Report sent to PF [1639], Paris
Other religious orders
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Report on the "state of missions in the Province of Paris," with no particulars given (seems to refer to the Capuchins). Classification of types of missions. Folded inside the first folio there is another folio (same paper, same handwriting) on the mission in Canada, to which Father Hyacinth was appointed as superior; then a paragraph on the mission in England. A paragraph at the end says that the approval for the mission in the Province [of Paris?] expires this July and needs extending for another ten years. A separate folio with names of missionaries and other details is mentioned, but that folio is missing.
Date discussed 1639-07-18
Additional comments
In the middle there is a folded folio with a map of the Mediterranean basin and its surroundings, showing centers "taken" by the Province of Paris and the Province of Touraine, especially in the Middle East. The map (or at least the explanatory note accompanying it) seems unfinished.
APF SOCG 199, 333r-v, 338v
[1639]
Addressed to PF
Original; not signed
Latin
Report
66
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from the PF secretary [Edoardo Cibo] to the vicar apostolic of Tunis [Jean Le Vacher], 1680-04-30, Rome
Tunis
Other secular missionaries
Other religious orders
Letter from the secretary of PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Tunis. As the cardinals have been informed about the great mischief among some priests in Tunis, they want to gather all the facts from Jean Le Vacher, in order to put an end to the problems. The letter dated 30 April 1680.
Additional comments
[Edoardo Cibo]
APF LETTERE 69, 127r-v
1680-04-30
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
641
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from [Francis White] to [William Lesley], [1665]
Scotland
Mission reports
Other religious orders
Scottish schools
Letter from Francis White to [William Lesley?]. He writes that he has only received the letter from [William Lesley?] in June, as [Alexander] Winster did not want to risk forwarding it, since he did not know where White was. He describes problems between himself and a Dominican, and also with a protestant minister. He writes about the fact that he has so much to do in such difficult circumstances that were he to remain without help, he would have to leave the Highlands. He is grateful, however, for the provision, and for the schoolteacher. White notes that he would like to have another teacher, since on the islands there is a protestant teacher. He asks [William Lesley?] to excuse Eugenio Macalastrio [Alexander Macalister] for not having written the names of the schoolchildren and their parents [actually, Macalister did at least mention family names in his letter to Lesley, see APF SOCG 308, 224r-225v (database item 336)], because they fear that these will be communicated to the court, were these letters to be intercepted. He asks if it could be ordered that his brother Giouanni Bianchi [John White] be sent to help him. He would also need other priests, but they have to be excellent due to Highlanders viewing priests as saints on earth. He writes that the Highlands and islands could soon be Catholic, if only there were enough missionaries. Therefore he urges [William Lesley?] to see to the appointment of new missionaries. The letter is dated 14 June 1665.
Date discussed, 1665-11-09
Additional comments
There is no signature nor address on this document. However, we can be sure that it is written by Francis White, since he refers to John White as his brother. It is probably addressed to William Lesley, since the (copies of) other letters addressed to him use the exact same format.
[Francis White]
APF SOCG 308, 226r-228r
[1665]
Addressed to [William Lesley]
For a summary of this letter (as well as other letters from the same bundle) and the related decision see APF SOCG 308, 206r-208v, 231v (database item 331).
For the discussion of this letter, see: APF ACTA 34, 203r, 224v-227v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Letter
337
Origin: Scotland, the highlands
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of [William Lesley] to PF, [1677]
Scotland
Other religious orders
Other secular missionaries
Petition on behalf of the procurator of the Scottish mission [William Lesley] to PF. In the letter he mentions several abuses in the Scottish mission, and advises PF to send Alexander Lesley as a visitor to the mission. The notes of the meeting of 16 March 1677 show that the pope did indeed choose Alexander Lesley as a visitor, and state that he should be sent with an instruction from the secretary and 100 scudi for his expenses.
Date discussed 1677-03-16
Additional comments
[William Lesley]
APF SOCG 462, 592r-595r, 596v, 597v
[1677]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 47, 52r, 65v-66v (database item 675).
Italian
Latin
Petition
659
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza to PF, 1669-06-26, Tunis
Tunis
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Letter from Antonio Di Seravezza, a Minor Observant working in Tunis, in which he complains about the fact that Giuseppe della Pantellaria [Giuseppe Merino della Pantelleria] does not recognize his authority; the letter signed and dated 26 June 1669. PF notes state that Di Seravezza abusively signs with "vicar delegate" despite having no such title (Jean Le Vacher, missionary of CM, is vicar apostolic of Tunis). At their meeting of 10 September 1669 the cardinals decide: a) that Di Seravezza should be written to stating that he should not exercise faculties that he does not have; and b) that Le Vacher should be instructed to put an end to these disorders.
Date discussed 1669-09-10
Additional comments
Antonio Di Seravezza
APF SOCG 420, 465r, 466v
1669-06-26
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Letter
649
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Rome
Statement by Bernardus Maria, Joannes Cabrold, brother Emmanuel and Ludovicus Rodriguez, slave priests in Algiers, about the ransoming of Luigi Palermo, 1671-06-29
Algiers
Capuchins
Other religious orders
Ransom
Slave priests
Tunis
Statement by Bernardus Maria, Joannes Cabrold, brother Emmanuel and Ludouicus Rodriguez. These priests in Algiers attest that Joanne’ le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] ransomed Ludouicu a Palermo [Luigi Da Palermo] for 650 scudi in Algiers in 1670. He can therefore administer the sacrements and fulfill other duties, during the next three years in the city of Tunis.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
This is the evidence that Jean Le Vacher uses to proof to PF that it was him, and not somebody else, who ransomed Luigi Da Palermo.
Bernardus Maria; Joannes Cabrold, Emmanuel; Ludovicus Rodriguez
APF SOCG 430, 291r
1671-06-29
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
This document was sent by Jean Le Vacher to PF as proof that it was him who ransomed Jean Le Vacher. See for his letter APF SOCG 430, 289r-v, 293r (database item 740).
Original; signed
Latin
Statement
742
Origin: Algiers
Destination:
Letter from 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 Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Francesco Gatta and Vincenzo Da Frascati to Jean Le Vacher, 1678-05-03, Tunis
Tunis
Capuchins
Mercedarians
Other religious orders
Ransom
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Letter Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Francesco Gatta and Vincenzo Da Frascati to Jean Le Vacher. Three days ago they received a letter from Jean Le Vacher, in which he asked them to inform him about the scandals that have been taking place in the church of Tunis. They had previously informed him of the problems, and had followed Le Vacher's instructions, by trying to alter the habits of some slave priests. The most troublesome of them is Antonio Calendino, who claimed to be a priest but had no papers to back this up. He himself told the missionaries that he had been in prison for four years in Naples, after being condemned for murder. The missionaries wrote to the archbishop for more information about Calendino, but they never received an answer. They allowed him to administer the sacraments, as they were afraid that if they did not allow this, Calendino would expel the missionaries from the mission with help from his patron Ali Bei. The problems with him grew worse, as his patron (who has good ties with the ruling house) used him as jester, singing and playing the guitar, whilst receiving women in his house. He was walking around the bagnos causing problems and disturbing the mass. They could not do anything against him because they did not want to be forced to leave, which would have resulted in the misson being abandoned. Eventually he was ransomed after committing more scandalous acts, and sent on a boat to Livorno. After his departure, other Christians told the missionaries admitted truths about Calendino, that are so scandalous that they cannot be possibly true; however they will leave them for what they are.
The second scandal was on 17 October 1679 when Diego d'Avalos (a Mecedarian priest from Cagliari also known as Padre Diego), was called by a woman and entered her house. When the husband returned he tried to kill Diego with a pistol, but the priest escaped; the two met again and this time the husband shot Diego. Three or four hours later after having confessed, he died. Another priest was wounded in the hand during the altercation, for which mass had to be suspended for a month. As he wanted to better his live, the mass was eventually returned to him, and now he is living quietly and devoutly. The third scandal was when a Minim pirest Felice Da Marta, was playing cards. He did this so often that he neglected his priestly duties. Sometimes he was playing from the evening till morning, and many Christians complained about this. Felice was lucky and won 80 pezze da otto from Giuseppe Calibrò, a Sicilian slave of the Pasha. But later Felice was forced to pay the slave the money back. Because the priest was not the slave of an influential person it was easy to aprehend him, and to forbid him to ever play cards again; from that moment on, he did not play anymore.
The fourth scandal involved another priest, Carlo Vella Maltese Zocerlante, who was already ransomed but had not yet returned home. One day he was playing carts with a Greek, Constanino, who had also been ransomed. They had a fight about the game and blood was spilled. The Greek went to the missionaries to complain. The Greek was imprisoned by the Bey, who the next day called on the cities priests (both missionaries and slaves), and asked them if it was legal for a priest to play cards. The response given to the Bey, is that it is not legal, and even strongly prohibited. The Bey handed over the priest so that he could be punished. Whilst the Greek was enslaved again, they chained the priest inside his Bagno. They were warned however that the Greeks were trying to enforce the Bey to enslave Carlo again, hence why they put him on an English ship travelling to Livorno. Whilst these are the most imported things that happened, they are not completely sure about the exact dates, and the precise circumstances. They ask Le Vacher to not send any more slave priests to them, unless they are found to be exceptionally useful.
Date discussed: 1682-09-30
Additional comments
Judging by a later letter from Jean Le Vacher, this letter was originally sent to Jean Le Vacher, who then sent it (together with his own letter) to PF. See APF SOCG 498, f. 178r-179r (database item 807).
Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna
Francesco Gatta, Vincenzo Da Frascati
APF SOCG 498, 177r-v, 180r
1678-05-03
Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 51, 279r (not yet in this database).
Original: signed
Italian
French
Letter
806
Origin: Tunis
Destination: Algiers
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1668-1671]
Algiers
Other religious orders
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tripoli
Tunis
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher. He asks for the copies of the letters that PF has sent to him, in the case he loses one (as sometimes happens), he will still have the other. He especially asks for the copies of the letters about the spiritual needs of the Christians living in Bastione, Marroc or other countries that were sent to him some months ago. He also brings the news of the death of Costaguti, who was the archbischop of Carthage and also Vicar Apostolic of the city. He proposes Trotti as the new archbishop and vicar apostolic, and asks PF to confirm this election, as they also did with Costaguti with a decree from 17 april 1650. After this there follow a bundle of letters (the numbers are added by us) collected by the secretary of PF [Federico] Baldeschi:
a) Decree for Jean Le Vacher by Innocent X from 17 December 1650, in which he is declared vicar apostolic of Tunis;
b) A decree from PF to Jean Le Vacher from 9 September 1652. He asked for three things. For jurisdiction over secular and regular priests, to forbid all ceremonies and rites that are not part of the Roman church, and to give the priests the faculties to say mass one hour before sunrise and one hour after the midday, so that the laborers who have to work can attend mass. PF agrees with the first and third point, but does nothing with the second;
c) A Petition on behalf of 12 November 1652 on behalf of Adriani a S. Natalia, a discalded augustinian, for missionary faculties for someone of the same order. PF gives the faculties for three years to the augustinian a S. Margarita;
d) A petition to PF on behalf of Jean Le Vacher from 9 December 1652, by which his authority as vicar apostolic is extended to Tripoli and other cities in the diocese of Carthage;
e) is a decree for Jean Le Vacher from 29 November 1667, in which his position as vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis is confirmed;
f) A letter from Cardinal Chigi to Le Vacher, written by Rome from 12 June 1662. The dominican Silvestro Bendici (who has been enslaved during his return from Armenia and brought to Tunis), asked for the missionary faculties to help a great amount of slaves in the city. They ask Le Vacher if the service of this priest is necessary and if he is suitable. If it is true that this priests says mass more often than is necessary and was allowed, this should not be accepted. Or if this still happens because the slaves ask for it, it should be given in moderation through time and place;
g) A decree sent in the name of the prefect of PF, Antonio [Barberini Jr.] from 29 June 1666. For three years Le Vacher is allowed to give missionary faculties to regular or secular priests; h) Letter from the Prefect, Cardinal [Antonio] Barberini, and the secretary of PF, Her'mo Casanate [Girolamo Casanata] from 3 December 1667. For many years Le Vacher has been the vicar apostolic of Tunis, his services are still needed and therefore he is elected vicar apostolic of Algiers. They send him his faculties which also extend to Tunis. They ask him to inform them about the number of Christian slaves and priests in the bagnos;
i) The faculties of vicar apostolic of Gio Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher], from 27 November 1667 or actually 16 February 1668. They have not made the transcription because the stored version was incorrect;
and j) Patent from the archbishop of Carthage, Scipio Costagusti, written in Napels by his secretary Iulius Grimaldus, by which Ioannis Le Vacher [Jean Le Vacher] is made vicar apostolic.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
It has to be made somewhere between 1668 and 1671. The last letter is from 16 February 1668 and it has to be before 6 August 1671 because that is the date when it was discussed by PF.
Jean Le Vacher; Federico Baldeschi
Innocentius X; Cardinal Pamphili; Dionisio Massari; Antonio Barberinus Jr.; Cardinal Chigi; Girolamo Casanata; Scipio Costaguti
APF SOCG 430, 281r-286r, 288v
[1668-1671]
Adressed to [PF] Adressed to Jean Le Vacher
Letter A is also found as a copy in APF SOCG 494, 4r, 5r-v (database item 695).
See for B also the letter in which Le Vacher requested these things APF SOCG 248, 264r-v, 289v (database item 444) and the decision of PF APF ACTA 21 , 107r, 109r-v, item 11 (database item 543).
There is also a copy in APF SOCG 430, 255, 41r, 42r, 44v (database item 253).
See for the petition of letter D: APF SOCG 308, 438r-446v, 447v (database item 438).
See for the decision of letter D: APF ACTA 21, 127v, 134r-v, issue 20 (database item 544).
See for the petition of E by Rene Alméras on behalf of Jean Le Vacher: APF SOCG 430, 254, 146r, 147v (database item 397).
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this whole bundle and was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41 305r, 330r-338r.
Italian
Latin
Petition
Letter
739
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau to PF [1652]
Algiers
CM petitions
Other religious orders
Petition on behalf of Jean Barreau, who is working for the mission in Algiers to PF, asking for a dispensation of the simple vows of the Cistercians, considering he is working for CM priests. During the PF general meeting of the 6 May 1652, the cardinals decide to send his request to the Apostolic Penitentiary [which deals with the absolution of excommunications].
Date discussed 1652-05-06
Additional comments
Jean Barreau
APF SOCG 248, 179r,182v
[1652]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 21, 47r, 50v, 51r, issue 13 (database item 537).
Latin
Italian
Petition
433
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 Julien Guérin to the PF vice-prefect [Luigi Capponi], 1647-11-08, Tunis
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Ransom
Other religious orders
Letter from Julien Guérin with several details about the Tunis mission, emphasizing the chronic lack of priests and asking for advice on dealing with irregularities among the Christian slaves in the city, such as usury and buying stolen goods. The letter also reports on the case of a Sardinian slave of the Order of Saint Francis of Padua who almost renegated his faith on account of his hardships; Guérin asks PF to contact the general of his order with a view to ransoming him and protecting him from future temptations to commit apostasy. PF note on 209v does not indicate any response or decision.
Additional comments
Julien Guérin
APF SOCG 65, 206r-v, 209v
1647-11-08
Addressed to [Luigi Capponi]
The previous letter that Guérin mentions here is probably the one he wrote on 15 July 1647, to which the PF does not seem to have responded at all: PF SOCG 64, 259r, 270v, (database item 131).
See also: APF ACTA 17, 574r, 577v (database item 123).
Original; signed, dated; Italian
Italian
Letter
137
Origin: Tunis
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno, to Cardinal Pamphili, 1651-10-27, Paris
Other religious orders
Letter from the nuncio to France, Nicolò Guidi di Bagno to PF. The nuncio asked Vincent de Paul for information about Michele Dello Spirito Santo [Michel Du Saint-Esprit], as requested by PF. The information given by Vincent de Paul is enclosed (see SOCG 248, 130r-131r, database item 417). The letter signed and dated 27 October 1651.
Additional comments
Nicolò Guidi di Bagno
APF SOCG 248, 129r-v
1651-10-27
Addressed to Cardinal Pamphili
The letter of Vincent de Paul can be found on SOCG 248, 130r-131v (database item 417).
Italian
Letter
416
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1682-04-18, Rome
Algiers
Other religious orders
Other secular missionaries
Trinitarians
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers. The letter states that because several priests of different orders have fled from the hospitals in Algiers, the ruler of Algiers has since banned the administrators of these hospitals. The cardinals now ask, if he can take over the care of these hospitals. The letter dated 18 April 1682.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 71, 25v-26r
1682-04-18
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
645
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
PF minutes, 1681-09-30, Rome
Algiers
Capuchins
Mercedarians
Other religious orders
Renegades
Slave priests
Slaves (Christian)
Tunis
Minutes of PF General meeting of 30 September 1682 discussing amongst other issues, the case of Vincenzo Frascati and Francesco Gatta (which was dicussed during PF meeting of 8 April 1680). They are both missionaries in Tunis, and its believed that should there have not been so many public scandals concerning the areas local priests, they would have had better results with the Christian slaves. PF decided to write the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher], to gain more information about the issue. The vicar apostolic offered PF his apologies for his delayed response, as it took more than a year for him to receive the letter. His response contained information from the Provicar [of Algiers, Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna], and two missionaries [Vincenzo Da Frascati and Francesco Gatta]. The first scandal was committed by Antonio Calendino, a slave from Coscenza. He acted as a clown and played the guitar with the Ciaia of his Turkish patron, and feasted with prostitutes. He threatened the missionaries to let him say mass, even though he did not have any papers proving that he was a priest. He also told the missionaries that he commited a murder in Napels and had been imprisoned for four years. Eventually he left for Livorno.
The second case was Diego D'Avolos, a Spanish Mercenarian, who was killed by a gunshot in a case involving the wife of a rennegade. During the same incident, another priest Giovanni Pelij was also hurt. He was not allowed to say mass for a month to punish him, and after this he has led a better life. The third case was caused by Felice da Marta, a Minim priest, who won 80 pezze from Giuseppe Calabro (a slave of the Pasca), who forced Felice to pay the money back. Afterwards it was easy to apprehend him, since he was no longer the slave of an influential person. The fourth priest to cause a scandal was Carlo della Maltese, a Franciscan. Whilst playing cards with a Greek they got into a fight, which caused blood to be shed. When the Bey found out, he had the Greek imprisoned and rounded up all the missionaries to ask them whether it was allowed for a priest to play cards. The missionaries informed him that it was not allowed, and insisted that it was absolutely forbidden. The Bey handed the priest over to the missionaries, and told them to punish him. The Greek was again enslaved, and due to the Greeks attempting to also enslave Felice, he was sent on a ship travelling to Livorno. Le Vacher also wrote that the small island of Tabarca and at another place called Caponegro (which were both part of the kingdom of Tunis) are inhabited by Genoese. In Tabarca there are some Augustinians, and in the other place a Trinitarian. Le Vacher does not know whether they were given permission to travel to these areas, and also if they have the authority to act as priests. He asks PF to clarify if these two places are subjected to his vicariate. Le Vacher concluded the letter, by informing PF of his happiness at the impending arrival of Mercedarian priests of Aragon and Andalusia.
Date discussed: 1681-09-30
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 498, 181r-182v, 184v
1681-09-30
For the letter of Giuseppe Maria Da Bologna, Vicenzo Da Frascati and Francesco Gatta, see: APF SOCG 498, 177r-v, 180r (database item 806).
For the letter of Jean Le Vacher, see: APF SOCG 498, 178r-179r (database item 807).
For the earlier PF meeting mentioned in this one, see: APF ACTA 50, 98r, 112v-113v, issue 27 (database item 683).
Italian
Latin
Minutes
808
Origin: [Rome]
PF minutes, 1680-04-08, Rome
Other religious orders
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Minutes of PF general meeting of 8 April 1680 discussing among other issues, a request by Giovanni Da Randazio. He asks to be sent back to his province, with the usual privileges being issued after nine years of service in the mission. The cardinals agree to the request.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 50, 98r, 99r-v, issue 4
1680-04-08
Latin
Italian
Minutes
682
Origin: Rome
Destination:
PF minutes, 1680-04-08, Rome
Algiers
Capuchins
Other religious orders
Conversion
Minutes of PF general meeting of 8 April 1680 discussing among other issues, letters from Vincenzo da Frascati and Francesco Gatta about the mission in Algiers. They write that they work to keep the Christians faithful and that there would be many conversions to Catholicism, were it not for the many scandals caused by Christians, (especially by priests). The cardinals decide to ask Jean Le Vacher for more information about the issue.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 50, 98r, 112v-113v, issue 27
1680-04-08
See for the letter that was subsequently sent to Jean Le Vacher, APF LETTERE 69, 127r-v (database item 641).
Elsewhere, there is a reference to this meeting, see: APF SOCG 498, 181r-182v, 184v (database item 808).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
683
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Summary on the reports from the Scottish mission, [1675]
Scotland
Visitation
Other religious orders
Scottish colleges
Summary on the reports of the mission in Scotland. In PF meeting of 23 July 1674 they took the following measures: a) the children sent to the Colleges have to be approved by the prefect and the children of Catholics have to go to PF schools; b) there is a need for new subjects to increase the numbers of missionaries, especially for the mountains. New missionaries should come from the Colleges, where everyone has sworn an oath. They will also buy a house for the old and crippled missionaries; c) an Irish bishop will be send to Scotland to administer the sacrament of confirmation; and d) There will be a visit to the Scottish mission. The decisions has been sent to Alesandro Winstero [Alexander Winster] on 23 August 1674, to which he responded with a letter from 25 April 1675. In his letter, he praised the measures taken by PF, especially the planned acquisition of the house. He responds with the following: 1) it already has been custom for the last few years to send the children to the Colleges. The children from the Lowlands however, cannot be sent to the school which is located in the highlands, not only because of the distance, but also because of language barriers. There are also more schoolmasters needed; 2) the missionaries cannot spread over the kingdom because there are 14 subjects and only nine missionaries. In some places there are so many converts that three missionaries are not enough, however it is impossible to stay in others because of persecution. It would not be of much help to call on those who are obliged by oath to work for the mission. Winster can only think of two people, Gio' Lesleo [Giovanni Lesley?] in France, and Jacomo Bamsaio in Bergamo, but they are both old and disabled. He ordered Franc'o Bianchi [Francis White] to call two Irish priests to the mission, but he did not receive any response that they actually arrived. Winster also asks the procurator [William Lesley] to send Ephrem Benedino to the mission, a Scot of great virtue who is staying in Regensburg; 3) he does not think its a very good idea to send an Irish bishop to Scotland, because it would be not only difficult for him to travel there, but also because it might bring renewed persecution to an area that is currently living at peace; 4) he gives the numbers of Holy Ornaments, and also asks PF to organize a visitation to the mission. He informs PF about the progress of the mission, as in some parishes of 600 people there are only 10 Catholics left. This is probably due to the fact that these places are not often visited by protestant missionaries. In the Lowlands the Catholic faith spreads slowly because there is more opposition, and in Teviotdale and Mercia [Merse?] the people are all Puritans. Winster also praises his missionaries, including Gio' Irvino da Beltia [John Irvin, "Belty"], who has worked in the mission for eight years; he is now asking permission to leave the mission, and enter a benedict monastery in Germany. Winster thinks that Ephrem Benedino who is staying in Regensburg might take his place. There is also Giorgio Innes who has been in the mission since 1672, and is staying in the province of Galloway. Innes needs to be given a provision from PF. It was hoped that his family would support him but they did not. David Burnett is disabled and it would be wise to send him to the Scottish College in Paris; its noted that Barclai [Robert Barclay] would happily receive him. His place could be given to Giorgio Gordon, who is currently staying at the Scottish College in Paris. David Burnet wrote a letter telling about his merits for the mission in his province and the books that he wrote in the vulgar tongue. He also states that it would be wise to choose a foreigner for the visit to the mission. The procurator [William Lesley] suggest to let Gio' Valcher [John Walker] make a Cathechism in the English language, as had previously been decided in 1670. Books writtem in English on controversies can be found for a good price in Paris and London, however it would be best to have a translation of Spandano's church history. This could be made by either the English Jesuit College in Rome or another English priest chosen by Cardinal Nortfolk. Alexander Lesley has also written a letter to PF to inform them of his merits for the mission. PF has chosen him to conduct the visit. Another letter has arrived from Robert Monro who writes about his work in the mountains. He says that if there were missionaries who could speak Scottish Gaelic, the whole area would quickly become Catholic. The procurator [William Lesley] states that the mountain areas are very poor, and they need financial support to send their children to the Colleges. When the visitor is leaving the kingdom, it would be benificial to take some students with him. Lesley also recommends Atanasio Chalmers as missionary (he is currently staying in S. Scolastica in Subiaco), and asks for the patents of missionary in the border region between Scotland and England. Lesley also asks for an extra provision for the missionaries in Scotland, as there has been a famine.
Date discussed: 1676-01-10
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 457, 128r-130v, 138r-v, 144v
[1675]
This summary also appears in the ACTA: APF ACTA 46, 2r, 9v-12r.
See for the mentioned letter of Alexander Lesley: APF SOCG 457, 133r (database item 788).
See for the mentioned letter of Robert Monro: APF SOCG 457, 134r-v (database item 789).
See for the mentioned letter of Alexander Winster: APF SOCG 457, 135r-136v (database item 790).
Original
Italian
Summary
787
Origin: [Rome]
PF minutes, 1670-11-10, Rome
Tunis
Capuchins
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Minutes of PF general meeting of 10 November 1670 discussing among other issues, letters from the Capuchin Girolamo Da Sassari, (vice prefect to Algiers), the Minor Observant Antonio Di Seravezza (who worked in Algiers without patents of PF), and from others. The summary recounts the following: a) Jean Le Vacher was vicar apostolic in Tunis, until he left the city because of troubles with the consul of France [Jean Ambrozin]; b) Girolamo Da Sassari who was subsequently appointed by PF as vice prefect, had to leave the mission for the same reason; and c) Antonio Di Seravezza continued to live in Tunis, but never wrote to PF. When he did write, his letters were from Marseille, and he signed as vicar apostolic, despite not even being appointed missionary by PF. He wrote to the nuncio complaining about the consul and about Colbert, and the nuncio believed him and tried to remedy the issue. The conclusion from these letters reported on the summary is: 1) that Di Seravezza is dishonest and untrustworthy, and that it is not difficult to remedy this problem; 2) that something should be done about the consul, however this will be more difficult to remedy. The summary also discusses a letter from Girolamo Da Sassari to Antonio Di Seravezza, which includes false information about PF's position on the whole issue, e.g. that PF would have decided that the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should not interfere in the Tunis mission despite him being granted vicar apostolic of the mission as well. Lastly, a letter is discussed from Antonio Di Seravezza to the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] in which: a) he complains about the consul; b) he reports to have sent Minor Observants to Tripoli, and tjhat he also wants to send others to Tunis; and c) he tells the vicar apostolic not to interfere with the Tunis mission, assuming that PF commissioned this mission to him (although he did not even receive missionary patents). The cardinals decide the following on the whole issue: 1) the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] should be written to regarding information about the consul; 2) the superior of the Minor Observants should recall Antonio Di Seravezza back from the mission; and 3) the patents that Girolamo Da Sassari received should be revoked.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 39, 197r, 201r-202v
1670-11-10
Latin
Italian
Minutes
669
Origin: Rome
Destination:
PF minutes, 1670-11-10, Rome
Tunis
Other religious orders
Ransom
Tripoli
Franciscans
Minutes of the general meeting of PF, held on 10 November 1670, discussing among other issues, a letter by Jean Le Vacher in which he writes that he sent a Sicilian priest [Luigi Da Palermo] that he had ransomed for 600 piastre to the Tunis mission. Since Antonio Di Seravezza wrote him that the Tunis and Tripoli missions have been given to the Minor Observants, Le Vacher wants to know how to act to this regard. The cardinals decide to approve Le Vacher's appointment of the Sicilian priest.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 39, 197r, 203r-v, issue 18
1670-11-10
Latin
Italian
Minutes
670
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1670-11-10, Rome
Algiers
Other religious orders
Ransom
Trinitarians
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers. Le Vacher is told that his letter about the "Padri del Riscatto" and their unwillingness to obey him has been presented at a PF general meeting, and that the cardinals greatly lauded his prudence. In due time, when his arguments have been well considered, Le Vacher will receive the decision of PF. The letter dated 10 November 1670.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 55, 73v
1670-11-10
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
597
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1670-11-10, Rome
Tunis
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Franciscans
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, ordering Le Vacher to send the Minor Observant Antonio Di Seravezza back to his own province, in the case that he is in Tunis. Di Seravezza has neither been appointed vicar apostolic nor even a missionary in Tunis, and PF has already ordered the superiors of his order to call him back [but maybe that did not happen]. The letter dated 10 November 1670.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 55, f. 73v-74r
1670-11-10
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
598
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Tunis]
Letter from PF to Antonio Di Seravezza, 1669-09-21, Rome
Tunis
Other religious orders
Seravezza case
Petitions for faculties
Franciscans
Copy of a letter from PF to Antonio Di Seravezza, a Minor Observant working in Tunis. He is told that he will not be given the faculties that allow him to keep Father Giuseppe della Pantellaria from misbehaving, but that PF has ordered Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to remedy the issue. If Di Seravezza does not agree with how Le Vacher deals with the matter, he should write to PF again. The letter dated 21 September 1669.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 54, 238r-v
1669-09-21
Addressed to Antonio Di Seravezza
Italian
Letter
595
Origin: Rome
Destination: Tunis
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori], 1665-12-30, [Rome]
Other religious orders
Scotland
Scottish colleges
Letter from PF to the nuncio to France [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]. PF wants to have information on the College founded for the service of the Scottish nation, which is administered by the Carthusians. PF asks de' Vittori to inform them about the amount of students at the College, the subjects that these students study, and about the career options that the students have after finishing their education. This should be sent together with any other kind of information that PF should know about.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 50, 130r
1665-12-30
Adressed to [Carlo Roberti de' Vittori]
For the notes where PF decides write the nuncio for information on the College, see: APF SOCG 308, 206r-208v, 231v (database item 331).
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
834
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Paris]
Letter from PF to the vicar of Tunis [Jean Le Vacher], Rome, 1662-06-12
Other religious orders
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Tunis
Letter from PF to the vicar apostolic of Tunis [Jean Le Vacher]. The Dominican priest Silvestro Bandini was made a slave and brought to Tunis (when leaving Armenia). He reported the great need of priests in Tunis, and PF ask Le Vacher to grant him the faculties required to help the Christian slaves. Le Vacher is warned however, that if rumors of Bandini celebrating mass more than once a week are true, he should not be granted the faculties. PF states that Bandini should only be granted a faculty which describes precisely the time, place and functions; if Bandini abuses his faculties, then they should be revoked.
Additional comments
PF
APF Lettere 43, 27v-28r
1662-06-12
[Adressed to Jean Le Vacher]
copy; unsigned
Italian
Letter
817
Origin:[Rome]
Destination: Tunis
PF minutes, 1657-11-12, Rome
Tunis
Other religious orders
Minutes of PF general meeting of 12 November 1657 discussing among other issues, the request by the procurator general of the Discalced Augustinians. They ask PF to write a letter of recommendation for Father Benedict of St. Anna, to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Tunis. The cardinals agree to give him this letter of recommendation.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 26, 507, 520, issue 15
1657-11-12
For the letter of recommendation that PF sent to Jean Le Vacher, see: APF LETTERE 31, 111r-v (database item 589).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
504
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1657-11-12, Rome
Tunis
Other religious orders
Slaves (Christian)
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis. Le Vacher is asked to favorably receive Father Benedetto di S. Anna (a Discalced Augustine), who is travelling to Tunis to assist the Christian slaves. The letter dated 12 November 1657.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 31, 111r-v
1657-11-12
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
For the minutes of the PF meeting where the cardinals decided to sent a letter of recommendation to Jean Le Vacher, see: APF ACTA 26, 507, 520, issue 15 (database item 504).
Italian
Letter
589
Origin: Rome
Destination: Tunis
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]
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher to PF, [1655]
Algiers
CM petitions
Renegades
Other religious orders
Petition on behalf of Philippe Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks for a safe-conduct for the former Discalced Augustine Cherubino Della Vergine Maria, a renegade who wants to return to the Catholic faith. For this he needs to travel to a Christian country, as it would be too dangerous for him to convert to Catholism before leaving Algiers, as he is known there to be a Muslim. He therefore asks that this un-usual condition not to be mentioned in his safe-conduct; he also asks for there not to be a time limit. The cardinals of PF discussed this issue during their general meeting of 5 October 1655, and decided to pass the issue on to the Holy Office.
Date discussed 1655-10-05
Additional comments
Philippe Le Vacher
APF SOCG 248, 178r,183v
[1655]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
432
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of the Trinitarians in Algiers to Pope Clemens X, [1671]
Algiers
Other religious orders
Trinitarians
Petition on behalf of the Trinitarians in Algiers. They ask: a) that they may keep the Holy sacrament in their hospitals; and b) that they may be exempted from obeying the vicar apostolic (Jean Le Vacher), as he wants them to receive non-Catholics in their hospitals, whereas the Trinitarians think that would be harmful for the Catholics. In PF summary another issue is added, namely that new complaints have been arrived from Algiers about Trinitarian Bartolomeo Da Serrano, despite PF ordering the superior of the Trinitarians to recall him. During their meeting of 16 June 1673 the cardinals decided the following: 1) regarding the first issue, they will ask the vicar apostolic for more information; 2) with regard to the second issue, the vicar apostolic should be asked to refrain from compelling the Trinitarians to except heretics in their hospitals. Lastly, the cardinals decided to ask the superior of the Trinitarians to again recall Da Serrano from the mission.
Date discussed 1673-06-16
Additional comments
The Trinitarians in Algiers
APF SOCG 441, 332r, 333r, 334v, 335v
[1671]
Addressed to the pope [Clemens X]
Italian
Latin
Petition
653
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome