Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545.
This abstract describes a historically significant letter dated 22 October 1545, written by Father Nicolau Lácio (identified as ‘Indian’) from Goa to Father Martim de Santa Cruz. The document details the Jesuit mission’s early institutional development in Portuguese India following the authors’ arri...
Saved in:
| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1545-10-22
|
| Subjects: |
College of Goa
;
Ecclesiastical Governance
;
Francisco de Mancilla
;
Jesuit mission in Portuguese India
;
Konkani language education
;
Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau
;
Latin instruction in Goa
;
Manuel Diego
;
Manuel Paulo
;
Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe.
;
St Anthony Chapel Goa
;
St Jerome Chapel Goa
;
Vicar General of Portuguese India
;
conversion of Ceylonese royalty
;
cruciform miracle
;
martyrdom of Ceylonese prince
;
training of native boys
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/6EERV2F3/viewer_6EERV2F3.html |
| _version_ | 1877197617056710656 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | 49-IV-49, fl. 14 |
| building | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| collection | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| description | This abstract describes a historically significant letter dated 22 October 1545, written by Father Nicolau Lácio (identified as ‘Indian’) from Goa to Father Martim de Santa Cruz. The document details the Jesuit mission’s early institutional development in Portuguese India following the authors’ arrival in Goa on 1 October 1545 after a voyage from Mozambique. It records the presence and activities of key figures including Fathers Manuel Paulo, Manuel Diego, Mestre Diego (described as spiritual father and founder of the College), Mestre Francisco (departed for the Maracayes), and Father Francisco de Mancilla (stationed at Cape Comorin). The letter outlines educational initiatives at the College in Goa—including Latin instruction, vernacular literacy (Portuguese or Konkani), and training of native boys, some of whom are already preaching locally—and notes administrative arrangements concerning the College’s temporal governance, physical infrastructure (church, courtyards, chapels dedicated to St Jerome and St Anthony), and annual income of 1,600 ducats. It further recounts a reported miracle associated with the martyrdom of the elder son of the King of Ceylon, whose conversion prompted execution and subsequent cruciform manifestation at his grave, catalysing conversions among Ceylonese royalty. The document also references the arrival of Ceylonese princes in Goa and requests guidance on ecclesiastical governance from the Vicar General. Entry number 11 in catalogue "Jesuítas na Ásia" |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-10T08:59:02Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
10
[Heading]
CARTA del p. Nicolao para el p. Martin de Sancta Cruz escrita a xxij de Noviembre de 1545:-
[Main text]
La gracia y amor de J. N. S. sea siempre en vro favor y ayuda amen.
de Moçambique escrevi breuemente a V. R. prometiendole de lo hazer mas luego de Goa aora aun tengo muchas ocupaciones lo hara como ellas lo permitieren. quanto al camino sepa V. R. q nos truxo Dios siempre en la mar con tan buen vjo quanto se podia desear y siempre con tanta salud y mas dela alla en Portugal teniamos llegamos aqui a Goa ax de Setiembre de 1545. adonde hallamos el P. M. Pablo y M. Diego los quales nos sperauan con grande deseo y nos recebieron con mucha alegria en este Colegio adonde estan muchos muchachos dela tierra delos gles los q son grandes y ha mas tiempo que son xpanos son muy buenos muchachos y dellos se spera saldra mucha gloria de D. N. S. y fruto en la gentilidad. los niños vanse criando en la fe y con la ayuda de N. r. Sor Bernan al mismo y aun que no sean para venir a ser admitidos aora compª todavia sin duda haran grandisimo fruto por toda esta India. destos muchachos algunos aprenden latin y otros alear y escreuir yo aora tome cargo delos enseñar latin hasta q de la se prouea de quien lo haga mejor lo que l es muy necesario y algunos her laicos para entender en los oficios temporales deste Colegio para q los sacerdotes podamos atender mas libremente a obras pias y mas propias de N. r. instituto, y en la respuesta desta vltra del humanista que de aqlla se ambire
[Interlinear addition]
mandar para leer Latin puede mandar uno para leer Logica por
[Main text continued]
entonces
que ya aura aqui 12 que puedan oyr el curso de artes. V. R. por amor del N. r. prouea q vengan acá de N. r. compª algunos asi buenos letrados como predicadores pues es muy necesario para edificación desta ciudad y fruto de las almas por que ay aquí mucha carestia de hombres justos y letrados y así
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars at top edge]
[Title]
Cartas da India
[Marginalia — left]
[Decorative royal cipher or coat of arms, partially visible]
[Main text]
ay muy poca doctrina en esta tierra auiendo mucha gente & doctrinar y
mucha miesa // & coger toda via tiene dios dado un gran celador de su
gloria y honrra a esta tierra : el p. M. diego el ql libremente sin accepta
cion de personas dice las verdades y reprehende las cosas mal hechas y
como siervo de dios muy fiel tiene buen cuydado desta su viñita es muy ami
go de nra comp. y muy conforme anra manera de biuir es el padre y fi
dador desta casa y no solo es padre della mas de todos los pobres desta
ciudad y haziendos y haze muchos fijianos con su doctrina y buena vida el
tiene aqui dos destos mocas gramaticos los gles saben ya predicar en su
lengua y cada domingo predicen en dos iglesias con mucha edificacion
del pueblo asi delos portugueses como delos gentiles. es hombre muy pio
y docto y tiene trabasado mucho en la viña del sor estenido de todo el pu
blo en grande veneracion y es amado de todos. el p. M. f.° como sabra
por sus cartas es ido a los maracayes el antes de su partida escrivió aqui una
carta a M. diego y M. pauto y si ueniesen algunos p.° de portugal en biaffen
dos dellos (los gles somos nos gvenimos) con los principes de ceilan los gles estan
a qui y para q sepa la historia particularmte como passa el rey de ceilan tenia
dos hijos delos gles el mayor murió nro sor para q se hiziese xpiano y
dado para poner en effecto sus deseos supolo su padre el gt luego lo mando ma
tar un portugues delos galla estauan viendo y lo mataron por q se queria ha
zer xpiano suuelo por martir y como atal le mando sepultar su cuerpo alre
do delos fijianos hecho esto quiso nro sor quiso nro sor mostrar a todos lo g agi
solo tenia uisto y abriose la tierra de su sepultura en modo de cruz la gl
vieron todos y algunos gentiles le hacharon tierra y la deshizieron y luego se
boluio abrix la misma tierra de la misma man. y boluiendola a hachar tierra
y deshazer la tercera vez de abrio la tierra en cruz adonde estaua el cuer
po muerto de agl mancebo publicose este milagro por la tierra del gt se mouio
mucho la gente y la hermana del rey cuio hijo auia de ser rey y suceder asu
her. Cporq es costumbre en este reyno no succeder los hijos del rey a su padre
en el reyno sino los hijos de la hermana del rey) mando llamar a su hijo here
dero del reyno y al otro hijo del rey y quedaua y dixoles y bien vejan el g
milagro q nro sor hiziera y se guisiesen hazer xpianos ellos le respondieron
y si harian entonces llamando agl portugues y auia sepultado el otro y se
los dio para q los truxese a goa y los hiziese xpianos y fuesen defendidos
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
15
[Main text]
Do ano de 1545
del governador del rey & no los marafse y asilos truxo aqui secreron & y ya son
spianos y estan aqui esperando & el governador los lleue acexlan y les de
el reyno lo gl si se hiziere manda M. frº & dos denos paga con ellos entre
tanto estamos aqui todos recs mirando por esta caja dandole agila orden
& nos parece mas conforme a la comf. esta caja guato ato material es
muy buena tiene una iglesia harto capaz y buena y tiene un patio
con varandas por tiene una cerca muy buena y grande adonde
ay dos ermitas muy devotas una de s. hieronimo y otra de s. anton
y dizen & tiene mil y seiscientos ducados de renta ami medieron cargo
della mas yo aun no se nada de su regim N. R. se informe bien del vi
cario general & alta esta y me avise delo & le pareciere encl sor.-
el yº frº de mancillas esta enel cabo de comorin adonde estana. N.
frº tenemos nueues & haze mucho fructo. A quinze dias & comence
pues esta carta y apenas tengo tiempo para la acabar y por eso no
puedo escreuir a los her' como les prometi vna R. me descuype con
ellos y me encomiende mucho en sus oraciones la gracia del spí santo
nos conforme atodes de goa a 22 de octobre de 1545
[Signature]
Iuus indignus seruus indio Nicolau lacilous
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
10
[Heading]
Letter from Father Nicolau to Father Martim de Santa Cruz, written on 22 November 1545
[Main text]
The grace and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ be ever upon you and sustain you. Amen.
From Mozambique, I wrote briefly to Your Reverence, promising to write again more fully once I had arrived in Goa. I am still occupied with many duties; however, I shall write as soon as these permit. Concerning our voyage, please know, Your Reverence, that God brought us safely across the sea, with as favourable a passage as could possibly be desired—indeed, with such consistent good health that we were even healthier here than we had been in Portugal. We arrived in Goa on 1 October 1545. There we found Fathers Manuel Paulo and Manuel Diego, who had been awaiting us with great eagerness and received us with much joy at this College. Here, many native boys are resident—sons of local inhabitants—and those among them who are older and have been Christians for some time are exemplary youths; from them, great glory to Our Lord God and abundant fruit among the gentiles are confidently expected. The younger children are being reared in the faith, aided especially by our Sister Bernarda; although they are not yet ready for formal admission to the College, they will undoubtedly yield immense spiritual fruit throughout this whole region of India. Among these boys, some are learning Latin, while others are acquiring literacy in the vernacular (‘alear y escreuir’ — i.e., reading and writing in Portuguese or Konkani). At present, I have assumed responsibility for teaching Latin until a more qualified instructor can be appointed—a matter of considerable urgency. Additionally, we are training certain lay brothers in the temporal administration of the College, so that the priests may devote themselves more freely to pious works and to those apostolic activities most consonant with our Society’s Institute. In your reply to this letter, please also indicate whether you wish to send an instructor in the humanities; if so, you may appoint one for Logic as well—
[Interlinear addition]
—for Latin instruction; you may likewise appoint one for Logic—
[Main text continued]
—in which case, there will already be about twelve students here capable of following the full Arts curriculum. Your Reverence, out of love for Our Lord, would therefore do well to arrange for several members of our Company—both learned scholars and skilled preachers—to come hither. Such men are urgently needed both for the edification of this city and for the spiritual welfare of souls; for there is presently a grave dearth of upright and erudite men here.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[Illegible: c. 5 characters at top edge]
[Title]
Letters from India
[Marginalia — left]
[Decorative royal cipher or coat of arms, partially visible]
[Main text]
There is as yet very little Christian instruction in this land, despite the great number of people requiring doctrinal formation and pastoral care; and although the harvest is abundant, God has nevertheless granted this territory a most zealous guardian of His glory and honour: Father Mestre Diego. Freely and without regard for persons, he speaks truth plainly and reproves wrongdoing; as a faithful servant of God, he diligently tends this vineyard. He is greatly esteemed by our Company and lives wholly in accordance with our manner of life. He is both spiritual father and founder of this house—and not only of this house, but also of all the poor in this city and its environs; through his teaching and exemplary conduct, he has brought many natives to the faith. Here he instructs two young native grammarians, who are now able to preach in their own tongue; each Sunday they preach in two churches, to the great edification of the populace—both Portuguese settlers and non-Christians alike. He is a man of deep piety and learning, and has laboured extensively in the Lord’s vineyard, extending his ministry throughout the entire population; he is held in high veneration and beloved by all.
Father Mestre Francisco, as will be known from his own letters, has departed for the Maracayes. Prior to his departure, he wrote a letter here addressed to Mestre Diego and Mestre Paúto. Should any Fathers from Portugal arrive in the ships presently en route, (‘we ourselves having come in them’), together with the princes of Ceylon—who are now present here—the following account may be consulted for a detailed understanding of recent events concerning the King of Ceylon.
The King of Ceylon had two sons. The elder died, whereupon Our Lord granted him the grace to become a Christian; and, in order that his desire might be fulfilled, his father—the King—immediately ordered his execution. A Portuguese soldier, one of the *Galla* (a term used locally for Portuguese troops stationed in Ceylon), witnessed the act, and the youth was slain because he wished to become a Christian—a martyr’s death. The King then commanded that his body be buried in the vicinity of the native Christians (*fijianos*). Thereafter, Our Lord willed to manifest to all the singular grace bestowed upon this youth alone. Whereupon the earth above his grave opened spontaneously in the shape of a cross; the cross was seen by all present, and some non-Christians attempted to cover it over with earth, thereby effacing it—but immediately the earth reopened in the same cruciform shape. When they again attempted to cover and efface it, for the third time the earth parted once more in the form of a cross, precisely where the youth’s lifeless body lay. This miracle became widely known throughout the King’s dominions, stirring profound emotion among the people.
The King’s sister—whose son was heir to the throne and destined to succeed his uncle (for it is the custom in this kingdom that the sons of the King do not succeed their father, but rather the sons of the King’s sister)—summoned her own son, the designated heir to the realm, together with the King’s younger son, and said to them: ‘Behold well this miracle wrought by Our Lord, and resolve henceforth to become Christians.’ They replied that they would indeed do so. She then summoned the Portuguese officer who had carried out the execution, and who had also buried the other son; she entrusted both youths to him, instructing him to convey them to Goa, there to be instructed in the Christian faith and formally received into the Church, and thereafter to be safeguarded.
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
15
From the year 1545
Of the Governor of the King—and not of the Marquises—he brought here certain individuals, whom he had secured and installed; they are now Spaniards and remain here awaiting the Governor’s formal reception and his bestowal upon them of royal patronage (*reynero*). If this be granted, His Majesty commands that Master Fr. [Francisco] and two others receive payment jointly with them. In the meantime, we are all here together, diligently overseeing this establishment (*caja*), ensuring its administration proceeds with due dispatch and proper order. It appears to us most fitting—both for the convenience (*comodidad*) of this *caja* and for its material well-being—that it is in excellent condition: it possesses a church of considerable size and good construction; a courtyard with arcades (*varandas*); and an extensive, well-maintained enclosure (*cerca*), within which stand two highly venerated chapels (*ermitas*): one dedicated to St Jerome and the other to St Anthony. It is reported to yield an annual income of 1,600 ducats. I have recently assumed responsibility for its oversight, yet I remain as yet uninformed regarding its governance. Your Reverence, therefore, is respectfully requested to make thorough inquiry of the Vicar General—whose authority here is high—and to advise me fully concerning your findings and considered opinion thereon.
The Reverend Father Francisco de Mancilla is stationed at Cape Comorin, where he remains. Our Reverend Father is likewise present there; we have received recent news from him, and his labours bear abundant spiritual fruit. This letter was begun fifteen days ago, and I have scarcely found time to complete it; hence I am unable to write to the brethren as I had promised. I beg Your Reverence’s indulgence in this matter, and earnestly commend myself to their prayers. May the grace of the Holy Spirit strengthen and unite us all.
Goa, 22 October 1545
[Signature]
Your unworthy servant,
Nicolau Lácio (Indian) |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
10
[Heading]
CARTA del p. Nicolao para el p. Martin de Sancta Cruz escrita a xxij de Noviembre de 1545:-
[Main text]
La gracia y amor de J. N. S. sea siempre en vro favor y ayuda amen.
de Moçambique escrevi breuemente a V. R. prometiendole de lo hazer mas luego de Goa aora aun tengo muchas ocupaciones lo hara como ellas lo permitieren. quanto al camino sepa V. R. q nos truxo Dios siempre en la mar con tan buen vjo quanto se podia desear y siempre con tanta salud y mas dela alla en Portugal teniamos llegamos aqui a Goa ax de Setiembre de 1545. adonde hallamos el P. M. Pablo y M. Diego los quales nos sperauan con grande deseo y nos recebieron con mucha alegria en este Colegio adonde estan muchos muchachos dela tierra delos gles los q son grandes y ha mas tiempo que son xpanos son muy buenos muchachos y dellos se spera saldra mucha gloria de D. N. S. y fruto en la gentilidad. los niños vanse criando en la fe y con la ayuda de N. r. Sor Bernan al mismo y aun que no sean para venir a ser admitidos aora compª todavia sin duda haran grandisimo fruto por toda esta India. destos muchachos algunos aprenden latin y otros alear y escreuir yo aora tome cargo delos enseñar latin hasta q de la se prouea de quien lo haga mejor lo que l es muy necesario y algunos her laicos para entender en los oficios temporales deste Colegio para q los sacerdotes podamos atender mas libremente a obras pias y mas propias de N. r. instituto, y en la respuesta desta vltra del humanista que de aqlla se ambire
[Interlinear addition]
mandar para leer Latin puede mandar uno para leer Logica por
[Main text continued]
entonces
que ya aura aqui 12 que puedan oyr el curso de artes. V. R. por amor del N. r. prouea q vengan acá de N. r. compª algunos asi buenos letrados como predicadores pues es muy necesario para edificación desta ciudad y fruto de las almas por que ay aquí mucha carestia de hombres justos y letrados y así
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars at top edge]
[Title]
Cartas da India
[Marginalia — left]
[Decorative royal cipher or coat of arms, partially visible]
[Main text]
ay muy poca doctrina en esta tierra auiendo mucha gente & doctrinar y
mucha miesa // & coger toda via tiene dios dado un gran celador de su
gloria y honrra a esta tierra : el p. M. diego el ql libremente sin accepta
cion de personas dice las verdades y reprehende las cosas mal hechas y
como siervo de dios muy fiel tiene buen cuydado desta su viñita es muy ami
go de nra comp. y muy conforme anra manera de biuir es el padre y fi
dador desta casa y no solo es padre della mas de todos los pobres desta
ciudad y haziendos y haze muchos fijianos con su doctrina y buena vida el
tiene aqui dos destos mocas gramaticos los gles saben ya predicar en su
lengua y cada domingo predicen en dos iglesias con mucha edificacion
del pueblo asi delos portugueses como delos gentiles. es hombre muy pio
y docto y tiene trabasado mucho en la viña del sor estenido de todo el pu
blo en grande veneracion y es amado de todos. el p. M. f.° como sabra
por sus cartas es ido a los maracayes el antes de su partida escrivió aqui una
carta a M. diego y M. pauto y si ueniesen algunos p.° de portugal en biaffen
dos dellos (los gles somos nos gvenimos) con los principes de ceilan los gles estan
a qui y para q sepa la historia particularmte como passa el rey de ceilan tenia
dos hijos delos gles el mayor murió nro sor para q se hiziese xpiano y
dado para poner en effecto sus deseos supolo su padre el gt luego lo mando ma
tar un portugues delos galla estauan viendo y lo mataron por q se queria ha
zer xpiano suuelo por martir y como atal le mando sepultar su cuerpo alre
do delos fijianos hecho esto quiso nro sor quiso nro sor mostrar a todos lo g agi
solo tenia uisto y abriose la tierra de su sepultura en modo de cruz la gl
vieron todos y algunos gentiles le hacharon tierra y la deshizieron y luego se
boluio abrix la misma tierra de la misma man. y boluiendola a hachar tierra
y deshazer la tercera vez de abrio la tierra en cruz adonde estaua el cuer
po muerto de agl mancebo publicose este milagro por la tierra del gt se mouio
mucho la gente y la hermana del rey cuio hijo auia de ser rey y suceder asu
her. Cporq es costumbre en este reyno no succeder los hijos del rey a su padre
en el reyno sino los hijos de la hermana del rey) mando llamar a su hijo here
dero del reyno y al otro hijo del rey y quedaua y dixoles y bien vejan el g
milagro q nro sor hiziera y se guisiesen hazer xpianos ellos le respondieron
y si harian entonces llamando agl portugues y auia sepultado el otro y se
los dio para q los truxese a goa y los hiziese xpianos y fuesen defendidos
{{PAGE:3}}
[Page]
15
[Main text]
Do ano de 1545
del governador del rey & no los marafse y asilos truxo aqui secreron & y ya son
spianos y estan aqui esperando & el governador los lleue acexlan y les de
el reyno lo gl si se hiziere manda M. frº & dos denos paga con ellos entre
tanto estamos aqui todos recs mirando por esta caja dandole agila orden
& nos parece mas conforme a la comf. esta caja guato ato material es
muy buena tiene una iglesia harto capaz y buena y tiene un patio
con varandas por tiene una cerca muy buena y grande adonde
ay dos ermitas muy devotas una de s. hieronimo y otra de s. anton
y dizen & tiene mil y seiscientos ducados de renta ami medieron cargo
della mas yo aun no se nada de su regim N. R. se informe bien del vi
cario general & alta esta y me avise delo & le pareciere encl sor.-
el yº frº de mancillas esta enel cabo de comorin adonde estana. N.
frº tenemos nueues & haze mucho fructo. A quinze dias & comence
pues esta carta y apenas tengo tiempo para la acabar y por eso no
puedo escreuir a los her' como les prometi vna R. me descuype con
ellos y me encomiende mucho en sus oraciones la gracia del spí santo
nos conforme atodes de goa a 22 de octobre de 1545
[Signature]
Iuus indignus seruus indio Nicolau lacilous |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
10
[Heading]
Letter from Father Nicolau to Father Martim de Santa Cruz, written on 22 November 1545
[Main text]
The grace and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ be ever upon you and sustain you. Amen.
From Mozambique, I wrote briefly to Your Reverence, promising to write again more fully once I had arrived in Goa. I am still occupied with many duties; however, I shall write as soon as these permit. Concerning our voyage, please know, Your Reverence, that God brought us safely across the sea, with as favourable a passage as could possibly be desired—indeed, with such consistent good health that we were even healthier here than we had been in Portugal. We arrived in Goa on 1 October 1545. There we found Fathers Manuel Paulo and Manuel Diego, who had been awaiting us with great eagerness and received us with much joy at this College. Here, many native boys are resident—sons of local inhabitants—and those among them who are older and have been Christians for some time are exemplary youths; from them, great glory to Our Lord God and abundant fruit among the gentiles are confidently expected. The younger children are being reared in the faith, aided especially by our Sister Bernarda; although they are not yet ready for formal admission to the College, they will undoubtedly yield immense spiritual fruit throughout this whole region of India. Among these boys, some are learning Latin, while others are acquiring literacy in the vernacular (‘alear y escreuir’ — i.e., reading and writing in Portuguese or Konkani). At present, I have assumed responsibility for teaching Latin until a more qualified instructor can be appointed—a matter of considerable urgency. Additionally, we are training certain lay brothers in the temporal administration of the College, so that the priests may devote themselves more freely to pious works and to those apostolic activities most consonant with our Society’s Institute. In your reply to this letter, please also indicate whether you wish to send an instructor in the humanities; if so, you may appoint one for Logic as well—
[Interlinear addition]
—for Latin instruction; you may likewise appoint one for Logic—
[Main text continued]
—in which case, there will already be about twelve students here capable of following the full Arts curriculum. Your Reverence, out of love for Our Lord, would therefore do well to arrange for several members of our Company—both learned scholars and skilled preachers—to come hither. Such men are urgently needed both for the edification of this city and for the spiritual welfare of souls; for there is presently a grave dearth of upright and erudite men here.
{{PAGE:2}}
[Page]
[Illegible: c. 5 characters at top edge]
[Title]
Letters from India
[Marginalia — left]
[Decorative royal cipher or coat of arms, partially visible]
[Main text]
There is as yet very little Christian instruction in this land, despite the great number of people requiring doctrinal formation and pastoral care; and although the harvest is abundant, God has nevertheless granted this territory a most zealous guardian of His glory and honour: Father Mestre Diego. Freely and without regard for persons, he speaks truth plainly and reproves wrongdoing; as a faithful servant of God, he diligently tends this vineyard. He is greatly esteemed by our Company and lives wholly in accordance with our manner of life. He is both spiritual father and founder of this house—and not only of this house, but also of all the poor in this city and its environs; through his teaching and exemplary conduct, he has brought many natives to the faith. Here he instructs two young native grammarians, who are now able to preach in their own tongue; each Sunday they preach in two churches, to the great edification of the populace—both Portuguese settlers and non-Christians alike. He is a man of deep piety and learning, and has laboured extensively in the Lord’s vineyard, extending his ministry throughout the entire population; he is held in high veneration and beloved by all.
Father Mestre Francisco, as will be known from his own letters, has departed for the Maracayes. Prior to his departure, he wrote a letter here addressed to Mestre Diego and Mestre Paúto. Should any Fathers from Portugal arrive in the ships presently en route, (‘we ourselves having come in them’), together with the princes of Ceylon—who are now present here—the following account may be consulted for a detailed understanding of recent events concerning the King of Ceylon.
The King of Ceylon had two sons. The elder died, whereupon Our Lord granted him the grace to become a Christian; and, in order that his desire might be fulfilled, his father—the King—immediately ordered his execution. A Portuguese soldier, one of the *Galla* (a term used locally for Portuguese troops stationed in Ceylon), witnessed the act, and the youth was slain because he wished to become a Christian—a martyr’s death. The King then commanded that his body be buried in the vicinity of the native Christians (*fijianos*). Thereafter, Our Lord willed to manifest to all the singular grace bestowed upon this youth alone. Whereupon the earth above his grave opened spontaneously in the shape of a cross; the cross was seen by all present, and some non-Christians attempted to cover it over with earth, thereby effacing it—but immediately the earth reopened in the same cruciform shape. When they again attempted to cover and efface it, for the third time the earth parted once more in the form of a cross, precisely where the youth’s lifeless body lay. This miracle became widely known throughout the King’s dominions, stirring profound emotion among the people.
The King’s sister—whose son was heir to the throne and destined to succeed his uncle (for it is the custom in this kingdom that the sons of the King do not succeed their father, but rather the sons of the King’s sister)—summoned her own son, the designated heir to the realm, together with the King’s younger son, and said to them: ‘Behold well this miracle wrought by Our Lord, and resolve henceforth to become Christians.’ They replied that they would indeed do so. She then summoned the Portuguese officer who had carried out the execution, and who had also buried the other son; she entrusted both youths to him, instructing him to convey them to Goa, there to be instructed in the Christian faith and formally received into the Church, and thereafter to be safeguarded.
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[Page]
15
From the year 1545
Of the Governor of the King—and not of the Marquises—he brought here certain individuals, whom he had secured and installed; they are now Spaniards and remain here awaiting the Governor’s formal reception and his bestowal upon them of royal patronage (*reynero*). If this be granted, His Majesty commands that Master Fr. [Francisco] and two others receive payment jointly with them. In the meantime, we are all here together, diligently overseeing this establishment (*caja*), ensuring its administration proceeds with due dispatch and proper order. It appears to us most fitting—both for the convenience (*comodidad*) of this *caja* and for its material well-being—that it is in excellent condition: it possesses a church of considerable size and good construction; a courtyard with arcades (*varandas*); and an extensive, well-maintained enclosure (*cerca*), within which stand two highly venerated chapels (*ermitas*): one dedicated to St Jerome and the other to St Anthony. It is reported to yield an annual income of 1,600 ducats. I have recently assumed responsibility for its oversight, yet I remain as yet uninformed regarding its governance. Your Reverence, therefore, is respectfully requested to make thorough inquiry of the Vicar General—whose authority here is high—and to advise me fully concerning your findings and considered opinion thereon.
The Reverend Father Francisco de Mancilla is stationed at Cape Comorin, where he remains. Our Reverend Father is likewise present there; we have received recent news from him, and his labours bear abundant spiritual fruit. This letter was begun fifteen days ago, and I have scarcely found time to complete it; hence I am unable to write to the brethren as I had promised. I beg Your Reverence’s indulgence in this matter, and earnestly commend myself to their prayers. May the grace of the Holy Spirit strengthen and unite us all.
Goa, 22 October 1545
[Signature]
Your unworthy servant,
Nicolau Lácio (Indian) |
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| spelling | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. This abstract describes a historically significant letter dated 22 October 1545, written by Father Nicolau Lácio (identified as ‘Indian’) from Goa to Father Martim de Santa Cruz. The document details the Jesuit mission’s early institutional development in Portuguese India following the authors’ arrival in Goa on 1 October 1545 after a voyage from Mozambique. It records the presence and activities of key figures including Fathers Manuel Paulo, Manuel Diego, Mestre Diego (described as spiritual father and founder of the College), Mestre Francisco (departed for the Maracayes), and Father Francisco de Mancilla (stationed at Cape Comorin). The letter outlines educational initiatives at the College in Goa—including Latin instruction, vernacular literacy (Portuguese or Konkani), and training of native boys, some of whom are already preaching locally—and notes administrative arrangements concerning the College’s temporal governance, physical infrastructure (church, courtyards, chapels dedicated to St Jerome and St Anthony), and annual income of 1,600 ducats. It further recounts a reported miracle associated with the martyrdom of the elder son of the King of Ceylon, whose conversion prompted execution and subsequent cruciform manifestation at his grave, catalysing conversions among Ceylonese royalty. The document also references the arrival of Ceylonese princes in Goa and requests guidance on ecclesiastical governance from the Vicar General. Entry number 11 in catalogue "Jesuítas na Ásia" Manuscripts Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda 49-IV-49, fl. 14 1545-10-22 College of Goa Ecclesiastical Governance Francisco de Mancilla Jesuit mission in Portuguese India Konkani language education Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau Latin instruction in Goa Manuel Diego Manuel Paulo Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe. St Anthony Chapel Goa St Jerome Chapel Goa Vicar General of Portuguese India conversion of Ceylonese royalty cruciform miracle martyrdom of Ceylonese prince training of native boys {{PAGE:1}} [Page] 10 [Heading] CARTA del p. Nicolao para el p. Martin de Sancta Cruz escrita a xxij de Noviembre de 1545:- [Main text] La gracia y amor de J. N. S. sea siempre en vro favor y ayuda amen. de Moçambique escrevi breuemente a V. R. prometiendole de lo hazer mas luego de Goa aora aun tengo muchas ocupaciones lo hara como ellas lo permitieren. quanto al camino sepa V. R. q nos truxo Dios siempre en la mar con tan buen vjo quanto se podia desear y siempre con tanta salud y mas dela alla en Portugal teniamos llegamos aqui a Goa ax de Setiembre de 1545. adonde hallamos el P. M. Pablo y M. Diego los quales nos sperauan con grande deseo y nos recebieron con mucha alegria en este Colegio adonde estan muchos muchachos dela tierra delos gles los q son grandes y ha mas tiempo que son xpanos son muy buenos muchachos y dellos se spera saldra mucha gloria de D. N. S. y fruto en la gentilidad. los niños vanse criando en la fe y con la ayuda de N. r. Sor Bernan al mismo y aun que no sean para venir a ser admitidos aora compª todavia sin duda haran grandisimo fruto por toda esta India. destos muchachos algunos aprenden latin y otros alear y escreuir yo aora tome cargo delos enseñar latin hasta q de la se prouea de quien lo haga mejor lo que l es muy necesario y algunos her laicos para entender en los oficios temporales deste Colegio para q los sacerdotes podamos atender mas libremente a obras pias y mas propias de N. r. instituto, y en la respuesta desta vltra del humanista que de aqlla se ambire [Interlinear addition] mandar para leer Latin puede mandar uno para leer Logica por [Main text continued] entonces que ya aura aqui 12 que puedan oyr el curso de artes. V. R. por amor del N. r. prouea q vengan acá de N. r. compª algunos asi buenos letrados como predicadores pues es muy necesario para edificación desta ciudad y fruto de las almas por que ay aquí mucha carestia de hombres justos y letrados y así {{PAGE:2}} [Page] [ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars at top edge] [Title] Cartas da India [Marginalia — left] [Decorative royal cipher or coat of arms, partially visible] [Main text] ay muy poca doctrina en esta tierra auiendo mucha gente & doctrinar y mucha miesa // & coger toda via tiene dios dado un gran celador de su gloria y honrra a esta tierra : el p. M. diego el ql libremente sin accepta cion de personas dice las verdades y reprehende las cosas mal hechas y como siervo de dios muy fiel tiene buen cuydado desta su viñita es muy ami go de nra comp. y muy conforme anra manera de biuir es el padre y fi dador desta casa y no solo es padre della mas de todos los pobres desta ciudad y haziendos y haze muchos fijianos con su doctrina y buena vida el tiene aqui dos destos mocas gramaticos los gles saben ya predicar en su lengua y cada domingo predicen en dos iglesias con mucha edificacion del pueblo asi delos portugueses como delos gentiles. es hombre muy pio y docto y tiene trabasado mucho en la viña del sor estenido de todo el pu blo en grande veneracion y es amado de todos. el p. M. f.° como sabra por sus cartas es ido a los maracayes el antes de su partida escrivió aqui una carta a M. diego y M. pauto y si ueniesen algunos p.° de portugal en biaffen dos dellos (los gles somos nos gvenimos) con los principes de ceilan los gles estan a qui y para q sepa la historia particularmte como passa el rey de ceilan tenia dos hijos delos gles el mayor murió nro sor para q se hiziese xpiano y dado para poner en effecto sus deseos supolo su padre el gt luego lo mando ma tar un portugues delos galla estauan viendo y lo mataron por q se queria ha zer xpiano suuelo por martir y como atal le mando sepultar su cuerpo alre do delos fijianos hecho esto quiso nro sor quiso nro sor mostrar a todos lo g agi solo tenia uisto y abriose la tierra de su sepultura en modo de cruz la gl vieron todos y algunos gentiles le hacharon tierra y la deshizieron y luego se boluio abrix la misma tierra de la misma man. y boluiendola a hachar tierra y deshazer la tercera vez de abrio la tierra en cruz adonde estaua el cuer po muerto de agl mancebo publicose este milagro por la tierra del gt se mouio mucho la gente y la hermana del rey cuio hijo auia de ser rey y suceder asu her. Cporq es costumbre en este reyno no succeder los hijos del rey a su padre en el reyno sino los hijos de la hermana del rey) mando llamar a su hijo here dero del reyno y al otro hijo del rey y quedaua y dixoles y bien vejan el g milagro q nro sor hiziera y se guisiesen hazer xpianos ellos le respondieron y si harian entonces llamando agl portugues y auia sepultado el otro y se los dio para q los truxese a goa y los hiziese xpianos y fuesen defendidos {{PAGE:3}} [Page] 15 [Main text] Do ano de 1545 del governador del rey & no los marafse y asilos truxo aqui secreron & y ya son spianos y estan aqui esperando & el governador los lleue acexlan y les de el reyno lo gl si se hiziere manda M. frº & dos denos paga con ellos entre tanto estamos aqui todos recs mirando por esta caja dandole |
| spellingShingle | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. College of Goa Ecclesiastical Governance Francisco de Mancilla Jesuit mission in Portuguese India Konkani language education Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau Latin instruction in Goa Manuel Diego Manuel Paulo Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe. St Anthony Chapel Goa St Jerome Chapel Goa Vicar General of Portuguese India conversion of Ceylonese royalty cruciform miracle martyrdom of Ceylonese prince training of native boys |
| title | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_autocomplete | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_full | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_fullStr | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_short | Carta del p. Nicolao para el pe. Martin de santa Cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| title_sort | carta del p. nicolao para el pe. martin de santa cruz escrita a xxij de outubro de 1545. |
| topic | College of Goa Ecclesiastical Governance Francisco de Mancilla Jesuit mission in Portuguese India Konkani language education Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau Latin instruction in Goa Manuel Diego Manuel Paulo Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe. St Anthony Chapel Goa St Jerome Chapel Goa Vicar General of Portuguese India conversion of Ceylonese royalty cruciform miracle martyrdom of Ceylonese prince training of native boys |
| topic_autocomplete | College of Goa Ecclesiastical Governance Francisco de Mancilla Jesuit mission in Portuguese India Konkani language education Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau Latin instruction in Goa Manuel Diego Manuel Paulo Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe. St Anthony Chapel Goa St Jerome Chapel Goa Vicar General of Portuguese India conversion of Ceylonese royalty cruciform miracle martyrdom of Ceylonese prince training of native boys |
| topic_facet | College of Goa Ecclesiastical Governance Francisco de Mancilla Jesuit mission in Portuguese India Konkani language education Lanciloto, Pe. Nicolau Latin instruction in Goa Manuel Diego Manuel Paulo Martim de Santa Cruz, Pe. St Anthony Chapel Goa St Jerome Chapel Goa Vicar General of Portuguese India conversion of Ceylonese royalty cruciform miracle martyrdom of Ceylonese prince training of native boys |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/6EERV2F3/viewer_6EERV2F3.html |
| zotero_collection_key | MPF9XDJZ PI7XKZMA |