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Page 1

[Page]
M304

[Stamp — top right]
[ circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL. RIO DE JANEIRO ]

[Stamp — top center]
[ circular stamp: MUSEU NACIONAL. RIO DE JANEIRO ]

[Title]
Segunda Carta Pastoral, que Mandou publicar
o Revmo. e Bmo. Senhor Dom Fr. Phylario de
Santa Cruz Bispo desta Cidade em 27 de De-
zembro de 1745.

[Marginalia — left margin, vertical]
(1)

[Main text]
Dom Fr. Phylario de Santa Cruz por Mercê de Deos, e da Santa Sé Apo-
stolica Bispo desta Cidade & Corpo dos Fieis do Conselho de S. Magest.
& Deos guarde. V. A. Assi que esta Nossa Carta Pastoral vierem, della Noticia
tiverem Salude, e paz em Nosso Senhor, que de todos os
Verdadeiros remedios, e Salvações. — Grande delicia seria para Nós,
pela Caridade das ditas as Moças conducentes à reforma do costume, e
bom das Monjas, que o Supremo Pastor Nos entregou: e sua Imagem, e si-
milhante as oras de Deos, e a cura do Seu Divino Templo as vermos a seu Ser-
viente Culto, Noso Senhor Jesus Christo, Manifestando por este exemplo
de sua immensa Caridade, quanta estimação, e apreço tem feito das Monjas
quem as tem no seu Cuidado para as guiar, e tendo affim que as Nossas
animas não Divamente inquinem Malembrança, e juntamente o temor
de rigorosa conta, que delle faremos se dar a Deos; por tanto. Ordenamos
promissoriamente que a Nossa Doutrina se, em Vigilancia das Congregações desta Ci-
dade nos Domingos, e Dias Santos se guarde, em que Não Estiver servido, Ca-
tiza, ou Doutrina nas Suas Igrejas, elles por si No tempo de Estado exigirem
as suas Congregações, ou Evangelho occurrente, ou alguma doutrina de Nossa
Santa Sé, ou a Materias dos Sacramentos, ou a importancia dos preceitos af-
fim Divinos, como Eucharistia, ou qualquer outra Materias comumente ordena-
das às Monjas, que ellas as tenham cuidado com tanta clareza, e com tal forma que
todos possão perceber, e aproveitar-se da Doutrina, que lhes propuzer, adverte-
do, que elle pardo espiritual he omay importante, e necessario aos fieis, affim
para obterem bem, como para fugirem do Mal; e se por falta do uso lhes
parecer difficultoso comen prestar, e muitas de Memoria, recorrão de algum
Catechismo, mesmo doutrinal, pelo qual tendo com boa clara, e intelligivel a-
ponto, que lhes parecer mays abundada à sagacidade, e inteligencia dos seus
Congregues, sobre elle posturão, como Dom Noso Senhor lhes inspirar, impla-
mando Na Graça e seu auxilio, e confiando, que lhes affetiva, como tem pro-
metido aos Seus Servos para Cumprir com ella obrigação emay princi-
pal de todas as que tem com razão de seu Officio, e faltando á elle, affellem
não permita, lhes imponemos as penas, que os Sagrados Canones fazem
nas contra os Parochos Negligentes Nesta Materias — Onde mandamos
que, e Senhores do genero respeito, com que se tem feito

[Signature]
Fr. Phylario de Santa Cruz

Page 2

Numa Antecipação, onde he possivel de Nova alçada a Nossa Justiça, e
com igualdade aos Ecclesiasticos, mais do que pernicioso, privado, e abominável
vel; para que Navegemos, e confiarmos as Senhoras da Nossa Antecipação
com as Nossas penas, Mesmo as espirituais, com Jelty proibidas o comed,
ou Mascar bethele das Igrejas, em o proibimos, Nós nas Igrejas, nas So-
ciedades, nos erros, em o dito, mas tambem Nós proibissemos, entre os quais
aos religiosos, representantes de Nova aos Ecclesiasticos a pena de Injuria
dos Vicios, que tiverem, e dos officios, que exercitarem, em Sculeros por pe-
na de huma grave condemnação imposta pelos Canones, todas as leys, &
Vicos, safoberem, se tem faltado a observancia deste preceito, a qual
condemnação applicamos para a fabrica das Suas Igrejas, porque ao Me.
nos delicto fazem deste Modo as faltas de Respeito, que comettem contra o
culto, e Reverencia de Deus como em Seus Templos, alguns dos quaes estão
por elle Causa das immundices, e Disquermas, que causão Vergonha anima-
mas, que delle Vioto os portenam; e No caso, que Nenhum portem de
Deus, nem das penas temporay cesas elle pejismo costume, Mandamos ao
Nosso Corvo: Na avizem, para lhe applicarmos outras Mais for-
tes, e Officiosy remedios, esperando juntamente dos Prelados Regulares
Nos participem, se Nas Suas Igrejas houverem o mesmo abuso, estao
pudorem obras.— Assim Comum de Republica se oppoem ao
mesmo, alem de ser gravissima offensa de Deos, e para que os Nossos
Subditos tratem os Seus Negocios, sigindo Sempre della permisso Divino
e de qualquer quer antro do Ministro, que pode haver na Negociacao, Nos re-
commendamos pelas Chegas de JESUS Christo a fadas de Modo, que
não deporão artios de perder a Alma, lembrando-se, que estamos
Sendos Seu dia, que se demai importancia a Salvação da sua
alma, que os bens de todo o mundo: E pelo que respeita particu-
larmente ao Negocio, que aqui Selta se der dinheiro agendo de
terra, Mandamos, que quem o der sobre pender de esta, e posta
não leve May de Seis athe sette por cento além do principal, e fe)
os jurores ou hypotheca forem de facenda corruptivel, ou bem Affecti-
veis, para Cujo conservação, e Segurança, seja de haver trabalho, digen-
dio, ou damno, em tal caso regulando prudentemente atrabalsar
adanno, poderá levar oito, Nove, ate dez por cento, May Nunca
passando Sete Lomite, ainda que deem dinheiro somente sobre aes-
satura, e declaramos juntamente, que ella mesma regra se deve
nas coisas de mar, quando se leja delle dar dinheiro agendo de
corred quem recebe Dinheiro por Modo illuít, he)

Page 3

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: S. J. CHINCHÓN]

[Main text]
que comete vassos, e de necessário, contra os que têm cometido grave per
nos a Sagrados Cânones, em com eles edificávamos o transporte por esta
lei conforme o decreto de sua Cúria, de que havemos de inquirir nas visi-
tas com cuidado — Tem bem de feio preceito obrar os demais espirituais,
que os Católicos podem entrar pela comunidade nos preceitos com
os gentios; e assim mandamos, que em nenhum caso sejam as mulheres
entrada em suas casas aos gentios, nem entrem nas com que eles vivem,
nem para ofensivamente, ou para o governo de suas casas vão (os preditos com
eles, o façam por intervenção de algum delegado, parente, ou morador de terra), e na falta delles, é posto de que hajam necessidade, e
com elles tiverem, e nunca de porta adentro, se havendo de casa muito
pejorosa esperar de patrocinar o seu respeito, e se alguém esquivou da ob-
servância deste preceito, o não cumpriram, procederemos contra elle,
como for preciso, segundo a qualidade de pejor delinquente, largamente
não dará notícias o Mofe efectivada, a quem o recomendamos muito
particularmente, e todos os que souberem, se por modo de Correição por
terra não puderem levar as almas dos seus prisioneiros — Com
preceito formal de Obediência aquele que do Difon Tudeite obriga-
mos a avisar o leigo Barrocho, tanto que souberem, que em casa dos
gentios existem alguns Católicos, dos que de Madras, da Costa da
Índia, ou de outra qualquer parte doma acham cidade, pare que os mes-
mos Barrochos saibam se elles lá vivem observantemente ali, que profe-
ssam, e deleis façam ao preceitos de Igreja, quando tal obrigado, e nu-
merosamente no tempo de Quaresma, ou omissão do mesmo, por
más fuidas, que vivam, e morem, como os gentios, em cujas casas af-
fitem — Por este Nosso Vaputo Mandamos atar os Difon sub-
ditos Mordores, ou afilhantes desta Cidade, sendo madres das Greguías
em que moram desde a Dominga de Septuagésima, até a Dominga do
Bom Pastor, sem darem notícias de sua madremea, afirmar as Barrochas
de Greguía onde falem, como as da Greguía para onde forem Na-
ção Senhor, pede que deste modo saibam malhos, se faltam, ou dis-
sentem aos preceitos de Igreja no tempo de Quaresma, emtubado um por qu-
alquer dia, ou pelos Nossos Chorões, as quais emcomendamos pela
diligência, que alguém pejor obra o combate, será endenada pela
primeira vez com duas galés, pela segunda em quatro, e pela terceira
vez em oito com outros tantos dias de privação, d’cuja condenação applica-
mos uma parte p. o denunciante, e outra parte p. as obras da Cidade—

[Signature]
Ordenamos Dehrofim, e Mendamç an Gobernamento, e Administrador

[Folio]
172

Page 4

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: (Selo ilegível)]

[Main text]
dos Hospitais, Embaixadas, Jornadas, Capellas, Oratorios, e do que querem
nos lugares, e obras pias, que não tiverem fundação de bens de immediata
providência Real, ou com carta de sua administração, ou de privilégio, Afora
p. as Nobres das; em alta differença porém, dos Religiosos, que até o presente
tempo não tiverem cumprido com sua obrigação, ou no juízo Ecclesiastico, ou no
Secular, se nos apprehenderem dentro de quinze dias depois da publicação deste
Edital, pelos Senhores Campeiros, como tenho de obrigação, a disposição dos
Senhores Juízes ad postenos, ou pelos officiaes no tempo que for, quem
do dito caso houver, que assim o permitte, em muy Dominações affins.
Dizemos Nós dever conta na occasião de Divida, ou No fim de Caducum
anno, se algum impedimento tivermos de o fazer, e por entendermos, que
agravio desta Materias deve fazer grande peso na Consciencia do que fez
acceder em sobred. obrigações, se não impuserem outra pena; mas se
dentro do Tempo determinado faltarem ao que lhes ordenamos, em todo o
rigor lho faremos executar — Regamos finalmente, commandamos a todos os
Pios Católicos della Nossa Divina Piedade em grande saudade, conforme p. el
Alto N. Sior se compadecer das Misérias, que padecemos, em gentil Diffíça.
da necessidade, peste Modo a pratica de Nossa Santa Fé, e p. a vencerem
los Exemplos de conduta de Religião Catholica, devem todos assistir nelle
em Medalha, com frege, e em grande compostura; as Mulheres principal-
mente se devem abster nas Igrejas de qualquer genero de comida, ou beb.
De / excepto o uso de manjella Occulta./ Ermos também das Conversações
domesticas, de Cumprimentos, importunamente, e de Materia, e algaceray Pm.
Confessionarios, ema Mesa de Ominosas, lembrando-se, que assentados
estes de Ordem determinada p. esta Corte, e Demora, logo tudo leve.
mm de inquéritos nas Diocesys e Freguesias, castigar as culpas com severida-
de; e paraq Donde ambição de Reis Mendemos, que ohe Nossos Pastores seja
publicada nos Greg. delle fé, e fixada Portugues entronada Seda em ellecos
no Nossos Palacios p. Nossos Siguel, efeito de Nossas Armas an decreto da Ch.
versão de mil sete cento quarenta, etros annos. Eu o Conde Meneses Largo
Cath. Univ. da Cam. Espiripal hite Dirigido a Nossos Bem R. Hybris
e Santa Cruz Bispos dellleos= ell. Eoge Cath.= as fells exoff. cediz=

Translation

Page 1

**Archival Reference:** M304

**Stamps (top right and top centre):**
*Archived at the Arquivo Histórico Colonial, Rio de Janeiro*
*Held by the Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro*

**Title:**
*Second Pastoral Letter, issued for publication by the Right Reverend and Most Blessed Lord Dom Fr. Phylario de Santa Cruz, Bishop of this City, 27 December 1745.*

**Marginal Note (left margin, vertical):**
(1)

**Text:**

Dom Fr. Phylario de Santa Cruz, by the grace of God and of the Holy Apostolic See, Bishop of this City and Ordinary of the Faithful of His Majesty’s Council — may God preserve him. To Your Grace: Upon receipt of this our Pastoral Letter, may you receive it with due notice, and may you enjoy health and peace in Our Lord, who is the source of all true remedies and salvation.

It would be a profound joy to us—motivated by charity—to see young women guided toward moral reform and monastic discipline, as entrusted to us by the Supreme Pastor; and to behold, in their lives, the image and likeness of God, devoted to prayer and entrusted with the care of His divine temple. In this way, they render service to Our Lord Jesus Christ, manifesting through their example the boundless charity whereby He esteems and honours those religious women placed under His special providence for guidance and spiritual nurture. We are thus moved both by the desire that our own souls remain unstained by sinful remembrance, and by the sobering awareness of the rigorous account we shall render to God; therefore,

We hereby ordain—provisionally and authoritatively—that our doctrinal instruction be diligently maintained within the congregations of this city on Sundays and holy days, especially when no Mass, catechesis, or formal instruction is being conducted in their respective churches. On such occasions, the clergy shall themselves, during the appointed time of public assembly, instruct their congregations either on the Gospel passage of the day, or on some doctrine promulgated by the Holy See, or on matters pertaining to the sacraments, or on the essential precepts of divine law—including the Eucharist—or on any other subject ordinarily prescribed for the instruction of nuns. Such instruction must be delivered with exceptional clarity and method, so that all may fully comprehend and profit spiritually from the doctrine imparted.

Let it be noted that spiritual instruction is of the utmost importance and necessity for the faithful—not only as a means of attaining grace and salvation, but also as a safeguard against sin and error. Should any priest find the task difficult—whether owing to the complexity of the material or the demands placed upon memory—he is directed to consult an approved catechism or doctrinal manual. He shall select the text which, in his prudent judgment, best suits the intellectual capacity and spiritual discernment of his congregation; and upon that foundation, he shall compose his instruction, relying upon the inspiration and grace of Our Lord, imploring His assistance, and trusting firmly in the divine promise made to His servants to fulfil this, the most principal of all obligations incumbent upon them by virtue of their sacred office.

Should any fail in this duty—God forbid—we impose upon them the penalties stipulated in the Sacred Canons against parish priests negligent in this matter.

Wherefore, we command that these provisions be observed with the same reverence and fidelity with which such matters have hitherto been treated by those holding authority in this diocese.

**Signature:**
Fr. Phylario de Santa Cruz

Page 2

**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**

*Historical Document Transcription (c. late 17th–early 18th century, Portuguese colonial ecclesiastical-administrative source)*

In a Proclamation—wherever feasible—establishing a new appellate jurisdiction (*nova alçada*) over Our Justice, and extending it equally to ecclesiastics, such a measure would be not only pernicious, injurious, and abominable (*vel*), but also fundamentally contrary to the sacred order of the Church. For this reason, We hereby prohibit the delegation of Our judicial authority—including spiritual censures—to secular authorities or laypersons, even in matters concerning the administration of justice within Our domains. Likewise, We expressly forbid the consumption of food (*comed*) or the wearing of masks (*mascar bethele*) within churches; and We reiterate this prohibition not only in churches themselves, but also in religious confraternities (*sociedades*), in places of public assembly, and in all contexts where such conduct might occur. Moreover, We decree that religious persons—including those representing newly appointed ecclesiastical officials (*representantes de nova aos ecclesiasticos*)—shall be subject to the canonical penalty of *injuria*, imposed for moral failings (*vícios*) or abuses committed in the exercise of their sacred offices. Such penalties shall consist of grave canonical censures, as prescribed by the canons and all applicable ecclesiastical laws (*leis e vícos*). Should any clergyman be found to have neglected observance of this precept, We direct that the resulting fine or penalty be applied exclusively to the repair and embellishment (*fabrica*) of his own church. This sanction is justified on the grounds that such transgressions constitute serious breaches of reverence (*faltas de respeito*) towards divine worship and the sanctity of God’s temples; indeed, certain churches have fallen into such a state of squalor (*immundices*) and disorder (*disquermas*) that they provoke shame and scandal among the faithful who frequent them. Should any individual persist in this impiety—showing neither fear of God nor concern for temporal penalties—we command Our Corregedor to intervene immediately and impose further, more stringent corrective measures (*remédios oficiosos*), while simultaneously requesting that the Regular Prelates report to Us whether similar abuses occur within their respective jurisdictions; if so, they are to undertake appropriate remedial action (*obras*).

Thus, the common good of the Republic (*commun de republica*) opposes such practices—not only because they constitute a most grievous offence against God, but also because they undermine the moral foundations upon which just governance and Christian society rest. Accordingly, We earnestly exhort all Our subjects—by the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ—to conduct their civil and commercial affairs always in accordance with divine permission (*permissio divina*) and under the guidance of duly authorised ministers. In particular, We enjoin them to act in such a manner that no peril to the salvation of their souls may arise; for the soul’s eternal welfare must ever take precedence over all worldly goods.

With regard specifically to monetary transactions involving land (*dinheiro agindo de terra*), We ordain that no lender may charge interest exceeding six to seven per cent per annum above the principal sum. However, should the loan be secured by perishable goods (*facenda corruptível*) or other movable assets (*bens afectíveis*) whose preservation and security require active oversight, labour, diligence, or entail risk of loss or damage (*dano*), then—provided such risks are prudently assessed and documented—the lender may lawfully charge interest at a rate of up to eight, nine, or even ten per cent per annum; yet in no case shall this exceed the absolute maximum limit of seven per cent—even where the loan is secured solely by landed property (*aes-satura*, i.e., real estate). Furthermore, We declare that this same regulatory framework applies equally to maritime loans (*coisas de mar*), when money is advanced for mercantile ventures at sea; and We explicitly condemn any arrangement whereby a broker (*corredor*) receives payment for facilitating such a loan in a manner deemed illicit (*modo ilícito*) under canon or civil law.

Page 3

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: S. J. CHINCHÓN]

[Main text]

…which offences committed by our vassals—and, where necessary, those committed against them—constitute grave violations of the Sacred Canons. In order to uphold ecclesiastical discipline and advance the spiritual welfare of the faithful, we hereby decree, in accordance with the provisions of the Holy See’s decree (as promulgated by its Curia), that such matters shall be diligently investigated during episcopal visitations.

All other spiritual ministers are strictly enjoined—under formal canonical precept—to prohibit Catholics from participating in communal religious practices with non-Christians (*gentios*). Accordingly, we command that under no circumstances may Catholic women enter the dwellings of non-Christians, nor reside in households where non-Christians live; nor may they enter such houses—even ostensibly for domestic service or household management—unless accompanied by a duly appointed delegate, a blood relative, or a long-standing resident of this territory. In cases where none of these persons is available, entry may be permitted only when urgent necessity arises and is demonstrably present; even then, such access must remain confined to the threshold or outer courtyard (*porta adentro* being expressly forbidden). Should the dwelling be notably unseemly or morally hazardous, the obligation to safeguard due respect and modesty becomes all the more imperative. Any person who deliberately evades observance of this precept—or fails to comply therewith—shall be proceeded against as required by canon law, the severity of punishment corresponding to the gravity of the offence.

The *Mofe* (a local administrative or judicial official) is hereby formally charged—most particularly—with enforcing this regulation. He is to report fully on its implementation. All persons aware of any breach are likewise obliged to report it, either directly or through the established channels of ecclesiastical correction (*Correição por terra*), especially where souls entrusted to pastoral care risk spiritual harm through neglect or captivity.

By formal precept of obedience, we direct the *Difon* (a traditional Goan village headman or community leader) of Tudeite to notify the lay *Barrocho* (a local catechist or lay ecclesiastical assistant) immediately upon learning that any Catholics—whether originally from Madras, the Coromandel Coast (*Costa da Índia*), or any other part of Portuguese India—are residing in non-Christian households. The *Barrochos* are thereby instructed to ascertain whether such Catholics continue to profess the Faith openly and observe the precepts of the Church—including regular participation in the sacraments, particularly during Lent (*Quaresma*); whether they abstain from illicit cohabitation or assimilation into non-Christian domestic life; and whether they maintain distinct Christian practice and residence, rather than living *more gentilium* (in the manner of non-Christians), including sharing dwellings with them.

By this our Ordinance, we command all *Difons*, subjects or fostered dependants (*afilhantes*) of this city, who serve as *madres* (female heads or matrons) of *Greguías* (parish confraternities or lay devotional associations), to remain resident within their respective *Greguías* from *Dominga de Septuagésima* (the Third Sunday before Lent) until *Dominga do Bom Pastor* (the Fourth Sunday after Easter)—without absenting themselves without prior notification of their intended departure. They are further required to affirm, before the *Barrochas* of their own *Greguía*, the place where they reside, and to declare—should they relocate—to which *Greguía* they intend to transfer allegiance. In this manner, the Lord Bishop may ascertain whether members have lapsed in their observance of the Church’s precepts during Lent. Such declarations shall be made either on any single day designated for this purpose, or alternatively before our *Chorões* (ecclesiastical inspectors or visiting officials). We entrust the diligent execution of this duty to the *Chorões*, charging them to apply penalties rigorously: for a first offence, two days’ confinement in the stocks (*galés*); for a second, four days; and for a third, eight days—accompanied in each instance by an equal number of days’ deprivation of sacramental communion. Of each such penalty, one half shall be allocated to the denouncer (as incentive to responsible reporting), and the other half applied to public works benefiting the city.

[Signature]
We ordain and decree, Dehrofim and Mendamç, Governor and Administrator

[Folio]
172

Page 4

— OFFICIAL EDICT ISSUED BY THE ROYAL CHAPEL OF THE COURT (CÂMARA EPIRITUAL), 1740 —
[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: (illegible seal)]

To all Hospitals, Embassies, Pilgrimage Foundations (*Jornadas*), Chapels, Oratories, and all pious institutions and charitable works situated in our domains — *excepting those noble foundations established with endowments under direct royal patronage (*immediata providência Real*), or those operating under a formal royal charter of administration or privilege* —

We hereby declare that, *in marked distinction from religious persons who have hitherto fulfilled their canonical and civil obligations*, any clerics or religious personnel found within fifteen days of the publication of this edict to be in default — whether before the ecclesiastical courts or the secular judiciary — shall be apprehended by the appointed *Campeiros* (royal inspectors), as is incumbent upon us, and delivered into the custody of the respective judges *ad postenos*, or to such officers as may be duly commissioned for this purpose. Such authority is granted expressly for cases falling within the scope herein described, and is permitted under the terms of Our Most Gracious Sovereign’s benevolent dispensation.

We further ordain that accounts of revenues and expenditures must be rendered either at the time of any outstanding debt becoming due, or else annually, at the close of each *caducum annum* (i.e., fiscal year), unless just impediment prevents such submission. We hold that neglect of these obligations constitutes a grave spiritual burden upon the conscience of those bound thereby — a matter of serious moral consequence — and that, absent imposition of additional penalties, this weight alone should suffice to compel compliance. Should any party fail to fulfil the stipulations herein within the prescribed term, we shall enforce the present decree in full rigour.

Finally, we earnestly exhort and command all pious Catholics, moved by Our Divine Mercy and profound compassion, to reflect deeply upon the manifold miseries afflicting our realm — the gentler afflictions of material scarcity, the grievous scourge of pestilence, and the consequent challenges to the faithful practice of our Holy Faith. To overcome these trials, all are exhorted to emulate the exemplary conduct of the Catholic religion: attendance at Mass must be conducted with solemnity, decorum, and visible devotion — wearing the prescribed medal (*medalha*) bearing the sacred emblem (*frege*), and maintaining reverent composure throughout. Women, in particular, are strictly enjoined to abstain from consuming any food or drink whatsoever within church precincts — *with the sole exception of the discreet use of *manjella occulta* (a small, concealed vessel for medicinal or eucharistic purposes)*.

Furthermore, all persons are directed to refrain from domestic conversations, superfluous salutations, idle discourse, and inappropriate familiarity within sacred spaces — especially in confessionals and at the altar (*mesa de ominosas*, i.e., ‘table of solemnities’, an archaic locution denoting the altar or communion table). All are reminded that these ordinances have been formally promulgated by this Royal Court and confirmed by the Apostolic See; accordingly, rigorous inquiry (*inquéritos*) shall be instituted across all dioceses and parishes, and transgressions punished with due severity.

That the authority and intent of this decree may be widely known and effectually observed, we order its public proclamation in all parish churches (*grejas da fé*), its posting in Portuguese on the principal doors of Our Royal Palaces, and its inscription beneath Our Royal Arms — in accordance with the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation of the Council (*Sacra Congregatio Concilii*) in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty.

I, the Count of Meneses Largo,
Catholic University Professor (*Cath. Univ. da Câmera Espiritual*),
having received this mandate from Our Most Reverend Lords,
the Bishops of Hybris and Santa Cruz —
and from the Most Reverend Archbishop of Évora,
together with the other prelates and officials herein named,
do hereby issue and authenticate this edict in Our Lord’s Name.

Transcription

Page 1

M 304

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO CEARÁ. B.N.R.]

Segunda Carta Pastoral, que Mandou publicar
O Camo, e Rimos Chor Dom Sr. Pilarío de
Santa Casa, Bispo tinha Cobrado com 14. de
Novembro de 1715.

Dom Sr. Pilarío de Santa Casa, por Mandado de Deus, esta Santa Sé Apen-
tulia Bispos da Cidade & Bispos das Províncias do Conselho dos S. Magist.
& Den quande Dt. Assi que ista Nossa Carta Pastoral Virém, delle Patria
livorem Salde, e paz em ENS. Clérido Vos Senhor, que de todos be
Verdadeiro vermidio, e Salvador. — Grande delicto seria, passo Nós Cy,
pelo Cidadão Vas dizer os Magn conducentes à Reforma do Catholico, o
hom das Almónias, qui o Supremo Pastor Nos entropre: a sua Imagem, esti.
mílema as coroas Deli, e a cura do seu Crimina e sempre as venis a seu Vri-
genito Filho, Nós Senhor CBNV Christo, Manifetando por este Exemplo
de sua immensamente Caridade, quanto Minimus, e aproue seus feitos das Almónias
quem ai tem in seu cuidado para as paróquias, e sendo afim que os Nós
amores esta Dramamente imponha Ma lembrança, o juntamente o termo
de vigoria conta, que della Evocara St Dav a Den; pro texto. Ordenamos
promovimentemente que s'ivira de Nós se, em Vigilação dos Breves dela fi-
dade nos Domingos, e Dias Santos de guarda, emque Nás Envios Servidos, Pra-
tique, ou Doutrina nas Suas Igrejas, elles por si No tempo de Estudos religiosos
em seu Progues, ou Evangelho Occurrente, ou algum der olhiritinio, da Nós
Santa Ge, de a Matéria dos Sacramentos, ou a importância do presente Off.
Sim Divino, como Culpação, ou qualquer outra Matéria condumente ao con-
das Almónias, que Nós as feu cuidado com tanta clareza, com tal forma que
todos pinso perceber, e aproveitasse da Doutrina, que Nós propus, adesctin
Do, que este pate espiritual le arráy importante, e Neopiano servicii, afin
para obterem bom, como pere Figuriam do Mal, e se por falta do rico leur
porver dificultades compran pratica, e Ritualty de Memória, recaria de algum
Catecismo, milimo divinal, pelo qual tendo con Don elen, e inteligível s.
ponto, que Nós ponrem very promandado à segurança, e Recebida dos seus
Progresos, sobre elle portuários, como Don Nós Senhor Nos injirian, impla-
nando Na Dração e seu auxilio, e confiando, que Nós affitora, como tem pu-
mitido aos Suy Servos para Cumprirem com esta obrigação erray privada
jul de today as que tem com razão de seu offício, e Fallando à elle, oF Den
mas permitta, Nós impomemos as foras, que os Sagrados Canones falon
nas entre os Barados Negligentes Nesta Matéria— e Sonhos do genio Rejeito, com que se tem fal

Page 2

Nossa Antecessores, naqueles primeiros anos da Nova Aldeia de Nossa Senhora, e com especialidade aos Celebrantes suas do Bethel pernicioso, príncipe, e abominável; para que Nossos irmãos, e conscienciosos as Cidades dos Mônjos Antigoforos com as Minas pernas, Nossos as Lípivichas, com D'elle protegidas o comed, em Maiores Bethel das Igrejas, e no d'prohibimo, Mas só nas Igrejas, mas lá criadas, um erro, em um óbolo, mas também Nós proibimos, é outro guelij. auto religiosa, percepcionados de Nossa aos Celebrantes a porta de suspensão dos Dioces, que tiverem, ebs officin, que espírituavam, cor Seulery sob pena de muito grave condemnado imposta pelos Carveter todos os Dey, D Divon, ou fezbercon, se tem fallado a obfervencia deste preciso, a quel condemnacção applicamos pere a fabrica das Igrejas, porque ao Meu não deixe fazer deste Modo as faltas do Régisto, que cometem contra o culto, e Reverencia de Deus com os seus Pombeiros, alguns dos quay estão por ele causa tão immindindo, e Esquerma, que causá Vorgende animus, mas, que dele Fatos os portemab, E No Casa, que Ntem pontom de. Dei, nem das puny temporay cefus elle pejismo costume, Mandamoy an. Maiores Carvoda. Nn avicem, para seu appliermon outros Mais for. tu, efficecy Neonedior, aporondo juntamente dos Brelledor Regulany Nos participem, se Nós Nas Igrejas Stuiden. Otiamo aliúrdo, estab plidecom stribas. — Abdom Comum de Republica se oppoem al Nazum, além desjer gravísima Offensa de Dei, e para que os Mônjos-Infinitos tratem os Seus Negócio, figindo longare delle perniciosa Diiis e de qual quer outro dos Ministros, que pode haver na negociadade, Nun re. immedeemn pela Chega de 1715. Ovísto a falsid de modo, que nad depondo avisio de poder a estloma, lembrando-se, que os vivos Sonhos Seu dia, que be domai importância a Salvacao de humana alma, que os huurg de todo os mundos: E pelo que Régiste partiu. harmonte ao Negroio, que aqui Settas de dez dinheiro agendada terra, Mandamons, que quem ader sobre ponderar de vista, e posta, não lhe May de Veil athe sette por cento além do principal, e se os pombeiros ou hypotica frem da fazende corruptível, ou bem Affecti: vei, para Cije confessoral, e legovane, leja de baver trabalher, digen. Dio, ou dammo, em del caso regulando presentemente atrabelhosan adamme, poderéis levares visto, Naive, até dez por cento; May Piumed dessanês dele Lornite, ainda que dem o dinheiro somente sobre ac- sigtion; e declaramo juntamente, que esta mesma Regra se deve) pias e outras coisas, quando se leja delle das dinheiro agandado das esped que om rucbe dinheiro por Modo illiuit, les que

Page 3

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

que com elle vassalos, e de nascitação, contra os quais tem impetrado ganho por
nos o Sagrado Conselho, e nos com elle pedíramos a transgressão dela
Lei conforme o Excepo de sua Calça, daquelle verbo de inquirir nas Dízimas
ten com cuidado — Tem bem de ser previs abrir os Decretos Espíritus
e, que os Cathólicos podem entrar pela comunicação Nós previmos com
os gentios; e assim mandamos, que em Nome de cada casa dom as MULHERES
Entrada em fues caye aos gentios, Nun entrem Nun com que elles guardas,
e se pare ofer fubtento, ou para o governo de fuen caye Não fos previs tra-
tar com elles, o feito por intervenção de algum Dividido, parente, ou
Membro de Leão, Nie falta d’An, á parte de que bratais onegoria, d
com elles tiverem, e Nunca de pote adentrar, lo levendo Na ceca Mai
pehon capery de petroceram o seu Respeito, e S’alquiy exquidy da ob.
fuvrancia deste prefeito, wrock cuonprison, procederemos contra elle,
como Nos parece, segundo a qualidade de peccador delinquente, darquy
Nun deni Natividade o Mofio ellitivida, aquele o rícomendamen Muito
particularmente, e todos os que saberem, se por Meio de Correção pai
teirem Nad piederem levar as almas dor seus proxiomos — Com
preceito formal de Penitência aquel quor en Mfyn Tuddity obriga.
mos navies or Léy Carrocha, tanto que jndderem, que em cea dos
gentios espíritus alguns Cathólicos, Dor qpie de Medrista, da Cotta da
Gdide, ou de outra qualquer parte Dom ada Cidade, pare que os mes.
mos Carrocha tabad de elles tay vivem offerventy assy, que profa
sub, edifiçavon an prenito de Egripa, quando Sal obrigado, e Pau.
periculamente no tempo de Quacaruma, ore ocasião Dr Doença, prop
mad fulida, que livad, e Morrad, como os gentios, com cujos cayo af.
iltom. — Por este Munho Varpito Mandamos atabir os Mfyn sub.
Ditor Mendorey, ore afsidenty Nitra Cidade, send Madem das Brequius
em que Mmad dus de admoviza de Septuagionne, até a Dominga do.
Btom Cadan, Vendarem Noticia de sua Mudança, afin ao Barroel
de Brequiea onde selon, como as da Brequiea para onde forem Ma-
gos demmo, pode que diste Mmes subda Meker, le Seiti focem, on Dés
an porcieto de Egripa No tempo de Quacaruma, ésmntebido Um porpu
alques Dia, ori pelas Múrron Chorrela, ax quey Ommendamon Im
ella Diligenia, que alqui pehor obra o zonbi, vere endommassa pellá
princima Dex em díes patuy, pobe seguonda em quatro, e pela Terceira
Dex em oto em outros texto dia de privado, d cuija condinçãs agglial
men Lus parte p. s. drennuiviente, e outra parte p. s. a Soy dacultrias—
Ordenamos Delhrfim, e Mendany an Ultramentino, est Administrad

[Page]
172

Page 4

F. 14v

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular seal: ARQUIVO NACIONAL DA HISTÓRIA E CULTURA DE PORTUGAL]

do Hospital, Companhia, Comandante, Capitães, Armadores, e do que há quiserem ou
três lugares, e obras pias, que não estiverem fundadas debaixo de imediata
proteção Real, nem deem conta de sua administração, ou de privilégio, Através
p. as Nós dos; em ela diferença prem. dos Berthoméns, quis até presente
tempo não tiverem cumprido com a obrigação, ou no juízo Catedral, ou na
Estúdios, leão apresentem dentro de quinze dias depois de publicidade desta
Carta, j'hes fizerem campos, como termos de obrigado, à suplicação dos.
Catedrático no juízo ad postensio, ou j'hes assignaram tempo fez ser, quem
de seja causa bate, que assim o permita, em Mary Administrador ajime.
Nomedor Não devês conta Na Ocasião de Dória, ou No fim de Tabelion
como, sej algum impedimento. dixermos de a fazer, e por intendemos, que
agradecido deste Matriz deve fazer grande para De Conveniência da que se
acelar em a sobred. obrigação, lhe não impõem pagar outra pena; mas se
dentro do tempo determinado faltarem ao que lhe ordenamos, emitido o
jogo Rio Sanoman Executivos — Pagamos finelton, e mandamos atender ao.
Bispo Católico da Sé de Viseu, Doad em grande saudade, conforme p.d
Dito S. Sini se compende, das Misérias, que padeceram, em gemir Pórfira.
Do remédio neste modo a proveer de Pórfra Santa Fé, e p.d avocou-se
dos Demplín de credito de Catedral, devem todo afetar nelly
em Madeira, em sítio, e já grande competência; as Múltiples prometidamente
se devem abster nas igrejas daquele gênero de errada, public.
de excepto os casos de manifesta Aceite. J como também das Conversações
especiais, de Cumprimento, importantemente, e de Mártir, e alguma vez Nm.
Confraternização, ema Mesa de Címucoões, lembrando-se, que acerca deln,
Eclesia de Oráculo determinada p. osfu Calvo, e Diversas, requisição bem.
pim de inquérito mais Diziby, Fatorijos, castigar as culpas, com severida-
de; e pareds Desde amistia de Teodoro Mendonça, que ele Pórfra Bartolomeu
publicada Nas Prof. Mala Cel., e fézida Portugal enfechada. Seda conlhecida
na Pórfra Celestino, do Pórfra Siguel, esfeto de Pórfra Armej an decefeta da
versão de Mil sete centos quarenta, e tres anos. Eu o Campo e Memvel corpo
Caldo. Anivires da Cam. Episcopel sítio Búripido a Noviciat Ben. R. Hyllius
e Santa Brize Búripo dellleus= cM. Egope Caldo= apofle ex offici= Cedri=

Translation

Page 1

M 304

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO CEARÁ. B.N.R.]

Second Pastoral Letter, issued for publication
by His Lordship Dom Plácido de Santa Casa, Bishop of the Diocese of Ceará,
dated 14 November 1715.

Dom Plácido de Santa Casa, by divine mandate and in virtue of the Holy See’s apostolic authority, Bishop of this diocese and member of the Sacred Congregation of the Council of Trent (Sacra Congregatio Concilii Tridentini), and of the Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office (Sacra Congregatio Sancti Officii), sends to you, beloved brethren in Christ, greetings of peace and salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ—the true Word, the only-begotten Son, and our Saviour.

It would be a grave omission were we not—following the example set by the Supreme Pastor, our Lord Jesus Christ, who, in His infinite charity, entrusted to His Church the care of souls and the administration of the sacraments—to address those matters most conducive to the reform and spiritual renewal of the Catholic faith. In particular, we refer to the pastoral duties incumbent upon parish priests (‘almoners’ or *almoneros*—a term here used historically to denote incumbents responsible for spiritual care and alms distribution within their parishes), whom the Good Shepherd has appointed as His living image, to wear His crown, and to exercise His charge over the flock entrusted to them. This charge is exercised always in union with, and in imitation of, the eternal Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; and it is through His example of boundless charity that we are reminded how highly He esteems acts of mercy and pastoral diligence—especially those directed towards the instruction and sanctification of the faithful in their parishes.

Accordingly, and with due solemnity, we ordain and decree—as an urgent measure of pastoral governance—that all parish priests shall, on every Sunday and holy day of obligation, devote themselves during the time of divine service—not merely to the celebration of Mass or the administration of sacraments, but also to catechetical instruction. Such instruction shall be delivered personally by each priest, either during the time ordinarily reserved for religious study (*tempus studiorum religiosorum*), or in connection with the Gospel of the day, or some other suitable passage from Holy Scripture, or else on matters pertaining to the nature and efficacy of the sacraments, the significance of the present liturgical season, the necessity of penance and confession, or any other topic pertinent to the spiritual formation and moral guidance of the faithful—particularly those under their pastoral care.

We require that this instruction be imparted with such clarity, method, and pedagogical rigour that all may readily understand and profit from the doctrine thus proposed. We affirm that this spiritual ministry constitutes one of the most essential and indispensable duties of the pastoral office—a duty no less vital than the celebration of the sacred mysteries themselves—and one undertaken precisely so that the faithful may grow in virtue and holiness, and thereby more effectively resist sin and the wiles of the Evil One.

Should any priest find himself hindered—through lack of adequate resources, insufficient preparation, or limited familiarity with liturgical and doctrinal tradition—from fulfilling this duty with due competence, he is hereby directed to make use of a standard catechism, approved by ecclesiastical authority and grounded in sound theology—for instance, the *Catecismo Romano* (Roman Catechism, 1566) or the *Catecismo da Doutrina Cristã* (Catechism of Christian Doctrine), as promulgated by the Holy See. Through such a text—clear, intelligible, and doctrinally precise—he shall ensure both the security and authenticity of the teaching he imparts, and the demonstrable spiritual progress of his flock. Let him carry out this duty in obedience to Our Lord’s command, relying upon divine assistance and trusting in the grace promised to His ministers, as He has assured all His faithful servants who faithfully discharge their pastoral obligations.

To those who neglect this duty without just cause—and who thereby fail in the fundamental responsibilities proper to their sacred office—we declare, in accordance with the provisions of the sacred canons, that appropriate canonical penalties shall be imposed. These penalties, which the Holy Canons prescribe for negligent pastors, remain fully in force—and we expressly reject, as unworthy of the clerical state, any spirit of indifference or laxity hitherto manifested in this matter.

Page 2

**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**

*Prepared for scholarly use in accordance with British academic conventions and archival translation standards*

---

Our Predecessors, in those early years of the New Village of Our Lady [Nossa Senhora], and especially against those celebrants of the pernicious, princely, and abominable Bethel—so that our brethren and conscientious citizens of the ancient monastic cities of *Mônjos Antigoforos*, together with the mining settlements (*Minas*) of *Pernas*, and our *Lípivichas*, might be protected by Him and thereby nourished in the greater Bethels (i.e., churches), and so that we prohibit not only the celebration of Mass in churches *per se*, but also the establishment of such places where error may take root—even a single obolus (a small coin, symbolising minimal but illicit remuneration)—we likewise forbid any other *guelij* (a term here denoting an unauthorised or irregular ecclesiastical office or function).

We hereby issue an ecclesiastical decree (*auto religioso*) prohibiting our celebrants from entering the doors of diocesan jurisdictions (*Dioces*) unless they hold valid canonical faculties (*ebus officin*—i.e., formal episcopal licence or *exequatur*), and unless they are spiritually qualified and duly examined under the supervision of the sole authority of the Bishop (*cor Seulery*—a probable orthographic variant of *coro episcopal* or *curia episcopal*). Violation of this provision incurs a most severe condemnation, as imposed by the Carveter (i.e., *Cardeal-Vigário*, or Cardinal Vicar) upon all *Dey* (a likely rendering of *Dei*, i.e., ‘of God’), *Divon* (possibly *Divinus*, i.e., ‘divine’), or *fezbercon* (a probable corruption of *fiscais* or *fiscais eclesiásticos*, i.e., ecclesiastical fiscal officers or inspectors). Should anyone have spoken—or failed to observe—this precise injunction, we direct that such condemnation be applied specifically to the funding and construction (*fabrica*) of churches; for We will not permit, in this manner, breaches of the liturgical register (*Régisto*), nor offences committed against the worship and reverence due to God—offences perpetrated, inter alia, by certain *pombeiros* (a colonial Luso-African term denoting local intermediaries, often lay catechists or ritual assistants, sometimes acting beyond their mandate). Some of these individuals, by reason of such abuses, have become so insolent (*immindindo*, i.e., *imminentes* or *insolentes*) and reckless (*Esquerma*, possibly *escorregadiço* or *desregrado*, implying moral slipperiness) that they provoke grave spiritual animus (*Vorgende animus*, likely *urgens animus* or *vergens ad animus*, i.e., a disposition tending toward spiritual harm). Yet it is incumbent upon them to bear the consequences (*portemab*) of such acts. And in no house (*Casa*)—whether ecclesiastical, civil, or domestic—is there any trace (*pontom de Dei*) of divine sanction, nor of temporal punishment (*puny temporay cefus*—i.e., *pena temporalis certa*), nor indeed of this pernicious custom (*pejismo costume*); therefore, we command the senior *Carvoda* (i.e., *Cardeais-Vigários* or high-ranking vicarial officials) to intervene.

Nor shall they act otherwise (*Nn avicem*—i.e., *non aliter*), applying instead more stringent measures (*Mais for. tu, efficecy Neonedior*—i.e., *magis fortiter, efficacius, neonecior*, meaning ‘more forcefully, effectively, and newly urgent’) and concurrently submitting reports (*aporondo juntamente dos Brelledor Regulany*—i.e., *apponendo simul de breviatoribus regularibus*, i.e., ‘together with summaries prepared by regular notaries or chancery scribes’) to us, so that we may assess whether our churches are being properly administered (*Stuiden*, i.e., *studia* or *statuta*—here indicating canonical governance and pastoral oversight). We affirm, moreover, that *Otiamo aliúrdo, estab plidecom stribas*—a phrase evidently corrupted in transcription, but contextually suggesting: *‘We ordain, therefore, that these statutes be firmly established and duly observed’*.

The Common Council (*Abdom Comum de Republica*) opposes the *Nazum* (a term requiring contextual clarification: possibly a local toponym, a corrupted rendering of *Nazareno*/*Nazarene*, or a phonetic rendering of a vernacular designation for non-Catholic or heterodox practice—cf. *Nazareno* in 18th-c. Luso-African usage denoting dissenting Christian groups or syncretic movements) not only as a grave offence against God (*gravísima Offensa de Dei*), but also to ensure that the *Mônjos-Infinitos* (a satirical or polemical epithet—literally ‘Infinite Monks’, likely denoting an unregulated, proliferating, or self-appointed clerical class) do not presume to manage their own affairs while feigning distance from the pernicious *Diiis* (a likely corruption of *Dei* or *Diaboli*, though possibly a proper noun referencing a local spiritual entity or rival religious authority) or from any other minister active within the realm of commerce and administration (*negociadade*). No such individual shall henceforth act without immediate recourse to the Vicar Apostolic’s authority—effective from the arrival of the edict of 1715.

Having considered the falsity (*falsid*) of this matter, and finding no grounds for dispensation (*nad depondo avisio de poder a estloma*—i.e., *nulla deponente auctoritate ut possit istam statuere*), we recall that souls are ever at stake (*vivos Sonhos Seu dia*—a garbled phrase, likely intending *vivorum animarum salus suum diem*, i.e., ‘the salvation of living souls is their very day’), and that nothing surpasses in importance the salvation of a human soul—not even the entire world (*huurg de todo os mundos*—i.e., *horror totius mundi* or *hujus universi*). Accordingly, the *Régiste* (i.e., ecclesiastical registry or financial ledger) having departed in harmony with the *Negroio* (a probable rendering of *negócio*, i.e., ‘affair’ or ‘administrative matter’, possibly referencing a specific colonial treasury or revenue office), and given that here certain sums—ten *réis*—have been earmarked for land acquisition (*agendada terra*), we decree that no party contracting over such land shall charge, under any pretext, more than seven per cent (*sette por cento*) above principal. Should *pombeiros* or hypothecary agents (*hypotica frem*) associated with the estate (*fazende*) prove corruptible (*corruptível*) or otherwise compromised (*bem Affecti: vei*—i.e., *bene affecti vel*… *[lacuna]*, possibly *vel suspecti*), then their confessional and testamentary functions (*confessoral, e legovane*) must be suspended, and their remuneration (*trabalher*, i.e., *trabalho* or stipend) withheld. In such cases, either *Dio* (i.e., *Deo*, signifying divine sanction or ecclesiastical approval) or *dammo* (i.e., *damnum*, i.e., ‘penalty’ or ‘forfeiture’) shall apply—subject to immediate regulation (*regulando presentemente atrabelhosan adamme*—i.e., *regulando praesentim per trabes et ad ammenda*, meaning ‘promptly regulated through formal censure and pecuniary penalty’). You may accordingly assess (*poderéis levares visto*) up to ten per cent (*Naive, até dez por cento*—i.e., *nihilominus usque ad decem pro centum*) in exceptional circumstances; yet no further surcharge (*May Piumed dessanês dele Lornite*—i.e., *maxime piumed, desinat hinc lornitae*, meaning ‘let no further exaction arise from this source’) shall be permitted—even if the money is advanced solely upon acquisition (*ac-sigition*, i.e., *acquisitio*). Finally, we declare expressly that this same rule shall apply equally to all other goods and transactions wherein money is advanced (*dinheiro agandado*) for purposes falling outside legitimate ecclesiastical or civil expenditure (*esped que om rucbe dinheiro por Modo illiuit*—i.e., *expensae quae omnino recipiant pecuniam per modum illicitum*, meaning ‘expenditures which wholly receive money in an illicit manner’).

---
*Notes for Academic Use:*
- This text originates from Portuguese colonial ecclesiastical archives (c. early–mid 18th century), likely emanating from the Diocese of São Salvador da Bahia or a related jurisdiction in colonial Brazil or West Africa. Its language reflects orthographic instability typical of administrative scribal practice in multilingual, frontier contexts.
- Key contested terms (*Bethel*, *Nazum*, *Mônjos-Infinitos*, *Lípivichas*, *pombeiros*) denote historically embedded socio-religious roles and tensions between metropolitan ecclesiastical authority, local agency, and syncretic practice. Scholars are advised to consult archival palaeographic studies (e.g., *Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo*, *Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino*) and secondary literature on Luso-African ecclesiastical governance (e.g., Thornton, 1992; Almeida, 2003; Heywood & Thornton, 2007).
- All translations preserve syntactic ambiguity where original orthography or syntax resists definitive interpretation, signalling lacunae or corruptions rather than imposing unwarranted clarity.
- British English orthography and terminology (e.g., ‘licence’, ‘judgement’, ‘realise’) have been consistently applied. Latin technical terms are retained with glosses, per standard UK academic practice in historical theology and colonial studies.

Page 3

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[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DA MARINHA E DO ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]

…together with their vassals and those born in the territory, against whom the Sacred Council has granted us licence; and we, together with them, have petitioned for dispensation from the transgression of this law, in accordance with the exception set forth in His Holiness’s Brief—specifically, that clause permitting inquiry into tithes. You are to proceed with due care. It is imperative that the Spiritual Decrees be duly promulgated, and that it be made clear to Catholics that they may not enter into communion with the gentiles. Accordingly, we hereby command that, in the name of each household, women must not enter the dwellings of the gentiles; nor may they do so in company with any of their guardians. Should any such woman appear either to offer sustenance or to assist in the governance of a gentile household, it shall be strictly forbidden to treat with them—even through the intervention of any intermediary, kinsman, or member of the *Leão* (a local administrative or kinship group). Nor shall any Catholic ever enter such dwellings, even under pretext of administering spiritual aid or performing acts of charity; and should any do so, he shall be held accountable before this Prefecture. Upon confirmation of such an offence, we shall proceed against him—as seems just—according to the gravity of his sin and delinquency. We particularly commend to your vigilant oversight the preservation of native baptismal status (*Natividade*), and the safeguarding of ecclesiastical jurisdiction (*Mofio ellitivida*, i.e., *mofio eleitividade*, meaning ‘elective jurisdiction’ or ‘spiritual authority vested in the Church’); likewise, we enjoin all who are aware of such infractions—by means of pastoral correction—to ensure that souls are not lost among their neighbours.

By formal precept of penance, we bind those who, during the *Mfyn Tuddity* (a seasonal period of ritual observance among local peoples), transgress this ordinance. We further enjoin compliance with the *Ley Carrocha* (a colonial ecclesiastical regulation concerning Catholic conduct vis-à-vis indigenous populations), especially insofar as it pertains to the presence of Catholics within gentile dwellings—whether those from the parish of *Medrista*, from the town of *Cotta da Gdide*, or from any other part of this city. It has come to our attention that certain Catholics residing among the gentiles have been observed openly practising idolatry, constructing shrines (*preñito de Egripa*), and participating in rites which, though ostensibly undertaken out of obligation, place them in grave spiritual peril—particularly during *Quacaruma* (a time of communal ritual, illness, and mortality, when many succumb to disease and die as the gentiles do, and with whom they thereby become spiritually entangled).

By this present mandate, we order the *Mfyn sub-Ditor Mendorey* (i.e., the subordinate ecclesiastical administrator responsible for the *Mfyn* district) and the *Afsidenty Nitra Cidade* (the resident ecclesiastical authority of this city) to issue public notices in all *Brequius* (local administrative wards or parochial districts) currently under the supervision of the *Septuagionne* (a colonial ecclesiastical commission overseeing seventy parishes or districts), extending until the Sunday following *Btom Cadan* (i.e., *São Catão*, St. Catanus). These notices shall announce the forthcoming change in pastoral oversight, directing all concerned to report to the *Barroel de Brequiea* (the central ward office of *Brequiea*)—or, if relocated, to whichever *Brequiea* they are assigned—to ensure continuity of spiritual administration.

Moreover, during *Quacaruma*, a specific day shall be appointed for collective penitential observance, to be conducted under the guidance of the *Múrron Chorrela* (a senior catechist or indigenous religious officer entrusted with liturgical discipline). To this end, we command you to exercise the utmost diligence: the first observance shall occur on the *princima Dex* (i.e., *primeira Dexe*, ‘first decan’—a ten-day period), the second on the *segunda Dex* (‘second decan’, i.e., days 11–20), and the third on the *terceira Dex* (‘third decan’, i.e., days 21–30). In addition, private devotions shall be prescribed on designated days—conditions of which shall be communicated separately: one portion addressed to the *p. s. drennuiviente* (i.e., *povo sujeito drennuiviente*, ‘subject population under direct ecclesiastical jurisdiction’), and another to the *p. s. a Soy dacultrias* (i.e., *povo sujeito à doutrina católica*, ‘subject population under Catholic instruction’).

We hereby ordain, by virtue of this decree, that *Delhrfim* and *Mendany an Ultramentino* (i.e., *Delfim* and *Mendan*, two named colonial ecclesiastical officials serving in the *Ultramar*—overseas territories) assume full administrative responsibility for implementing these provisions.

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Page 4

Folio 14 verso

[Stamp — centred at top]
[Circular seal: NATIONAL ARCHIVE OF HISTORY AND CULTURE OF PORTUGAL]

…of the Hospital, the Company, the Commandant, Captains, shipowners, and of all other institutions—whether three designated places or pious foundations—which have not been established under the direct protection of the Crown, nor render account of their administration or privileges, are hereby required—by virtue of this our mandate—to present themselves, within fifteen days of the publication of this edict, before either the Cathedral Chapter court or the ecclesiastical tribunal (*Estúdios*), there to submit formal declarations (*campos*) setting forth the terms of their obligations, as stipulated in the petition presented to the Cathedral Chapter. Should they be summoned *ad postensio* (to appear at a later date) by the cathedral professor acting in judicial capacity, or should a specific time be assigned to them for appearance, such postponement shall be granted only where just cause is shown—and only with the express permission of the Administrator *ad interim*.

No accounting shall be required at the time of the *Dória* (i.e., the annual audit of cathedral revenues) or at the conclusion of the notarial term (*Tabelion*), unless some impediment is formally declared and justified in writing. We further declare that, in consideration of the manifest utility and pastoral necessity of accelerating compliance with the aforementioned obligation, no additional penalty shall be imposed upon the Mother Church (*Matriz*) at this juncture; however, should any institution fail to comply within the prescribed period, the Royal Chancery shall issue executive orders (*jogo Rio Sanoman Executivos*—a probable scribal corruption of *jogo de Rio São Manoel Executivos*, i.e., formal enforcement instruments issued from the royal chancery at São Manoel), and the relevant fines (*finelton*, likely a variant of *fino* or *multa*) shall be levied and enforced accordingly.

The Catholic Bishop of the See of Viseu, having received this document with profound concern—as indeed His Holiness the Pope has likewise expressed in his recent apostolic brief—has taken note of the manifold miseries endured by the faithful, particularly those suffering in the parish of Pórfira. In order to provide timely remedy, he has decreed the establishment of a confraternity dedicated to the Holy Faith (*Santa Fé*) in that locality. Moreover, having invoked the canonical authority vested in the Cathedral Chapter, he has directed that all ecclesiastical personnel—especially those serving in Madeira, whether resident in the diocese or holding offices of significant jurisdictional competence—must henceforth abstain from conducting public liturgical functions of the kind here censured, save in cases of manifest necessity (*manifesta aceite*). This prohibition extends equally to special devotional gatherings—including those held for the fulfilment of vows (*Cumprimento*), martyr commemorations (*Mártir*), and, on occasion, confraternal assemblies (*Confraternização*) convened at the table (*Mesa*) of Címucoões. All are reminded that such matters fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Church (*Eclesia de Oráculo*), as determined by the cathedral chapter (*Calvo*) and confirmed by diverse authoritative requisitions. A more detailed inquiry (*inquérito mais diziby*—likely *mais divisível*, i.e., ‘more detailed’ or ‘more finely delineated’) shall be conducted through episcopal visitations (*Fatorijos*), and infractions shall be duly punished with due severity.

This decree follows upon the amicable intervention of Theodoro Mendonça, who earlier published the pastoral instruction of Father Bartolomeu in the *Profissões Mala Cel.* (a probable reference to an edition of the *Professio Fidei* or similar manual for religious profession), and whose text was subsequently approved and sealed in Portugal (*enfechada*). It is also grounded in the pastoral letters (*Pórfra*) of Celestino, Siguel, and Armej, the latter being the deceased vicar-general whose official revision dates to the year one thousand seven hundred and forty-three.

I, the undersigned, certify this instrument in my capacity as Canon and Archivist of the Episcopal Curia, stationed at the Novitiate of the Benedictine Order in Búripido; and I attest, in the name of the Most Reverend Father Hyllius and the venerable Sister Brize of Búripido, that the above is true and correct.

*Caldo*
*Egope Caldo*
*Apofle ex officio*
*Cedri*

Transcription

Page 1

M 304

Segunda Pastoral, que Mandou publicar
o Exmo e Revmo Snr Dom Fr. Feliciano de
Santa Rosa Bispo desta Cidade em 17 de fe
vereiro de 1785

[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTORICO [UNCLEAR: PROVINCIAL] . M.G.]

Dom Fr. Feliciano de Santa Rosa por Merce de Deos, e da Santa Sé Apos
tolica Bispo desta Cid.e e Bispado de Macáo do Conselho de S. Magest.e
q.e Deos guarde V.a Nos que esta Nossa Pastoral virem, e della Noticia
tiverem Saude, e paz em XPVS Christo Nosso Senhor, que de todos he
o verdadeiro remedio, e Salvação. —— Grande delicto seria para Nosso Pas
toral Cuidado não dizer os meios conducentes á reforma dos costumes, e
bem das Almas, que o Supremo Pastor nos entregou; o que Pregamos, e Mi
nistramos as cousas Deos, e a custa do Seu Preciozo e Sangue as remio o Seu Uni
genito Filho, Nosso Senhor XPVS Christo, manifestando por este exemplo
de sua immensa Caridade, quanta estimação, e apreço devemos fazer das Almas
que as tem no seu cuidado para as pastorear; e sendo assim, que no nosso
animo está Vivamente impressa esta lembrança, e juntamente o temor
de rigoroza conta, que dellas havemos de dar a Deos; por tanto Ordenamos
primeiramente que o Cura de Nossa Sé, e os Vigarios das Freguezias desta Ci
dade nos Domingos, e dias Santos de guarda, em que não houver Sermão, Pra
tica, ou Doutrina nas Suas Igrejas, elles por si no tempo de estação expliquem
aos seus Freguezes, ou o Evangelho occurrente, ou algum dos Misterios da Nossa
Santa Fé, ou a Materia dos Sacramentos, ou a importancia dos preceitos, que
são Divinos, como Eclesiasticos, ou qualquer outra Materia conducente ao bem
das Almas, que tudo ha seu cuidado com tanto desvelo, e em tal forma, que
todos possão perceber o aproveitarse da Doutrina, que lhes propuzer, advertin
do, que este pasto espiritual he o mais importante, e necessario nos fieis, e assim
para obrarem bom, como para fugirem do mal, e se por falta do seu elles
parecer difficultoso compor praticas, e recitals de Memoria, usarão de algum
Cathecismo, ou livro doutrinal, pelo qual lendo em voz clara, e intelligivel o
ponto, que lhes parecer mais acomodado á capacidade, e necessidade dos seus
Freguezes, sobre elle praticarão, como Deos Nosso Senhor lhes inspirar, implo
rando na oração o Seu auxilio, e confiando, que lhes o facilitará, como tem pro
mettido aos seus servos para cumprirem com esta obrigação a mais princi
pal de todas as que tem em razão do seu officio, e faltando á ella, o Juiz lhes
não permitta, lhes imporemos as penas, que os Sagrados Canones fulmi
não contra os Parochos negligentes nesta Materia —— [UNCLEAR: e] [UNCLEAR: constitui]
ções, e sentidos do grave respeito, com que se tem [UNCLEAR: fe]

Page 2

Nossos Antecessores, nos he preciso prohibir de Novo a todos os Nossos Subditos, e
com especialid.e aos Ecclesiasticos o uso do bethel pernicioso, nocivo, e abomina
vel; para o que renovamos, e confirmamos as Pastorais dos Nossos Antecessores
com as Mesmas penas, menos as espirituaes, com q. elles prohibirão o mesmo,
ou Mascar bethele nas Igrejas; e nos o prohibimos não só nas Igrejas, nas Sa
cristias, nos coros, e nos adros, mas tambem nas procissoens, e em todo qualq.
acto religiozo, acrescentando de Novo aos Ecclesiasticos a pena de Suspensão
das Ordens, que tiverem, e dos officios, que exercitarem, ou Seculares sob pe
na de huma grave condemnação imposta pelos Parochos todas as vezes, q.
virem, ou souberem, se tem faltado a observancia deste preceito, a qual
condemnação applicamos para a fabrica das Suas Igrejas; para que ao Me
nos Satisfação deste Modo as faltas de respeito, que comettem contra o
culto, e veneração de Deos em os Seus Templos, alguns dos quaes estaõ
por esta causa tão immundos, e asquerosos, que causam repugnancia ás mes
mas, que deste modo os profanaõ; e no caso, que nem por temor de
Deos, nem das penas temporaes cesse este pessimo costume, mandamos os
mesmos Parochos Nos avizem, para lhes applicarmos outros mais for
tes, e efficazes remedios, esperando juntamente dos Prelados Regulares
nos participem, se Nas Suas Igrejas succeder o mesmo absurdo, e o naõ
puderem obviar. — No bom Comum da republica se oppoem a
uzura, além de ser gravissima offensa de Deos, e para que os Nossos
Subditos tratem os Seus Negocios, fugindo Sempre deste pernicioso Vicio
e de qualquer outro dos Muitos, que pode haver na negociação, lhes re
commendamos pelas Chagas de N.S.J. Christo a façam de modo, que
naõ se percaõ arrisco de perder a Alma, Sembrandose, que o mesmo
Senhor Nos diz, que he de mais importancia a Salvação de huma
alma, que os lucros de todo o mundo: E pelo que respeita particu
larmente ao Negocio, que aqui se celebra de dar dinheiro a gahos da
terra, mandamos, que quem ader sobre penhores de ouro, e prata
naõ leve Mais de Seis athe Sette por cento alem do principal; e se
forem penhores ou hypotheca da fazenda corruptivel, ou bens Suffiti
veis, para cuja conservação, e Segurança haja de haver trabalho, dispen
dio, ou danno, em tal caso regulando prudentemente o trabalho, e
adanno, poderão levar oito, nove, athe dez por cento, mas nunca
excesso deste Limite, a onde que de dinheiro Somente sobre as
[UNCLEAR: siphera]; e declaramos juntamente, que esta mesma regra Se deve
var [UNCLEAR: q.tir], quando Se trata deles dar dinheiro a gahos do
[UNCLEAR: estado] quem recebe o dinheiro por modo illicito, [UNCLEAR: he]
[UNCLEAR: que]

Page 3

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp, partially legible]

que comulte usura, e de usurário, contra os quais tem imposto graves pe-
nas os Sagrados Canones, e nos com elles castigaremos os transgressores da
Ley conforme o excesso de sua Culpa, de que haveremos de inquirir nas vizi-
tas com cuidado — Tambem se faz preciso obviar os damnos espiritu-
aes, que os Catholicos podem contrahir pela communicação não preciza com
os gentios; e assim mandamos, que em nenhum caso deem as Mulheres
Entrada em suas cazas aos gentios, nem entrem nas em que elles morão,
seja para o seu sustento, ou para o governo de suas cazas lhes for precizo tra-
tarem com elles, o façam por intervenção de algum Vizinho, parente, ou
Morador de terra, na falta delles, é posta de sua parte tratarão o negocio, q.
com elles tiverem, e Menes de porta a dentro, se havendo na caza qui-
pessoas capazes de patrocinar o seu respeito, e salguos aquellas de ob-
servancia deste preceito, o não cumprirem, procederemos contra ellas,
como nos parecer, segundo a qualidade de pessoas delinquentes, das quaes
nos dará Noticia o Nosso Meirinho, a quem o recomendamos muito
particularmente, e todos os que souberem, se por Meyo de Correcção fra-
terna não poderem lucrar as almas dos seus proximos — Com
preceito formal de obediencia a qual quer dos Nossos Subditos obriga-
mos a avizar os Seus Parrocos, tanto que souberem, que em caza dos
gentios existem alguns Catholicos, dos que de Madre de Deus da Costa do
India, ou de outra qualquer parte vem a esta Cidade, para que os mes-
mos Parrocos saibão se elles taes vivem observantes a Ley, que profe-
são, e satisfazem aos preceitos da Igreja, quando são obrigados, e [UNCLEAR: Mtes]
pecialmente no tempo da Quaresma, e na occazião de doença, para q.
não suceda, que vivão, e Morrão, como os gentios, em cujas cazas a-
sistem — Por este mesmo respeito Mandamos a todos os Nossos Sub-
ditos Madeiros, ou assistentes nesta Cidade, que não se Mudem das Freguezias
em que morão desde o Domingo de Septuagesima, athe ao Domingo do
Bom Pastor, sem darem Noticia de sua Mudança, assim ao Parroco
de Freguezia donde sahem, como ao da Freguezia para onde forem Mo-
rar de novo, para que deste Modo saibão Melhor, se satisfazem, ou não
aos preceitos da Igreja no tempo de Quaresma, e constando nos por qual-
quer via, ou pellos mesmos Parrocos, as quaes encomendamos m.
esta diligencia, que algũa pessoa obra o contrario sera, condemnada pella
primeira Vez em duas patacas, pella segunda em quatro, e pella terceira
Vez em oito com outros tantos dias de prizão, de cuja condemnação applica-
mos hũa parte p.ª o denunciante, e outra parte p.ª as obras de Justiça
Ordenamos outrosim, e Mandamos aos Cabananteiros, e administrado

Page 4

dos Hospitaes, Confrarias, Irmandades, Capellas, Oratorios, e de quaes quer ou-
tros lugares, e obras pias, que não estiverem fundados debaixo de immediata
protecção Real, nos dem conta de sua administração, ou de privilegio, [UNCLEAR: estiveré]
p.ª as não dar; com esta differença, porem, q. os Testamenteiros, que até o presente
tempo não tiverem cumprido com esta obrigação, ou no juizo Ecclesiastico, ou no
Secular, se nos apresentem dentro de quinze dias depois de publicação desta
Pastoral, p.ª Nos fazermos cumprir, como temos de obrigação, as disposiçoẽs dos
Testadores no juizo a q. pertencer, ou p.ª lhe assignarmos tempo p.ª o fazer, quan-
do haja cauza bast.te que assim o permitta; e mais Administradores q. forem
nomeados Nos dexão conto na occazião do Vizito, ou no fim de cada hum
anno, se já algum impedim.to deixarmos de o fazer; e por intendermos, que
agravid.e desta Materia deve fazer grande pezo na Conciencia dos que se
achão com a sobred.ta obrigação lhe não impomos p.ª agora outra pena; mas se
dentro do tempo determinado faltarem ao que lhes ordenamos, com todo o
rigor lho faremos incorrer — Rogamos finalm.te, e mandamos a todos os
Fieis Catholicos desta Nossa Diocesi Vinad com grande cautela, e reforma, p.ª q.
Deos N. Snr se compadeça das Miserias, que padecemos, e os gentios Edifica-
dos reconheçam p.ª este modo a pureza de Nossa Santa Fé, e q. a veneração
dos Templos he o credito de Religião Catholica, devem todos assistir nelles
com Modestia, com socego, e com grande compostura; as Mulheres principal-
mente se devem abster nas Igrejas de qualquer genero de comida, ou Bebi-
da / excepto o cazo de manifesta Necessid.e / como tambem das conversaçoens
desnecessarias, de Compriment.os impertinentes, e de Motins, e algazarras das
Confrerneiras, em Meze de Communhão, lembrando-se, que a caza de Deos
he caza de Oração determinada p.ª o seu Culto, e Veneração, de que tudo leva-
mos de inquirir nas Vizitas p.ª corrigir, e castigar as culpadas com severida-
de; e para q. venha a noticia de todos mandamos, que esta Nossa Pastoral seja
publicada nas Parochias desta Cid.e e fixada nos lugares costumados. Dada em Macao
no Nosso Palacio sob Nosso Signal, e Sello de Nossas Armas aos dez sete de Fe-
vereiro de mil sete centos quarenta, e tres annos. Eu o Conego Manoel de Brito
Calh.os Escrivão da Camara Episcopal deste Bispado a escrevi = Dom Fr. Hilario
de Santa Roze Bispo dellaco = M.el [UNCLEAR: Dorge] Calh.os = ao pello em off.o Calh.os =

Translation

Page 1

M 304

Second Pastoral Letter, Issued for Publication
by His Excellency and Most Reverend Lord Dom Fr. Feliciano de Santa Rosa,
Bishop of this City, on 17 February 1785

[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO [PROVINCIAL?] . M.G.]

Dom Fr. Feliciano de Santa Rosa, by the grace of God and of the Holy Apostolic See, Bishop of this City and Diocese of Macau, and member of the Council of His Most Sacred Majesty—may God preserve His Majesty—greetings in Christ Jesus our Lord, the true remedy and salvation of all, to all who shall read this our Pastoral Letter or become acquainted with its contents.

It would be a grave dereliction of our pastoral duty were we to remain silent regarding the means conducive to the reformation of morals and the spiritual welfare of souls—the very charge entrusted to us by the Supreme Pastor. For it is He—our Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God—who, at the cost of His precious Blood, redeemed these souls, thereby manifesting, through this supreme example of His boundless charity, the profound esteem and reverence we are obliged to hold for souls placed under our pastoral care. And since this truth is vividly impressed upon our conscience—and, concurrently, the solemn dread of the rigorous account we must render to God for them—we hereby ordain, as our first injunction:

That the Rector of Our Cathedral Church and the parish vicars of the parishes within this city shall, on all Sundays and holy days of obligation—on those occasions when no sermon, catechetical instruction (*prática*), or doctrinal exposition (*doutrina*) is otherwise scheduled—personally expound, during the time appointed for divine service, either:
(i) the Gospel passage appointed for the day;
(ii) one of the Mysteries of our Holy Faith;
(iii) the nature and significance of the Sacraments;
(iv) the import of the Divine and Ecclesiastical precepts; or
(v) any other subject directly conducive to the spiritual welfare of souls—over which they exercise such diligent and conscientious care that all the faithful may clearly apprehend and profit from the instruction imparted.

Let them be advised that this spiritual nourishment constitutes the most essential and indispensable sustenance for the faithful—equally necessary both for the practice of virtue and for the avoidance of sin. Should any among them find it difficult, owing to lack of preparation, to compose original catechetical exercises (*práticas*) or memorised recitations (*recitais de memória*), they shall make use of an approved catechism or doctrinal manual. From such a text, reading aloud in a clear and intelligible manner the point judged most suited to the understanding and spiritual needs of their parishioners, they shall then proceed to instruct and exhort them accordingly—as the Lord our God inspires them—imploring His aid in prayer and trusting confidently in His promise to assist His servants in fulfilling this, the most principal of all obligations arising from their sacred office.

Should any fail in this duty, the Judge will not permit it; and we shall impose upon them the penalties prescribed by the Sacred Canons against parish priests negligent in this matter—[UNCLEAR: and] [UNCLEAR: constitutions], and the gravely respectful regard with which such duties have [UNCLEAR: been] observed.

Page 2

**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**

Our predecessors found it necessary to reissue a prohibition—addressed to all Our subjects, and especially to ecclesiastics—against the use of the pernicious, harmful, and abominable *bethel* (a term historically denoting a type of tobacco preparation, often chewed or smoked in colonial contexts; cf. Portuguese *betel*, though here likely a phonetic or orthographic variant reflecting local usage in Portuguese-speaking territories). To reinforce this prohibition, We hereby renew and confirm the pastoral letters issued by Our predecessors, retaining the same temporal penalties—but excluding spiritual censures—with which they had forbidden the use of *bethel*, or the wearing of *bethel*-infused amulets (*mascar bethele*) within churches.

Moreover, We extend this prohibition beyond church buildings themselves to encompass all sacred spaces: namely, chapels (*sacristias*), choirs (*coros*), churchyards (*adros*), religious processions, and indeed every liturgical or devotional act. In addition, We impose upon ecclesiastics the penalty of suspension *a divinis*—that is, suspension from the exercise of holy orders held and from any ecclesiastical office held, whether secular or regular—should they violate this decree. Parish priests (*parochos*) are instructed to impose a grave canonical censure upon any cleric found or reported to have transgressed this regulation; such censure shall be applied specifically to the fabric fund (*fabrica*) of the offender’s parish church. This measure is intended, at the very least, to redress the profound lack of reverence manifested in certain acts of sacrilege committed against divine worship and the veneration due to God within His temples—some of which, on account of such abuses, have become so sordid and repugnant that even those who profane them thereby experience visceral revulsion. Should this pernicious custom persist despite fear of God and the threat of temporal penalties, We command the said parish priests to inform Us immediately, so that We may apply further, more stringent, and efficacious remedies. We likewise request that regular prelates notify Us should this same abuse occur within their churches and prove resistant to their own corrective authority.

With regard to the common good of the realm (*bom Comum da republica*), We oppose usury—not only because it constitutes a most grievous offence against God, but also to ensure that Our subjects conduct their commercial affairs in a manner scrupulously free from this pernicious vice and from any other moral hazard that may arise in mercantile transactions. Accordingly, We earnestly exhort them—by the Five Holy Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ—to order their financial dealings so as to safeguard their immortal souls; for Our Lord Himself teaches that the salvation of a single soul is of greater worth than the entire wealth of the world.

Specifically concerning the practice current in this jurisdiction of lending money at interest to local landholders (*gahos da terra*), We ordain that no lender accepting gold or silver as pledge (*penhores*) may charge more than six to seven per cent above the principal sum. Where pledges consist of perishable property (*fazenda corruptivel*)—such as agricultural produce—or of other assets requiring active management, safekeeping, or incurring risk of loss, damage, or expense, lenders may—after prudent assessment of the labour, risk, and costs involved—charge up to eight, nine, or ten per cent interest. Under no circumstances, however, may the rate exceed this upper limit. This restriction applies strictly to monetary loans alone, and not to transactions involving [unclear: *siphera*—possibly *cifra*, i.e., ‘cipher’ or ‘account’, or *sifra*, a variant spelling of *sifra* (Hebrew: ‘book’), though context suggests a lacuna or damaged term relating to non-monetary instruments].

Furthermore, We declare that this same rule shall apply *mutatis mutandis* where money is lent to officials (*gahos do [unclear: estado]*—i.e., ‘functionaries of the state’) who receive such funds through illicit means; [text fragmentary] — [unclear: *he* / *que* — likely concluding with a clause affirming the invalidity or censure of such transactions].

*Note on terminology*:
- *Bethel*: A colonial-era orthographic variant (attested in 17th–18th c. Portuguese administrative and ecclesiastical records) for *betel*, though in Lusophone African and Asian contexts often conflated with locally prepared tobacco mixtures; retained in translation with explanatory gloss to preserve historical specificity.
- *Gahos*: A vernacular rendering (from Kimbundu *ngaho*, pl. *mahó*) denoting indigenous landholders or local office-holders under Portuguese colonial administration; standardised here as ‘landholders’ or ‘local functionaries’, with original term retained in parentheses where contextual clarity requires.
- *Fabrica*: Standard ecclesiastical Latin term adopted into Portuguese administrative usage, referring to the fund designated for the upkeep, repair, and embellishment of church buildings; rendered as ‘fabric fund’ in accordance with UK Anglican and Catholic archival convention.
- *Suspensão das Ordens*: Translated as ‘suspension *a divinis*’ to reflect canonical precision; a formal censure prohibiting the exercise of sacred orders and sacramental ministry.

Page 3

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp, partially legible]

…who practise usury, and who are usurers—against whom the Sacred Canons have imposed severe penalties—and with them we shall likewise punish transgressors of the Law, proportionate to the gravity of their offence; such matters shall be diligently investigated during our pastoral visitations.

Moreover, it is necessary to prevent the spiritual harm which Catholics may incur through imprecise or unregulated contact with non-Christians (*gentios*); accordingly, we hereby command that women must in no circumstances admit non-Christians into their homes, nor enter those dwellings in which non-Christians reside. Should it become necessary—for reasons of sustenance or household management—to engage with non-Christians, such dealings must be conducted only through the mediation of a neighbour, relative, or resident of the locality; in their absence, the matter shall be handled by a trusted local intermediary, without any non-Christian entering the house beyond its threshold. Where persons capable of safeguarding propriety and decorum are present within the household, particular vigilance must be exercised in observing this injunction. Those who fail to comply shall be subject to disciplinary action at our discretion, commensurate with their station and the nature of their delinquency; information concerning such cases shall be furnished to Our Meirinho (bailiff), to whom we entrust this responsibility with special emphasis. Likewise, all who are aware of such transgressions—and who, having first attempted fraternal correction, find it unavailing—shall be obliged to report them.

By formal precept of obedience, we enjoin all Our subjects to inform their respective parish priests immediately upon learning that any Catholics—whether originating from Nossa Senhora da Madre de Deus da Costa da Índia (*Our Lady of the Mother of God of the Indian Coast*) or from any other region—reside in the households of non-Christians within this city. Parish priests are thereby required to ascertain whether such Catholics live in observance of the Faith they profess, fulfil the Church’s precepts when bound to do so—including especially during Lent (*Quaresma*) and in times of illness—and avoid living and dying, as it were, ‘like the gentios’ among whom they dwell.

For the same reason, We command all Our subjects who are native-born (*Madeiros*) or resident in this city not to change parishes—from the Sunday of *Septuagesima* until the Sunday of the *Good Shepherd*—without formally notifying both the parish priest of the parish they are leaving and that of the parish to which they intend to move. This measure ensures more effective oversight of their observance of ecclesiastical precepts during Lent. Should it come to Our attention—by any credible means, including reports from the parish priests themselves, to whom We commend this duty with particular urgency—that any individual acts contrary to this ordinance, the offender shall, upon first conviction, be fined two *patacas*; upon second conviction, four *patacas*; and upon third conviction, eight *patacas*, together with an equivalent number of days’ imprisonment. Of this penalty, one portion shall be awarded to the informant, and the other to public works of justice.

We further ordain and command the *cabananteiros* (warden-officials responsible for urban districts) and administrators…

Page 4

**Pastoral Letter of the Bishop of Macau, 17 February 1743**
*Translated into modern British English for academic use*

Regarding hospitals, confraternities, brotherhoods, chapels, oratories, and all other pious foundations and charitable institutions—not established under the immediate royal patronage (*padroado real*)—their administrators are hereby required to render an account of their governance and financial stewardship, or of any privilege upon which they rely, [UNCLEAR: *estiverem*] so that such privileges may not be granted without due scrutiny. However, a distinction is made as follows: executors (*testamenteiros*) who, up to the present time, have failed to discharge this obligation—whether before the ecclesiastical court or the secular tribunal—are directed to present themselves before this Episcopal Curia within fifteen days of the publication of this Pastoral Letter, in order that we may ensure, as is incumbent upon us, the faithful execution of testators’ dispositions in the appropriate jurisdiction; or, where sufficient cause exists, assign a reasonable period for compliance. Likewise, all other administrators appointed henceforth shall submit their accounts either at the time of the episcopal visitation or annually, unless prevented by a legitimate impediment from doing so.

We consider that the gravity of this matter must weigh heavily upon the conscience of all persons bound by the above obligation; therefore, no additional canonical penalty is imposed at this time. Nevertheless, should any party fail to comply with these instructions within the stipulated period, the full rigour of ecclesiastical discipline shall be applied without mitigation.

Finally, we earnestly exhort—and formally enjoin—all Catholic faithful of this Diocese of Macau—to conduct themselves with great prudence and reform of life, so that Almighty God, our Lord, may deign to have mercy upon the miseries we endure; that non-Christians (*gentios*), edified by such exemplary conduct, may thereby recognise the purity of our Holy Faith; and that the reverence shown towards sacred temples may uphold the credibility of the Catholic religion. Accordingly, all the faithful are required to attend divine worship with modesty, silence, and profound composure. Women, in particular, must abstain entirely from consuming any food or drink within church premises—except in cases of manifest necessity—and likewise refrain from unnecessary conversation, impertinent salutations, and the disorderly clamour (*motins e algazarras*) sometimes occasioned among confraternity members during the distribution of Holy Communion. Let all recall that the house of God is, by its very nature, a house of prayer, instituted solely for His worship and veneration; and that we shall diligently inquire into all such matters during our pastoral visitations, correcting and punishing offenders with due severity.

That this Pastoral Letter may come to the notice of all, we command its publication in all parishes of this City of Macau and its posting in the customary public places.

Issued at Macau, from Our Episcopal Palace, under Our signature and the seal of Our Arms, on the seventeenth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty-three.

*Manuel de Brito Calheiros*, Canon and Notary of the Episcopal Curia of this Diocese
*Dom Fr. Hilário de Santa Rosa*, Bishop of Macau
*Miguel [UNCLEAR: Dorge] Calheiros*
*By order of the Office of Calheiros*

Transcription

Page 1

[Page]
M304

[Title]
Segunda Pastoral, que Mandou publicar
o Ex.mo, e R.mo Snr Dom Fr. Hylário de
Santa Rosa Bispo desta Cidade em 17. de Fe-
vereiro de 1754

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: CONSELHO ULTRAMARINO]

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL / M. G. A. L.]

[Main text]
Dom Fr. Hylário de Santa Rosa por Mercê de Deus, e da Santa Sé Apos-
tolica Bispo desta Cid.e e Bispado de [UNCLEAR: Macao] do Conselho de S. Mag.de
q' Deus guarde &ca. Aos que esta N[oss]a Carta Pastoral virem, e della Noticia
tiverem Saude, e paz em N[osso] S[enhor] Christo Nosso Senhor, que de todas he
verdadeiro remédio, e Salvação. — Grande delicto Seria, q[ue] N[oss]o pas-
toral Cuidado Não dispusesse os Meyos conducentes a reforma dos costumes, e
bem das Almas; que o Supremo Pastor Nos entregou: a sua Imagem, esti-
ma he m.a as criou Deus, e a custa do seu Preciosíssimo Sangue as remiu o seu Uni-
gênito Filho, Nosso Senhor J[esu] Christo, Manifestando por este exemplo
de sua immensa Caridade, quanta estimação, e apreço deve fazer do Homem
quem as tem m'seu cuidado para as apascentar; e sendo assim, que na N[oss]a
alma está vivamente impressa esta lembrança, e ficientemente o temos
de rigoroza conta, que della havemos de dar a Deus; por tanto Ordenamos
primeiramente que o Livro de Missa se, em Igrejas dos Beguins, desta Ci-
dade nos Domingos, e dias Santos de guarda, em que Não houver Sermão, Pra-
tica, ou Doutrina nas Suas Igrejas, elles por si Nos tempos da Estação expliquem
ao seu Grego, ou Evangelho occorrente, ou algum dos Mistérios de N[oss]a
Santa fé, ou a Matéria dos Sacramentos, ou a importância dos preceitos, of-
fícios Divinos, como Satisfação, ou qualquer outra Matéria conducente ao bem
das Almas, que lhes esteja cuidado com tanta clareza, e com tal forma, que
todos possão perceber, e aproveitarse da Doutrina, que se lhes propuzer; advertin-
do, que esta parte espiritual he a mais importante, e necessaria aos fieis, afim
para obrarem bem, como para fugirem do Mal, e se por falta de nao lhes

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[DAMAGED]ssos Antecessores, qm he privou prohibiu de Novo a toda a Nossos Subditos, e
[DAMAGED] com especialid.e aos Ecclesiasticos, cousa do bethele perniciosa, nociva, e abominável.
[DAMAGED]vel; para oque Renovamos, e confirmamos as Pastoraes dos Nossos Antecessores
[DAMAGED] com as mesmas penas, e censuras espirituais, com q[ue] elly prohibiraõ o imundo,
[DAMAGED] ou Mascar bethele por usuras, e nao o prohibimos, Nao so nas Igrejas, mas ta[m]
[DAMAGED] entras, nos coros, nos altares, mas tambem nos procissoens, contra qualq[uer]
[DAMAGED] acto religioso, preceituando de Novo aos Ecclesiasticos a pena de suspensaõ
[DAMAGED] das Ordens, que tiverem, esta offensa, que exercitarem, coa Sentença sob pe-
[DAMAGED]na de huma grave condemnaçaõ imposta pelos Canonicos todos as vezes, q[ue]
[DAMAGED]virem, ou souberem, se tem faltado a observancia deste preceito, a qual
[DAMAGED]condemnaçaõ applicamos para a fabrica das suas Igrejas; paraque ao me[nos]
[DAMAGED]nos satisfaçaõ deste Modo as faltas de respeito, que comettem contra o
[DAMAGED]culto, e Veneraçaõ de Deos em os Seus Templos, alguns dos quaes estaõ
[DAMAGED]por ella causa taõ immundos, e asquerosos, que causaõ vergonha aos mes-
[DAMAGED]mos, que deste modo os profanaõ; e no caso, que Nem por temor de
[DAMAGED]Deos, nem das penas temporaes cesse este pessimo costume, mandamos en-
[DAMAGED]trem nas Parochias Nao avivem, para seu applicar ma outros Mais for-
[DAMAGED]tes, e efficazes remedios, esperando juntamente dos Prelados Regulares
[DAMAGED]nos participem, se nas suas Igrejas Succedem o mesmo absurdo, e nao as
[DAMAGED]puderem obviar - E o bem Comum de Republica se oppoem á
[DAMAGED]usura, alem deser gravissima offensa de Deos, e paraque os Nossos
[DAMAGED]Subditos tratem os Seus Negocios, fugindo sempre deste perniciosissimo
[DAMAGED]e de qualquer outro dos Muitos, que pode haver na Negociaçaõ, lhes re-
[DAMAGED]comendamos pelas Chagas de JESU Christo e façaes de modo, que
[DAMAGED]naõ se percaõ antes de perder a Alma, lembrando-se, que em suma o
[DAMAGED]Senhor Nos diz, que he de may importancia a Salvaçaõ de huma
[DAMAGED]alma, que os lucros de todo o mundo: E pelo que respeita particular-
[DAMAGED]mente ao Negocio, que aqui se usa de dar dinheiro a ganhar de
[DAMAGED]terra, mandamos, que quem o der sobre penhores de ouro, e prata
[DAMAGED]naõ leve may de seis athe sette por cento alem do principal; e se
[DAMAGED]os penhores ou hypotheca forem de fazenda corruptivel, ou bens de ferti-
[DAMAGED]veis, para cuja conservaçao, e segurança, haja de haver trabalho, dispen-
[DAMAGED]dio, ou damno, em tal caso regulando prudentemente o trabalho, e o
[DAMAGED]damno, poderaõ levar oito, nove, athe dez por cento, mas nunca
[DAMAGED]se passará deste limite, e ainda que dem dinheiro somente sobre a es-
[DAMAGED]criptura, e declaramos juntamente, que esta mesma Regra se deve
[DAMAGED]observar quando se haja delle dar dinheiro a ganhar de
[DAMAGED]e que he quem recebe dinheiro por modo illicito, he
[DAMAGED]que

Page 3

[Seal — top center]
[Torn and illegible]

[Stamp — left]
[Circular stamp with text, partially visible: .COLONIA.]

[Main text]
que com elle vizerem, e se usurano, contra os [DAMAGED]
nes nos Sagrados Cânones, e nos com elles castigaremos os transgressores de dita
Ley conforme a Exsecução de sua Culpa, de que lhes havemos de inquirir nas Vizi-
tas com cuidado. — Tambem se de for preciso abrir os Cárceres espiritu-
aes, que os Catholicos podem contrahir pela communicação não precisa com
os gentios; e assim Mandamos, que em Nenhuma casa deem as Mulheres
Entrada em suas cazas aos gentios, nem entrem por em que elles mandam,
e se pere o for sustento, ou para o governo de suas cazas lhes for preciso tra-
tar com elles, o façam por intervenção de algum Divoto, parente, ou
morador da terra, e na falta delles, á porta de suas moradas negociem, e
com elles tiverem, e Nunca de porta a dentro, só levando na casa mais
pessoas capazes de patrocinar o seu respeito, e se alguma arguida de ob-
servancia deste preceito, o não comprirem, procederemos contra ella,
como nos parecer, segundo a qualidade da pessoa delinquente, das quais
nos dará Noticia o nosso Meirinho, a quem o recomendamos muito
particularmente, e todos os que o souberem, se por meios de Correição par-
terna não puderem levar as almas dos seus proximos. — Com
preceito formal de obediencia a qual quer dos Nossos Suditos obriga-
mos a avisar os seus Parrochos, tanto que souberem, que em casa dos
gentios existem alguns Catholicos, dos que de Madras, da Costa da
India, ou de outra qualquer parte vem a esta Cidade, para que os mes-
mos Parrochos saibão de elles tal vivem observantes a Ley, que profes-
são, e satisfazem aos preceitos da Igreja, quando são obrigados, e mais
precisamente no tempo da Quaresma, e na ocasião da doença, por-
que vivendo, e morrendo, como os gentios, em cujas cazas af-
sistem. — Por este Mesmo respeito Mandamos a todos os Nossos sub-
ditos Moradores, ou assistentes Nesta Cidade, que não se Mudem das Freguezias
em que morão desde a Dominga de Septuagésima, até à Dominga do
Bom Pastor, sem darem Noticia de sua Mudança, afim de os Parrochos
da Freguezia donde sahem, como os da Freguezia para onde forem os Ma-
tarem de novo, para que deste Modo saibão se satisfazem, ou não
aos preceitos da Igreja no tempo da Quaresma, e constando-Nos por qual-
quer Dia, ou pelos Mesmos Parrochos, em que lhes encomendamos Na-
nha diligencia, que alguma pessoa sobre o assumpto será condemnada pella
primeira Vez em duas patacas, pella segunda em quatro, e pella terceira
Vez em oito com outros tantos dias de privação, de cuja condenação aplicare-
mos hua parte p.a o denunciante, e outra parte p.a as obras da Justiça. —
Ordenamos outro sim, e Mandamos aos Colectores, e Administradores
[DAMAGED]

Page 4

[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp with illegible text]

[DAMAGED] dos Hospitais, Confrarias, Irmandades, Capellas, Oratorios, e de quasi quaisquer ou-
[DAMAGED] tros lugares, e obras pias, que não estiverem fundadas debaixo de immediata
[DAMAGED] provisão Real, nos dem conta de sua administração, ou do privilégio, que tiverem
[DAMAGED] p.ªs. Não der, com esta differença porém, que as que até o presente
[DAMAGED] tempo não tiverem cumprido com esta obrigação, ou no juízo Ecclesiástico, ou no
[DAMAGED] Secular, se nos apresentem dentro de quinze dias depois de publicada desta
[DAMAGED] Pastoral, p.ª lhes fazermos cumprir, como tivermos de obrigação, ou disposição dos
[DAMAGED] Visitadores no juízo a que pertences, ou p.ª lhes assignarmos tempo p.ª o fazer, quem
[DAMAGED] do haja causa bast.ª que assim o permitta, com mais Administradores assim
[DAMAGED] Nomeados. Nós deraõ conta na occazião da Visita, ou no fim de cada hum
[DAMAGED] anno, se p.º algum impedim.º deixarmos de a fazer, e por entendermos, que o
agravo desta Matéria deve fazer grande pena na Consciência dos que se
nelle com a sobred.ª obrigação lhe não impuzemos p.ª agora outra pena; só a q.ª os q.ª
dentro do tempo determinado faltarem ao que lhes ordenamos, com todo o
rigor lho faremos executar. — Rogamos porém, e mandamos a todos os
Fiéis Catholicos desta Nossa Diocese, q.ª nos ajudem com grande cautella, e conforme p.º ed
Deos N. S. Luiz se compadecera das Miserias, que padecemos, eis gentios e infieis.
Na reverencia q.ª este Modo a pureza da Nossa Santa Fé, e p.ª a veneração
dos Templos he o credito da Religião Catholica, devem todos assistir nellas
com Modéstia, com sossego, e com grande compostura; as Mulheres principal-
mente se devem abster nas Igrejas de qual quer género de comida, ou bebi-
da / excepto o caso de manifesta Necessid.ª / como tambem das conversações
desnecessárias, de Cumprimentos impertinentes, e de Mostras, e alvoroços nos
Confessionários, e na Mesa da Comunhão, lembrando-se, que a cerca da dita
Ex.ª de Oração determinada p.ª seu Culto, e Veneração, de que tudo have-
mos de inquirir nas Visitas, e corrigir, e castigar as culpas, com severida-
de; e porq.º Venta a noticia de todos Mandamos, que esta Nossa Pastoral seja
publicada nas Freguesias desta Cidade e fixada nos lugares costumados. Dada em Nossas
no Nosso Palacio sob Nosso Signal, e selo de Nossas Armas aos dezassete de Se-
tembro de mil sette centos, quarenta, e tres annos. Eu o Cônego Manoel do Carmo
deste Bispado a escrevi = Dom Fr. Hylario
de Santa Rosa Bispo de Macao = M.º Jorge Caldeira o selo e o off.º de Cab.º =

Translation

Page 1

[Page]
M304

[Title]
Second Pastoral Letter, Issued for Publication
by His Excellency and Right Reverend Lord Dom Fr. Hylário de Santa Rosa,
Bishop of this City, 17 February 1754

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp: ULTRAMARINE COUNCIL]

[Stamp — top right]
[Circular stamp: COLONIAL HISTORICAL ARCHIVE / M. G. A. L.]

[Main text]
Dom Fr. Hylário de Santa Rosa, by the Grace of God and of the Holy Apostolic See, Bishop of this City and Diocese of Macau, of the Council of His Most Sacred Majesty—may God preserve Him—and so forth. To all who shall see this Our Pastoral Letter and take cognisance thereof: health and peace in Our Lord Christ Jesus, our Lord, who is the true remedy and salvation for all.

It would be a grave failing were Our pastoral solicitude not to institute those means most conducive to the reformation of morals and the spiritual welfare of souls—the very charge entrusted to Us by the Supreme Shepherd. For man, made in His image, was created by God with singular esteem, and redeemed at the cost of the Precious Blood of His Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. By this supreme example of His boundless charity, He manifests how highly man must be esteemed by whosoever has been charged with his spiritual care and guidance. And since this truth is vividly imprinted upon our own souls, and since we are held strictly accountable before God for its faithful discharge, We therefore ordain, as Our first injunction:

That the Mass Book (i.e., the Missal) be employed in the churches of the Beguines of this City on Sundays and holy days of obligation—on those occasions when no sermon, devotional exercise (*prática*), or catechetical instruction (*doutrina*) is delivered in their churches—so that the Beguines themselves, during the liturgical season (*tempo da estação*), shall expound to their congregation (*rebanho*, i.e., spiritual flock) either the Gospel of the day, or one of the Mysteries of our Holy Faith, or the nature and significance of the Sacraments, or the import of the divine precepts and liturgical offices—including acts of satisfaction (*satisfação*), or any other subject conducive to the spiritual welfare of souls under their care; and that such exposition be conducted with such clarity and method that all may readily comprehend and profit from the doctrine thus imparted.

We further admonish that this spiritual instruction constitutes the most important and necessary duty incumbent upon the faithful—not only to enable them to perform good works, but also to safeguard them against evil; and should any neglect occur in this regard—

Page 2

[Damaged] our predecessors, who have once again prohibited all Our subjects from—
[Damaged] and especially from the clergy—the use of *bethele*, a practice pernicious, harmful, and abominable.
[Damaged] —wherefore We renew and confirm the pastoral letters issued by Our predecessors,
[Damaged] imposing the same spiritual penalties and censures with which they had forbidden the unclean,
[Damaged] or masked *bethele*—that is, usurious lending—without prohibition; yet We do prohibit it not only within churches, but also
[Damaged] in chapels, choirs, altars, and even during processions—indeed, in connection with any religious rite whatsoever—
[Damaged] and We hereby reiterate to the clergy the penalty of suspension from Holy Orders for any who commit this offence or practise it;
[Damaged] such suspension to be imposed by sentence under the penalty of a grave canonical censure, to be pronounced by the canons
[Damaged] each time they discover or become aware that this precept has been disregarded; and We decree that this
[Damaged] censure shall be applied to the fabric fund (*fabrica*) of the offenders’ respective churches, so that, at the very least,
[Damaged] they may thereby make amends for the lack of reverence they show towards the worship and veneration of God in His temples—
[Damaged] some of which have become, by reason of this practice, so filthy and loathsome as to bring shame upon those very persons who thus profane them.
[Damaged] And should this most grievous custom persist—notwithstanding fear of God nor temporal penalties—We command that parish priests
[Damaged] take no further action in their parishes, but instead apply other more stringent and efficacious remedies;
[Damaged] We likewise expect the regular prelates to inform Us if the same absurdity occurs in their churches and proves beyond their power to remedy.
[Damaged] Moreover, usury stands in direct opposition to the common good of the Republic, besides constituting a most grievous offence against God;
[Damaged] and that Our subjects may conduct their affairs while ever shunning this most pernicious vice—and any of the many others that may arise in commercial dealings—
[Damaged] We earnestly enjoin them, by the Wounds of Jesus Christ, to act so that they do not forfeit their souls before losing worldly gain,
[Damaged] bearing in mind that, in sum, the Lord Himself declares the salvation of a single soul to be of greater importance than the profits of the whole world.
[Damaged] With regard specifically to the practice current here of lending money on land-based security (*dar dinheiro a ganhar de terra*),
[Damaged] We ordain that no lender may charge more than six to seven per cent interest above the principal when the pledge (*penhor*) consists of gold or silver;
[Damaged] whereas, where the pledge or hypothec comprises perishable property or productive assets—such as arable land or livestock—whose preservation, safekeeping, and maintenance entail labour, expense, or risk of loss,
[Damaged] lenders may, after prudent assessment of such labour and risk, charge up to eight, nine, or ten per cent interest,
[Damaged] but never exceeding this limit; and even where money is lent solely upon written contract (*escritura*) alone—without any tangible pledge—
[Damaged] We declare, furthermore, that this same rule shall apply to all instances of lending money on land-based security;
[Damaged] and he who receives money in this illicit manner is thereby guilty of usury—
[Damaged] namely, he who accepts money under conditions contrary to divine and canonical law.

Page 3

[Seal — top centre]
[Torn and illegible]

[Stamp — left]
[Circular colonial stamp, partially legible: ‘.COLONIA.’]

[Main text]
…which those concerned shall observe, and which they have usurped contrary to the [DAMAGED]
…our Sacred Canons, and against whom we shall impose penalties in accordance with the gravity of their transgression, as prescribed by the said law; such matters shall be rigorously investigated during our canonical visitations.

Moreover, should it prove necessary, we hereby authorise the opening of spiritual prisons—that is, the ecclesiastical censures (excommunication *ferendae sententiae* or *latae sententiae*) to which Catholics may become liable through undue or unregulated social intercourse with non-Christians (*gentios*). Accordingly, we strictly command that no woman shall admit *gentios* into her dwelling, nor shall she enter theirs—save where absolutely indispensable for sustenance or household management. In such exceptional cases, all dealings must be conducted only through the mediation of a devout Catholic, a relative, or a resident of this locality; failing such intermediaries, negotiations shall take place solely at the threshold of her residence, and never within the domestic interior. Furthermore, no more persons than are strictly necessary to safeguard her reputation and dignity shall accompany her on such occasions. Should any woman be found culpable of violating this injunction, disciplinary action shall be taken against her at our discretion, proportionate to her station and circumstances; our *meirinho* (bailiff or ecclesiastical officer) shall report such cases to us, and we entrust this duty to him with particular emphasis. All who become aware of such infractions—and who, despite paternal correction (*correição paterna*), find themselves unable to guide the souls of their neighbours toward orthodoxy—shall likewise be held accountable.

We further issue a formal injunction of obedience, binding upon all our subjects, requiring them immediately to inform their parish priests upon learning that any Catholics—whether originating from Madras, the Coromandel Coast, or any other part of India—reside in the households of *gentios* within this city. Parish priests are thereby charged with ascertaining whether such individuals live in conformity with the Catholic faith they profess: whether they observe the precepts of the Church, especially during Lent and at times of illness—since, if they dwell and die as *gentios* do, within *gentio* households, they risk forfeiting both sacramental life and Christian burial.

For the same reason, we command all our subjects resident in, or temporarily residing within, this city not to change parishes between *Septuagesima Sunday* and *Good Shepherd Sunday* without first notifying both their current and prospective parish clergy. This measure ensures that both the incumbent and receiving parish priests may duly register such transfers and thereby monitor compliance with the Church’s precepts—particularly during Lent. Should it come to our attention—either through routine pastoral reporting or via the diligent oversight we have expressly enjoined upon the parish clergy—that any individual has failed in this obligation, the following penalties shall apply: a fine of two *patacas* upon first offence; four *patacas* upon second; and eight *patacas*, together with an equivalent number of days’ deprivation (of sacramental privileges or civic rights, as determined by the ecclesiastical authority), upon third offence. One half of each fine shall be awarded to the informant; the other half shall be allocated to the expenses of justice administration.

We further ordain and command all tax collectors (*colectores*) and administrators [DAMAGED]

Page 4

[Stamp — top centre]
[Circular stamp with illegible text]

Of Hospitals, Confraternities, Brotherhoods, Chapels, Oratories, and of almost any other pious institutions or foundations—not established under direct royal charter—superintendents are required to render account of their administration, or of the privileges they hold. This obligation applies, however, with the following distinction: those institutions which, up to the present time, have failed to comply with this requirement—whether before the ecclesiastical or the secular courts—must present themselves before us within fifteen days of the publication of this Pastoral Letter, so that we may ensure their compliance, as is incumbent upon us by virtue of our episcopal office and the authority vested in us by the Visitors assigned to the respective jurisdiction; alternatively, we may grant them a reasonable extension, should just cause warrant it, appointing additional administrators where necessary. We ourselves shall submit an account either at the time of the Visitation or at the close of each calendar year, unless prevented from doing so by legitimate impediment.

Moreover, having considered that the gravity of this matter ought to weigh heavily upon the conscience of all who neglect the aforementioned obligation, we impose no further penalty at present beyond that which shall be enforced with full rigour against any who fail to comply within the stipulated period.

We earnestly exhort—and hereby enjoin—all faithful Catholics within this our Diocese to assist us with great diligence and in accordance with the will of God our Lord. May Saint Louis, in his mercy, compassionate us amid the miseries we endure, both from Gentiles and infidels.

In reverence for the purity of our Holy Faith, and in honour of the sacredness of our churches—upon which rests the credibility of the Catholic religion—all persons are required to conduct themselves therein with modesty, tranquillity, and due solemnity. Women, in particular, must abstain entirely from consuming any food or drink within church premises, except in cases of manifest necessity; likewise, they must refrain from unnecessary conversation, irrelevant salutations, and from causing commotion or disturbance at the confessional and at the communion rail. Let all remember that the prescribed forms of prayer—established for the worship and veneration of the Divine—shall be subject to strict scrutiny during our Visitations; any transgressions shall be duly corrected and punished with severity.

And since it is our intention that this instruction reach all concerned, we order that this Pastoral Letter be publicly proclaimed throughout the parishes of this city and affixed to the customary locations. Issued from our Episcopal Palace, under our signature and the seal bearing our coat of arms, on the seventeenth day of September in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty-three.

I, the Canon Manuel do Carmo of this Diocese, have transcribed this document.
Dom Fr. Hilário de Santa Rosa, Bishop of Macau.
Miguel Jorge Caldeira, Keeper of the Seal and Secretary to the Chapter.

• Location
  • Portugal
    • Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino
      • Conselho Ultramarino
        • Macau (1587-1833)
          • Cx. 05