Decreto da Propaganda sobre a ilha de Hong-Kong

Resource type

Title

Abstract

This 1842 administrative and ecclesiastical document, originating from the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs on 24 December, records the provisional ecclesiastical governance of the island and region of Fontana following the opening of Ling-haomo to civil administration under imperial decree. The text, referencing deliberations held at Angoche, confirms that Pope Pius XVI, in his capacity as Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, entrusted full spiritual care and pastoral administration of the area to the Fathers Provincial (P.P.), pending the establishment of a formal ecclesiastical See. The decision reflects the Catholic Church’s institutional response to the spiritual needs of missionaries and faithful in the region during a period of colonial administrative transition. Additionally, the document cites an earlier edict of 22 April 1841, which annulled all prior regulations currently in force in the locality, thereby establishing a new canonical framework. Endorsements are provided by Archbishop Idelfonso ai decr., António Pedro de Carvalho, and Ibi Maria de Arquica, indicating formal ecclesiastical and administrative ratification. The use of terms such as ‘canonical pounds’ points to the application of ecclesiastical law and financial provisions within this jurisdiction. This primary source offers critical insight into the intersection of colonial governance, religious administration, and papal authority in mid-19th century imperial and missionary contexts. It is a key document for researchers examining the role of the Catholic Church in colonial territories, the mechanics of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and the interplay between state and religious institutions during the period.

Date

1842

URL

http://43.156.68.124/docs/7JFREGIF/viewer_7JFREGIF.html

Transcription

Page 1

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] 1842 Lée. oriente - 10763 Ref.

Page 2

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Manu Imperatorem, Anno insula Ling-haomo ao civis flecturamis ingressum post angulis tractata fuerit D. Iesus Dominus Hastor Georgius Divina Providentia P. XVI de Concilio Sacra Congregationis de Propaganda Fide et spiritualibus militibus catholicorum, aliorumque fidelium necessitatibus, nec non religionis incremento proficierent, provisoria ratione, et quosque aliter absente Sede statutum fuerit promovenda insula regionis Fontana ad sua loca per laturum, curam omnem spiritu ali administrationem plebem mandavit P.P.

Page 3

[Page 1] [Texto Principal] .cumque non abstantibus tam Numa ex edicto, data lumis die 22 Aprilis 1841 = grati- lla omnino quotationes que cumque hui- us loci vigili = S 1½ librae canonicas Prof. P archiep. Idelfonso ai decr. - Esta conforme Ibi Maria de Arquica = Esta conforme António Pedro de Carvalho.) Esta Conforme. Secretaria do Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros em 24 de Dezembro de 1842.

Translation

Page 1

--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] 1842 Lée. oriente - 10763 Ref.

Page 2

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] By order of the Emperor, in the year the island of Ling-haomo was opened to civil administration following deliberations held at Angoche, D. Jesus, Lord Hastor Georgius, by Divine Providence, Pope Pius XVI, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, mindful of the spiritual needs of Catholic missionaries and other faithful, as well as of the advancement of religion, has, on a provisional basis and until such time as other arrangements are made in the absence of an established See, entrusted the entire spiritual care and pastoral administration of the people of the island and region of Fontana to the Fathers Provincial (P.P.).

Page 3

--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1] [Main Text] Nevertheless, without prejudice to the aforementioned, and by virtue of the edict issued on 22 April 1841 = all previous quotations whatsoever currently in force in this locality being annulled = S 1½ canonical pounds Prof. P Archbishop Idelfonso ai decr. – This is conforming Ibi Maria de Arquica = This is conforming António Pedro de Carvalho. This is conforming. Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs, 24 December 1842.

Citation

Decreto da Propaganda sobre a ilha de Hong-Kong (Arquivo da Embaixada de Portugal Junto da Santa Sé até 1930. Box 36, bundle 1). (1842). Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. http://43.156.68.124/docs/7JFREGIF/viewer_7JFREGIF.html

Primary Sources

Document

1842 - Decreto da Propaganda sobre a ilha de Hong-Kong.pdf

Link to this record

https://bdm-biblio.usj.edu.mo/bibliography/7JFREGIF