Title
S. Francisco Xavier dia Santo em Timor e em Macau
Abstract
This official correspondence, dated 18 September 1906, originates from the Secretariat of State of His Holiness and is addressed to the Chargé d’Affaires of Portugal accredited to the Holy See. The document records a formal communication by Cardinal P. Merry del Val, Secretary of State, concerning the ecclesiastical recognition of the feast day of Saint Francis Xavier within the Diocese of Macao. It details that the Portuguese Ambassador had requested, during the previous August, the formal establishment of 3 December as a feast day in Macao, following the precedent granted the prior year for the Churches of the East Indies. The letter confirms that the Holy Father has approved this request and encloses the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites for transmission to the Bishop who initiated the petition. The primary subject matter concerns the extension of liturgical privileges to the Diocese of Macao under Portuguese ecclesiastical patronage, reflecting the diplomatic and religious relations between Portugal and the Holy See in the early 20th century. The document also includes a marginal notation—“Ammesso reggimento”—of unclear significance. As a piece of Vatican diplomatic correspondence, it provides insight into the administrative processes of the Roman Curia, the role of Catholic ceremonial in colonial contexts, and the continued influence of Portugal in ecclesiastical affairs in its overseas territories, particularly Macao. This manuscript is a valuable source for researchers examining church-state relations, colonial religious policy, and the global reach of Catholic liturgical authority in the late imperial period.
Short Title
S. francisco Xavier is declared Saint in Timor and Macau
Archive
Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Loc. in Archive
Arquivo da Embaixada de Portugal Junto da Santa Sé até 1930
Notes
Transcription
Page 1
196
Le. Oriente 45
S. Francisco Xavier, da
santificação em Macau
e Timor-
Page 2
Segreteria di Stato
di Sua Santità
Almo Signore
Nel passato mese di Agosto il Sig. Ambasciatore di Portogallo mi interessava ad ottenere per la diocesi di Macao fosse dichiarato festivo il giorno tre Dicembre, sacro a S. Francesco Saverio, a somiglianza di ciò che, or fa un anno, fu decretato per le Chiese delle Indie Orientali. Essendosi il Santo Padre degnato di annuire a tale istanza, qui unito rimetto alla S. S. Ill.ma il relativo decreto della S. Congregazione dei Riti, e la prego di volerlo far avere al Vescovo che ne ha fatto domanda per mezzo di cotesta Ambasciata.
Profittò poi dell'occasione per raffermarmi contenta della più distinta stima
Di S. S. Ill.ma
Roma 18 Settembre 1906
Servitore
P. Card. Mercen del Dal
[Il testo iniziale sulla sinistra è illeggibile: "Ammesso reggimento..."]
Sig. Incaricato d’Affari
di Portogallo presso la S. Sede
(con inserto)
Translation
Page 1
196 Le. East 45 S.
Page 2
--- TRANSLATION ---
Secretariat of State of His Holiness, Most Eminent Lord
In the past month of August, the Ambassador of Portugal approached me with a request that the day of 3 December, dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier, be declared a feast day for the Diocese of Macao, following the precedent established one year ago for the Churches of the East Indies. Having graciously assented to this request, the Holy Father has approved the measure; accordingly, I enclose for the Most Illustrious Lordship’s attention the relevant decree issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites. I kindly request that Your Illustrious Lordship arrange for this decree to be transmitted to the Bishop who made the request, through your Embassy.
On this occasion, I also wished to reaffirm my profound appreciation for the distinguished esteem shown by Your Illustrious Lordship.
Rome, 18 September 1906
Your Servant,
P. Card. Merry del Val
[Illegible text on the left-hand margin: “Ammesso reggimento.”]
To the Chargé d’Affaires of Portugal accredited to the Holy See
Citation
S. Francisco Xavier dia Santo em Timor e em Macau (Arquivo da Embaixada de Portugal Junto da Santa Sé até 1930). (1906). Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. http://43.156.68.124/docs/BPREZVRD/viewer_BPREZVRD.html