a petition with the same content: APF SOCG 248, 180r,181v (database item 434).
See for a discussion of a petition with the same content: APF ACTA 25, 64r-v, issue 1 (database item 520).
Italian
Petition
431
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Michel Monmasson to PF, [1686]
Algiers
CM petitions
Non-Catholic Christians
Slaves (Christian)
Petition on behalf of Michel Monmasson, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks several things: a) whether as vicar apostolic he has more authority than he used to have as a missionary, so that he can do something against the abuses of some laics and priests; b) whether he has authority over the Greek priests; c) whether he can allow some laics to handle the sacred vessels; and d) he asks for some blessed medals that he can distribute among the slaves. During their meeting of 7 October 1686, the cardinals decide that the secretary should ask the pope to grant Monmasson a papal brief (which, as the secretary observes, he had not yet received).
Date discussed 1686-10-07
Additional comments
Michel Monmasson
APF SOCG 496, 1r, 2v
[1686]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 56, 175r-v (database item 690).
Italian
Latin
Petition
696
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Patents from Jean Le Vacher to Marcello Costa, 1673-07-10, Algiers
Bizerte
Tunis
Patents from Joannes Levacher [Jean Le Vacher] to Marcello Costa. In Bizerte there are many Christians and many duties to be done, there are however, no priests; this is why Le Vacher gives the patents of provicar apostolic of Bizerte to Marcello Costa.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
Guillelmus Tardif
APF SOCG 448, 142r
1673-07-10
This copy was sent with another letter where it is also mentioned, see: APF SOCG 448, 140r-v, 145r-v (database item 780).
This patents are also mentioned elsewhere, see: APF SOCG 448, 168r-v (database item 782).
Copy; signed
Latin
781
Origin: Algiers
Patents from Jean Le Vacher to Carlo D'Ancona, 1673-10-21, Algiers
Capuchins
Tunis
Patents from Joannes LeVacher [Jean Le Vacher] for Carolo ab Ancona [Carlo D'Ancona]. Le Vacher declares Carlo D'Ancona apostolic missionary in Tunis. He also grants him the position of provicar apostolic in Tunis, and a provision for five years.
Date discussed: 1674-06-26
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
Guillelmus Tardif
APF SOCG 448, 169r
1673-10-21
This copy was sent with another letter where it is also mentioned, see: APF SOCG 448, 168r-v (database item 782).
Copy; signed
Latin
783
Origin: Algiers
Letter from Philippe Le Vacher to PF, 1654-01-09, Algiers
Algiers
Mission reports
Slave priests
Letter from Philippe Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers to PF, about the state of his missions. He reports among other things the discord and abuses among the regular and secular priests.
Additional comments
Philippe Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 169r, 190r, 190v
1654-01-09
Addressed to PF
Latin
Italian
Letter
Report
429
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Philippe Le Vacher to [Thomas] Berthe, 1655-03-04, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Corsairs
Mission reports
Letter from Philippe Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to Thomas Berthe, superior of CM house in Rome. Among other things he writes to recommend the servants of Cardinal [Barberini], who have been caught by Algerian corsairs, and now reside under his care. He also gives the latest news about his pastoral work, the slaves, local politics, and the fortunes of the corsairs. The letter signed and dated 4 March 1655.
Additional comments
Philippe Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 162r-163r
1655-03-04
Addressed to [Thomas] Berthe
French
Letter
428
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Michel Monmasson to PF, 1687-17-07, Algiers
Algiers
CM petitions
Letter from Michel Monmasson, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He writes that he arrived in Algiers about 15 months before. He describes the work that he has been doing so far, which is mostly visiting the different churches and trying to remedy disorders. He asks for a decree that states that he has the authority over all other religious peoples in the region. He also asks for a decree that allows him to concede to other priests the right to read more than two masses a day.
Date discussed [1688-02-03]
Additional comments
Michel Monmasson
APF SOCG 500, 180r, 181r-184v, 185v
1687-07-17
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 58, 23r, 42r-45r (database item 692).
Italian
Letter
698
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Michel Monmasson to [the CM superior in Rome], 1686-05-14, Algiers
Algiers
CM petitions
Non-Catholic Christians
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Michel Monmasson, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to CM superior in Rome. He writes about his arrival in the city, about the relations with the Dey, about his daily work, and the number of slaves in the city. He also asks several things: a) he wants to know what powers he has as vicar apostolic; b) how to act with regard to the Greek churches; c) he asks for medals with plenary indulgences so that he can distribute them among the slaves; and d) he requests a decree from PF stating that all the religious, both secular and regular, should obey the vicar apostolic when they are in his territory. At their meeting of 17 February 1687, the cardinals decided to postpone the discussion of this issue, so that they may first obtain some more information from the secretary.
Date discussed 1688-02-17
Additional comments
Michel Monmasson
APF SOCG 497, 133r, 134r-135v, 136v
1686-05-14
Addressed to [the superior of CM in Rome]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 57, 23r, 28r-v (database item 691).
French
Italian
Latin
Letter
697
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1681-05-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Mercedarians
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. The provicar of Tunis [Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna] gave Le Vacher some time ago a letter from PF dated 5 April 1680. In this letter PF asks him to inform them about the scandals committed by a Calabrian priest [Antonio Calandrino] and some other priests at the mission. He wrote directly to the provicar of Tunis asking for information about these cases, and the report he received in response, has been included in this letter. He also informs PF that at Tabarca and another place close to Capo Negro (which are both parts of the kingdom of Tunis), are inhabited by Genoese. In Tabarca there are only a few Augustinian priests, and at the other place, only a Trinitarian resides there, despite not receiving the permission of his superiors. Le Vacher does not know who grants these Augustinians and Trinitarian the authority to work as priests, and also whether or not they are subjected to the archbishop of Genoa; they claim that they are directly under the Holy See. He asks PF to clarify whether these two places are subjected to the vicariate of Tunis. He has also heard that the Mercedarian priests from Aragon will come in October to ransom slaves, and in April of the following year, will ransom those from the provinces of Castile and Andalusia. Le Vacher notes that due to his old age and his deteriorating health, the new priests will be of great assistance, as it is currently impossible for him to celebrate mass.
Date discussed: 1682-09-30
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 498, 178r-179r
1681-05-29
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 51, 279r, 296v-299r (not yet in this database).
See for the report of the missionaries in Tunis: APF SOCG 498, f. 177r-v, 180r (database item 806).
Original: signed
Italian
Letter
807
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1680-09-30, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tripoli
Letter from Gio' LeVacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. He received the letter sent by PF dated 10 April 1679, only on 10 September this year. In this letter PF tells him to instruct the Christians in Tripoli to only take the Holy sacraments of their own Catholic priests, and not with the Greeks who pretend to be allowed to administer them. For the execution of this order they have sent a ship to Tripoli, and they hope that their orders will be obeyed. A few months ago Le Vacher already informed PF about the medals and crucifixes they had sent him. Now he does this again, since he is not sure that his letter has arrived. He distributed them among the poor slaves, and they are a great comfort to them. With the Trinitarians who have arrived from Spain he has a good relation. He has maintained their hospitals for eight months, whilst he was waiting for them to arrive. When two Trinitarians were called back to Spain, he made sure that one of them was allowed to stay.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 480r-v
1680-09-30
Adressed to [PF]
The earlier letter Le Vacher sent thanking PF for the received medals and crucifixes probably also arrived, see: APF SOCG 475, 119r-120r (database item 802).
original; signed
Italian
Letter
898
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
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 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 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
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 Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, 1678-10-[17], Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna. On 17 September, Le Vacher received Da Bologna's letter dated 24 August, to which he has not answered yet for two reasons. First of all, he lacked the proper commodities, and secondly, because of his illness. Le Vacher feels very sorry for the persecution of Da Bologna, and for his companions and slave priests, who are regulars as well as seculars. The priest who has been enslaved again, should not be allowed to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments, before he is deamed capable to do so. Da Bologna should also make sure that the priest Augusten Antonio Calendino Da Cosensa does not keep a tavern; as a priest he was never actually allowed to do this. Because there are enough priests in Tunis, and because Father Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati] is not able to work, it would be of use to send some companions back to Rome. Maybe that way the persecutions against the slave priests (as well against Da Bologna and his missionaries), will lessen.
Additional comments
The date is either 17 or 18 October, but the handwriting is unclear.
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 433r-434v
1678-10-[17]
Adressed to Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
original; signed
Italian
Letter
887
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Tunis
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
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [the PF secretary,Francesco Ravizza], 1674-05-31, Algiers.
Algiers
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Capuchins
Conversion
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Tunis
Salé
Letter from Gio' Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. From the letter that PF has sent to him, Le Vacher understood that PF has been very surprised that he already paid Marcello Costa (who is going to be a missionary in Bizerte), the 30 scudi that was promised by PF. Because of the financial difficulties of Costa, Le Vacher did not only have to give him the money, but also clothes. Le Vacher does not think that Costa did any wrong by staying in Tunis for some time, since there was a great need of priests. There are many poor Christian Catholics in this city, while in Bizerte, there are mostly heretics or scismatics. Now that the two Capuchins sent by PF have arrived in Tunis, he will make sure that Costa will leave for Biserte. Le Vacher asks PF to refund the money to the superior of the CM house in Rome. Now, he will inform PF about the state of Christianity in these regions. They try to cultivate the word of God in as good as manner as possible, and because of the sacraments, most people remain true to the Holy Faith. Moreover, several German, Dutch and Swedish heretics have converted. However, it is true that they lose more souls than they win. Young people have converted in their greatest numbers, mostly because the Mercedarian priests from Spain and Portugal have not been visiting for two years. In Algiers there are 25 slave priests (regulars as well as seculars), who are all in need of help, due to their poverty. In Tetouan there are two priests, there is one at Fes, and at the moment there are none at Sale. When he finds someone to send there, he will inform PF.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 308r-309v
1674-05-31
[Adressed to Francesco Ravizza]
copy; signed
Italian
Letter
884
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [PF], 1683-05-26, Algiers
Algiers
Civitavecchia
Galleys
Slaves (Muslim)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF. The Turkish slaves working in the galleys of the pope, have written to the rulers in Barbary about the piece of land where they used to bury their dead; the land has since been taken from them. They paid 1000 pezze da otto for the land, but have received no compensation. The rulers in Barbary were very displeased when they heared this, and decided to seek revenge themselves on the priests in Algiers (both secular as regular). This would have materialized had Le Vacher not stopped them, telling these men that he would send word to Italy, to either restitute the land or provide a substitute. Therefore he asks PF to do either one of these things, and to also relieve the poor slaves from their extraordinary suffering.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 2, 36rv-v, 37v
1683-05-26
[Adressed to PF]
original: signed
Italian
Letter
905
Origin: Algiers
Destination:
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to [PF], 1679-05-30, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Conversion
Corsairs
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Trinitarians
Tunis
Letter from Jean Le Vacher. From the letters he received from PF, he understood that there was no reason to hope that the loss of souls in Barbaria could not be solved, due to not receiving the sacrament of confirmation. The Holy Spirit will have to work by itself, because the infidels will not allow spiritual assistance. PF suggested that it might be easier if there was a bishop in Algiers, however the bishop would risk his life. He thanks PF for the medals and crucifixes that he received. During the last few years, PF made it clear that the Trinitarian Fathers are subjected to his, or actually the apostolic authority. He has heard though, that the Trinitarians are trying to obtain independence from his authority, from Rome. Le Vacher deems it necessary that PF gives him a decree, declaring that the Trinitarians living in Algiers are subjected to the apostolic authority. He is suprised by the great number of missionaries that PF sends to Tunis, as there isn't a need for them; the slave priests have already complained about this. One Capuchin missionary named Cherubino [Cherubino Da Frascati], returned to Marseille because of tension between the slave priests and the apostolic missionaries. The slave priests need the alms from the Christians, for their daily lives and to also ransom themselves. PF also wrote to them about the Neapolitan priests that PF sent to Tunis, and the required faculties. Le Vacher however, told them that their services were not needed in the city. Some days ago he received the confirmation of the peace with France. This means that the corsais will not take any more French prisoners, as they had done for some years with the French and English; they also took an Catholic Irish, which he will try to assist. He ransomed a young French woman for 1,000 scudi, who had converted to Catholicism, and was about to lose her honor and faith. He sent her to Nimes in France. Two other women (one from France the other from Denmark) were also ransomed by him for 2,900 scudi and 80 lire. One Englishman converted to Catholicism and some other English and Dutch slaves are considering doing the same.
Date discussed: 1679-09-11
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 475, 119r-120r
1679-05-30
[Adressed to PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 49, 205r, 214r-218v, issue 18 (database item 681).
Original
Italian
Letter
802
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1680-06-08, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian)
Trinitarians
Letter from Gio' le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] to PF. From the missionaries of Rome, he received many medals that PF had given him to distribute among the slaves, in order to keep them devoted. They are a great consolation to the slaves, especially now that the war between two Bey brothers is tearing the region apart. As the indulgences conceded to the chapels have expired, he asks PF to renew them. They are for the following chapels: S. Louis of France for its celebration, and for those of S. Anthony Abbot, S. Croce, SS'ma Trinità, l'Immacolata Concezione della B.V., Saint Sebastian, S. Giuseppe, S. Carlo Borromeo, S. Francesco d'Assisi, la Madonna del Carmine, la Madonna del Rosario, S. Rocco, S. Caterina V. e M. and S. Rosalia l'annunziata. The Trinitarian Fathers have once again arrived from Spain, and have been instructed by their provincial Father to be subject to the authority of Le Vacher. Now they are writing each other letters, despite Le Vacher trying to help them; he has been maintaining their hospitals for eight months now, and is waiting for help from Spain.
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SC Barbaria 1, 467r, 469r
1680-06-08
Adressed to [PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
897
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1648-04-29, Algiers
Algiers
Capuchins
Corsairs
Slave priests
Plague
Letter from Giuseppe Maria da Genoa (Brother Giuseppe Maria), prefect of the Capuchin mission in Tabarca, letting PF know he had arrived in Algiers several days before, and that the plague continued to ravage the city. He mentions three priests in Algiers at that time (including himself), and that one of them, whom he does not name, was afraid of catching the disease, and therefore was showing some "reserve." Nevertheless he (Brother Giuseppe Maria) is making sure that all Christians receive the Holy sacraments and the required spiritual aid. Brother Giuseppe Maria also heard that a corsair ship was in the area, with three religious men captive on board, two of whom were ordained priests and the third a secular person; he is hoping that they would be brought to Algiers, rather than Tunis, so that they might provide assistance to him and the other two priests in Algiers. Brother Giuseppe Maria would like to add more details on the improvements that could be brought to the Algiers mission, and to the abuses that occur everyday, but "time does not allow for such repose." PF note on 211v mentions that no response was deemed necessary because, "shortly" after the receipt of this letter, news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death reached PF.
Additional comments
The death of Brother Giuseppe Maria is announced to PF in a letter written in Tabarca on 9 June 1648 by Fra Bernardino da Casale (also a Capuchin), who says that Brother Giuseppe Maria of Genoa left Tabarca on 15 April and arrived in Algiers on 21 April. Brother Giuseppe Maria worked there indefatigably for a month, administering the sacraments to the Christians who had taken ill, and that at the end of one month he took ill with the same disease, and died after four or five days of illness. Brother Bernardino mentions some "included letters" that offer more details on Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, but they do not seem to have been filed in this volume. PF received Brother Bernardino's letter on 12 September 1648 (SOCG 65, 205r, 210v).
Giuseppe Maria da Genoa
APF SOCG 65, 204r, 210v
1648-04-29
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
For news of Brother Giuseppe Maria's death, see: PF SOCG 65, 205r, 210v (not in this database).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
136
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Giovanni Battista Garbi a slave in Algiers to [the PF Prefect, Paluzio Altieri], 1677-05-20, Tunis
Algiers
Conversion
Poland
Ransom
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Giovanni Battista Garbi to PF. The slave Gian Battista Garbi, who used to work in the service of Abbot Carlo Grapi in the court of his Eminence in Poland, threw himself at his knees before his Emminence. He begged his Eminence for some alms, in order to help him out of the infernal pains that he is suffering in slavery. His master is mistreating him, in order to make him a renegade of the faith of Christ, or to ransom himself. He is however not able to buy his own freedom, because his master asks for 400 scudi. For this reason he asks the viceroy and the mother of his eminence, to give him some alms to help his ransom. Garbi asks the nuncio to Spain to recommend him to the redemption Fathers, who come to Algiers to ransom slaves; they ask him to write down his name, Gian Battista Garbi Omperial, who is a slave in the baths of the Divan.
Additional comments
Gian Battista Garbi
APF SC Barbaria 1, 407r-408r
1677-05-20
[Adressed to Paluzio Altieri]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
886
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF, 1677-05-17, Algiers
Algiers
Tunis
Plague
Letter from Francesco Gatta to PF. To fulfill his obligation, he informs PF about the mission in Tunis, which is under the guidance of Gio Leveascer [Jean Le Vacher]. During the Tuesday of the passion he was in Algiers (where Le Vacher is also staying), to present him the decree, and to also offer his service in whatever place necessary. He was received in his house in the most courteous way possibile. After a while Le Vacher decided to send Costa to Tunis, giving him all the faculties and instructions necessary. He had to wait for a ship, which in these areas can take time, especially due to pests. Three months ago the vicar apostolic was also struck by the pest, however he is now recovering.
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta
APF SC Barbaria 1, 399r
1677-05-17
[Adressed to PF]
original; signed
Italian
Letter
885
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Cherubino Della Vergine Maria to PF, 1655-07-14, Algiers
Algiers
Other religious orders
Conversion
Renegades
Letter from a Discalced Augustinian, Fra Cherubino Della Vergine Maria, who had converted to Islam and then back to Catholicism. He asks to be pardoned for his error and requesting, among other things, that Philippe Le Vacher be granted the faculty to absolve his sins.
Additional comments
Cherubino Della Vergine Maria
APF SOCG 248, 159r,166r-v
1655-07-14
Addressed to PF
Latin
Letter
425
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Letter from Boniface Nouelly to the PF secretary [Francesco Ingoli], 1647-06-20, Algiers
Algiers
Slaves (Christian & Muslim)
Franciscans
Letter from Boniface Nouelly in Algiers regarding a priest from the Order of Friars Minor (Brother Angelo d'Alteta, from the Province of Ancona), who at the time was owned by a Maur who wanted to exchange him for one of his own relatives, who in turn was a slave on one of the pope's galleys. PF note indicates that no decision was reached and no response sent.
Additional comments
Boniface Nouelly
APF SOCG 64, 261r, 264r-264v
1647-06-20
Addressed to [Francesco Ingoli]
See also: APF SOCG 64, 262r-263r, 263v (database item 133).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
132
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from Boniface Nouelly to [Luigi Capponi], 1647-05-28, Algiers
Algiers
Slave priests
Letter from Boniface Nouelly to PF describing the state of the mission in Algiers and requesting: a) that the apostolic missionary (or general vicar) be given both spiritual and secular authority over the members of religious orders and congregations present there; b) that he be French; and c) that four priests be sent to Algiers, in order that they serve in the four churches of the city, considering that the local slave priests are not virtuous or capable enough for such service. PF note on 263v does not indicate any response.
Additional comments
Boniface Nouelly
APF SOCG 64, 262r-263r, 263v
1647-05-28
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
See also: APF SOCG 64, 261r, 264r-264v (database item 132).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
133
Origin: Algiers
Destination: [Rome]