Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo
This undated draft consultation, provisionally attributed to 1645 and originating from the Portuguese colonial administration, pertains to ecclesiastical governance in Macau during the mid-17th century. The document comprises a royal administrative dispatch, likely issued by the State Council or roy...
Saved in:
| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1645-11-29
|
| Subjects: |
Archival Provenance
;
Archive Inscriptions
;
Bishop Appointment
;
Bishopric Benefices
;
Centralised Church Control
;
Co-legate Appointment
;
Coadjutor Role
;
Crown Confirmation
;
Document Attribution
;
Draft Consultation
;
Ecclesiastical Governance
;
Future Succession Rights
;
Historical Administrative Records
;
Interim Clergyman
;
Lusophone colonial context
;
Macau Ecclesiastical See
;
Marginalia Annotations
;
Padroado Real
;
Portuguese Colonial Administration
;
Royal Administrative Dispatch
;
Royal Authority in Macau
;
Seals and Markings
;
Secretariat Correspondence
;
Senate of Macau
;
Viceroy Nomination
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/5QEM26K3/viewer_5QEM26K3.html |
| _version_ | 1877197596580118528 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00052 |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This undated draft consultation, provisionally attributed to 1645 and originating from the Portuguese colonial administration, pertains to ecclesiastical governance in Macau during the mid-17th century. The document comprises a royal administrative dispatch, likely issued by the State Council or royal secretariat, addressing the appointment of a Bishop and Governor for Macau under the framework of the *padroado real*. It requests that the Crown appoint a suitable religious individual to the bishopric, with provision for a coadjutor享有 future succession rights (*coadiutor com futura succeßam*) to the ecclesiastical benefices (*bems*) of the see. The text further instructs the Viceroy to nominate a priest or clergyman as interim colleague (co-legate), subject to royal confirmation. Marginal annotations, including the date “28 June 1645” and references to the Senate of Macau and the Bishop of Macau, suggest archival linkage to a broader consultation, though the main body of the earlier folio remains entirely illegible. Seals bearing inscriptions associated with the Arquivo Histórico Colonial and the AHU, along with royal ciphers and archival references such as “Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52”, confirm its provenance within the Portuguese colonial archive. The document reflects centralised Crown authority over ecclesiastical appointments and offers insight into the political and religious dynamics shaping the Lusophone Catholic Church in East Asia. Anexo: 1645-11-29 - Parecer do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a nomeação de Bispo para Macau. |
| first_indexed | 2020-08-10T08:21:27Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
Here is the comprehensive, structured transcription of the document.
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
[No topo, à direita]
H52
**[Anotações marginais]**
[No topo, ao centro]
+
Sñor
**[Texto Principal]**
Os Officiaes da Camera da Cidade do Nome de Ds da China
em carta de 28 de Novembro de 643. escrevem a V Mg.de
entre outras couzas, que por lhes Constar da Viagem deque
Costumão seordinario as perturbaçoes no ecleziastico da
quella Republica, Pedem a V Mg.de sejaservido de prover
aquelle Bispado de Prelado e Pastor proprietario, o qual
podendose, &timarão q seja Clerigo de Virtude, e letras,
e naõ Relligiozos de nen hua das Relligioes.
Parece ao conselho q V Mg.de se deve servir mandar prover
o tal Vissado, de Bispo, na forma que os oficiaes da camera
della pedem; para se euitarem as inquietações que na
qla cidade tem suscedido, de annos a esta parte, por cauza
do Arcebispo Primaz, Nomear por gou.or do Bispado e
delle dar o a pessoas Relligiozas; V Mg.de ordene ao ar
cebispo Primaz, que nomee para governador daquelle
Bispado, em clerigo de letras, virtude, e bons Costumes,
que o governe, te se prouer de Bispo.
**[Carimbos]**
[No centro, à esquerda]
Selo circular com as armas de Portugal ao centro, rodeado pelo texto "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL". Na base do selo, o número "848".
[No canto inferior esquerdo]
Selo oval com a inscrição "AHU" (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino).
**[Assinaturas]**
[Nenhuma assinatura visível]
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars]
[Anotações marginais]
[No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“V.º S.º da Câmara de Macau, 28 de Junho de 1645.”
[No lado direito, abaixo da data acima, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[Carimbos]
[No centro, à direita, um carimbo circular com inscrição ilegível:]
“(Selo ilegível)”
[Assinaturas]
[Sem assinaturas visíveis.]
[Referências arquivísticas]
[Sem referências arquivísticas visíveis.]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
O documento é descrito como uma “Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo” datada de 1645. Contudo, o conteúdo transcrito é completamente vazio ou ilegível, sem menção a qualquer consulta, conselho, senado, bispo ou pedido. A ausência de texto principal contradiz o título e contexto histórico fornecidos. Portanto, a transcrição não corresponde ao documento descrito.
[Note: O selo e as anotações marginais mencionam “Macau” e a data “28 de Junho de 1645”, que são consistentes com o contexto geográfico e temporal fornecido. No entanto, a ausência de texto principal torna impossível verificar se o conteúdo refere-se à consulta sobre nomeação de bispo.]
{{PAGE:3}}
Here is a comprehensive and structured transcription of the document.
**[Texto Principal]**
Epara nafalta que ouver delle ser seu coadiutor com futura succeßam
dos bems de Macao. E porquanto as ditas pessoas
pedem. he que V. M. se sirva de os nomear
que naquella cidade se achão e [UNCERTAIN: daxas estafe]
pas louvor de Ds. e de seu primo / Nomear por
g.de de Bispo de Macao apessoa Relegioza
E a S. M.de que el Rey N. S. ordene ao Vice Rey
primeiro que nomee por coelligo delle ao pe
ou clirigo q[ue] lhe parecer V S. mandara
que nomee aquelle Bispo. e lhe de prouer de
Bispo. Lxa 29 de 8.bro de 45
**[Anotações marginais]**
[Nenhuma]
**[Carimbos]**
[No fundo, ao centro] Selo circular, a tinta preta, do Arquivo Histórico Colonial. No centro, brasão com esfera armilar. Na borda, o texto: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * M. DAS COLONIAS".
**[Assinaturas]**
[Assinatura 1] Rubrica
[Assinatura 2] Rubrica
[Assinatura 3] [UNCERTAIN: frz Soyth]
[Assinatura 4] Rubrica
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
[No topo, à direita] HS2A1
{{PAGE:4}}
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — The main text area is completely blank. No visible printed or handwritten content remains.
[Anotações marginais]
[No canto inferior direito, escrita à mão em caligrafia cursiva]:
“Idem magistrat
1645
Bispo de Macau
...”
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — The script is faded and partially obscured by a tear in the paper. The first line appears to read “Idem magistrat”, likely an abbreviation of “Idem magistratus” (Same magistrate). The year “1645” is clearly legible. Below it, “Bispo de Macau” (“Bishop of Macau”) is discernible, followed by illegible lines that may refer to a name or title.
[Carimbos] or [Selos]
[No centro, à direita, sobre o texto ilegível]:
[Selo circular com inscrição ilegível] — A small, dark inked circular stamp is present. Due to its size and partial obscuring by the marginal handwriting, the full inscription is unreadable. It appears to be an official seal, possibly from the Conselho Ultramarino or a local authority in Macau, but no text can be transcribed.
[Assinaturas]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — No signatures are visible on this page.
[Referências arquivísticas]
[No canto inferior esquerdo, impresso ou escrito em tinta preta]:
“Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52” — This archival reference is clearly legible. It indicates the document is housed in the AHU (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino) under the collection “Cx. 1” (Caja 1), document number 52.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] — The presence of the phrase “Bispo de Macau” in the marginal note is consistent with the document’s subject matter (a request for a bishop for Macau). However, since the main body of the document is entirely blank, and the marginal note appears to be a later annotation or cataloging entry rather than part of the original 1645 consultation, it should be treated as metadata rather than primary content. Its inclusion here does not constitute a hallucination per se, but it must be flagged for context.
[Note: The watermark “AHU” is visible across the page but is not part of the document’s content; it is an archival overlay.]
— END OF TRANSCRIPTION —
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
**[Archival References]**
[Top right]
H52
**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Top centre]
+
Sñor
**[Main Text]**
The Officers of the Municipal Council of the City of Nome de Deus in China, in a letter dated 28 November 1643, write to Your Magnificence that, among other matters, having learned of the voyage and the customary disturbances affecting ecclesiastical affairs in that Republic, they petition Your Magnificence to appoint to the said bishopric a proper Prelate and resident Pastor. They request that, if possible, this individual be a secular clergyman distinguished for virtue and learning, and not a member of any religious order.
The Council is of the opinion that Your Magnificence should see fit to provide for the appointment of a Bishop to this see, in accordance with the request made by the officers of the municipal council, in order to prevent the unrest which has occurred in that city in recent years owing to the actions of the Primate Archbishop—namely, his practice of appointing religious regulars as governors of the bishopric. It is therefore recommended that Your Magnificence instruct the Primate Archbishop to nominate, as governor of the said bishopric, a cleric of learning, virtue, and good conduct, who may administer it until such time as a Bishop is duly appointed.
**[Seals]**
[Centre left]
Circular seal bearing the coat of arms of Portugal at its centre, surrounded by the inscription "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL". At the base of the seal, the number "848".
[Bottom left corner]
Oval seal inscribed "AHU" (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino).
**[Signatures]**
[No signatures visible]
{{PAGE:2}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 characters]
[Marginal annotations]
[On the right side, near the lower edge, in cursive handwritten script:]
“Your Lordship of the Senate of Macau, 28 June 1645.”
[Below the above date, on the right-hand side, in cursive handwritten script:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[On the right side, near the lower edge, in cursive handwritten script:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[Seals]
[Centrally positioned on the right, a circular seal with illegible inscription:]
“(Illegible seal)”
[Signatures]
[No visible signatures.]
[Archival references]
[No archival references visible.]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
The document is described as a “Draft consultation (minuta) from the Overseas Council regarding a petition by the Senate of Macau for the appointment of a Bishop,” dated 1645. However, the transcribed content is entirely blank or illegible, with no reference to any consultation, council, senate, bishop, or petition. The absence of main text contradicts the provided title and historical context. Therefore, the transcription does not correspond to the document as described.
[Note: The seal and marginal annotations mention “Macau” and the date “28 June 1645,” which are consistent with the given geographical and temporal context. Nevertheless, the lack of substantive text makes it impossible to verify whether the content pertains to the consultation concerning the appointment of a bishop.]
{{PAGE:3}}
--- TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH ---
**[Main Text]**
And in the event of any vacancy arising, he shall have a coadjutor appointed with the right of future succession to the benefices of Macao. Furthermore, since the said persons petition that Your Majesty be pleased to appoint such individuals as are present in that city—[UNCERTAIN: daxas estafe]—and who are commendable in the eyes of God and of His Highness—it is requested that Your Majesty appoint as Governor and Bishop of Macao a religious person; and that His Majesty instruct the Viceroy, as a preliminary measure, to nominate as colleague (co-legate) a priest or clergyman whom he deems suitable, subject to confirmation by Your Lordship, who shall then direct the appointment of that Bishop and provide for his ecclesiastical provision.
Letter dated 29 August 1645.
**[Marginal Notes]**
[None]
**[Seals]**
[At bottom, centre] Circular black-ink stamp of the Arquivo Histórico Colonial. In the centre, a coat of arms featuring an armillary sphere. Around the border, the inscription: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * M. DAS COLONIAS".
**[Signatures]**
[Signature 1] Royal cipher (rubric)
[Signature 2] Royal cipher (rubric)
[Signature 3] [UNCERTAIN: frz Soyth]
[Signature 4] Royal cipher (rubric)
**[Archival References]**
[Top right corner] HS2A1
---
**Translator’s Note:**
The text appears to be a royal administrative dispatch from the Portuguese crown, likely originating from the State Council or royal secretariat, concerning the ecclesiastical governance of Macao during the mid-17th century. The request reflects the Crown’s exercise of patronage (*padroado real*) over ecclesiastical appointments in its overseas territories. The term *bems* refers to ecclesiastical benefices or revenues attached to office; *coadiutor com futura succeßam* denotes a coadjutor bishop with the right of automatic succession. The uncertainty in transcription ("daxas estafe") remains unresolved due to illegibility or archaic orthography. All terminology has been rendered in accordance with standard British academic usage while preserving historical precision.
{{PAGE:4}}
--- TRANSLATED TEXT ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — The principal text area is entirely blank. No printed or handwritten content is visible.
[Marginal Annotations]
[In the lower right corner, handwritten in cursive script]:
“Idem magistrat
1645
Bishop of Macau
...”
[UNCERTAIN: conjectural reading] — The handwriting is faded and partially obscured by a tear in the paper. The first line appears to read “Idem magistrat”, likely an abbreviation of the Latin Idem magistratus (‘the same magistrate’). The year “1645” is clearly legible. Below this, “Bishop of Macau” is discernible, followed by illegible lines that may record a personal name or ecclesiastical title.
[Stamps] or [Seals]
[Centred on the right-hand side, superimposed over the illegible main text]:
[Circular stamp with unreadable inscription] — A small circular inked seal is present. Owing to its size and partial obscuration by marginalia, the full inscription cannot be deciphered. The seal appears to be an official mark, possibly originating from the Conselho Ultramarino (Overseas Council) or a local administrative authority in Macau. However, no textual elements can be reliably transcribed.
[Signatures]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — No signatures are visible on this folio.
[Archival References]
[In the lower left corner, inscribed in black ink or printed]:
“Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52” — This archival reference is clearly legible. It indicates that the document is held within the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU), under the collection designation “Cx. 1” (Caixa 1), document number 52.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] — The mention of “Bishop of Macau” in the marginal annotation aligns thematically with the presumed subject matter of the document—namely, a petition or consultation concerning the appointment of a bishop for Macau. Nevertheless, given that the main body of the document is completely devoid of text, and the marginal note appears to be a later addition—possibly a cataloguing remark or archival annotation rather than original contemporaneous content—it should be interpreted as secondary metadata. Its inclusion here is not indicative of a hallucination, but contextual clarification is necessary to distinguish between primary source material and subsequent editorial intervention.
[Note: The watermark bearing the letters “AHU” is visible across the page; however, this is an archival preservation overlay and not part of the original historical document’s content.]
— END OF TRANSLATION — |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
Here is the comprehensive, structured transcription of the document.
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
[No topo, à direita]
H52
**[Anotações marginais]**
[No topo, ao centro]
+
Sñor
**[Texto Principal]**
Os Officiaes da Camera da Cidade do Nome de Ds da China
em carta de 28 de Novembro de 643. escrevem a V Mg.de
entre outras couzas, que por lhes Constar da Viagem deque
Costumão seordinario as perturbaçoes no ecleziastico da
quella Republica, Pedem a V Mg.de sejaservido de prover
aquelle Bispado de Prelado e Pastor proprietario, o qual
podendose, &timarão q seja Clerigo de Virtude, e letras,
e naõ Relligiozos de nen hua das Relligioes.
Parece ao conselho q V Mg.de se deve servir mandar prover
o tal Vissado, de Bispo, na forma que os oficiaes da camera
della pedem; para se euitarem as inquietações que na
qla cidade tem suscedido, de annos a esta parte, por cauza
do Arcebispo Primaz, Nomear por gou.or do Bispado e
delle dar o a pessoas Relligiozas; V Mg.de ordene ao ar
cebispo Primaz, que nomee para governador daquelle
Bispado, em clerigo de letras, virtude, e bons Costumes,
que o governe, te se prouer de Bispo.
**[Carimbos]**
[No centro, à esquerda]
Selo circular com as armas de Portugal ao centro, rodeado pelo texto "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL". Na base do selo, o número "848".
[No canto inferior esquerdo]
Selo oval com a inscrição "AHU" (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino).
**[Assinaturas]**
[Nenhuma assinatura visível]
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars]
[Anotações marginais]
[No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“V.º S.º da Câmara de Macau, 28 de Junho de 1645.”
[No lado direito, abaixo da data acima, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[Carimbos]
[No centro, à direita, um carimbo circular com inscrição ilegível:]
“(Selo ilegível)”
[Assinaturas]
[Sem assinaturas visíveis.]
[Referências arquivísticas]
[Sem referências arquivísticas visíveis.]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
O documento é descrito como uma “Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo” datada de 1645. Contudo, o conteúdo transcrito é completamente vazio ou ilegível, sem menção a qualquer consulta, conselho, senado, bispo ou pedido. A ausência de texto principal contradiz o título e contexto histórico fornecidos. Portanto, a transcrição não corresponde ao documento descrito.
[Note: O selo e as anotações marginais mencionam “Macau” e a data “28 de Junho de 1645”, que são consistentes com o contexto geográfico e temporal fornecido. No entanto, a ausência de texto principal torna impossível verificar se o conteúdo refere-se à consulta sobre nomeação de bispo.]
{{PAGE:3}}
Here is a comprehensive and structured transcription of the document.
**[Texto Principal]**
Epara nafalta que ouver delle ser seu coadiutor com futura succeßam
dos bems de Macao. E porquanto as ditas pessoas
pedem. he que V. M. se sirva de os nomear
que naquella cidade se achão e [UNCERTAIN: daxas estafe]
pas louvor de Ds. e de seu primo / Nomear por
g.de de Bispo de Macao apessoa Relegioza
E a S. M.de que el Rey N. S. ordene ao Vice Rey
primeiro que nomee por coelligo delle ao pe
ou clirigo q[ue] lhe parecer V S. mandara
que nomee aquelle Bispo. e lhe de prouer de
Bispo. Lxa 29 de 8.bro de 45
**[Anotações marginais]**
[Nenhuma]
**[Carimbos]**
[No fundo, ao centro] Selo circular, a tinta preta, do Arquivo Histórico Colonial. No centro, brasão com esfera armilar. Na borda, o texto: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * M. DAS COLONIAS".
**[Assinaturas]**
[Assinatura 1] Rubrica
[Assinatura 2] Rubrica
[Assinatura 3] [UNCERTAIN: frz Soyth]
[Assinatura 4] Rubrica
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
[No topo, à direita] HS2A1
{{PAGE:4}}
[Page 1]
[Texto Principal]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — The main text area is completely blank. No visible printed or handwritten content remains.
[Anotações marginais]
[No canto inferior direito, escrita à mão em caligrafia cursiva]:
“Idem magistrat
1645
Bispo de Macau
...”
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — The script is faded and partially obscured by a tear in the paper. The first line appears to read “Idem magistrat”, likely an abbreviation of “Idem magistratus” (Same magistrate). The year “1645” is clearly legible. Below it, “Bispo de Macau” (“Bishop of Macau”) is discernible, followed by illegible lines that may refer to a name or title.
[Carimbos] or [Selos]
[No centro, à direita, sobre o texto ilegível]:
[Selo circular com inscrição ilegível] — A small, dark inked circular stamp is present. Due to its size and partial obscuring by the marginal handwriting, the full inscription is unreadable. It appears to be an official seal, possibly from the Conselho Ultramarino or a local authority in Macau, but no text can be transcribed.
[Assinaturas]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — No signatures are visible on this page.
[Referências arquivísticas]
[No canto inferior esquerdo, impresso ou escrito em tinta preta]:
“Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52” — This archival reference is clearly legible. It indicates the document is housed in the AHU (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino) under the collection “Cx. 1” (Caja 1), document number 52.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] — The presence of the phrase “Bispo de Macau” in the marginal note is consistent with the document’s subject matter (a request for a bishop for Macau). However, since the main body of the document is entirely blank, and the marginal note appears to be a later annotation or cataloging entry rather than part of the original 1645 consultation, it should be treated as metadata rather than primary content. Its inclusion here does not constitute a hallucination per se, but it must be flagged for context.
[Note: The watermark “AHU” is visible across the page but is not part of the document’s content; it is an archival overlay.]
— END OF TRANSCRIPTION — |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
**[Archival References]**
[Top right]
H52
**[Marginal Annotations]**
[Top centre]
+
Sñor
**[Main Text]**
The Officers of the Municipal Council of the City of Nome de Deus in China, in a letter dated 28 November 1643, write to Your Magnificence that, among other matters, having learned of the voyage and the customary disturbances affecting ecclesiastical affairs in that Republic, they petition Your Magnificence to appoint to the said bishopric a proper Prelate and resident Pastor. They request that, if possible, this individual be a secular clergyman distinguished for virtue and learning, and not a member of any religious order.
The Council is of the opinion that Your Magnificence should see fit to provide for the appointment of a Bishop to this see, in accordance with the request made by the officers of the municipal council, in order to prevent the unrest which has occurred in that city in recent years owing to the actions of the Primate Archbishop—namely, his practice of appointing religious regulars as governors of the bishopric. It is therefore recommended that Your Magnificence instruct the Primate Archbishop to nominate, as governor of the said bishopric, a cleric of learning, virtue, and good conduct, who may administer it until such time as a Bishop is duly appointed.
**[Seals]**
[Centre left]
Circular seal bearing the coat of arms of Portugal at its centre, surrounded by the inscription "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO COLONIAL". At the base of the seal, the number "848".
[Bottom left corner]
Oval seal inscribed "AHU" (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino).
**[Signatures]**
[No signatures visible]
{{PAGE:2}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 characters]
[Marginal annotations]
[On the right side, near the lower edge, in cursive handwritten script:]
“Your Lordship of the Senate of Macau, 28 June 1645.”
[Below the above date, on the right-hand side, in cursive handwritten script:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[On the right side, near the lower edge, in cursive handwritten script:]
“[UNCERTAIN: guess]”
[Seals]
[Centrally positioned on the right, a circular seal with illegible inscription:]
“(Illegible seal)”
[Signatures]
[No visible signatures.]
[Archival references]
[No archival references visible.]
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION]
The document is described as a “Draft consultation (minuta) from the Overseas Council regarding a petition by the Senate of Macau for the appointment of a Bishop,” dated 1645. However, the transcribed content is entirely blank or illegible, with no reference to any consultation, council, senate, bishop, or petition. The absence of main text contradicts the provided title and historical context. Therefore, the transcription does not correspond to the document as described.
[Note: The seal and marginal annotations mention “Macau” and the date “28 June 1645,” which are consistent with the given geographical and temporal context. Nevertheless, the lack of substantive text makes it impossible to verify whether the content pertains to the consultation concerning the appointment of a bishop.]
{{PAGE:3}}
--- TRANSLATION INTO MODERN UK ACADEMIC ENGLISH ---
**[Main Text]**
And in the event of any vacancy arising, he shall have a coadjutor appointed with the right of future succession to the benefices of Macao. Furthermore, since the said persons petition that Your Majesty be pleased to appoint such individuals as are present in that city—[UNCERTAIN: daxas estafe]—and who are commendable in the eyes of God and of His Highness—it is requested that Your Majesty appoint as Governor and Bishop of Macao a religious person; and that His Majesty instruct the Viceroy, as a preliminary measure, to nominate as colleague (co-legate) a priest or clergyman whom he deems suitable, subject to confirmation by Your Lordship, who shall then direct the appointment of that Bishop and provide for his ecclesiastical provision.
Letter dated 29 August 1645.
**[Marginal Notes]**
[None]
**[Seals]**
[At bottom, centre] Circular black-ink stamp of the Arquivo Histórico Colonial. In the centre, a coat of arms featuring an armillary sphere. Around the border, the inscription: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * M. DAS COLONIAS".
**[Signatures]**
[Signature 1] Royal cipher (rubric)
[Signature 2] Royal cipher (rubric)
[Signature 3] [UNCERTAIN: frz Soyth]
[Signature 4] Royal cipher (rubric)
**[Archival References]**
[Top right corner] HS2A1
---
**Translator’s Note:**
The text appears to be a royal administrative dispatch from the Portuguese crown, likely originating from the State Council or royal secretariat, concerning the ecclesiastical governance of Macao during the mid-17th century. The request reflects the Crown’s exercise of patronage (*padroado real*) over ecclesiastical appointments in its overseas territories. The term *bems* refers to ecclesiastical benefices or revenues attached to office; *coadiutor com futura succeßam* denotes a coadjutor bishop with the right of automatic succession. The uncertainty in transcription ("daxas estafe") remains unresolved due to illegibility or archaic orthography. All terminology has been rendered in accordance with standard British academic usage while preserving historical precision.
{{PAGE:4}}
--- TRANSLATED TEXT ---
[Page 1]
[Main Text]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — The principal text area is entirely blank. No printed or handwritten content is visible.
[Marginal Annotations]
[In the lower right corner, handwritten in cursive script]:
“Idem magistrat
1645
Bishop of Macau
...”
[UNCERTAIN: conjectural reading] — The handwriting is faded and partially obscured by a tear in the paper. The first line appears to read “Idem magistrat”, likely an abbreviation of the Latin Idem magistratus (‘the same magistrate’). The year “1645” is clearly legible. Below this, “Bishop of Macau” is discernible, followed by illegible lines that may record a personal name or ecclesiastical title.
[Stamps] or [Seals]
[Centred on the right-hand side, superimposed over the illegible main text]:
[Circular stamp with unreadable inscription] — A small circular inked seal is present. Owing to its size and partial obscuration by marginalia, the full inscription cannot be deciphered. The seal appears to be an official mark, possibly originating from the Conselho Ultramarino (Overseas Council) or a local administrative authority in Macau. However, no textual elements can be reliably transcribed.
[Signatures]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — No signatures are visible on this folio.
[Archival References]
[In the lower left corner, inscribed in black ink or printed]:
“Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52” — This archival reference is clearly legible. It indicates that the document is held within the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (AHU), under the collection designation “Cx. 1” (Caixa 1), document number 52.
[SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] — The mention of “Bishop of Macau” in the marginal annotation aligns thematically with the presumed subject matter of the document—namely, a petition or consultation concerning the appointment of a bishop for Macau. Nevertheless, given that the main body of the document is completely devoid of text, and the marginal note appears to be a later addition—possibly a cataloguing remark or archival annotation rather than original contemporaneous content—it should be interpreted as secondary metadata. Its inclusion here is not indicative of a hallucination, but contextual clarification is necessary to distinguish between primary source material and subsequent editorial intervention.
[Note: The watermark bearing the letters “AHU” is visible across the page; however, this is an archival preservation overlay and not part of the original historical document’s content.]
— END OF TRANSLATION — |
| genre | Manuscripts |
| genre_facet | Manuscripts |
| hierarchy_browse | Bishops of Macau{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-QDJHYNG4 Cx. 01{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-8AN6STDU Senado da Câmara de Macau{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-VGW9TKQ3 Transcriptions{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-PAAL2UHW |
| hierarchy_parent_id | zotero-coll-8AN6STDU zotero-coll-PAAL2UHW zotero-coll-QDJHYNG4 zotero-coll-VGW9TKQ3 |
| hierarchy_parent_title | Cx. 01 Transcriptions Bishops of Macau Senado da Câmara de Macau |
| hierarchy_sequence | 0000 0000 0000 0000 |
| hierarchy_top_id | zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD |
| hierarchy_top_title | News News News News |
| hierarchytype | Default |
| id | zotero-5QEM26K3 |
| institution | zotero_group |
| last_indexed | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| latest_content_date | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| publishDate | 1645-11-29 |
| publishDateRange | 1645 |
| publishDateSort | 1645 |
| record_format | zotero |
| spelling | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo This undated draft consultation, provisionally attributed to 1645 and originating from the Portuguese colonial administration, pertains to ecclesiastical governance in Macau during the mid-17th century. The document comprises a royal administrative dispatch, likely issued by the State Council or royal secretariat, addressing the appointment of a Bishop and Governor for Macau under the framework of the *padroado real*. It requests that the Crown appoint a suitable religious individual to the bishopric, with provision for a coadjutor享有 future succession rights (*coadiutor com futura succeßam*) to the ecclesiastical benefices (*bems*) of the see. The text further instructs the Viceroy to nominate a priest or clergyman as interim colleague (co-legate), subject to royal confirmation. Marginal annotations, including the date “28 June 1645” and references to the Senate of Macau and the Bishop of Macau, suggest archival linkage to a broader consultation, though the main body of the earlier folio remains entirely illegible. Seals bearing inscriptions associated with the Arquivo Histórico Colonial and the AHU, along with royal ciphers and archival references such as “Macau. Cx. 1, doc. 52”, confirm its provenance within the Portuguese colonial archive. The document reflects centralised Crown authority over ecclesiastical appointments and offers insight into the political and religious dynamics shaping the Lusophone Catholic Church in East Asia. Anexo: 1645-11-29 - Parecer do Conselho Ultramarino sobre a nomeação de Bispo para Macau. Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00052 1645-11-29 Archival Provenance Archive Inscriptions Bishop Appointment Bishopric Benefices Centralised Church Control Co-legate Appointment Coadjutor Role Crown Confirmation Document Attribution Draft Consultation Ecclesiastical Governance Future Succession Rights Historical Administrative Records Interim Clergyman Lusophone colonial context Macau Ecclesiastical See Marginalia Annotations Padroado Real Portuguese Colonial Administration Royal Administrative Dispatch Royal Authority in Macau Seals and Markings Secretariat Correspondence Senate of Macau Viceroy Nomination {{PAGE:1}} Here is the comprehensive, structured transcription of the document. **[Referências arquivísticas]** [No topo, à direita] H52 **[Anotações marginais]** [No topo, ao centro] + Sñor **[Texto Principal]** Os Officiaes da Camera da Cidade do Nome de Ds da China em carta de 28 de Novembro de 643. escrevem a V Mg.de entre outras couzas, que por lhes Constar da Viagem deque Costumão seordinario as perturbaçoes no ecleziastico da quella Republica, Pedem a V Mg.de sejaservido de prover aquelle Bispado de Prelado e Pastor proprietario, o qual podendose, &timarão q seja Clerigo de Virtude, e letras, e naõ Relligiozos de nen hua das Relligioes. Parece ao conselho q V Mg.de se deve servir mandar prover o tal Vissado, de Bispo, na forma que os oficiaes da camera della pedem; para se euitarem as inquietações que na qla cidade tem suscedido, de annos a esta parte, por cauza do Arcebispo Primaz, Nomear por gou.or do Bispado e delle dar o a pessoas Relligiozas; V Mg.de ordene ao ar cebispo Primaz, que nomee para governador daquelle Bispado, em clerigo de letras, virtude, e bons Costumes, que o governe, te se prouer de Bispo. **[Carimbos]** [No centro, à esquerda] Selo circular com as armas de Portugal ao centro, rodeado pelo texto "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL". Na base do selo, o número "848". [No canto inferior esquerdo] Selo oval com a inscrição "AHU" (Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino). **[Assinaturas]** [Nenhuma assinatura visível] {{PAGE:2}} [Page 1] [Texto Principal] [ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] [Anotações marginais] [No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:] “V.º S.º da Câmara de Macau, 28 de Junho de 1645.” [No lado direito, abaixo da data acima, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:] “[UNCERTAIN: guess]” [No lado direito, próximo à borda inferior, em caligrafia cursiva manuscrita:] “[UNCERTAIN: guess]” [Carimbos] [No centro, à direita, um carimbo circular com inscrição ilegível:] “(Selo ilegível)” [Assinaturas] [Sem assinaturas visíveis.] [Referências arquivísticas] [Sem referências arquivísticas visíveis.] [SUSPECTED_HALLUCINATION] O documento é descrito como uma “Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo” datada de 1645. Contudo, o conteúdo transcrito é completamente vazio ou ilegível, sem menção a qualquer consulta, conselho, senado, bispo ou pedido. A ausência de texto principal contradiz o título e contexto histórico fornecidos. Portanto, a transcrição não corresponde ao documento descrito. [Note: O selo e as anotações marginais mencionam “Macau” e a data “28 de Junho de 1645”, que são consistentes com o contexto geográfico e temporal fornecido. No entanto, a ausência de texto principal torna impossível verificar se o conteúdo refere-se à consulta sobre nomeação de bispo.] {{PAGE:3}} Here is a comprehensive and structured transcription of the document. **[Texto Principal]** Epara nafalta que ouver delle ser seu coadiutor com futura succeßam dos bems de Macao. E porquanto as ditas pessoas pedem. he que V. M. se sirva de os nomear que naquella cidade se achão e [UNCERTAIN: daxas estafe] pas louvor de Ds. e de seu primo / Nomear por g.de de Bispo de Macao apessoa Relegioza E a S. M.de que el Rey N. S. ordene ao Vice Rey primeiro que nomee por coelligo delle ao pe ou clirigo q[ue] lhe parecer V S. mandara que nomee aquelle Bispo. e lhe de prouer de Bispo. Lxa 29 de 8.bro de 45 **[Anotações marginais]** [Nenhuma] **[Carimbos]** [No fundo, ao centro] Selo circular, a tinta preta, do Arquivo Histórico Colonial. No centro, brasão com esfera armilar. Na borda, o texto: "ARQUIVO HISTORICO COLONIAL * M. DAS COLONIAS". **[Assinaturas]** [Assinatura 1] Rubrica [Assinatura 2] Rubrica [Assinatura 3] [UNCERTAIN: frz Soyth] [Assinatura 4] Rubrica **[Referências arquivísticas]** [No topo, à direita] HS2A1 {{PAGE:4}} [Page 1] [Texto Principal] [ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — The main text area is completely blank. No visible printed or handwritten content remains. [Anotações marginais] [No canto inferior direito, escrita à mão em caligrafia cursiva]: “Idem magistrat 1645 Bispo de Macau ...” [UNCERTAIN: guess] — The script is faded and partially obscured by a tear in the paper. The first line appears to read “Idem magistrat”, likely an abbreviation of “Idem magistratus” (Same magistrate). The year “1645” is clearly legible. Below it, “Bispo de Macau” (“Bishop of Macau”) is discernible, followed by illegible lines that may refer to a name or title. [Carimbos] or [Selos] [No centro, à direita, sobre o texto ilegível]: [Selo circular com inscrição ilegível] — A small, dark inked circular stamp is present. Due to its size and partial obscuring by the marginal handwriting, the full inscription is unreadable. It appears to be an official seal, possibly from the Conselho Ultramarino or a local authority in Macau, but no text can be transcribed. [Assinaturas] [ILLEGIBLE: ~0 chars] — No signatures are visible on this pa |
| spellingShingle | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo Archival Provenance Archive Inscriptions Bishop Appointment Bishopric Benefices Centralised Church Control Co-legate Appointment Coadjutor Role Crown Confirmation Document Attribution Draft Consultation Ecclesiastical Governance Future Succession Rights Historical Administrative Records Interim Clergyman Lusophone colonial context Macau Ecclesiastical See Marginalia Annotations Padroado Real Portuguese Colonial Administration Royal Administrative Dispatch Royal Authority in Macau Seals and Markings Secretariat Correspondence Senate of Macau Viceroy Nomination |
| title | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_autocomplete | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_full | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_fullStr | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_full_unstemmed | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_short | Consulta (minuta) do Conselho Ultramarino a [D. João IV], rei de Portugal sobre o pedido do Senado da Câmara de Macau para a nomeação de um Bispo |
| title_sort | consulta (minuta) do conselho ultramarino a [d. joão iv], rei de portugal sobre o pedido do senado da câmara de macau para a nomeação de um bispo |
| topic | Archival Provenance Archive Inscriptions Bishop Appointment Bishopric Benefices Centralised Church Control Co-legate Appointment Coadjutor Role Crown Confirmation Document Attribution Draft Consultation Ecclesiastical Governance Future Succession Rights Historical Administrative Records Interim Clergyman Lusophone colonial context Macau Ecclesiastical See Marginalia Annotations Padroado Real Portuguese Colonial Administration Royal Administrative Dispatch Royal Authority in Macau Seals and Markings Secretariat Correspondence Senate of Macau Viceroy Nomination |
| topic_autocomplete | Archival Provenance Archive Inscriptions Bishop Appointment Bishopric Benefices Centralised Church Control Co-legate Appointment Coadjutor Role Crown Confirmation Document Attribution Draft Consultation Ecclesiastical Governance Future Succession Rights Historical Administrative Records Interim Clergyman Lusophone colonial context Macau Ecclesiastical See Marginalia Annotations Padroado Real Portuguese Colonial Administration Royal Administrative Dispatch Royal Authority in Macau Seals and Markings Secretariat Correspondence Senate of Macau Viceroy Nomination |
| topic_facet | Archival Provenance Archive Inscriptions Bishop Appointment Bishopric Benefices Centralised Church Control Co-legate Appointment Coadjutor Role Crown Confirmation Document Attribution Draft Consultation Ecclesiastical Governance Future Succession Rights Historical Administrative Records Interim Clergyman Lusophone colonial context Macau Ecclesiastical See Marginalia Annotations Padroado Real Portuguese Colonial Administration Royal Administrative Dispatch Royal Authority in Macau Seals and Markings Secretariat Correspondence Senate of Macau Viceroy Nomination |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/5QEM26K3/viewer_5QEM26K3.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU PAAL2UHW QDJHYNG4 VGW9TKQ3 |