Letter from Jean Le Vacher to PF, 1668-07-31, Algiers
Algiers
Mission reports
Other religious orders
Slaves (Christian)
Letter from Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He writes about his travel to Algiers where he arrived on 24 May. He describes the situation in Algiers, that there are 14,000 or 15,000 Christian slaves, among whom there are around 100 women, and 300-400 children under the age of 15. He writes that there are five secular priests and two regulars, who did not all wear the priestly vestments. Upon his arrival he bought appropriate vestments for them and also managed to obtain permission from the Muslim rulers of the city for them to wear the vestments. He writes about the four bagnos that are in the city and the hospitals. Lastly he asks for some indulgences, medals, and crucifixes. The letter was discussed during PF meeting of 13 May 1669. The cardinals decided to answer Jean Le Vacher with a letter expressing their great esteem. The request of indulgences should be forwarded to the Congregation of Indulgences. The medals should be bought and the crucifixes issued, and indulgences should be obtained from the pope.
Date discussed 1669-05-13
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 419, 255r-256r, 262r-v
1668-07-31
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 38, 153, 173-4.
Italian
Latin
Letter
Petition
709
Origin: Algiers
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of [James Tyree] and mister [Blackall] to PF
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Scottish Catholics abroad
Petition on behalf of mister Blaccallo [Blackall?] and Giacomo Tirio [James Tyree?] both Scottish priests living in Paris, to PF. They ask for the missionary faculties, a travel provision, the normal provisions, and the necessary sacred ornaments. The petition is unsigned and undated.
Additional comments
Date based on the year around which Blackall and Tyree wanted to go to Scotland, which is 1665. See also: APF SOCG 308, 71r-75v (database item 319).
Blackall
James Tyree
APF SOCG 308, 80r
[1665]
Addressed to PF
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Petition
321
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of [the superior of CM in Rome] on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1663]
Tunis
Slaves (Christian)
Slave priests
Letter from CM superior in Rome, in which he responds to the following three accusations made against Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Tunis: a) that he is both vicar apostolic and consul of France, and that this is damaging to his office of the vicar apostolic; b) that he has a ship which he uses for commerce; and c) that he betrays slaves who make plans to escape. CM superior in Rome states that these accusations are false, and that they come from enslaved priests and members of religious orders who are displeased by the fact that Le Vacher wants to enforce some discipline on them. PF secretary, in the summary of the letter (on 50r-v), states that this is very likely since it has happened before, and that both this vicar and his antecessor asked PF for orders on the subject. Moreover, CM superior in Rome believes that it is true that Le Vacher also keeps the office of consul, but only because it helps his work as vicar apostolic. The accusation about the ship for commerce is (according to the superior) false, as merchants who often go to Tunis could attest. He moreover recalls the material and spiritual care that Le Vacher provides to the slaves in Tunis. PF notes of the general meeting of 7 August 1663, during which this issue was discussed only mention that the letter was read.
Date discussed 1663-08-07
Additional comments
[The superior of CM in Rome]
APF SOCG 254, 50r-v, 52r-53v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
383
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of [William Lesley] to PF, [1666]
Scotland
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of the procurator of the Scottish mission [William Lesley] to PF, in which he asks for the renewal of the faculties of the missionaries in Scotland: Giouanni Valchero [John Walker], Gilberto Graio [Gilbert Gray], and Francesco Bianchi [Francis White]. During PF meeting on 20 December 1666 the cardinals decide on extending the faculties for another three years.
Date discussed, 1666-12-20
Additional comments
[William Lesley]
APF SOCG 308, 284r, 285v
[1666]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 35, 326r, 333r (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Petition
346
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of [William Lesley] to PF, [1667-1668]
Scotland
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Franciscans
Scottish schools
Scottish colleges
Retirement missionaries
Visitation
Petition on behalf of William Lesley, procurator of the Scottish mission, to PF. On behalf of the Scottish mission he asks for the following things: a) more Irish Franciscans to be sent to the Highlands; b) that a companion be sent to help Francis White, whether that be his brother John White or a certain Cussak, who is a secular Irish priest who has offered to go; c) that the rectors of the Scottish Colleges be ordered to search for students in the Highlands to teach them, and after ordaining them, send them back to the Highlands as missionaries; d) more schools be founded in the Highlands; e) that the missionaries find able young people who are disposed to become clerics and send them to these schools, and in case they are not able to pay for the schools, that PF or the Scottish Colleges subsidize them; f) that the missionaries and school teachers be sent books and devotional objects; g) that the missionaries be divided over the different provinces by the prefect; h) that all the Scottish who have been ordained ad titulum missionis in the Colleges but have subsequently entered a religious order, be ordered to go to Scotland immediately; i) that all priests write at least once a year to PF; j) that the regular missionaries be equally distributed throughout the country; k) that PF or the pope write a letter (or brief) in which they order the Scottish Catholics to financially support their own missionaries; l) that 13 secular missionaries be sent to each bishopric, plus one prefect and around 30 regular priests; Lesley is willing to go there himself in order to set an example; m) that John Walker be made prefect instead of [Alexander] Winster, who wants to resign; n) that the Scottish Colleges be visited in order to diminish certain bad practices; o) that the rector of the Scottish College in Paris be replaced; p) that likewise the Scottish monasteries in Germany be visited; q) that the faculties of the prefect and of the secular priests in Scotland be renewed, since they are about to expire; r) that these faculties be given to Alessandro Iruino [Alexander Irvin], and that all of them be restricted to certain areas; s) that the prefect of the mission should be ordered to visit all provinces at least once a year, and write letters describing the state of these areas, including their problems and needs; t) that the prefect be given the faculty to consecrate chalices and altar stones, since the current faculty is about to expire; u) that the cardinals have changed their minds regarding the location of a house where missionaries can retire, because if they were to find it in Dieppe as they currently intend to, the missionaries would have to retire in a land where they would be strangers; v) that the missionaries in the Highlands be given some chalices and vestments; w) that often students of the Scottish Colleges are ordained without dispensation, but they need a dispensation because they are former heretics or sons of heretics; x) that the Scottish mission be visited, and that the visitor may have ample faculties and instructions; y) that PF give the mission a bishop with the title of vicar apostolic, as has been done in Holland; and z) that the Duchess of Aiguillon be asked to approach her uncle, Cardinal Richelieu, to establish a nunnery in Scotland. The petition is undated.
Additional comments
The petition must be dated before the end of 1668 because that is when Alexander Winster stopped being the prefect of the mission (or at least till 1672, when Walker went to Italy for medical attention). Alexander Irvin also arrived there in March 1668.
William Lesley
APF SOCG 308, 363r-369r, 370v
[1667-1668]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Petition
360
Origin: [Rome]
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
Petition on behalf of Benjamin-Joseph Huguier to PF [1662]
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Benjamin-Joseph Huguier, appointed by PF apostolic vicar in Algiers, asking for the usual missionary faculties. PF note on 49v. indicates that the cardinals have decided to send the request to the Holy Office. The petition is undated and unsigned.
Date discussed 1662-11-27
Additional comments
PF decree assigning the office of apostolic vicar to Huguier was probably issued on 17 July 1662. See APF ACTA 31, 152r, 169r.
Benjamin-Joseph Huguier
APF SOCG 255, 48r, 49v
[1662]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the meeting discussing this petition, see: APF ACTA 31, 286r, 288r (not in this database).
Original; unsigned and undated; petition in Italian; PF notes in Italian and Latin (49v)
Italian
Latin
Petition
254
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Blaise Féron to Urban VIII [1627]
CM petitions
France (missions in)
Petition on behalf of Blaise Le Féron on behalf of CM, requesting its confirmation by PF as a mission. Approved by PF in November 1627.
Additional comments
As noted by Coppo, an additional "memoriale" was probably attached to this petition, which detailed the faculties requested for the missionaries ("infrascritte"); the "joined memo" is also noted on 374v. That document is missing. Coppo argues that it is very unlikely that the said "memoriale" was the 1625 founding contract of CM or the act of approval of that contract by the archbishop of Paris. See A. Coppo, 'Documenti inediti per la storia della Congregazione della Missione, presso l'archivio della S. C. 'De Propaganda Fide,'' in Annali della Missione 80:1 (1973), 222-255, here 233.
The date and place are taken from the duplicate, see: SOCG 198, 116r, 121v (database item 23).
Blaise Féron
APF SOCG 387, 370r, 373v
Published in full (including the PF notes) and analyzed by A. Coppo in "Documenti inediti per la storia della Congregazione della Missione, presso l'archivio della S. C. 'De Propaganda Fide,''' in Annali della Missione 80:1 (1973): 222-255, here 225-233. For minor discrepancies between the original and Coppo, see attached file.
[1627]
Addressed to Urban VIII
See duplicate: APF SOCG 198, 116r, 121v (database item 23).
Original; not signed; not dated; Italian
Italian
Petition
29
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Blaise Féron to Urban VIII [1627], Paris
CM petitions
France (missions in)
Petition on behalf of Blaise Le Féron, requesting the approval of the CM as a mission. Approved by PF in November 1627.
Additional comments
Blaise Féron
APF SOCG 198, 116r, 121v
Briefly mentioned as 'duplicate of Le Féron's petition' by A. Coppo in "Documenti inediti per la storia della Congregazione della Missione, presso l'archivio della S. C. 'De Propaganda Fide,''' in Annali della Missione 80:1 (1973): 222-255, here 247. The version published in full by Coppo on pp. 225-233 comes from PF SOCG 387, f. 370r, 373v. The differences between the two versions are negligible.
[1627]
Addressed to Urban VIII
This is a duplicate of the petition in APF SOCG 387, f. 370r/note373v (database item 29).
Original; not signed; Italian
Italian
Petition
23
Origin: Paris
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of Brother Léonard to PF [1628], Paris
Capuchins
France (missions in)
Petition on behalf of Brother Léonard. Faculties requested by the provincial of the Capuchins from the Paris province, so that their mission in that province may continue with good results, according to the suggestions of the nuncio to France. The first clause asks for the renewal and extension of the papal bull giving them the right to bring their mission not only to the heretics but also to the Catholics, especially for hearing confessions. The fifth clause asks for the right to exercise these faculties everywhere in the province, except for the most important cities and towns. The sixth and last clause mentions that all conditions are subject to approval by ordinaries. The note on 41v summarizes the document and adds, regarding the fifth clause, that it was included in order to "not allow the Capuchin missionaries to hear confessions everywhere."
Date discussed 1628-06-20
Additional comments
Letter signed "F. Leonardus" (probably Father Léonard of Paris).
Brother Léonard
APF SOCG 130, 40r-v, 41v
[1628]
Addressed to PF
Original; signed; Latin; PF notes in Italian and Latin.
Latin
Italian
Petition
8
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Christophe Authier to Urban VIII [1633-1648], Brignon
Christophe Authier
France (missions in)
Petition asking the pope to confirm the establishment of the Congregation of Priests and Missionaries of the Clergy (Congregatio Parochorum et Missionariorum Cleri), and the election of Christophe Authier as its director. Attached is a copy of Salvatoris Nostri (the papal bull confirming CM as a religious congregation in January 1633). The PF note on 123v refers to CM rather than to Authier's congregation and it dates its foundation incorrectly ("della qual è capo D. Vincenzo di Paul p'te secolare e fù fondata in Parigi dell anno 1632"). The other notation on f. 123v is "S. Croce."
Additional comments
a) Written sometime between 1633 and 1648 in Brignon (Dax diocese); and b) neither Vincent de Paul, nor CM are mentioned in Authier's petition, but a copy of Salvatoris Nostri (the bull confirming CM in January 1633) was attached to it (the two are written in the same hand, and on the same kind of paper).
Christophe Authier
APF SOCG 199, 111r-123v
[1633-1648]
Addressed to Urban VIII
Original; not signed; undated; Latin; PF notes in Italian
Latin
Italian
Petition
25
Origin: Brignon
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Claude Dufour to PF [1656]
Madagascar
Conversion
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of Claude Dufour requesting PF to accept him as a member of CM, despite his earlier statement that he wanted to become member of a religious order. Even though CM is not a religious order, they also have vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability in the same congregation. He would like to stay with CM and serve God by converting infidels on the island of St. Lawrence (Madagascar).
Date discussed [1656-02-03]
Additional comments
The year is from PF filing system, not the petition itself.
Claude Dufour
APF SOCG 248, 95r, 104v
[1656]
Addressed to PF
For the PF discussion: see APF ACTA 25, 12r, 15r (database item 511).
Original; not signed; Italian
Italian
Petition
172
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Edme Jolly to PF, [1681]
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian)
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of Edme Jolly, superior of CM to PF. He asks that PF give Andrea l’Escuier [André L'Escuier] missionary status and faculties, so that he can go to Algiers to help Jean Le Vacher, who has fallen ill and therefore cannot assist the slaves as he used to do. During their meeting of 5 March 1681 the cardinals decide to write Jean Le Vacher for more information.
Date discussed 1681-03-05
Additional comments
Edme Jolly
APF SOCG 482, 185r,186v
[1681]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
664
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF [1662]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF, asking for missionary status for Jacques de la Fosse, Robert Menan, Claude de la Salle, Maximilien François Cuveron [or Cuvron] (all priests of CM), and Michel Manie (lay brother). Alméras asks for prefect faculties for Jacques de la Fosse (until PF has appointed another prefect), however, he does not wish for the faculties of Nicolas Etienne to be revoked (which had been given two years before), in order for Etienne to become prefect in case of the death or absence of Jacques de la Fosse.
Date discussed 1662-01-30
Additional comments
During PF discussion's on 30 January 1662 the cardinals decide to leave the issue up to the judgment of the nuncio to France. The rescript in the minutes of the discussion read: "Arbitrio Nuncij," APF ACTA 31, 1r, 11v.
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 26r, 27v
[1662]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 31, 1r, 11v (not in this database).
See for the decree that was subsequently issued: APF SOCG 252, 25r-v (database item 273).
For the letter in which PF informs CM on the decision on the missionaries, see: APF Lettere 43, 88v-89v (database item 820).
For the letter in which PF asks Antonio Barberini Jr. for advice on the missionaries, see: APF Lettere 43, 88r-v(database item 819).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Petition
274
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF [1664]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras asking for missionary faculties for seven new missionaries for Madagascar: Pierre Cabel, Charles Boussordec, Jacob Le Cointe, Louis Bourot, Pierre Grissard, Sebastien Maquet, and Charles Le Gay. Although no news has come from the missionaries who were approved by PF at the end of 1662, the hope is that they have arrived safely. Some merchants plan to establish a harbor in Madagascar where they can stop on their way to the Indies. These new missionaries have to be approved before the end of the next month, since three ships will be setting sail by that time. Alméras also asks that Pierre Cabel may be appointed vice prefect of the Madagascar mission. PF note shows that the matter was assigned to Cardinal Pallotto. At their general meeting of 22 September 1664, the cardinals decided that the candidates had to appear before the nuncio, in for him to decide whether they were suitable; the nuncio should then notify PF about his decision. Meanwhile, the faculties should be requested from the Holy Office and sent to the nuncio.
Date discussed 1664-09-22
Additional comments
The decision mentioned in APF ACTA 33, 119r, 123r (the minutes of the meeting discussing this issue) is much shorter: "Rescriptum/ S. Congr'o annuit, et mutantur facultates Nuncio/ Galliarum."
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 40r-v, 41v
[1664]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 119r, 123r.
Orginal, unsigned and undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
281
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1662]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF. He explains that after many obstacles which have impeded CM to send other missionaries to Madagascar, a ship will depart towards the end of December. Since the previous prefect is deceased, Alméras asks that Nicolas Etienne may be appointed as prefect of this mission, and that he, Robert Menan and Michel Manie may be given missionary faculties; CM will provide for their material needs. Lastly, he asks that Nicolas Etienne may appoint a vice prefect who will take care of the mission in case of death of the prefect.
Date discussed 1662-11-27
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 31r, 32v
[1662]
Addressed to PF
See for the PF summary of this petition: APF SOCG 252, 28r-v (database item 275).
See for the decision by PF, APF SOCG 252, 30r-v, 33v (database item 276). The PF discussion is in APF ACTA 286r, 288r-289r (same information; not in this database).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Petition
277
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1663]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras, superior general of CM, asking PF to approve the dispatch of one additional missionary to Madagascar, namely Giacomo Francesco Frachey [Jacob Francois Frachey]; Frachey, a priest from Savoy is not a member of CM, but is being vouched for by Alméras, due to his aptitude and zest. PF is requested to allow Frachey to join CM missionaries on their trip to Madagascar, and to also grant him the status of apostolic missionary, with the faculties that would be conferred on him by the prefect of the mission [Nicolas Etienne]. The petition also mentions that the new addition to the mission, would not cost PF anything. The notes on 35v show that: a) the matter was assigned to Cardinal Pallotto for referral in the general meeting; and b) the request was approved by PF on 23 January 1663.
Date discussed 1663-01-23
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 34r, 35v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 1r, 5v-6r.
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
278
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1663]
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras asking PF to approve the dispatch of more missionaries to the island of Madagascar, on account of the "copious spiritual harvest" to be had there. He mentions that those already approved by PF had not left yet, due to (the merchants) trying to assemble several ships to send over together. The names of those intended to join the mission are: Pietro Turpino [Pierre Turpin], Massimiliano Francesco Cuuron [Maximilien François Cuvron or Cuveron], Pietro Joüery [Pierre Jouery], and Giouanni Gueroult [Jean Guéroult], who are all priests of CM. PF is also requested to grant them the status of apostolic missionaries, including the customary faculties that will be conferred to them by the prefect of the mission, as already declared by PF; the petition mentions that the additions will not cause any "temporal burden" to PF. The notes on 37v show that: a) Cardinal Brancacci was assigned to the matter; and b) that the request was approved by PF on 5 June 1663.
Date discussed 1663-06-05
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 36r, 37v
[1663]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 116r, 123r-v (not in this database).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
279
Origin: [France]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1664]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF, mentioning the six missionaries who had been recently accepted by PF for the island of Madagascar. The petition mentions that the ships have not yet set sail. Taking advantage of the delay, Alméras would like to add two more names to the list: Michel Monmasson and Claude Bernard Vegrat, both priests of CM; PF is requested to declare them apostolic missionaries to Madagascar, for the spiritual aid of the local population. The matter was assigned to Cardinal Brancacci (first name written and then scratched was Pallotto) and discussed in PF general congregation of 7 October 1664. PF note (by Pro-secretary Manfronus) shows that the request was approved and forwarded to the Holy Office for the faculties, which should be sent [to the nuncio to France].
Date discussed 1664-10-07
Additional comments
The previous petition (database item 281), discussed by PF in September, actually listed seven names, one of which had been included in earlier petitions as well, which means that six of the names on the September petition were new and needed approval.
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 42r, 43v
[1664]
Addressed to PF
For the previous petition to which this petition refers, see: APF SOCG 252, 40r-v, 41v (database item 281).
For its discussion: APF ACTA 32, 119r, 123r.
For the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 32, 139r, 144r-v.
Orginal, unsigned and undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
282
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1665]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF, asking for the appointment of Jean Jourdie, Gaspar Gonon, Martin Ignace Roguet, Egidio [Gilles] Le Merer, Dionisio [Denis] Le Cornier, Filibert Fardel, Charles Le Roy, Gasparo Stella (all priests of the CM), and Nicolò Raoul and Giuliano [Julien] Grohan (secular priests), as missionaries for the Madagascar mission. The petition noted that new ships which could take them, are ready to depart. PF approves the request in the general meeting of 13 July 1665.
Date discussed 1665-07-13
Additional comments
Sometime later, another priest, Jacques Bruchan, wanted to join these ten missionaries before their departure. See APF SOCG 252, 58r-59v (database item 286).
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 56r, 57v
[1665]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the discussion of this petition, see: APF ACTA 34, 139r, 143r (not in this database).
Also related are: APF SOCG 252, 58r, 59v (database item 286) and APF SOCG 252, 60r, 63v (database item 287).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Petition
285
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1665]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras, requesting to add another missionary to the group preparing to leave for Madagascar (see database item 285), considering that the ships have not yet set sail. The name of the priest is Giacomo [Jacques] Bruchan, and the petition does not mention whether he is a member of CM or not (the summary on 59v calls him a "secular priest"). Matter assigned to Cardinal Brancacci, and discussed in PF on 17 August 1665; the petition was later approved.
Date discussed 1665-08-17
Additional comments
See APF SOCG 252, 56r-57v (database item 285) for the petition that was discussed a month earlier, in which missionary patents for ten other priests were requested.
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 58r, 59v
[1665]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the discussion of this petition, see: APF ACTA 34, 163r, 170r (same information; not in this database).
Database items 285 and 287 are also related.
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
286
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1665]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras, requesting missionary status for Guiglielmo [Guillaume] Bonable, priest of the diocese of St. Malò in France, in order for him to serve the mission of Madagascar, together with the group of missionaries who are about to leave. PF meeting of 9 November 1665 agrees with the request and orders that he should introduce himself to the nuncio to France.
Date discussed 1665-11-09
Additional comments
See for the other missionaries who were preparing to leave: APF SOCG 252, 56r-57v (database item 285), and APF SOCG 252, 58r-59v (database item 286).
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 60r, 63v
[1665]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the discussion of this petition, see: APF ACTA 34, 203r, 210r (not in this database).
PF asked the nuncio to France to take a decision on the suitability of the missionary, see: APF Lettere 51, 58r-v (database item 854).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
287
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1665]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras, requesting missionary status for François Brision, member of CM, so that he can serve the mission of Madagascar with the other CM missionaries. PF meeting of 9 November 1665 agrees with the request, and orders that he should introduce himself to the nuncio to France.
Date discussed 1665-11-09
Additional comments
See for the other missionaries who were preparing to leave: APF SOCG 252, 56r-57v (database item 285), and APF SOCG 252, 58r-59v (database item 286).
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 61r, 62v
[1665]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the discussion of this petition, see: APF ACTA 34, 203r, 210r (not in this database).
PF asked the nuncio to France to take a decision on the suitability of the missionary, see: APF Lettere 51, 58r-v (database item 854).
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
288
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1666]
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF, in which he asks for the appointment of Marin Ignace Roguet as prefect for the Madagascar mission, since the two previous prefects Nicolas Etienne and Michel Maniè have since both died. He also asks for the confirmation of status of apostolic missionaries for Louis Bourot and Michel Monmasson, who were declared apostolic missionaries by PF in 1664 for seven years. PF notes on 73v indicate that the cardinals agreed on both issues.
Date discussed 1668-05-07
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 72r, 73v
[1668]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 37, 49r, 76r (not in this database).
Original, unsigned and undated
Italian
Latin
Petition
292
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1666]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras. Alméras writes that there are not enough priests left in Madagasca since Nicolas Etienne, the previous prefect, has been killed, another missionary has left the island and a third has drowned. He therefore asks for the appointment of the following new missionaries: Giacomo [Jacques] Henir, Giouanni [Jean] le Bourgeois, Andrea l’Escuier [André Lescuyer], and Tussano [Toussaint] Piequelin. He also requests the appointment of Maximilien Michel Maniè as prefect and François Cuveron [or Cuvron] as vice prefect of the same mission, and in the event of either of their deaths, Ignace Roguet. PF note of the meeting on 20 September 1666 show that the cardinals agreed to the petition, and that the faculties of prefect should be requested at the Holy Office. Afterwhich, they should be sent to the nuncio in Paris, who will then give them to the priests, once they have been judged capable to operate in the mission.
Date discussed 1666-09-20
Additional comments
René Alméras
APF SOCG 252, 66r, 67v
[1666]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the discussion of this petition, see: APF ACTA 35, 246r, 258r-v.
Original, undated and unsigned
Italian
Latin
Petition
289
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior René Alméras to PF, [1667]
Algiers
Tunis
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of René Alméras to PF in which he asks that Jean Le Vacher be appointed vicar apostolic in Algiers with jurisdiction over Tunis. He asks for the same faculties that Le Vacher used to have during his time in Tunis. The petition is discussed on the 28 November 1667. The cardinals approve the request.
Date discussed 1667-11-28
Additional comments
Somewhere else they say the date is 1667-11-29. APF SOCG 281r-286r, 288v (database item 739).
René Alméras
APF SOCG 254, 146r, 147v
[1667]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 36, 245r, 252r-v (same information; not in this database).
Italian
Latin
Petition
397
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: [Rome]
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Vincent de Paul and other CM members to Urban VIII [1628], Paris
CM petitions
France (missions in)
Petition on behalf of Vincent de Paul and the first CM missionaries to Pope Urban VIII for the establishment of their congregation; a note on 52v shows that the request was presented by Cardinal Bentivoglio in the PF general meeting of 22 August 1628.
Date discussed 1628-08-22
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul, Louis Callon, François du Coudray, Antoine Portail, Jean de la Salle, Jean Bécu, Antoine Lucas, Joseph Brunet, Jean Dehorgny
APF SOCG 130, 49r-51r, 52v
The main text, in the original Latin, was published in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: correspondance, entretiens, documents (Paris: 1920-25), vol. 1, doc. 26. Part of the main text ("conditiones") was translated into Italian and the entire PF note was published in the original Italian by A. Coppo in "Documenti inediti per la storia della Congregazione della Missione, presso l'archivio della S. C. "De Propaganda Fide,''' Annali della Missione 79:3-4 (1972): 37-65, here 39-41. Coste's transcription is faithful to the original with the exception of minor discrepancies, most of which were probably generated by the scanner (see attached file).
[1628]
Addressed to Urban VIII
Original; 8 signatures; seal (detached, enclosed); main text in Latin; PF note in Italian.
Latin
Italian
Petition
11
Origin: Paris
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Vincent de Paul to PF [1651-1652]
Salé
Petition on behalf of Vincent de Paul to send CM missionaries to Salé. It mentions that the consul of Salé had for many years solicited Vincent de Paul for the matter, and that only now has he (Vincent de Paul) found it possible to respond to this request. If PF finds it desirable, Vincent de Paul can recommend a few of his priests for this mission, with the approval of the nuncio.
Date discussed 1652-01-05 (see P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: correspondance, entretiens, documents (Paris: 1920-25), vol. 4, no. 1443, fn. 3).
Additional comments
Probably written and presented by the superior of the CM house in Rome.
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 35r, 42v
Only the petition itself was published in P. Coste, ed., Saint Vincent de Paul: correspondance, entretiens, documents(Paris: 1920-25), vol. 4, doc. 1443. The attached file below includes the summary written on 42v for PF's internal purposes.
[1651-1652]
Addressed to PF
See for the discussion of this petition: APF ACTA 21, 1r, 6r-7r, issue 21, (database item 534).
Original; not signed; Italian
Italian
Petition
167
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Vincent de Paul to PF [1655]
Madagascar
Petitions for missionary patents
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Vincent de Paul asking PF to grant full missionary patents to Toussaint Bourdaise, who had been sent to Madagascar a few years before as companion for Jean-François Mousnier, (who in turn had been named apostolic missionary by PF on 10 February 1653). Vincent de Paul also asks that Mousnier be declared prefect of the Madagascar mission, since he has just received news of the previous prefect's death (Charles Nacquart). The nuncio to France also joins a letter recommending Mousnier.
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 96r, 103v
[1655]
Addressed to PF
See for the related recommendation by the nuncio to France: APF SOCG 248, 97r (database item 174).
Original; not signed; Italian
Italian
Petition
173
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of CM Superior Vincent de Paul to PF [1655]
Madagascar
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Petition on behalf of Vincent de Paul requesting permission to send three additional missionaries to Madagascar, namely: Claude Dufour, Nicolas Prevost, and François Feydin, seeing that a ship is ready to leave for the island. Vincent de Paul also requests that PF allow that the examination and approval of future missionaries for Madagascar, to be carried out by the nuncio, considering that the precipitous departure of the ship might not leave Vincent de Paul enough time to let PF know their names in advance; he (Vincent de Paul) also requested that the appropriate faculties be sent from Rome afterward.
Date received 1655-08-06 [date of PF note on f. 100v]
Date discussed [1655-08-16]
Additional comments
Vincent de Paul
APF SOCG 248, 99r, 100v
[1655]
Addressed to PF
For the PF discussion, see: APF ACTA 24, 47r-v, 48r, (database item 532).
Original; not signed; Italian
Italian
Petition
176
Origin: [France]
Destination: Rome