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This document is a series of ecclesiastical correspondence from the late 17th century, primarily dated between 1675 and 1685, originating from Jesuit missionaries in Siam (Thailand), Macao, and other regions within the Portuguese and Spanish colonial spheres. The letters, written in Latin and Italian, reflect administrative and doctrinal communications within the Society of Jesus, particularly concerning the authority of Apostolic Vicars, obedience to papal decrees, and internal disciplinary matters. Key figures include P. Rogerius Maldonado, P. Dominico Fucio, P. Francesco Saverio Filippo, and references to Pope Clement X, Innocent XI, and the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide). The texts address tensions over jurisdiction between local vicars and Jesuit superiors, the enforcement of papal bulls such as those issued by Clement XI, and concerns regarding accusations against missionaries like P. Ferdinando Menchiet and Domenico Fucchi. Notable themes include adherence to obedience, the protection of missionary institutions, and the handling of calumnious reports. The documents also reference specific locations—Siam, Tungpin, Macao—and mention the role of the Roman Curia in overseeing missionary activities. The inclusion of sealed letters, references to secret instructions from predecessors, and appeals to canonical authority underscores their significance in understanding Jesuit governance and inter-institutional relations during the Counter-Reformation. These records provide critical insight into the operational dynamics of the Jesuit mission network and the complex interplay between religious authority, colonial administration, and papal oversight.
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Padre Marcelo Mastrilli, a Jesuit, is remembered for his martyrdom in Nagasaki, Japan, and a miracle attributed to him by St. Francis Xavier. In 1636, en route to India, he foresaw his martyrdom in a letter to S. Antonio Tegliez de Silva. In 1634, while dying in Naples, St. Francis Xavier healed him and tasked him with preaching in the Indies, promising him martyrdom. Mastrilli journeyed through Madrid, Lisbon, Goa, Malacca, and Manila before reaching Japan, experiencing miracles along the way. Leaving Goa in April 1636, with twelve companions, Mastrilli's group split up, heading for Malacca. He, along with Padres Baldassarro Citadella, Antonio Capece, and Francesco Carola, sailed on Domenico di Camera's Galeotta, intending to reach Japan, China, and other areas. However, Dutch vessels forced them to Manila. En route, when the Galeotta sprung a leak, Mastrilli reassured everyone with an image of St. Francis Xavier, promising salvation. In Manila, Mastrilli faced difficulties entering Japan due to restrictions on religious figures. It was decided he would go alone, while his companions went to Macao. Before departing, he accompanied the Governor of Manila to conquer Mindanao. During a battle, he flagellated himself, provoking a demonic reaction and receiving a revelation that the victory would be his and that the Governor would facilitate his journey to Japan. Mastrilli, with ten Japanese men disguised as locals, sailed from Manila on July 13, 1637, reaching the Kingdom of Saxuma on September 19. Seeking the Emperor, he landed at Xiguiso but was discovered and arrested with his companions, then taken to Nagasaki. There, he declared his mission to convert the Emperor. Mastrilli endured tortures, maintaining his faith. Sentenced to death, he was thrown into a pit of filth on October 17, 1637. After four days, he was beheaded; an earthquake occurred at his death.
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- Manuscript (2)
Publication year
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Between 1600 and 1699
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Between 1630 and 1639
(1)
- 1637 (1)
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Between 1670 and 1679
(1)
- 1678 (1)
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Between 1630 and 1639
(1)