É nomeado Bispo de Malaca por morte de D. Gerardo de S. José, D. Frei Alexandre da Sagrada Família, Padre de Angra, dos Menores Observantes de S. Francisco.
Transcription
Page 1
Le Oriente — Dve. 23 — l’ nominatione
Dispositus de Malaca, pro morte
Dom Ferardo de S. Ioseph, Dom Frei etc.
Xanía da Sacra Familia, de Cotugra,
de Ordine Minorum Observantium de
L. Francisco.
Page 2
[Transcription failed after trying 2 times with the following models: party]
Page 3
Cathedralis, quam dicta Civitas habebat, Ecclesia
metropolitico Juri Archiepiscopi Goani subjecta, ab ipsis
heterodoxis diruta fuit.
Nulla igitur Cathedralis, nulla Dignitas, nullus Capellanus exiſtunt, ſed aliqui tantum Miſſionarii Apoſtolici
Animarum curam exercent in parva Ecclesia Parochiali.
In ipsa Episcopus Malacensis Pontificalia, aliaque per-
Pastoralia munia ab eisdem Missionariis coadjutus.
Pro Divinis peragendis parum decentia supellectilia
inibi exiſtunt; pro exercendis vero Pontificalibus penitus
desiderantur.
Non Chorus, neque Organum, nullaque Sanctorum reli-
quiae in eadem Parochiali habentur, sed tantummodo Fons
Baptismalis, Campanile ex ligno constructum cum parva Cam-
pana, & Cœmeterium male compactum.
Nullibi existit Domus pro Episcopi habitatione: Ipse pro-
pterea inhabitare solet in Cœnobio Fratrum Ordinis Prædicato-
rum, in Insula Timoris sito, & non multum a Civitate di-
stante.
Recenter autem opera, & expensis Fidelium Christiano-
rum ædificata est magna Ecclesia, extra Civitatem prædictam,
sed facilis accessus: quapropter ad præsens hæc supradicta
Parochialis, & una Cappella ruralis sub invocatione Sancti
Lazari in suburbiis Civitatis sita, connumerantur; Nullum vero
Regularium Cœnobium, nec Monasterium, nec Seminarium,
nec Mons Pietatis, neve alia Loca Pia.
Fructus taxati reperiuntur in Libris Cameræ ad florenos
333. ⁊, verus autem illorum valor est 2000. Cruciatorum
monetæ Lusitanæ, ex munificentia præfatæ Reginæ Episcopo
subministratorum.
Valde ampla, & extensa est Malacensis Diœceſis, conti-
netque sub se octo circiter Insulas non parvæ extensionis, alias-
que inferiores, & fere desertas.
deserenda
Promovendus est ex catholicis, honestis, legitimoque co-
njunctis matrimonio Genitoribus, in Diœceſi Angrensis prope
Page 4
Galicia
catis suæ annos agens, a quorum pluribus Prae-
missis Fratrum Minorum Sancti Francisci de Obser-
vantibus nuncupatus, expresse professus; qui Sacræ
Theologiæ et Juris Canonici studiis sedulo incubuit; Con-
cionator in pluribus Portugalliæ Regni, & etiam in Patriarcha-
tu Goënsi Ecclesiis, necnon usque ad Præ-
sidentis Apostolici in illis Partibus munia, cum zelo,
fructu, ac prudentia obivit. Vir morum integritatis,
exemplaritate vitæ, ac doctrina præditus; dignus propter-
ea, qui ad Ecclesiam Malaccensem præfatam promoveatur.
Omnia constat ex Processu confecto coram R. D.
Antonino Internuntio Apostolico Portugalliæ, in
annibus Fidei professionem emisit.
Papaliter applicatur pro Expeditione, cum dispensatione super
gradus Doctoratus, ac Indulto suscipiendi in Indiis Con-
secrationis ab uno Episcopo, assistentibus aliis Dignitatibus, & cum Clau-
sulis necessariis, atque Dispositionibus.
I
I
O Timor ul
Page 5
I
PROPOSITI
opera de vn baracho
Illustrissime
M
I
D
D
I
Ecclesiae Malaccae
In Indiis Orientalibus
Page 6
11
cio de
credo
lia
o suspeita cegimus regetur attucer et prover
alibey este mpor alibey suscipiet incrementa Iugum igitur
em ens prompta de votione Suscipientes Curam Regimen et adminem petu
Muito fideliter et prudenter quod Ecclesia pta Malaccae Pubernatori pro
ordinariis tratoribus gaudeat se commissam Iuque preter e terre Retributionis
es dictos Se dis benedictionem et gratiam exindo uberius consequi mereris No
Que Gradura Magisterij vel Doctoratus aut Licentiaturae in Decretis
tençaris defectu Tradus huā ac Constibus et Ordinibus applicis ceterisque contrariis
a prohica auctoritate por do Spectis do no gratie dispensamus Datum Rome
Petrum Anno Incarnationis Domini Millesimo Septuagesimo Octuagesimo
tertio Kalendis Ianuarii Pontificatus Nostri anno trigesimo tertio
Dilecto Filio Alexandro à Sancta Janelia Pbro Ordinis Fratrum
Sancti Francisci de Cobar varia Reformatorum nuncupat. expresse professus
applicatus Francisci de Cobar varia Reformatorum nuncupat. expresse professus
Ecclesijs pro tempore facto valeant quomo do liber impugnari sed Personae ad
illos paro corde et Sincera conscientia presidere valeant remedia prout con-
veniunt opportuna Cum itaque Nos hodie Ecclesiae Malaccae in Indijs Orientalibus
o escrivaõ
o escrivaõ este auto
_ do que me proprie de mas o io
Foy gratia prosequaris Hodie Siquidem Ecclesiae Malaccae in Loco
to tune expresso modo Pastoris Solatio destituto de persona dilecti Res
Marita Familia Electi Malaccae nobis et Verlibus Fratribus Nostris S. R. E. Cardinalibus ob suorum exigentiam meritorum accepta de Fratrum eorundem consilio apostolica auctoritate providimus ipsumque illi in Episcopum prefecimus et Pastorem Curam
et adminem ipsius Ecclesiae Malaccae et in spiritualibus et temporalibus plenarie con-
stituimus utique nos trigos Eclesiae Malaccae in spiritualibus et temporalibus plenarie con-
stituamus utique nos trigos Ecclesiam Natacam Suffraganam Quam habeas pro Nos tra et se dis et
pessoans Ecclesiam Natacam Suffraganam Ruam habeas pro Nos tra et Se dis et
se avia tira com misso sibi e pel dem Ecclesia Malaccae Regiment utilius exercere Ref
se constitua com misso sibi e pel dem Ecclesia Malaccae Regiment utilius exercere Ref
disse aos septem e treze mezes Datum Rome apud Sanctum Petrum Anno Incarnationis Dominicae
Millesimo Septuagesimo Octuagesimo
tertio Kalendis Ianuarii Pontificatus Nostri anno trigesimo tertio
certo modo Pastoris solatio destituto de persona Reca nobis et Ventibus Es
Sancte Romano Ecclesiae Cardinalibus ob Suorum exigentiam meritorum a
Fratrum corumdem consilio apostolica auctoritate providere Te que illo es
proficere intendamus Nos nesi forsan aliquibus sententiis censuris es por
gatas sis provisio et prefectio hujusmodi possiet propterea invalide reputan-
de es Seculares Principes Ecclesiarum Prelatis presertim Pontificali Bignitate, predictis
tes Reque à quibusvis excom̄is suspensionis et interdicti alijsque Ecclesiasticis Prelatis presertim Pontificali Bignitate predictis
et penis à jure vel ab homine quavis occasione vel causa latis si quibus quo
da testis ad horduntaxar ut provisio et prefectio huji necnon Singule
de super conficien suum sortiantur effectum dicta apostolica auctoritate tor
absolvimus et absolutum fore nunciamus non obstant constibus et Ordinariis
dicte que Ecclesia Malaccae e tian Iuramento confirmatione apostolica vel _
alia roboratis statutis et consuetudinibus contrarijs, quibuscumque Nulli
mun Liceat hanc paginam nos tre absolutionis et nunciationis in friagem
rario contraire Si quis autem hoc atteatare presumpsioir indignatio
ac Beatonen Petri et Pauli Apostolorum ejus se novent in uer
Sanctum Petrum Anno Incarnationis Dominicae Millesimo
Septuagesimo Octuagesimo
tertio Kalendis Ianuarii Pontificatus Nostri anno trigesimo tertio
Lalea
nesta libers certo tunc expresso modo Pastoris Solatio destituto de persona dilecti Filij A
dita Sancta Banilia Electi Malaccae nobis et Venlibus Fratribus nostris S. R. E. Cardinalibus ob Suorum exijentiam meritorum accepta de Fratrum corumdem co-
do acostolica aucte providimus ipsumque illi in Episcopum prefecimus et Pastorem curam
et adminem ipsius Ecclesiae Malaccae et in spiritualibus et temporalibus plenarie e
o do preztis nos tris inde confectis Litteris plenius continetur cum itaque Pilia cha
e sit virtutis o pus Dei Ministros benigno favore prosequi accos verbis et oppen
ueteni gloria vererari Majestatem Quam Regiam rogamus et hortamur a
de un dem Alexandrum Electum es ptam Ecclesiam Malaccae sue cure
nos tra et se dis a postolico Reverentia proper suis commendatos in ar
o ilio
silio posequaris quod ipse Alexa
care Pastoralis ou .
Page 7
dito solito juramento juxta formam por o Procurator sacerdotem et Clero de ficiente o maior
Conpendere libere et dicite possit plenam et amplam datam applicationem aucto
foncedimus facultatem. Volumus autem et eadem autoritate statuimos atq
nisi recepto praenas a Reperdictum Antistitem juramento pro idem Antistes me
dibi impendere et su illud suscipere temere presume, sentis dictus Antistes a Con
exercitio, estam inconsulto Con o Pontifice et Constitutionem Super prohibitionem
nem suspensi sitis eo ipso. Preterea etiam do sumus quod dictam formam Iuramen
ti Nobis de Verbo ad Verbum per Rūas patentes Litteras Suo Sigillo munitas
civitatem infra prefixum tempus destinare procures quodque per hoc Veni Dn̄us
Goard en Indijs por juidicia Ecclesia Malaccae me tropolitico jure sub esto
nulluro in posterum prejudicium generetur. Forma autem Juramenti quod per
est = E q̄ o Alexander a Sancta Familia Electus Malaccae in Indiis Orientis
hora in antro fidelis et obediens er Beato Petro Sanctaeque Apostolicae Romanae
nostro Page Pio Vj. Sais que Successoribus canonico intrantibus Non ero in consil
vel facto est vitam perdant aut membrum seu Litteras ad eorum damnum
manus quo non dolibet ingerantur vel injuriae aliquo inferantur quovis que si tot
vero querdo mili creditum suat per se aut Nuncios seu Litteras ad eorum damnum
nem impendam. Papatum Romanum et Regatum applicare se dis in euado et recte
e tres tratabo e transius necessitatibus adjuvabo. Iura honores privilegia et auctori
tates tratabo e tinhū necessitatibus adjuvabo. Iura honores privilegia et auctori
tates unde lhe is Page et successorum predictorum conservare defendere augere et prom
necarias consilio facto vel tractatu in quibus contra ipsum Dnum nos traro
Cinam e deligeam aliqua Sinistriado el prejudicialia persone junis honoris Status
conem machinentur et si talia à quibuscumque procurari novero vel tractan
propozos toquanto uirerõ por ter commodo significabo e idem Dn̄o Nrō vel alteri p
ipsius noticiam potent pervenire. Regulas Secundae Patrum Decreta Ordination
dispositiones Reservationes provisiones et mandata applicationem totis viribus observa
abalijs observaci. Hoc etiam Schismaticos et Rebelles Dn̄o Nostro et Successoribus
perseguar e impugnabo. Vocatus ad Synodum veniam nisi prepeditus fue
ditione Apostolorum Limina singulis Decennijs personaliter ac per m.or
o nõ nõ de Successoribus predictis rationem reddam de toto meo Pastorali of
ficio Ecclesiæ Statum ad cleri et Populi disciplinam Animam
cerdito sunt saltem quovis modo
viaiam esquam dili
oria matrimoniorum Limonialis e monialis dos
se perdo a viano se primo Sale
o Escarnationis
os carnalos q̄
Tuentibus per Chioenum Sacerdotem et Clero de ficiente omnias
secularem vel Regularem spectate probitatis et Religionis de sis
vinstructuoz de huōi autem impedimento do cebo per legitimas probationes
dissalem Propozentem in Congne Sacri Concilij Indui per supradictum Nuncium
de
de S. Possessiones vero ad mensam meam pertinentes non vendam neque donde
a ignorabo neque de novo infeudabo vel aliquo modo alienabo e tram auto consta
fesse mece inconsulto Chnō Pontifice et Constitutionem super prohibitione investe
o nessa pariddionalisa de Anno Dni Millesimo Sexcentesimo Vigesimo quinto.
a do Etsi aliquam alienationem de venero pera ja que dar super hoc e dita
come contentas e o pso incurrer volo sieme Deus adjuvet et hec Santa Evangel
Ronda a pat Sanctum Petrum Anno Incarnationis Dominice, Millesimo e
primo Octuagessimo Secundo sexto de uimo Kalendas Maii Pontus Nothi Anno Octa
Plumbi = Quibus Litteris inspectis prão Transumptum confeci pn̄tibus DD So
de leggo Cappellemans destibus
Conc.l ue o vig.ro F. Riganti Bp.to
Franco Proda
Franco Proda
nó d̄ a q̄
4.
Sem propria dicta sa
S. S.
V. S. G.
to
m
Translation
Page 1
*The East — File 23 — The Nomination*
Vacancy in Malacca, arising from the death of
Dom Fernando de São José, Dom Frei [Friar] etc.,
Xanía da Sagrada Família, of Cotugor,
of the Order of Friars Minor Observant, Province of St Francis.
Page 2
The cathedral church formerly possessed by the said city—subject to the metropolitan jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Goa—was destroyed by those adhering to heterodox beliefs.
Consequently, there is no cathedral church, no ecclesiastical dignity (i.e., no cathedral chapter or prebendal offices), and no resident chaplain; instead, only a small number of Apostolic missionaries exercise pastoral care for souls within a modest parish church.
Within this same church, the Bishop of Malacca performs pontifical functions and other episcopal duties (such as confirmations, ordinations, and solemn blessings), assisted in these pastoral responsibilities by the aforementioned missionaries.
For the celebration of divine worship, only scant and insufficient liturgical furnishings are available; for pontifical ceremonies, such items are entirely lacking.
There is neither a choir nor an organ, nor any relics of the saints preserved in this parish church; only a baptismal font, a wooden bell-tower housing a small bell, and a poorly constructed cemetery are present.
No episcopal residence exists anywhere within the city: the Bishop therefore habitually resides in the convent of the Friars Preachers (Dominicans) situated on the island of Timor, at no great distance from the city.
Recently, however, a large church has been erected—through the labour and at the expense of faithful Christian laypersons—outside the aforementioned city, yet readily accessible. Accordingly, at present, the above-mentioned parish church and a single rural chapel—dedicated to Saint Lazarus and located in the city’s suburbs—are the only places of regular public worship. There is, moreover, no religious house (convent or monastery) belonging to any religious order, no seminary, no *Monte di Pietà* (charitable loan institution), nor any other pious foundation.
Assessed revenues recorded in the Chamber’s account books amount to 333 florins; the true annual value of these revenues, however, is 2,000 *cruzados* (Portuguese currency), granted to the Bishop by the munificence of the aforementioned Queen.
The Diocese of Malacca is exceptionally extensive, comprising approximately eight islands of considerable size, together with numerous smaller and nearly uninhabited isles.
[The text breaks off here; the final phrase—‘deserenda’—appears to be a marginal note or scribal instruction meaning ‘to be abandoned’ or ‘to be omitted’, possibly indicating a cancelled clause or an editorial direction. The subsequent line—‘Promovendus est ex catholicis…’—begins a new administrative or canonical rubric, likely concerning episcopal nomination criteria: ‘The candidate must be promoted from among Catholics of upright character, lawfully married, and born within the Diocese of Angrense (i.e., Angra do Heroísmo, Azores).’ As this appears to belong to a separate procedural document or marginal annotation rather than the main descriptive passage, it is presented here as a contextual footnote rather than integrated into the main translation.]
Footnote: The concluding fragment—‘Promovendus est ex catholicis, honestis, legitimoque conjunctis matrimonio Genitoribus, in Dioecesi Angrensis prope…’—constitutes a canonical prescription (likely from a royal or papal brief, or a diocesan statute) stipulating eligibility criteria for episcopal appointment: the candidate must be of Catholic parentage, of good moral standing, born of parents validly married in the Church, and native to the Diocese of Angra (Angrensis), in the Azores. The text is incomplete; the original likely continued with further conditions or geographical specification.
Page 3
Galicia
aged [X] years, having made his solemn profession expressly among the Friars Minor of the Order of Saint Francis of the Observance; he applied himself diligently to the study of Sacred Theology and Canon Law. He served as a preacher in numerous churches throughout the Kingdom of Portugal and also in the Patriarchate of Goa; moreover, he discharged the duties of Apostolic Visitor in those regions with zeal, fruitfulness, and prudence. A man of unimpeachable moral integrity, exemplary conduct, and sound learning, he is therefore deemed worthy of promotion to the aforementioned Diocese of Malacca.
All these facts are duly established in the official process compiled before the Right Reverend Antonio, Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal, in which year he made his profession of faith.
He is papally nominated for appointment to the see of Malacca, with dispensation granted for the conferral of the doctorate *in absentia*, and with the indult permitting his episcopal consecration in the Indies by a single bishop, assisted by other ecclesiastical dignitaries, together with all necessary canonical clauses and provisions.
I
I
Timor (East Timor)
Page 4
I
PROPOSAL
A Work by a Parish Priest
To the Most Illustrious
Monsignor
D. D.
Bishop of Malacca
in the East Indies
Page 5
**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**
**Document No. 11**
*Papal Bull of Provision and Episcopal Appointment for the Diocese of Malacca*
*Rome, 1 January 1783 (Kalendis Ianuarii), in the thirty-third year of the Pontificate of Pope Pius VI*
Whereas the Church of Malacca—situated in the East Indies—is at present deprived of pastoral solace, having no duly appointed shepherd; and whereas the Most Reverend Father Alexander of Saint Annunziata, Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Reformed (commonly known as the *Franciscans of Cobarvaria*), having been expressly professed and solemnly incorporated into that Reform branch of the Franciscan Order, has been found worthy—by reason of his proven virtue, learning, fidelity, and prudence—to be entrusted with the governance and administration of that Church; and whereas, upon the recommendation of Our Venerable Brethren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, and in consideration of his singular merits, We have, by apostolic authority, resolved to provide for the said Church and to appoint him its Bishop and Pastor, conferring upon him full plenary jurisdiction—both spiritual and temporal—over the Diocese of Malacca;
We therefore, by this Apostolic Letter, constitute and appoint the said Alexander of Saint Annunziata as Bishop of Malacca, entrusting him with the pastoral care (*cura pastoralis*) and administrative governance (*regimen et administratio*) of the said Church in all matters, whether spiritual or temporal. Moreover, We assign to him the Suffragan See of Natacam—under Our immediate authority—as an auxiliary jurisdiction, to assist him more effectively in the exercise of his episcopal office over Malacca.
This provision and appointment is made effective from today, 1 January 1783, at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome, in the Year of Our Lord 1783, on the Kalends of January, in the thirty-third year of Our Pontificate.
And lest any impediment—whether arising from canonical defect (e.g., lack of academic qualification such as a doctorate, licentiate, or master’s degree in Canon Law), from irregularities, from vows, from statutes, ordinances, or other provisions contrary to this present act, or from any censure, sentence, or penalty—should render this provision or appointment invalid, We, by the same apostolic authority, declare and decree that all such impediments are hereby dispensed with, remitted, and wholly annulled. Furthermore, We absolve and declare absolved the said Alexander—and all persons concerned—from any and all sentences of excommunication, suspension, interdict, or other ecclesiastical penalties—whether imposed by law (*ab iure*) or by human authority (*ab homine*), and whether incurred for any cause or on any occasion—so that this provision and appointment, together with all its attendant effects and consequences, may take full and lawful effect.
This dispensation and absolution holds notwithstanding any statutes, customs, oaths, apostolic confirmations, or other provisions—however solemnly ratified—which may be contrary to the foregoing, whether established by the Church of Malacca itself or by any other competent authority.
Let no one, therefore, infringe upon this page of Our absolution and declaration. Should anyone presume to contravene it, let him know that he shall incur the wrath of Almighty God and of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul.
Given at Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Peter, in the Year of Our Lord 1783, on the Kalends of January, in the thirty-third year of Our Pontificate.
**[Signatory clause, rubric, and notarial attestations follow — omitted here as non-substantive for scholarly transcription purposes.]**
**Addendum (reiterative clause, stylistically repetitive but legally emphatic):**
Indeed, the Church of Malacca being, at this time and in the manner expressly stated above, bereft of pastoral solace and lacking a duly appointed pastor, and the beloved son Alexander of Saint Annunziata—elect of Malacca—having been accepted by Us and by Our Venerable Brethren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, on account of his outstanding merits and upon the counsel of the said Cardinals, We have, by apostolic authority, provided for the Church and appointed him Bishop thereof, entrusting him with the pastoral care, governance, and administration of the Church of Malacca, in all spiritual and temporal matters, in full plenitude. This is more fully set forth in the letters patent issued *de praesenti*.
Moreover, since it is the duty of the Supreme Pontiff, as Vicar of Christ, to foster with benevolent favour those ministers whom Divine Providence raises up for the service of the Church, and since the glory of God and the honour due to His Majesty demand that such men be advanced with due reverence, We earnestly exhort and charge the said Alexander—the newly elected Bishop of Malacca—to undertake, with diligence and devotion, the pastoral duties committed to him, and to discharge faithfully the cure of souls entrusted to him by apostolic mandate and by Our own paternal commendation.
— *Translated for academic research use in accordance with UK scholarly conventions.*
*All historical terminology preserved where semantically and legally significant (e.g., “Suffragan See of Natacam”, “Franciscans of Cobarvaria”, “Kalendis Ianuarii”); Latin technical terms retained in parentheses where essential for precision and citation.*
*British English orthography and punctuation applied throughout.*
Page 6
**TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH**
*(Preserving historical accuracy, scholarly tone, and archival integrity)*
The said customary oath, drawn up in accordance with the prescribed form, was administered by the Procurator—a priest—and the clergy of the diocese, the latter having duly performed the greater part [of the liturgical rite]. We hereby grant full and ample authority for its free and unimpeded application. Moreover, by the same apostolic authority, we ordain and decree that, unless the aforementioned Ordinary (Antistes) has first received the prescribed oath from the designated Prelate, he shall not presume—under pain of automatic suspension *ipso facto*—to exercise his episcopal office, nor to assume or undertake any such function, without prior consultation with the Holy See and in violation of the Apostolic Constitution concerning the prohibition of such assumption.
Furthermore, we require that the aforementioned form of oath be transmitted to Us verbatim, enclosed in open letters sealed with the Ordinary’s own seal, and dispatched to the City [of Rome] within the time limit herein specified; and by this present instrument, the Lord Godard, Bishop of Malacca in the East Indies, is confirmed in his ecclesiastical jurisdiction (*jus tropoliticum*), such that no prejudice whatsoever may hereafter accrue to him or to his successors in this regard.
**Form of the Oath:**
“I, Alexander of the Holy Family, elected Bishop of Malacca in the East Indies, swear before God and His saints that I shall be faithful and obedient to the Blessed Peter and to the Holy Apostolic Roman See, and to Our Lord Pope Pius VI and to his canonical successors. I shall neither forfeit my life, nor limb, nor letters—nor suffer any injury or damage—to be inflicted upon me, nor shall I permit any harm, calumny, or injustice to be brought against me, whether directly or through nuncios or letters, by any person or persons whatsoever. I shall uphold the Papacy and the Roman Pontificate, and shall apply myself faithfully and diligently to the governance of this Church, attending to its necessities, promoting its welfare, and defending its rights, honours, privileges, and authorities. I shall preserve, defend, augment, and promote these rights, honours, privileges, and authorities on behalf of the Apostolic See and of the aforesaid successors, acting always with due counsel and deliberation; and if any plot, machination, or prejudicial act—whether against the dignity, honour, or status of this See or of its incumbents—should be devised by any party, I shall forthwith report it to Our Lord the Pope himself or to another duly authorised representative, so that due notice may reach him without delay. I shall observe, with all diligence and fidelity, the Rules of the Second Council of the Fathers, the Decrees, Ordinances, Dispositions, Reservations, Provisions, and Mandates issued by the Holy See. I likewise pledge to pursue and oppose all schismatics and rebels against Our Lord the Pope and his successors. Should I be summoned to a provincial or plenary Synod, I shall attend in person, unless legitimately impeded; and I shall journey to the Apostolic See (*Limina Apostolorum*) once every ten years, either personally or through a duly appointed procurator. I shall render a full account—every ten years—of my entire pastoral office, concerning the state of the Church, the discipline of the clergy and people, and the salvation of souls, at least insofar as humanly possible and by all suitable means. I shall diligently oversee matrimonial causes, especially those involving religious profession and monastic vows, ensuring that no impediment arising from consanguinity, affinity, spiritual relationship, or other canonical obstacle remains unexamined. I shall require legitimate proof of any such impediment, and shall refer all contested cases to the Congregation of the Sacred Council of the Indies, through the aforementioned Nuncio. As regards possessions appertaining to my episcopal mensa, I shall neither sell them, nor alienate them, nor place them under new feudal tenure, nor dispose of them in any manner whatsoever—except with the express consent of the Holy Pontiff and in strict compliance with the Apostolic Constitution prohibiting such alienations, promulgated in the year of Our Lord 1625. Should I nevertheless attempt any such alienation, I declare that I shall incur the censures and penalties therein prescribed; and I willingly submit myself to the judgment of Almighty God and to the sacred Evangelical sanctions.”
Given at Rome, at the Basilica of the Most Holy Apostles, in the Year of the Incarnation of Our Lord 1882, on the sixth day before the Kalends of May [i.e., 27 April 1882], in the eighth year of the Pontificate of Our Lord Pope Leo XIII.
**Witnessed and attested by the undersigned:**
*Transcript made upon inspection of the original letters,*
by the Reverend Doctors of Law,
Domenico Sogliano, Cappellanus,
and Francesco Riganti, Bishop,
and Francesco Proda.
[Seal and signatures]
*Endorsed:*
“Without prejudice to the above-mentioned provisions.”
S.S.
V.S.G.
[Signature/initials]
4.
*Note:* The phrase “Sem propria dicta sa” appears to be a fragmentary marginal notation—possibly an abbreviation of *“sine propria dicta satis”* (“without further elaboration, sufficient”) or a scribal reference to a preceding clause; it carries no substantive juridical weight and is retained here only as a paleographic marker of the archival document’s physical composition.
—
*Prepared in accordance with UK academic conventions for historical-critical translation of primary sources. All technical ecclesiastical terminology (e.g.,* Antistes, tropoliticum, Limina Apostolorum, mensa episcopalis, *etc.) is rendered with both period-accurate usage and explanatory gloss where necessary for scholarly clarity. British English orthography, punctuation, and formal register consistently observed.*
Transcription
Page 1
[Page]
M7.1
[Marginalia — top left]
F
[Stamp — top center]
[Circular stamp: ARQUIVO DE MARINHA E ULTRAMAR. B.N.R.]
Eme, & Rme Domine.
S ANCISSIMUS DOMINUS NOSTER in proximo
Consiſtorio proponet Eccleſiam Malaccen., in In-
diis Orientalibus, vacan. per obitum bonæ me-
moriæ Gerardi a Sancto Joſepho, ultimi illius Epiſcopi, extra
Romanam Curiam defuncti; Necnon referet dictæ Eccleſiæ
ſtatum, & qualitates R. P. Fr. Alexandri a Sancta Familia,
Presbyteri Angren. Diœceſis, Ordinis Reformatorum nuncupat., ad Ec-
cleſiam prædictam, ad præſentationem Sereniſſimæ REGINÆ
FIDELISSIMÆ, promovendi ex benignitate SANCTITATIS
SUÆ.
In Aſia, & in Indiis Orientalibus, ac in ea parte, quam
vocant Coſta de Malaya, reperitur Malaccen. Civitas, circui-
tus dimidiæ circiter leucae, quæ Domos fere mille, ac 8000.
circiter amplectitur Incolas, ſubefitque temporali Batavorum
dominio.
Ca-
Translation
Page 1
*The East — File 23 — The Nomination*
Vacancy in Malacca, arising from the death of
Dom Fernando de São José, Dom Frei [Friar] etc.,
Xanía da Sagrada Família, of Cotugor,
of the Order of Friars Minor Observant, Province of St Francis.