Petition on behalf of the CM superior [Edme Jolly] to PF, [1685]
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Edme Jolly superior of CM, to PF. He asks that Michel Monmasson (priest of CM), be appointed vicar apostolic of Algiers, to replace Jean Le Vacher who has passed away. The petition was discussed during the meeting of 8 January 1685, and the cardinals agreed with the proposal.
Date discussed 1685-01-08
Additional comments
Edme Jolly
APF SOCG 492, 19r, 20v
[1685]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 55, 1r, 4r (database item 688).
Italian
Latin
Petition
694
Origin: [Paris]
Destination: Rome
PF minutes, 1685-01-08, Rome
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
CM petitions
Minutes of PF general meeting of 8 January 1685 discussing among other issues, a petition on behalf of Edme Jolly, superior of CM. He asks that Michel Monmasson (a priest of CM), be appointed vicar apostolic of Algiers, to replace Jean Le Vacher who has passed away. The cardinals agree with the proposal.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 55, 1r, 4r
1685-01-08
See for the petition: APF SOCG 492, 19r, 20v (database item 694).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
688
Origin: Rome
Destination:
PF minutes, [1684], Rome
Algiers
Other secular missionaries
Trinitarians
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of [1684] discussing among other issues, a petition on behalf of the general procurator of the Trinitarians. They ask that the superior of the Trinitarian hospitals in Algiers may be appointed prefect over the mission. Father Francesco Gatta (a secular priest), is a candidate for the post of vicar apostolic of Barbary now that Jean Le Vacher has died; its noted that Cardinal Spinola recommended him. He could be given faculties for Tunis and Bizerte, to avoid the troubles experienced in the past [between the former vicar apostolic, Jean Le Vacher, and the Trinitarians in Algiers]. The rescript is "read" and no decision is noted.
Additional comments
The exact date is missing from our records.
PF
APF ACTA 54, 15v-16r
[1684], Rome
Latin
Italian
Minutes
687
Origin: Rome
Destination:
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
PF minutes, 1680-04-30, Rome
Scotland
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 8 April 1680 discussing among other issues, a report from Alexander Winster, the prefect of the Scottish mission. He writes that, since Francis White died, the Catholics in the Highlands have been suffering. He asks that PF send an Irish priest (or that he invite one himself), to whom PF can give the needed faculties. Also discussed, is that Alexander Lesley returned from the Highlands gravely ill, and will probably have to leave Scotland; its noted that two other priests have also fallen ill. The prefect moreover asks that PF send David Burnet to the mission. He also requests faculties and some vestments for mass. The cardinals decide: 1) to leave the issue of the vestments to the judgment of the secretary; 2) to ask the internuncio to France whether Burnet is suitable for the mission; 3) to send the provisions in advance; and 4) to refer the issue of the faculties to Cardinal Norfolk.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 50, 117r, 126v-128r, issue 22
1680-04-30
See for the letter that was subsequently sent to Cardinal Norfolk: APF LETTERE 69, 18v-19r (database item 638).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
684
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Report about the mission in Scotland by [William Lesley], [1678]
Jesuits
Mission reports
Petitions for faculties
Scotland
Scottish Catholics abroad
Visitation
Relation on the mission in Scotland. The covered subjects are the following: a) archbishoprics and bishoprics; b) the place of residence of the missionaries; c) the residence of the prefect of the mission; d) the universities; e) the Catholics usually live in the mountain areas and in the islands. It would be wise to send more missionaries to these regions; f) there is not even one Catholic bishop in Scotland, it is advised to send a bishop to Scotland once every seven years; g) there are many regular priests in Scotland, especially Jesuits; h) there are many regular and secular Scottish priests outside Scotland in the Colleges, who are actually obliged to work for the mission but who are not able to, or do not want to go back; i) there are many youths in Scotland suited for study, and they should be sent to the Colleges outside the country; j) the Catholics should not send their children to Protestant schools; k) the school teachers need more money; l) the school teachers could also help as priests during festivities; m) there are four overseas Colleges for the Scottish youth, but they should be inspected better by the nuncio or the bishops; n) especially the College in Rome should be visited; o) the students should be carefully selected so that the most talented will be send to the Colleges; p) there should be appointed someone who would make sure that the decrees are followed in the Colleges; q) the students should first be send to the missionaries since they do not learn missionary activities in the College; r) there are relatively few missionaries compared to the amount of Catholics, therefore more should be sent; s) there is a shortage of chalices and other Holy objects, it is asked whether they could send more; t) money is also needed for books; u) there is often not enough money for the priests in Scotland; v) to persuade the students to go to Scotland, they should be given the promise that when they get old or fall ill they will be taken care off; w) the faculties of the missionaries should be limited; x) cases of conscience; y) the prefect of the mission should be able to give dimissory letters, or there should be send a bishop who could do this; z) in the Collegio Urbanothere are two or three youths from outside the mountains; aa) there should be a visitation to the mission in Scotland; ab) maybe there should be a superior general of the mission; ac) they ask for a hospital in Dieppe or Caen; ad) they ask to give the prefect the power to appoint a vice prefect; ae) they ask to give the prefect the power to give faculties to priests; af) Pope Urban had given the mission a subsidy, and they would like to have another subsidy or fund; ag) questions about absolution for the students of the Colleges, of whom the greater part has been a heretic at some moment in their lives; ah) translation of books; and ai) translation of the compendium of Baronius in English.
Additional comments
The identity of the creator is rather vague but William Lesley seems the most likely candidate. He was the procurator in Rome of the Scottish mission. This same file (APF Scozia vol. 1) also contains another relation that he worked on and some letters from his hand. Moreover at some point the text says "Per parte poi del Procuratore/ della Miss’ne." So it seems that he has at least something to do with it. It is also possible that the report was written around the same time as the other report, in 1678
[William Lesley]
APF SC Scozia vol.1, 573r-580v
[1678]
Adressed to the Congregazione particolare
Original; draft
Italian
Report
744
Origin: [Rome]
Destination:
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1678]
Algiers
CM petitions
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers to PF in which he asks: a) for the faculties of vicar general of Carthage; b) for the permission to administer the sacrament of confirmation; and c) for the faculties of provicar for the Capuchin Giuseppe Maria da Bologna, who he appointed to replace Grisostomo da Genova. During their meeting of 22 August 1678 the cardinals decide not to consent to the first two requests, but they do agree with the third.
Date discussed 1678-08-22
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 470, 167r, 168v
[1678]
Addressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 48, 152r, 154r-v, issue 8 (database item 679).
Italian
Latin
Petition
663
Origin: [Aligers]
Destination: Rome
PF minutes, 1678-08-22, Rome
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 22 August 1678 discussing among other issues, a petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers to PF, in which he asks: a) for the faculties of vicar general of Carthage; b) for the permission to administer the sacrament of confirmation; and c) for the faculties of provicar for the Capuchin Giuseppe Maria da Bologna, who he appointed to replace Grisostomo da Genova. During their meeting of 22 August 1678 the cardinals decide not to consent to the first two requests. They do however agree to the faculties for the new provicar.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 48, 152r, 154r-v, issue 8
1678-08-22
See for the petition discussed during this meeting: APF SOCG 470, 167r, 168v (database item 663).
Latin
Italian
Minutes
679
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to Giovanni Domenico Galasso, 1677-11-05, Rome
Tunis
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Letter from PF to Gio’ Dom’co [Giovanni Domenico] Galasso in Naples, stating that the cardinals have consented to give him the patents of missionary. He is also instructed to obey Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Tunis, who will tell him were he has to work. The letter dated 5 November 1677.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 66, 81r-v
1677-11-05
Addressed to Giovanni Domenico Galasso
Italian
Letter
632
Origin: Rome
Destination: Naples
Petition on behalf of Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis to PF, [1676]
Algiers
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis (priests from the diocese of Matera), to PF. They ask for the faculties to go to the mission of Algiers, and PF notes mention that the same request has been discussed during the PF meetings of 12 February, and 17 April 1675. When asked about the need of new missionaries, the vicar apostolic of Algiers (Jean Le Vacher), stated there was no need. During their meeting of 2 March 1676, the cardinals decide to ask the bishop of Matera and Jean Le Vacher for more information.
Date discussed 1676-03-02
Additional comments
Francesco Gatta and Giovanni Battista de Bonis
APF SOCG 458, 11r, 12v
[1676]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
657
Origin: unknown
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of the Scottish missionaries to PF, [1675]
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Petition on behalf of the Scottish missionaries to PF. They ask for the faculties of prefect for Alessandro Vinstero [Alexander Winster], and for the missionary faculties for the following missionaries: Dauid Burnetto [David Burnet], Franc'o Macdonel [Francis MacDonnell], Franc’o Bianchi [Francis White], Alessandro Lesley [Alexander Lesley], Goo’ Irion [John Irvin] from Hilton, Alessandro Iruino [Alexander Irvin]; as well as for the two schoolteachers Eugenio Macalastrio [Eugene Macalister], and Nicolao Dumbur. During their meeting of 30 July 1675 the cardinals agree to the request.
Date discussed 1675-07-30
Additional comments
The Scottish missionaries
APF SOCG 453, 261r, 262v
[1675]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
656
Origin: [Scotland]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of the Republic of Venice to PF, [1675]
Algiers
Capuchins
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Petitions for missionary patents
Ransom
Tripoli
Tunis
Because the republic of Venice has been very compassionate about her subjects that have been kept as slaves in Barbaria, she has decided to ransom some of them; this is why Venice wants to send Capuchins from her lands to these regions. For this reason Venice asks PF to grant Capuchins from Venice the right to settle in Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli as missionaries, not only to ransom the slaves, but also to help them in their religious needs. They ask PF to send the Capuchins to Barbaria, and to give them the same priviliges, faculties, and provision as other missionaries. PF decides not to grant the Venetian Capuchins the licenses, and instructs those who really want the faculties to contact the prefect of the mission.
Date discussed: 1675-06-25
Additional comments
The Republic of Venice
APF SOCG 454, 64r, 65v, 66v
[1675]
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 45, 142r, 147r-v.
Original
Italian
Petition
784
Origin: unknown
Destination: [Rome]
PF minutes, 1674-07-23, Rome
Algiers
CM petitions
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 23 July 1674 discussing among other issues, a petition by Jean Le Vacher asking that his faculties which are about to expire, be renewed. The cardinals agree to the request.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 44, 204r, 205v, issue 10
1674-07-23
Latin
Italian
Minutes
674
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-12-12, Rome
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Slaves (Christian)
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers. Carlo d'Ancona and Vincenzo da Frascati, two Capuchins, have been sent to Tunis to assist the slaves, and now ask for the usual faculties. PF asks Jean Le Vacher to give these faculties to both missionaries, provided that they really are in Tunis. If not, Le Vacher is asked to send another able and charitable priest. The letter dated 12 December 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 168v
1673-12-12
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
615
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Letter from Alexander Winster to [PF], 1673-03-15, Edinburgh
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Letter from Alexander Winster to [PF]. He has received the order to recall Gilbertu' Graium [Gilberty Gray] from the mission, but he has not yet been able to do this; he needs money in order to cover Gray's travelling expenses. He also needs a refund for the traveling money that he already gave to Alexandro Burnetto [Alexander Burnet]. He has heard that some students travel from one College to the other. Its noted that they spend their time traveling instead of studying, and that the Colleges also receive them without any letters of reccomendation; that is why he asks PF not to accept any students in the Colleges without these letters. As future missionaries, the students are the future of the mission. Altogether there are not more than eight missionaries and one schoolmaster; Gray has had his faculties revoked. Three of the missionaries are Franc' Blanc' [Francis White], Fran' Macdonal [Francis Mcdonnel] and Robert' Monro, who along with the schoolmaster work in the mountain areas. They would actually need six priests there, since there are 4,000 Christians. David Burnett' works in the lower areas, usually in Buchan and sometimes also in 'Mernia' [The Mearns?]. Joannes Irvinus [John Irvin] works in Marr and Aberdeen, and Alex'r Lesleus [Alexander Lesley] works in Strathbogie; Alex'r Ivinus [Alexander Irvin] works in southern Scotland, close to 'Tuedam' and also occassionaly in Edinburgh. The Marquess of Huntly helps all the missionaries and those in the Catholic faith in the area. He hopes that PF will send them missionaries, and provide money. Nobody in the mission currently has the faculties to consecrate portable altars and chalices, as had been granted to Winster in his old faculties. There is a great need for someone who is allowed to do this, and as there is not even one bishop on the whole island, they are not able to get the Holy oils.
Date discussed: 1673-08-02
Additional comments
Alexander Winster
APF SOCG 440, 568r-v, 569v
1673-03-15
Adressed to [PF]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 42, 165r, 189v-191r (not in this database).
This letter was first received by the nuncio and thereafter sent to PF: APF SOCG 440, 565r, 570v (database item 777).
This letter has also been summarized, together with other letters: APF SOCG 440, 563r-v (database item 775).
The answer to this letter is: APF LETTERE 61, 64v-65r (database item 613).
Original; signed
Latin
Letter
778
Origin: Edinburgh
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, 1673-02-28, Rome
Algiers
Bizerte
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from PF to Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic of Algiers, stating that the cardinals approved Jean Le Vacher's choice of Marcello Costa as missionary of Bizerte. PF sends the patents which state that Jean Le Vacher himself should give him the faculties and that Costa should obey the vicar. Le Vacher is instructed to grant his the faculties when he is certain that: a) Costa freely accepts the tasks and agrees with the salary of 20 scudi per year; and b) there are other priests who can substitute Costa in the work that he is currently doing, or at least until PF can send other missionaries. The letter dated 28 February 1673.
Additional comments
PF
APF LETTERE 61, 19v-20r
1673-02-28
Addressed to Jean Le Vacher
Italian
Letter
611
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Algiers]
Summary of two letters of Alexander Winster, [1672]
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Two letters arrived from Alessandro Winstero [Alexander Winster], the current Scottish prefect. The letters discuss various requests, and the response of the cardinals: a) as Gilberto Graio [Gilbert Gray] was useless for the mission, he was recalled. Winster has not done this yet, because he does not have enough money to provide Gray with traveling expenses; b) he also had the order to send Aless'ro Brunetto [Alexander Burnet] back for his inadecquacy, and he has given him 40 scudi travelling money. Winster still asks for the refund; c) Winster heard that some Scottish students go from one College to the another without any testimonial letters. The superiors of the Colleges should be instructed not to receive any student without the necessary testimonial letters; d) he asks for the faculties to consecrate chalices and portable alters, as currently there is not anyone who can do this; e) he asks what to do about the Holy oils since he cannot get them from mainland Europe (as prescribed by the canons); and f) because of the poverty in the country, Winster asks for the money requested to be sent in due time. Besides this, the Procurator Lesleo [William Lesley] also asks for the missionaries in Scotland to be paid on time, at least before the second half of the year begins. He also asks Aless'ro Irvino [Alexander Irvin] to be given the same amount of money as the other missionaries. Irvin receives 40 scudi, while the others get 50 scudi. He had previously paid the difference of 10 scudi himself, but he is unable to continue doing so.
In response to the first issue, PF responds to let Gray leave without giving him any traveling money. To the second issue, PF wrote to the prefect to take Burnet, as he was a suitable candidate for the mission. The prefect asked for the travelling money to which the answer was "Nihil." Aless'ro Irvino [Alexander Irvin] was accepted as missionary in 1668 and confirmed in 1671.
Date discussed: 1673-08-02, 1672-12-19 and 1671-08-31
Additional comments
PF
APF SOCG 440, 563r-v
[1672]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 42, 165r, 189v-191r (not in this database).
See for the petition of Lesley: APF SOCG 440, 564r, 571v (database item 776).
See for the letter of Alexander Winster to PF: APF SOCG 440, 568r-v, 569v (database item 775).
Original
Italian
Letter
775
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: [Rome]
Letter from the PF secretary [Federico Baldeschi] to the nuncio to France [Francesco Nerli], 1672-10-18, Rome
Scotland
Petitions for faculties
Copy of a letter from the secretary of PF to the nuncio to France, Francesco Nerli. The PF secretary [Federico Baldeschi] writes that he gave a package to the procurator of the Scottish mission [William Lesley], with the faculties for the new prefect and for Alexander Lesley. The procurator dared to take out the patents, which was possibly in order to send them directly to Scotland instead of via the nuncio in France; instead they were separated from the letter to the nuncio. The secretary does not know what to think about this incident, but he will keep it in mind. The letter dated 18 October 1672.
Additional comments
[Federico Baldeschi]
APF LETTERE 60, 79v
1672-10-18
Addressed to [Francesco Nerli]
Italian
Letter
609
Origin: Rome
Destination: [Paris]
PF minutes, 1672-05-30, Rome
Algiers
Tunis
Capuchins
Ransom
Franciscans
Petitions for faculties
Minutes of PF general meeting of 30 May 1672 discussing among other issues, a letter from the vicar apostolic of Algiers [Jean Le Vacher] from 13 November. He requests PF to decide among the following options: a) that the Capuchin Father Luigi Da Palermo be sent back to the mission; b) that the superior general of the Capuchins send another Capuchin; or c) that the Capuchins help the vicar apostolic to ransom another priest who would substitute Luigi Da Palermo. The vicar apostolic thinks that the last option will be easily accepted by the order, because he came to know that the Fathers of Sicily already had money to ransom Luigi Da Palermo (but the vicar apostolic had already ransomed him with his own money). The general procurator of the Capuchins has nominated two candidates to go to that area, Gioseppe [Giuseppe] Maria da Bologna and Francesco d'Arcidosso. In his letter of 23 March, the Minor Observant Elescario Boullard writes that after he arrived in Tunis, the vicar apostolic [Jean Le Vacher] wrote to Marcello Costa (a missionary in Tunis), that he should make Boullard leave. This has been confirmed by Leorardo Omodei, the leader of the ransom organisation in Sicily. The cardinals decide to approve the two candidates for the mission proposed by the procurator general and that they should be given missionary faculties. The vicar apostolic and the superiors of the Minor Observants should request that Boullard leaves the mission.
Additional comments
PF
APF ACTA 42, 115r-v
1672-05-30
See for the letter discussed in this minutes: APF SOCG 433, 1r-v (database item 652).
Italian
Latin
Minutes
710
Origin: Rome
Destination:
Petition on behalf of the Scottish missionaries to PF, 1671
Petitions for faculties
Scotland
Franciscans
Petion on behalf of the Scottish missionaries, asking for missionary faculties for another three years for Alessandro Winstero [Alexander Winster], Francesco Bianco [Francis White], Gilberto Graio [Gilbert Gray], Dauid Burnetto [David Burnet], Giovanni Iruino [John Irvin], Alessandro Iruino [Alexander Irvin] and Marco Macdaniel [Mark MacDonnell?]. PF agrees to the petition.
Date discussed: 1671-08-31
Additional comments
APF SOCG 429, 481r, 482r
1671
Adressed to PF
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 273r, 274r.
Italian
Latin
Petition
717
Origin: [Scotland]
Destination: Rome
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher to PF, [1671]
Barbary (unspecified or several locations)
Algiers
Petitions for faculties
Salé
Petition on behalf of Jean Le Vacher, vicar apostolic in Algiers, to PF. He asks: a) that PF either send missionaries to Tetouan, Salé, Fez, and Morocco, or give him the faculties to do so; and b) whether as vicar apostolic of Algiers and Tunis, or as vicar general, he also has the authority over the surrounding areas where there are many Christians, especially in the Bastion [de France]. If this is not the case, he asks for the needed faculties. At the meeting of 27 April 1671 the cardinals agree to give him the requested faculties to appoint missionaries for the other cities. With regard to the second issue they decide that the secretary should check whether it is the case, and that if not, the needed faculties should be requested [at the Holy Office].
Date discussed 1671-04-27
Additional comments
Jean Le Vacher
APF SOCG 427, 238r, 239r, 240v, 241v
[1671]
Addressed to PF
Italian
Latin
Petition
651
Origin: [Algiers]
Destination: Rome
Letter from Luigi Da Palermo to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi], 1671-08-15, Palermo
Capuchins
Tunis
Petitions for missionary patents
Slaves (Christian)
Seravezza case
Petitions for faculties
Letter of Luigi Da Palermo, who writes that he is staying in Palermo to help in the ransoming of slaves. He is planning to return to Tunis afterwards. He received a letter from Gio' Leuascier [Jean Le Vacher] containing three copies of letters from CM: a) one about the confirmation of Luigi Da Palermo's faculties for the mission of Tunis; b) the second about Antonio da Saraveza [Antonio Di Seravezza], who pretends to be an apostolic missionary in Tunis; and c) the third about the French consul of Tunis, with whom Jean Le Vacher has a conflict. Luigi Da Palermo also writes that there are only two priests in Tunis, Antonio Di Seravezza and Elzeario Da Marseglia. The latter is French and therefore imprisoned because there is a ongoing war with France; hence this is why he asks for the permission to return to Tunis with four new priests. Its noted that he will be staying in Palermo until the answer arrives.
Date discussed: 1671-08-06
Additional comments
APF SOCG 430, 221r-v, 280r
1671-08-15
Adressed to [the PF secretary, Federico Baldeschi]
For the minutes of the PF meeting where this matter was discussed, see: APF ACTA 41, 305r, 330r-338r.
Copy; signed
Italian
Letter
718
Origin: Palermo
Destination: Rome
Two petitions on behalf of Girolamo Da Sassari to PF and to Pope Alexander VII, [1669]
Tunis
Capuchins
Petitions for faculties
Slaves (Christian)
Two petitions on behalf of the Capuchin Girolamo Da Sassari, prefect of the mission in Tunis. One is written to the pope, in which he explains why he left his mission in Tunis (the consul Jean Ambrozin threatened him, after Da Sassari demanded the money that he was obliged to pay to the church of Tunis). In the petition to PF, Da Sassari asks for the faculties of vicar apostolic or vicar general of Carthage, so that the other missionaries (both free and enslaved), will have to obey him. PF notes state that it is not common to give such faculties to Capuchins, and that it is not wise that he return to the mission because either he left because of the consul's anger (which will not have diminished), or because of an 'instable' character, which would have not changed either. The rescript that followed PF discussion of 26 March 1669 reads "nihil."
Date discussed 1669-03-26
Additional comments
Girolamo Da Sassari was probably in Rome around this time. He left Tunis in September 1668, and travelled to Rome (where he still was in February 1669). See: APF SOCG 424, 245r-246v (database item 750).
Girolamo Da Sassari
APF SOCG 418, 274r, 275r-v, 276v
[1669]
Addressed to PF and to Pope Alexander VII
Italian
Petition
708
Origin: [Rome]
Destination: Rome
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
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 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
Letter from [John] Walker to [William] Lesley, 1668-10-24
Scotland
Other secular missionaries
Petitions for faculties
Scottish colleges
Copy of a letter from John Walker, prefect of the Scottish mission, to William Lesley. He writes about the fact that Giovanni Iruino [John Irvin] has arrived in Scotland with a letter from Cardinal Barberini which assured him (travel) provisions, however he is yet to recieve anything. Another priest, Alessandro Iruino [Alexander Irvin] has arrived six months ago from the Scottish College in Paris without any faculties and without provision; Walker asks Lesley to request both from PF. He writes not to have heard anything from the Highlands yet, however, he has received a letter from mister Burnet, who in name of Lesley, asked if the missionaries could write more often to PF. Walker says that he will do this punctually. He furthermore writes about the need of chalices, "ornaments" [for mass] and books, indicating which books are most needed. He also writes about the fact that Giouanni Meinez [John Menzies] has written a book called 'Papismus Lucifugus' against Father Dempstero, and that he hopes the Jesuits will write an answer to it.
Additional comments
[John] Walker
APF SOCG 308, 437r-43rv, 448v
1668-10-24
Addressed to [William] Lesley
Italian
Letter
366
Origin: Scotland
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 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]
Summary of the mission reports from Scotland, [1667 or 1668]
Scotland
Mission reports
Petitions for faculties
Other religious orders
Visitation
Poland
Jesuits
Franciscans
Summary of the mission reports from the Scottish missionaries. It is a general report about the ongoing problems of the Scottish mission and the steps already taken by PF. The main issue is the chronic lack of priests, and although PF has done much to find other secular priests for the Highlands, there has been little result. Now they have sent two Irish regular priests and want to send others under the direction of a regular prefect. John White has been asked to go, but he is unwilling and cannot be constrained. In his place Cussak, an Irish priest in Paris, is proposed. Since there will be more regulars in the Highlands, Francis White, who is working there, might start teaching himself. In this way there would be no need to send students from the Highlands to the Continental Colleges. The priests in the Lowlands should be divided better over the different regions, as the regular priests (nine Jesuits, one Dominican and one Franciscan) currently all stay with rich Catholics. Two secular priest are about to be sent to the mission, both called Irvine, one of whom is currently in Poland visiting his sister. Furthermore a few concrete requests are repeated. The summary contains requests of faculties for the prefect (which allow him to consecrate chalices and altars): missionary patents, money for rosaries and other devotional objects, a visitation of the Scottish Colleges and monasteries, the replacement of the rector of the Scottish Colleges, a solution for the house where the missionaries can retreat, and a visitation of the Scottish mission. The decisions made by PF at the meeting of 23 January 1668 are on f. 384v.
Date discussed 1668-01-23
Additional comments
The summary was written no later than 23 January 1668, since that is the date of its discussion.
APF SOCG 308, 381r-384v
This summary and the PF decisions are also in APF ACTA 23, 9v-13r, which have been published as an appendix to an article by Cathaldus Giblin: 'The Acta of Propaganda Archives and the Scottish mission, 1623-1670,' Innes Review 5, no. 1 (1954) 39-76, 73-76.
[1667 or 1668]
The discussion of this summary can be found in: APF ACTA 23, 3r, 9v-13r (not in the database).
Italian
Latin
Summary
362
Origin: unknown
Destination: