Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF, 1648-09-12, Genoa

Letter from Antonio Da Genoa to PF, 1648-09-12, Genoa

Algiers

Tunis

Capuchins

Plague

Letter from Antonio da Genoa, of the Capuchin order, relating, among other things, that there were only two priests left in Algiers at that time, one from Majorca, the other French. According to the author of the letter, the French priest was of little use, especially in confessions, since he did not know any Italian, only French. The letter also mentions that there were 25,000 Christians in Algiers at that time, and that more priests were needed to provide to their needs, especially now, when the plague was making more and more victims. The letter adds that there were many priests (in Genoa?) ready to go on this mission, not minding the dangers involved. A new prefect for the Capuchin mission in Barbary had to be elected, on account of the death of the previous one (Giuseppe Maria da Genoa). There was also a new "king" in Tunis, who was of Christian descent and sympathetic to Christians.

Additional comments

The French priest mentioned here could be Jean Barreau.

Antonio da Genoa

APF SOCG 247, 35r-36v

1648-09-12

Addressed to PF

Original; signed; Italian

Italian

Letter

128

Origin: Genoa

Destination: Rome