Chapter XLIII: Continuation of the preceding (3)

"The reason for torturing some oftener than others was that Father Antonio, being a Japanese, had disobeyed the mandate of the emperor, and would not follow the counsels and persuasions of the governor of Nangasaqui and his ministers, nor be affected by the tortures. Father Fray Francisco suffered because he spoke to them with much Christian freedom, sang, and prayed in a loud voice, contrary to their prohibition; and Beatriz de Acosta because, although a woman, she showed more than a man's courage, both in the tortures and in resisting the advice which they gave her--for which reason, beside the torture of boiling water, they inflicted others upon her. They made her stand upright a long time upon a small rock, threatening her with insults and affronts; but the more they insisted, the stronger they found her. The others, being weak and infirm, were not tortured so long, because the tyrant did not intend to kill them, but only to conquer them; and for this reason they had, during the whole time, a physician upon the mountain to cure their hurts.

"Finally the governor saw that he could by no means conquer them; but, on the contrary, his men informed him that, judging by the courage and valor which they showed, they would suffer till all the pools and wells in Unjen were drained, rather than give in. He therefore lost all hope of a victory over them, and decided to order that they be taken to Nangasaqui, although he would not do so before his departure for the court at Meaco; for he thought that it would diminish his prestige to have them enter as victors into that city while he was there. After his departure, therefore, he sent on the way advice to his deputy whom he left there, to bring them to Nangasaqui. This he accordingly did on the fifth of January, placing Beatriz de Acosta in a certain house, and putting the five religious into the public prison, where they still remain. Such was the victorious end of this battle, wherein our holy faith was nobly vindicated, the Christians encouraged, and the tyrant overcome and confounded, quite the contrary of what he had expected and promised.

"During the same time this governor seized and sent to Sendo [95] the wives and daughters of the holy martyrs who have perished in Nangasaqui from the year 1617 to the present one, one thousand six hundred and thirty-two--separating many of them, who were already married, from their husbands and sons. They all accepted captivity for so holy a cause with a good will, and before leaving protested before the governor that they were and always would be Christians. Three Christians were taken prisoners for the faith in Fingo at the beginning of the year 631. One of them died most happily in the prison, a short time ago; and the other two, father and son, remain in captivity. In Xiqui there were thrown alive into the sea for the faith, on the twelfth of February past, Thome and Ynes, his wife; likewise in Firando, a short time ago, another man was thrown into the sea for the same cause.

"In Oxu [96] a man became a Christian fraudulently; and, after learning about the principal Christians of Vacamatzu and Ayzu from one of our household of Ojaca, called Paulo, he went and gave a list thereof to the governors of Tenca. These immediately advised the governors of the first two places, and there those whom the talebearer had given in the list were taken prisoners--among them Brother Juan Yama, of our Society, who was one whom I had catechized and baptized. Thus far we have not learned whether they have been martyred or not.

"The governors of Tacacu sent the same information regarding Paulo, who, although he was not in that city, was so diligently sought after that they succeeded in arresting him; and some time afterward he, with his wife Maria and four sons, suffered martyrdom. This led to a furious persecution, not only in Oxu, but likewise in other parts of the country, and in the cities of Cami, Meaco, Fugimi, Ojaca, and Sacay. The cruelty of the tyrant reached such a point that he sent this year, as exiles to Manilla, even the infirm and leprous Christians of the before-mentioned cities of Cami; and already more than ninety of them are at Nangasaqui, awaiting the monsoon, and others are expected to go. With this, under the holy benediction of your Reverence, etc. March 22, 1632.

_Christoval Ferreyra_"

From Japon we pass on to China, where the state of Christianity has been more quiet, and where it is very prosperous. The Society is established in eight provinces and eleven cities, and, if it were not for the lack of workers, it would he extended much farther, and with great results. At present there are in the whole of China seventeen priests and a few brothers-coadjutor, who are all laboring with praiseworthy zeal for the conversion of this great kingdom of China. May the Lord prosper and protect your Reverence as I desire. Manila, July 2, 1632.

[Another copy of this document, in the same collection (to. 114, no. 401), adds the following matter as a postscript, dated July 6, 1632:]

The emperor of Japan is dead; [97] so is the king of Arima, who had intended to come to attack Manila. It is said that his death was most horrible, and that he caused his servants to put him to death with clubs, after having scalded him with the water with which he had tormented the martyrs. All say that this was plainly a punishment for his tyrannous acts; and that he is paying for them in hell--whence issued demons in the form of foxes, who went dancing before his carriage or litter when he returned from Nangasaqui [_words illegible_] ambassadors, spies sent to Manila, Father Miguel Matruda, of the Society. These ambassadors--who came as envoys in behalf of Uni Nudino, governor of Nangasaqui, and of the tono of Arima, called Asimadoro or Bungodon--were received with the pomp and courtesy which such an embassy demanded. On that occasion much caution was displayed by this colony through its chief, who is governor and captain-general of these islands. For, on the one hand, he exhibited before those ambassadors the strength of this [_word illegible_] with its officers and infantry, which was drawn up in martial array along the streets--almost all the way from the street nearest the beach where the Japanese disembarked, up to the palace; and, on the other, he paid them honor with a splendid and friendly reception. He also offered them presents and entertainments as if they were envoys sent by Christian princes and our best friends. This has been cordially remembered, to judge from what has since then been learned of their designs--at least, that of one of those lords, the ruler of Arima. This was, that the envoys should carefully ascertain what were the forces in Manila, in order to see whether the former plans were adequate. [Our transcriber in Madrid here adds: "This letter (dated March 30, 1632) goes on to describe the martyrdoms, and ends thus: 'After these torments, we were again conveyed to the prison from which they had taken us, where we now are. There are five of us religious, besides other servants of God who are also prisoners for His sake. I think that this autumn, when the governor comes, he will pronounce final sentence upon us.'" It is most probable that this is part of the letter by Father Antonio Yxida, mentioned in the text.]

LETTER FROM THE ECCLESIASTICAL CABILDO TO FELIPE IV

In all the most opulent kingdoms, provinces, and cities of the Catholic monarchy of your Majesty, the most remote, the most separated, and the most distant from the royal presence of its king and sovereign is the metropolitan cathedral church of this archipelago of islands without number. Consequently, its cabildo is poorer, more needy, and more liable to be forgotten than any other; for in order to set forth its afflictions and poverty, it even has neither feet, whereby it may go to cast itself at the feet of your Majesty, nor hands for the solicitude and works that the demand alone would require. One effort only we can make easily, and that has been made for many years; that is, to write, petitioning, importuning, urging, and informing your Majesty of the most important things, not to our especial advantage. And well do we know that your Majesty is not so wealthy that you can be liberal in proportion to your greatness; but only in the points most necessary and important to the Divine service and worship, and to your Majesty's honor and glory, at whose expense it flourishes throughout Christendom--especially in this city, fortified post, and empire of almost all the nations discovered and known; for in that it equals Roma, and the cities of most commerce in the whole world. That is the reason that has always moved us to urge and petition your Majesty, representing the following points. [_In the margin_: "July 30, 1625. [98] Reply to the cabildo, encouraging them; and tell them that what they say in their letter will receive care and attention, without particularizing the paragraphs or the things that they say."]

One of the things which this cathedral has considered, and considers, intolerable, is that it always has to be governed by friars. That is a matter that has in itself many grave inconveniences, that would take long to relate in a letter which demands brevity. We wish only for your Majesty to understand and to be assured that the seculars can be better governed than any other clergy; and that they live with greater quietness and peace, not only in their souls and spiritual government, but in what concerns the temporal. Not only do the seculars recognize this, but the religious themselves; for the secular is always in the midst of affairs, while the friar must necessarily incline himself to his order and to those with whom he has been reared. It would be worse if such a person had not been, in his order, of much learning and of known virtues, but rather the contrary. Your Majesty will consider the estimation that all will have for such a man who knew him before. When this is so, it does not result to edification, which is your Majesty's intent, but to depreciation of and contempt for the episcopal dignity, which requires the highest perfection. God our Lord would be greatly pleased if the honors, dignities, and prelacies of this country be given to those who have served and labored in it. From that three blessings of high importance will follow. The first, that your Majesty will have fulfilled your obligation in accordance with the excellent principle of distributive justice. Thus have our sovereigns Kings Philipo Second and Third, of glorious memory, your Majesty's grand-father and father, ruled, ordered, and commanded in their royal patronage. And most certain can your Majesty be that there have always been and there are now men worthy, capable, and of great talents, from whom much may be expected, both in this cabildo and in the orders--especially that of St. Dominic and that of St. Francis; but, since they do not try to obtain the prebendaries of this church, never will their affairs be known, nor will any of them ever be seen in that royal court, for neither can they go, nor do they possess the wherewithal to send. These arguments will have greater force and power in the future, because of the two universities which your Majesty has permitted in this city--one in the residence of the Society of Jesus, and the other in that of Santo Tomas of the Dominican friars, where students are being trained and many graduated. Thus this city is today full of poverty-stricken seculars, and one must fear that there will be so many within a few years that they will die of hunger, because we have not any benefices to give them in this archbishopric or throughout the islands; for these are held by friars, who cost your Majesty so dearly. It is very desirable to refrain from sending many of the religious who come from España, which is an argument worthy of much consideration. [_In the margin_: "That great care will be given to this point when vacancies occur in those churches."]

The need and poverty of this metropolitan church is known and notorious, for it has no income or revenue other than the concessions of your Majesty, especially the four hundred pesos that have been given thus far, by means of which the church is kept in wine, wax, and oil. For none of those things are given from the royal warehouses, as they are to the other convents of this city. Consequently, we petition your Majesty to continue that concession, for it is not a perpetual concession, but was only for four or six years; and, when that time expired, it was conceded for another term of four or six years. If it were made perpetual, your Majesty would be making it a more valuable concession; for at each prolongation of the time it is necessary to spend at least one hundred pesos with the agent who is sent from here to that court. Thus that amount would be saved, and that is a matter of consideration and importance to so poor a church. [_In the margin_: "See what is provided in regard to this." "The concession was made."]

This church is also in great need of ornaments and of a sacristy. That which it now uses is borrowed; but with the sum of three or four thousand pesos the one that was commenced more than ten years ago could be finished. It has been impossible to finish it, because we had not the means to do so. In order that your Majesty need not spend anything from your royal treasury (which we most earnestly desire), this could be done by your Majesty ordering that vacant encomiendas, or pensions on those to which appointments are being made, be given to the church, in accordance with the condition of the encomienda, at the will of the governor--as has been done with the house of the Society of Jesus in this city, to which your Majesty made a grant of ten thousand pesos, as an aid to the edifice that they are at present erecting, [_In the margin_: "See what has been ordered in this." "The concession was made."]

We have often represented to your Majesty the great importance of having this church well served, as this city is a place of so great trade and commerce, where so many and so different nations come, as has been said. The number of prebendaries that the church has at present is not at all sufficient; for besides the five dignidades, it has no more than four canons, two racioneros, and two medio-racioneros. And since the land is so unhealthful and sickly, most of the prebendaries are generally disabled, and for the greater portion of the year the work is loaded upon only one canon and one racionero. For that reason, we earnestly desired in the past years that your Majesty would give us an increase Of two additional canons and four racioneros; but seeing that that was not effected because of the great need in which the times have placed your Majesty, we have found an easy and feasible remedy for it--namely, to apply to this church some of the benefices and missions that the orders hold near this city. Let the governor and archbishop select those which would be most suitable; and let each of them be given to two seculars--or more, if they should be so rich. There is a mission outside the walls of this city owned by the religious of St. Augustine, by name Tondo, where three seculars could be maintained. One of them could be proprietary, with the title of archdean or prior of such place and canon of this cathedral, with the obligation to serve in it, as do the other canons. By this method the prebendaries would be increased, and the number of religious whom your Majesty would have to send would be lessened; while the students who are growing up here in steadily increasing numbers would be provided for, rewarding the sons of the conquistadors and settlers, besides many other blessings and advantages which would follow by so doing. [_In the margin_: "See what has been provided in this regard, and have this section taken to the fiscal, together with that provision." "It was taken."]

One of the persons on whom this cabildo has set its eyes--and, together with all this community, we have been sure that your Majesty would show him honor--is the archdean, Don Alonso Garcia de Leon; but, only through his great modesty, he has never put forward any such claim. Consequently, we petition your Majesty to honor us all through him--assuring you, with the truth that one ought to speak in regard to such a matter, that we judge him to be worthy of any favor and honor that your Majesty might be pleased to show him, which will be for the glory of God and your Majesty's service. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

Doctor Don Juan Briceño came to these islands twenty-three years ago with the ordination of a priest, in company with Archbishop Don Diego Vazquez de Mercado. He immediately occupied himself in learning the language and in ministering to the natives, to their great approbation and with benefit to their souls. He has also served this cathedral more than nine years in the prebends of canon and precentor, the latter of which he holds at present. He is also at present exercising the office of vicar-general of this archbishopric, and has been its visitor-general. In both offices he has acted and given the account that could be expected from a good priest, learned and experienced, and publicly recognized as a man of good life and example. Ever since he came to these islands, there has been nothing contrary to this; so that he deserves to have your Majesty employ him in matters of your service, and to honor him according to the merit of his many good services. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

It is well-known that the Order of St. Augustine was the first to plant the cross of Christ in these remote islands; and it has always been foremost in continuing that work. Hence it is the one of all the orders which has most missions, and consequently, most need of ministers. Many years, no religious come to them from España; and many of those who are here die, and very quickly. Thus, if your Majesty do not show them the favor of protecting and replenishing so necessary and good ministers, they will be obliged to leave many missions, to the detriment of souls, and of the service of God and your Majesty--whom it has cost so much from your royal patrimony to set this flourishing and extensive Christian church in its present condition. The propagation of Christianity here is due, at least in its greater part, to that holy order and to its sons, as you will be more minutely informed by father Fray Diego de Robles, who is now to go as their procurator-general and definitor, to attend the general chapter of his order. We are acquainted with his person, and know that he came to these islands sixteen years ago. He soon learned two languages of the natives, and has administered in the islands some of the houses, convents, and missions of greatest importance. His order has honored him, and has occupied him, now in the ministry of the pulpit for the Spaniards, now in priorates, and in other offices and dignities of his order. In all of them he has always furnished a very excellent example, and has attained fame and renown as a good religious and one worthy of all credit and honor. Consequently, this cabildo petitions your Majesty to honor him and his order, for in both things will God our Lord be greatly pleased. [_In the margin_: "When religious are requested, have this section brought." "Consult the memorial."]

The Recollect religious of St. Augustine are the last who came to labor in this field; and for that reason the most toilsome, laborious, and dangerous part has fallen to their share, as they have been unable to have their missions and houses together, or in contiguous provinces, like the other orders; but their convents are separated in different islands, very far one from another. Although they are the last, we assure your Majesty that in point of work, zeal for the propagation of the holy gospel, and the cultivation of souls, the other orders do not have any advantage over them. Well have they proved that with their blood; for about three years ago, when the province of Caraga revolted, the rebels killed seven religious. However, by the grace of God, those rebels have been reduced again, and punished by the excellent efforts of Captain Juan de Chaves, one of the best soldiers, and one of the men of best judgment that your Majesty has in these islands. It will be of very great service to God and your Majesty to have religious sent to the said fathers, for many years have passed since a single religious has come to them, and it is right to encourage and aid so good workers, [_In the margin_: "When this order shall petition for religious, let this section be brought."]

The master-of-camp, Don Lorenço de Olasso, who exercises the office of captain-general because of the death of Governor Don Juan Niño de Tavora this year, has carried himself with prudence, peace, and tranquillity. For in this office and in that of master-of-camp, which he holds by right of appointment, he has shown his good judgment, especially in his care and vigilance in fortifying the city and in attending to all that concerns the obligation of his office, and welfare of this city, and the service of your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

As this noble and loyal city had so great need for sending a suitable person as its procurator to that royal court, it made choice of the person of General Don Diego de Arqueta Minchaca. It was a choice so prudent and so well considered, that in quality, services of his forbears and his own, capacity, prudence, experience, and other qualities necessary for such action, there is not his equal in this city. For besides the said qualifications and services (which will be apparent by his papers), considering the chief thing, namely, your Majesty's service and the welfare of this community, he is a person so capable in all matters of government and war, that both through experience and observation he can inform your Majesty as one who has seen both all these islands and the Malucas, and as far as Malaca; because he took part and embarked in all the fleets [sent against] the invasions of the Dutch enemy, that have been gathered in these islands since he was a young lad. We assure ourselves of great results for the increase of Christianity in these islands, the welfare of this community, and your Majesty's service, by his going and management. [_In the margin_: "Seen."]

Captain Juan Sarmiento, chancellor of this royal Audiencia, is the legitimate son of Captain Pedro Sarmiento (one of the first conquistadors and settlers of these islands), and one of the most valiant captains who has served your Majesty herein, as will appear more authoritatively by his papers. He is married to a daughter of Licentiate Tellez de Almaçan, who was an auditor who came to establish this Audiencia for the second time. And even were he not so worthy in his person, he was sufficiently so to be worthy of your Majesty showing him very great favors. For we recognize in the said auditor a judge truly upright and Christian, and so in harmony with divine and human laws, that these islands will ever cherish his memory. God our Lord has given him abundance of sons and daughters, so that this city is ennobled by such progeny and posterity. He deserves honor from your Majesty, and aid, in order that he may become more prosperous and not less. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

Since we are so loyal vassals and chaplains of your Majesty, it grieves us and rends our soul to see the damage done to your Majesty's royal treasury, because there are not any faithful officials to execute the so pious and excellent order that was decreed and determined by the royal decrees of your Majesty, and by the glorious progenitors of your Majesty; especially in regard to the money that passes annually from Nueva España to these islands. We inform your Majesty that, besides the permission of the four hundred thousand pesos that your Majesty has given for the inhabitants of this city, it is certain that two millions are brought. That sum is brought from Nueva España by companies and agents who call themselves inhabitants of Mexico; and your judges and officials [there] allow them to pass, and dis-simulate because of the great profit that falls to them in Acapulco. The efforts are not made in this city either that could be made by those who ought to make them. Accordingly, having seen this so great loss, both to your Majesty and to the inhabitants of this city, in assemblies of the orders that the reverend bishop, governor of this archbishopric, called on petition of the city, censures were issued, ordering no one to employ the money of the inhabitants of Nueva España or Piru, thinking that that would be an efficient remedy. But experience has demonstrated that it has been of no effect, for all have employed that money and no one has been denounced. This needs, a stringent remedy, and there is no other except to carry out fittingly what was ordered by your Majesty, by appointing trustworthy officials of Christian spirit and well-known zeal for your Majesty's service. [_In the margin_: "Let them be advised of what decision was made in this."]

One of the greatest services that the cabildos and corporations can perform for your Majesty is to advise, inform, and report concerning the deserving persons who attend to your Majesty's service. For, as the matter passes before so many eyes, they cannot do else than to write with great consideration and exactness of truth. One of the men who has served your Majesty in these islands with ardor, eagerness, and care, and who has occupied, since the day of his entrance into this city, posts of great importance (as will appear in detail by his papers), is General Don Andres Perez Franco. The limitations of a letter do not allow us to mention his good qualities as a skilled and successful soldier; for besides being that, God has given him good fortune in feats of war. In matters of government and of peace, he is so excellent and accomplished that he has been considered by most of the people of Cavite, where he has been chief commander most of the time, as a father rather than as a commander. God has endowed him with affability, valor, and ability to govern and command with generosity, and actions which make him loved, feared, and respected. That is apparent to this cabildo, and we know that it is public and notorious. Will your Majesty please honor him according to his many good services, so that others may imitate him, and that they may be encouraged by his example to serve your Majesty. [_In the margin_: "Consult the memorial."]

Your Majesty granted this archbishopric to Don Fray Hernando de Guerrero, bishop of Nueva Segovia, an aged religious, and one well known in these islands. He presented in this cabildo the ordinary decree which the royal Council generally gives to the persons presented by your Majesty, in order that the government might be given into his charge until the bulls come from his Holiness. Inasmuch as this cabildo is at present deprived of this jurisdiction--given to it by a canonical law by special brief and indult of his Holiness, obtained by your Majesty, ordering the senior bishop to govern, by virtue of which the reverend father, Fray Pedro Arce, archbishop of Zubu, is governing this church, a holy person and one of blameless life--this cabildo answered that no one can give what he does not possess; that the said bishop had the government; and that this cabildo had nothing more to answer. However the said archbishop insisted upon it as he was deceived by certain ill-informed lawyers. He even went to the royal Audiencia, who delayed undeceiving him for many days and after many meetings. All that was with the object of giving him to understand that they were doing something for him. That had the end and object that the auditors know; and it is not unknown that the archbishop wrote in their favor to the royal Council. That was almost self-evident, for the explicit manner in which Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y Oñate, visitor of these islands, enlightened him was not sufficient, when the visitor said that he had no right, and that neither the cabildo nor the bishop could do anything else. The same thing was declared by the religious, the lecturers, and professors, and the other learned men who examined the matter thoroughly; and lastly by that which was declared, after many meetings and delays, by the royal assembly. Hence, Sire, the said archbishop has maintained hostility and ill-will toward this cabildo, and cannot conceal it; but shows it by words unworthy his dignity, and threats against the time when the bulls come for him. We see well, Sire, that all the above has no remedy now, and that your Majesty made him archbishop. We suffer for God's sake, and He will give us patience. But for the future we humbly petition your Majesty to consider and repair this so serious damage, from which so many troubles result, by making choice of learned and holy persons, of known virtue. There are many in these islands, both seculars and religious, as we informed your Majesty on another occasion. Friars should not be consulted who only go to that court laden with money to demand bishoprics, since by the same case they make themselves unworthy. Necessarily the injuries that ensue from this are felt by the poor subordinates; and they even scandalize the faithful Christians, when they see that the holy and virtuous priests who are laboring throughout these islands are net rewarded, because they do not go or send [to that court], [_In the margin_: "When our bishops are sent, if there should be a number of governors, have what information there is here brought, so that the senior bishop of the islands may govern; and have this section also brought."]

Often, Sire, have we given thanks in this cabildo to God our Lord, deliberating and considering how clearly the presence of the Holy Ghost is seen in the decisions, ordinances, and enactments in the royal decrees of your Majesty, looking toward the good government and increase of the common welfare of these islands. For, if your Majesty and every one of your counselors had lived in and seen this city and these islands for many years, they could not have better understood the matters treated and decided in the said royal decrees. Consequently, one of your opportune and fortunate measures was the excellent choice that your Majesty has made in sending Licentiate Don Francisco de Rojas y Oñate as visitor; for, as long experience and the histories teach us, and even in the present times we have seen the disputes, the confusion, the unrest, and anxiety caused in a kingdom by any visitor; while in this city we have seen quite the contrary with the said visitor. And he has not been at all lacking in his duty, exercising rigor and seventy with kindness. He has calmed troubles without drawing blood, and has obtained the observance of your royal decrees so equitably that those who were most opposed to him confessed that he was just. Lastly, Sire, he is completing his visit this year, without having inflicted extortion or wrong on a single person. He has attended to the service of your Majesty with continual and incessant labor--which, although he has not had at all good health, he has not spared by day or night, on feast days, or in holiday seasons, times in which others rest. In short, he has been a father to this republic, and a person worthy of being occupied by your Majesty in things of greater importance in your service; for God has given him talent for great things, a Christian spirit, and the fear of God. That he showed because, as soon as he entered this city, he went to confession and communed often. He chose as confessor father Fray Domingo Gonçales, one of the most holy and learned men of the Order of St. Dominic. So great and so illustrious is his learning that often, when the orders have come together to argue, they have confessed that, upon asking him his opinion in very knotty questions, their problems have been solved by his tolerance, forbearance, and patience; for he did not cause disputes and scandals on many occasions that people inconsiderate and bold gave him, as is seen by certain of the writings that he carries; Consequently, we greatly desire and we earnestly petition His Divine Majesty that he, may have health, and that He will bear him to your Majesty's feet, so that he may inform you of what he has seen, accomplished, and known. From his report we hope ior the relief of these islands in every way, and increase to the service of God and your Majesty.

_Don Miguel Garcetas_ _Don Alonso García de Leon_ _Doctor Don Juan Reyes_ The treasurer, _Don Thomas Guimarano_ _Don Francisco de Valdes_ _Don Pedro de Quesada Hurtado de Mendoza_ The racionero, _Pablo Rodriguez_ The racionero, _Ruiz de Escalona_ _Diego Ramirez_

[_Endorsed_: "Manila. To his Majesty. The ecclesiastical cabildo. No date. Examined July 30, and decreed within."]

DOCUMENTS OF 1633-1634

Papal bull concerning missions. Urban VIII; June 28, 1633.
News from the Far East, 1632. Fray Juan García, O.P.; 1633.
Letters to Felipe IV. Juan Cerezo de Salamanca; August 14,
1633.
Report of archbishop on the bakery of Manila. Hernando de
Guerrero; August 3, 1634.
News from Felipinas, Japon, and other parts. [Unsigned];
August 20, 1634.
Letters to Felipe IV. Juan Cerezo de Salamanca; August 10,
1634.

_Sources_: The first, third, fourth, and sixth of these documents are obtained from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla; the second and fifth, from MSS. in the Academia Real de la Historia, Madrid.

_Translations_: The first document is translated by Rev. T. C. Middleton, O.S.A.; the third and sixth, by James A. Robertson; the remainder, by Robert W. Haight.

PAPAL BULL CONCERNING MISSIONS

_Constitution of our most holy lord, by divine Providence pope, Urban VIII, concerning the missions of religious to Japan and other regions of the Eastern Indias. Rome: from the press of the reverend Apostolic Chamber. MDCXX[X]III._

_Urban VIII_

To all the faithful of Christ who shall scan these present letters, health and apostolic benediction. In fulfilment of our pastoral charge in regard to the safety of souls and the spread of the Catholic faith, while readily changing those things which have been wisely, ordained by the Roman pontiffs our predecessors, wherever through the teachings of experience change seems advisable, we have made some arrangements, as the same have seemed expedient in the Lord, in regard to the spread of the Catholic faith and the health of souls.

In sooth, by his letters in form similar to a brief given on the twenty-eighth day of January, 1585, and the thirteenth year of his pontificate, Pope Gregory XIII, our predecessor of happy memory, led thereto through certain reasons known at the time, issued an interdict and prohibition to all patriarchs and bishops, including even the province of China and Japan, under pain of ecclesiastical interdict and of suspension, from entering the church portals and the exercise of pontifical power, to all others besides priests, clerics, and ecclesiastical ministers, both secular and regular--of whatsoever order, standing, degree, rank, and condition they might be--under pain of major excommunication to be incurred _ipso facto_, to this effect: that without his express license and that of the apostolic see, no one should dare go to the aforesaid countries and provinces of Japan to preach the gospel, teach Christian doctrine, administer the sacraments, or discharge other ecclesiastical duties.

Subsequently, however, Pope Clement VIII, also our predecessor of renowned memory, having learned that the countries and provinces of China and Japan, as well as of other near-by and adjacent islands, besides the neighboring kingdoms of Eastern India, were very extensive and thickly inhabited; that, moreover, in order to bring so great a multitude of souls to the Catholic faith and strengthen them with spiritual nourishment, more workmen and ministers were needed than could be levied from the religious of the Society of Jesus, therefore to all and singular the masters or priors-general of the mendicant orders for the time being did he make the following grant, to wit: that whenever necessity required they might send--by way, however, of Portugal only, and thence by sea to the Indias and the city of Goa--to the local superiors of their orders resident in those lands, whomsoever of their subjects they might deem fitting and serviceable for the discharge of the said offices and ministries, provided the same were of respectable character and learning. Again, that the religious of the said orders to be thus sent to the said countries of the Indias, as well as their fellow-members resident therein, who had been chosen and approved for the discharge of this said duty by their masters or priors-general, or other superiors, might go to the said Japan as well as its near-by and adjacent islands, and even to the said islands, countries, and provinces of China and the neighbor-kingdoms and mainland [_terra firma_] of Eastern India.

Moreover, under pain of major excommunication (wherefrom, unless at the point of death, absolution was not to be granted save by the Roman pontiff himself); of forfeiture besides of active and passive vote, and of all dignities, administrations, and offices whatsoever; furthermore, of disqualification to hold and exercise the same in the future--all moreover to be incurred _ipso facto_ by all religious, no matter what privileges had been granted them by the said Clement and other Roman pontiffs his predecessors, of no matter what tenor or form, whether general or special, even though with permit attached to preach the word of God throughout the whole world--no matter, either, whether hereafter the same or like privileges should be granted, approved, and renewed as long as therein special, specific, and express mention of this prohibition and interdict should not be made with annulment of the same--thereupon he interdicted and forbade them all and singular, under no matter what pretext or color of design, to leave the islands known as the Philippines or any other part of the Western Indias or country held as part of the Western Indias and thence to pass to the said Japanese Islands, provinces, and countries and other near-by, adjacent, and neighboring lands. Furthermore he ordered that should any one have gone to the said Japan or countries near by, or in the future should go thither, no matter what his reasons, on being warned he should immediately depart thence and return to the said Philippine Islands or other countries of the Western Indias, under the same penalties as above; and, moreover, under the same penalties as well as others at the option of any ecclesiastical judge whomsoever he might be constrained and compelled thereto.

While later Pope Paul V, also our predecessor of happy memory, having learned by experience that the prohibition to go to the Indias and the city of Goa otherwise than by way of Portugal was neither obeyed, nor even advantageous for the spread of the Catholic faith: in order therefore that, as he desired, he might make due provision whereby so important a work of God might be carried on without hindrance, made the following grant to all and singular the masters, ministers and priors--general of the mendicant orders--or the heads of orders for the time being, by whatever title they might be known--that whenever necessity should require them to send to Japan and other near-by, adjacent, and neighboring islands, provinces arid countries, to the superiors of their orders resident therein, any religious of their order of respectable character and learning, whomsoever they might deem fit and serviceable for the discharge of the said duties and offices, to this end they might freely and lawfully send them otherwise than by way of Portugal--in all remaining matters, however, being bound in all respects to observe the said letters of his predecessor Clement, and the fuller instructions contained in those issued by the said Gregory and Clement and his predecessor Paul V the tenor whereof in these our presents we wish to be considered as expressed therein.

Since, however, the experience of many years has shown that the ordinances contained in the foregoing letters were not of avail, and that other provision was needed whereby the sacred holy gospel of the Lord Christ might be the more easily preached and spread throughout the said islands and kingdoms, therefore in the discharge of our pastoral duty, following the norm of the said Paul our predecessor, after mature counsel with our venerable brethren, cardinals of the holy Roman church, who are in care of the spread of the faith throughout the whole world, in virtue of these presents to all and singular the masters, ministers, and priors-general of any religious order, or institute, even of the Society of Jesus, or the heads of orders, by whatsoever other title they may be known, hereby through our apostolic authority, we do grant and convey the following powers, to wit: that whenever it be deemed expedient, they may freely and lawfully send to the said islands, provinces, countries, and kingdoms of Eastern India by other way than by Portugal whatever members of their orders and institutes they may deem suitable for the missions by reason of age, character, morals, and learning--provided, however, that in all other matters (and not otherwise) they follow the said instructions of our predecessor Clement. Moreover, under penalty of excommunication _latae sententiae,_ we forbid all ecclesiastics and religious, of whatsoever order and institute, both of non-mendicants and mendicants, even those of the Society of Jesus, as well as the seculars of religious, from hindering the journey of the aforesaid religious to the above-named islands, provinces, countries, and kingdoms.

At the same time we exhort most earnestly in the Lord the said religious who are to be, or even have been, sent to the said places, to observe uniformity in their instructions to the people, especially those who have been recently converted to the Christian faith, in order that such neophytes be not scandalized through conflicting teachings, especially in matters relating to morals.

Wherefore since in matters of so great concern we hold that care and watchfulness on the part of the aforesaid are of much avail, hence we again and again urge them to restrict their teachings to general principles.

Accordingly, to the end that this be the more easily carried out, in their instructions to the peoples of the said places in Eastern India, the said religious shall as far as possible use exclusively the Roman Catechism, and the "Christian Doctrine" (both small and large) of Robert Bellarmino, a cardinal of the holy Roman church of good renown, translated and printed in the dialects of the aforesaid peoples.

But since, to the no little grief of our heart, we have learned that in Japan now for many years is raging a most bitter persecution against Christians, especially against religious, we therefore grant and convey to all and singular the Christians now as well as in the future resident in Japan, the power to receive freely and lawfully the sacraments (such however as require episcopal ministry being excepted) even those that appertain to parish priests, from any priests, as the above, whose services they may secure--provided, however, these have been, or shall be, sent thither by their generals.

Furthermore, since by the sacred canons, the decrees of councils and apostolic constitutions, all religious and even other ecclesiastics, especially such as are in holy orders, are forbidden strictly to engage in worldly affairs and traffickings, as gravely harmful, undignified, and unbecoming to persons consecrated to divine service, especially such as are vowed to the preaching of the sacred holy gospels of the Lord Christ, therefore following the norm of the said sacred canons, decrees, and apostolic constitutions, by our apostolic authority, in virtue of these presents, we interdict and forbid all and singular the religious in the afore-named places, or who shall go thither--no matter of what order and institute, whether non-mendicant or mendicant, even of the Society of Jesus--to devote themselves to, or engage in, any business or trafficking, no matter in what way, whether personally or through others, in their own name or that of their community, be the same directly or indirectly, no matter under what pretense or color of design; and this under penalty of excommunication _latae sententiae_ to be incurred _ipso facto_, of deprival moreover of active and passive vote, and of all offices, degrees, and dignities whatsoever, of disqualification besides to hold the same, as well as of forfeiture of all merchandise and the gains accruing therefrom--the same to be set apart by the superiors of the orders whereof the delinquents were members, for the service of the missions in the said Indias in charge of the said orders, now and hereafter, nor to be used for any other purpose whatsoever.

Moreover, under the same penalties we charge the same superiors, while keeping watch strictly in this regard, to proceed against delinquents with the said penalties, nor relieve them from the duty of forfeiture of the said merchandise, or the repayment of gains, no matter how small the amount involved. However should disputes (which God forfend) spring up among the religious of the said orders, let them be settled and ended by the bishops of the said places for the time being, in their capacity of delegates of the apostolic see.

But should matters of graver moment be brought to their notice, let the said bishops without delay refer them to us and the Roman pontiffs our successors, to the end that, whatever the ruling and decree, this may be provided for after mature deliberation. Such is our wish and command.

Moreover, while commanding that without fail these present letters be observed by all and singular to whom for the time being they appertain, we withdraw from all and singular the judges--no matter of what rank, whether ordinary or delegate, even though the same be auditors of cases appertaining to the apostolic palace--the power and authority to rule and interpret otherwise, any decisions to the contrary heretofore given, whether knowingly or through mistake, no matter by what authority, to be held as null and void. Therefore we command all and singular the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and other prelates of churches and palaces, even those of religious, throughout the whole world, without fail to have these present letters observed in their provinces, cities, dioceses, chapters, and jurisdictions, besides whenever requested by the religious of the said orders to have and see that the same be published solemnly, [99] notwithstanding to the contrary any interdict, prohibitions, letters, or other premises of our said predecessors, nor any apostolic or synodal decree, be the same issued in provincial or general council, no matter whether embodied in special or general constitutions and ordinances (even in those granted to the Society of Jesus and the other said orders, provinces and regions); no matter whether confirmed by apostolic pledge or otherwise by statute, custom, privilege, or apostolic indult and letters, even those granted by the pontiffs in the fulness of their power, be the same general or special--all which, in so far as they conflict with these our present letters, prohibition, and interdict, wherefore they are to be considered as having been duly expressed and inserted therein, we hereby desire and command shall be invoked in favor of no one, no matter of what order, even though of the Society of Jesus, but be held as null and void. And since it would be difficult to have these present letters exhibited and published in all places, we desire that to all copies of them (even in print), whenever the same be certified to by any public notary, or the secretary of any of the said orders, and attested with his seal by any church dignitary, or the generals of the aforesaid orders, the same respect be accorded in court, or outside, as would be given to these presents were they themselves to be exhibited or shown. Given at Rome at St. Peter's, under the seal of the Fisherman, the twenty-second day of February, 1632, and the tenth year of our pontificate.

_M. A. Maraldi_

We, Cæsar Montius, by the grace of God and the apostolic see patriarch of Antioch, nuncio of our most holy lord Urban VIII, by divine Providence pope, with power of legate _a latere_ of the same see in the kingdoms of the Spains, and collector-general for the apostolic chamber, to all and singular who shall view and see as well as hear these present letters, hereby do attest and in the word of truth do vouch that this present copy of the same agrees with the original in every respect. Wherefore we command that to it full regard be shown. In testimony whereof we have sealed these presents, signed by our own hand, and have ordered the same to be issued by our secretary. Maduti, of the diocese of Ysleta, the twenty-eighth day of June, 1633.

By order of the same most illustrious lord:

_D. Francisco Gutierrez Corrilla_, secretary.

NEWS FROM THE FAR EAST, 1632

_Information which has been sent from the city of Manila of the present condition of the Catholic religion in Philipinas, Japon, and Great China; sent by father Fray Juan Garcia, [100] professed religious of the Order of St. Dominic, to the royal convent of San Pablo at Sevilla. Account of how the king our lord has taken an island in Great China, called La Hermosa, with a great fortress which is there_.

During the former year of 631, twenty-eight professed religious of the Order of St. Dominic, from different convents in Spaña, who voluntarily offered themselves for the service of God our Lord, the holy apostolic Roman see, and their order, left the port of San Lucar de Barameda, having embarked to cross over to the province of Nueva España in the Yndias, thence to the Philipinas Islands, Japon, and the kingdom of Great China, in order to preach the faith of Jesus Christ in those said kingdoms to the barbarous and idolatrous heathen there. After a prosperous voyage of eleven months they arrived at the city of Manila, where they were well received by the other religious who reside in those islands. However there died during the said voyage father Fray Juan Quixada, a native of Xerez, and a son of that convent; father Fray Vicente Ripol, a native of Zaragoça, and a son of the same convent; father Fray Francisco Castañeda and brother Fray Jacinto Robles, both sons of Salamanca; brother Fray Vicenta Ybañes, a son of the convent of Valencia; and brother Fray Jayme Escuder, native of Mallorca. The rest arrived safe and sound, full of joy at finding themselves where they desired to be busied in the preaching of the holy gospel.