Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548.
This abstract describes a Jesuit missionary letter dated 13 December 1548, authored by Lourenço Rodrigues from the College of St Paul in Goa, addressed to the Brothers of the College of Jesus in Coimbra. The document forms part of the official *Cartas da Índia* series—correspondence dispatched from...
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| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1548-12-13
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/PGXSZ4T9/viewer_PGXSZ4T9.html |
| _version_ | 1877197617616650240 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | 49-IV-49, fl. 43v. |
| building | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| collection | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| description | This abstract describes a Jesuit missionary letter dated 13 December 1548, authored by Lourenço Rodrigues from the College of St Paul in Goa, addressed to the Brothers of the College of Jesus in Coimbra. The document forms part of the official *Cartas da Índia* series—correspondence dispatched from Portuguese Asia to the metropole—and details a multi-vessel voyage undertaken between March and September 1548 from Lisbon to India aboard the *São Pedro* and *Nau Galega*. Key figures include Fathers Gaspar de São Félix (author), Melchior González, Baltasar Yano, António Gomes, Paulo del Valle, and Manuel de Marley; Dr António Gomes; and secular authorities including Captains João de Mendoza and Fernando de Sosa, Governor of Portuguese India, and Bishop of Goa. Locations encompass Lisbon, the Guinea Coast, Cape Verde, São Lourenço, Malindi (Maranbiq), Mombasa (Manca-biq), Macau (Macambi), Cape Comorin, Cochin, Cranganore, Calicut, Malacca, and the Moluccas. The letter chronicles spiritual administration aboard ship—including liturgical observance, preaching, confession, care for the sick and poor, and responses to storms—and subsequent missionary activity in East African and Indian ports, notably conversions among Brahmins (including Locu), German residents, and local populations, alongside institutional collaboration with Dominicans, Franciscans, and colonial officials. It records pastoral labours, disciplinary measures, interreligious dialogue, hospital ministry at Malindi’s *Casa da Cacaba*, and the early development of the canonisation cause for an unnamed Jesuit. The text is a primary source for studying Portuguese imperial logistics, Jesuit spirituality, cross-cultural encounter, and ecclesiastical administration in the mid-sixteenth-century Estado da Índia. Entry number 25 in catalogue "Jesuítas na Ásia" |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-10T08:59:02Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
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[Page]
24
[Marginalia — top left]
Año de 1578. 17. de
abril. 10. de abril del
año 1578. 17. de
abril. 10. de abril.
Baltasar
yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11.
no. 1. p. 11.
17. de abril.
10. de abril.
del año 1578.
Baltasar
yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11.
no. 1. p. 11.
[Stamp — top center]
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation: Cartas da India]
[Heading]
Carta de m. Gaspar y esfino de Goa
a los her. del Collegio de Iesus de Coimbra
scrita a 13 de deziembre. de 1578.
[Main text]
Gratia et pax exuperat omne sensum et comunicatio
spes sanctae sit semper vi cordis. Vris amen. (La Causa
principal que me movio escreuir esta carta fue la gloria del
bendito nombre de Iesu salvador, no por que siendo por ella
certificados de las misericordias q el por su bondad con nos o
tros laxos Instrumentos suys uso, le davan muchas gras y
ores, bien creo charisimas hermanas q no faltaro vnas ora
ciones y que dellas procedio mucha parte delo q aqui vereis, pues
esta tan claro esta no auer en mi casa por q el senor dador de
Todo bien las quisiere obrar illi soli sit Gloria & honor per
Infinita seculorum secula amen.
Apartandonos en Belcen de nros hermanos fuimos repartidos en
dos naos el padre Melchior gonzalez, y el padre balicasar yano, Jn.
bernandez, Darseto y yo en la nao san pedro capitana, y el doctor
Antonio gomez, y el padre paulo del valle, Francisco gonzalez manuel
Dab y flores en la Nao galega
Dela nao san pedro fue constituido por Rector nro / el padre Melchior
Ello por cuyo gouierno nos hizo el senor grandes mercedes por sus virtudes
(Embi Auen minimo maximas) y va por capitan desta nao Jn de Mendoza
al qual por descuido no auia mos ydo a hablar estando entierto para q
tuviese Alguna noticia de nos otros es hstbre (my virtuoso y que my
Sho nos ama al Entrar dela Nao vimos mucha gente y my labida, ca
Valleros y pajes decamara del trej que ami parecer serian quatrocientos hom
bres y luego me vino Vna desconfianca pareciendome Gentre ellos no podria ha
zer fructo, mas no sendo sabe bien lo ghase Andando yanos otras por fama
nos dieramos deperder en las cachopas y el otro dia sey sabiendo el capita
alarde le fuimos a hablar para q cada noche se ordenasen dediser las letanias
y sermonas y doblina y piana el ayuda la gente se hslvieron mucho con esto
en este medio todas mis hermanos se marearon y asi fueron algunos mareados y
sin poder comer ny teniamos quien nos lo hiciese de comer en el fuego por lo
qual me fue necesario tomar la cruz acuestas) y despues me luego baxer,
de comer en el, donde ninguna cortesia me tenian a las ordenes y quando de
alli sepe sui bafetadas que los grumetes me querian dar y del grande humo y
Avia no bise tan poco / en este oficio continue algunos dias y esto faydo & pouechs (Pnico)
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47
[Heading]
Do año de 1547.
[Main text]
Los hermanos podían gustar de comer por que unas veces me faltavan la olla otras me la quebravan otros me la entornavan de manera que no me podia valer con ellos y siendo esto enrigido de maicado cavallero muy honrado dolíendose de nos otros mandó aun su esclavo y nos hiciese de comer para que mas fácilmente nos podiésemos Exercitar en el spiritual y de aqui a delante comence aprediar todas las fiestas las fiestas las obras de misericordia y en muchas dias de la semana dolia mia sobre el pater noster allende desto nos exercitavamos en confecciones y en las amonestaciones auiendo desto grande necesidad por las muchas mugeres y en la nao venian y teniamos determinado de pedir al capitan y las sechase en tra si en alguna parte fuesemos a ancorar repartimos con los pobres todo lo que llevavamos hasta la india muy largas y suplicamos a nuestro señor de manera que parecia y todo exercio de lo qual se espantava mucho un hombre que metio a venir a los obientes molido por la compañia el qual fue recibido por el padre maestro que llamase mendez. Así fuimos con muy prospero viento hasta la cuesta de guineas con muy pocas calmarías en el qual vino atanta edificacion la gente desta nao que de andomables y eran en fuegos y viñas se hizieron tan mansos y todo lo que tenian ofician asi para los pobres como para nosotros tanto fue el Credito que nos tenian grandes y pequeños que nunca se faltavan de comunicar con nos otras cosas de su confiencia y todas las otras dudas y casos dificultosos Remetian anos como a jueces, los sermones sabia delgados de la nao por de la nave por que la gente era mucha y acabada la predicacion luego me gua muy deprisa para los dolientes por lo qual me mando llamar en su camara Regueriendome de la parte de dios y comunicase con el y muchos lo deseava por que el tipo y en otras cosas gastava lo gastase comigo en cosas dentro sendos y asi comunicavamos declarando le algunas psalmos y cosas spuales confesandose muchas veces de lo que muchos gustava y dava siempre largas viñas nas a los pobres y anas otros y queriamos y el me desea (todo lo que trayade conservas y mantenym) de lo qual nos no venyamos proueydos para que los quisiese tomar mas yo siempre me ofrese diziendo que nos bastava la regla de la nao y lo que nos otros trayamos y con estas y otras cosas que vey a en los hermanos se confundia mucho espantandose de los trabajos grandes y tedores de pobres y lavar de bacines y hasta que me vino a dexir que como se podia saludar con tantas criadas camaras y comeres tan delicadas sin penitencia quando nos otras con tantos trabajos ganavamos la gloria finalmente offre cisme toda la nao poniendo en mis manos todo el gouierno della diziendo que soltase y prendiese y udixese siempre entodo my parecer para se Regir por el pareceme que procedio esto de algunas veces destos particulares con mi nicacion venimos a monestas y fundamente de la manedumore con a ania de castigar los hixoros de la nao y de la segurinidat conyseaua de aven
[Marginalia — right]
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{{PAGE:3}}
[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Con los presos de la boda Tomo los exercicios de la primera semana y luego començo a mostrar quanto el senor encilar se le comunicara nunca cesando de hablar cosas de dios y manteniendo los pobres dolientes hasta La India allende della messa y dana a todos los criados del rey. Eme! Cuyo de buena esperança pasamos dos muy grandes tormentas En la primera por q duro poco no se mojo mucha gente prediqueles entonces algunas vezes sobre aquello de Jonas porque me exorta efi Sec tempestas projicite me in mare enseñandoles como se avian de aluer en la tormenta con el senor y consigo mismos, Animandolos al trabajo del menos de la nao y entonces exaglado por q por falta no nos perdiésemos y q no gritasen por misericordia como muchos aaltas vozes ganian por no desmayar alos otros mas mentalmente en sus almas pidiésen al senor socorro sin mostrar temor. La seg. tormenta fue mayor por q andando nos por doblar, Llego quasi veinte dias, fumusadar una tarde en el cabo despues donde milagrosamente hondo con el fondo plomo duro la tormenta cerca de tres dias y fuetan grande que decia el Maestro y piloto q nunca otra tal jamas vieron visto y cobro totalmente la nao y tomo tanta agua q todos se tenian por perdidos y pasmados los hombres no sabian de q lanzarse no sino esperar por la muerte en este tpo se vino uno muy aprisa pidiendo fesion oyle en custado anca varanda y breuemente asobio por el peligro en gestos mos q nunca tan propincs me balle a la muerte fue mucho servicio dentro senor esta confesion este hombre medico q todos eramos muertos si dios no nos valia quando esto oy seni dar cuenta a los hermanos por los no ynguietos y me fuy deprisa a riba donde balle toda la pasmada aparejados para morir y manda dolos a offrecer q no temiesen se llevaron para mi como si en mi estuviera la salvacion de mañana y esforzandolos bendimos la mar y el agua biento de la capa como se acostumbra y cantamos las letanias y siete psalmos que la gente tan esforzada que debia ser esta otra tal como la del custodio de dios del crucifixo/ Entonces me rogo el capitan q estuviese al aguja para q juntamente d el esforzar a los restaua en el leme dandole a otros y Penne trabajo hizo el leme algunos todo esto fue dedia tan noche Lancette tu dimas tan espantosa tormenta y oreo q nunca los hombres tal vieron excepto los q estan en el infierno toda ella los hermanos estuvieron en oracion y amj hivio el capitan con jurar la mar y de arriba donde esta gobernando el piloto y el maestro bendecia las ondas asi como venian detraues, y acada vna lancaua tres cruces diciendo spus vinct sps Regnat, sps imperat. sps abomni malo nos defendat consolauase mucho con esto la gente, nesta noche y muchos misterios del senor y no queria nung mas sentir de las meditabiles asi de la muerte como del infierno y juicio para mi y para mis hermanos los quales se aprovecharon bien desto por q sef cupo asu parte el exo de la esm temptacion y amy de la altiva asi que en estos trabajos amonestaua al piloto q no madrase flega por que casi le ofrendise abnonda que vino detraues la qual mato tanta asoa dentro de la nao y csoo alas q estauan en el leme y no tenian entonces por podidas mas el senor q no querra mas q prouemos fangamos
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e 2702
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[Page]
45
[Heading]
DO ANO DE 1547
[Main text]
Informaçe nos saluo en esta tormenta hize confesar las mugeres entre las quales auia vna
Aqui de primero por muchos tpo no pude persuadir que se confesase y se aparta
se de sus malas costumbres passadas mas vn dia me puso las manos de manira
q fulto poco q no me apalcase ala qual con esta tormenta dise q pues lleuaua
nos Camino para q nos perdesemos se a parejase para se confesar antes
q fuese al Infierno, ella demido se confeso, gracias amo senor. Estando defronta
delas islas de s Lorenzo nauegando Viento apopa denoche vimos Vna lo
yera grande la qual debia el piloto que era estrella mas el Maestre
por quien espiró el senor mando lançar el plomo y ballo. Estauamos
sobre Vna reslinga, o roca y si tardaramos la quarta parte de media
hora nos Ouiramos de haber enpedacos y perdíxamos todos. Na
uegando a delante entre otras yslas donde estaua vna nao perdida nos
ouieramos de perder por q yuamos derechos para ellas y no las viamos
por que nos lo Ompedia vna nie mas el senor q nos giua nos mostro
el quebrar delas ondas en las penas expandens nubem suam Inprotekte
nobri y desta manera muy prosperos llegamos a Maranbiq sin q senos
moriese persona alguna. gras a? mo senor Ouo siempre mucha diligencia
en la cura delos Enfermos y fuero visitados en todo el camino de
mucha Charidad y en la costa de guinea tuuieron todos los dias poca
camana acuex Rosado con agua de lengua de vaca quando llegamos.
a Macanbiq amonesté en la Vltima predicacio del ano q socorriesen a
los pobres del Hospital q eran casi ciento y veinte con Algunas Limosnas
y q nos las pediriamas dieron nos conservas y melmeladas y harina. Le
gumbres y otras cosas q no abia en la tra q Valdria poco a dedies mil
mesd con esto nos fuimos al hospital adonde estando nos lleuaron mas
limosnas asi dedi como de conservas y sesto socorro no tuuieran los
Enfermos padeçieron grande detimiento por q en la tra no abia
dels a? a ninguna ni dinero del Rey sino serendicia vnpalmar
Fernando de sosa capitan tenia para qro el qual dela nao nos
quisiera lleuar para su casa y nos otros agradeciendosels mucho y a?
pondimos q nra casa era Cacaba dedir como el spital adonde luego nos
lleuo faziendonos muy buen tratan? y mandonos en mucha abundan
ciã do lo q nos era necesario y bimos entregar al hospital contodo Diger
aua com amayor domos Tambien el vicario nos Recebio co mucha
{{PAGE:5}}
[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Charidad amonestandonos & nos guardaremos del contagio de los dolientes por que auiá alli todas las enfermedades contagiosas & leyandonos con el padre Maestro Fr. q desto estuuiera a la much en el mesmo hospital, mas el señor protector no fui, el padre melchior q tenia cargo de confesar & visitar los enfermos. el padre Baltasar & Don Juan P. tenian cargo de repartir el comer conforme a lo q el medico mandaua, muy oficios fue my principal Entendiendo en todas las cosas q podia, asi desconfesiones como de estar de noche con los enfermos & acompanarlos en el paso de la muerte por q eran tantos los q morian & q amy tercio, cabian tres & quatro en el articulo de la muerte, yales abuscan. Algunas limosnas fuera alas puertas & pedir agua por amor de dios por q no la tenia el capitan por la gente ser mucha, era cozinero boticario & Compradgidor los sermones studiava andando baziendo de comer & de noche Estando con los dolientes hablando a los q morian como a prendj Charipimos Germanos & amortajandolos. Las hermanas de San la Sooreana Vncian Repartiamas tambien las ropas & quedavan delos muertos por los pobres teniamos tantas confesiones continuas q era para dar muchas ygras adios (nro senor) & nung podimos satisfaser a todas, dormiamas entre los dolientes sobre algunas esteras y asi gastamos alli algunas quinbe dias donde ben dito el senor para siempre al amo quien es. En estas sus mercedes nos esforçamos mucho & nos fauorecio de lo qual se espantaua mucho la gente diziendo estos hombres son contratado natural en la paz de defensar ellos vman mejores trabajos, y en lugar de cessa sar gana mayores fuerças no sabian quia dominus fortitud. nra estando asi toda via en el hospital llego lanas spus fuimus luego visitar a los padres dominicos & en elle venian los qua les se esforçaron por nos ayudar y en effecto con mucha charidad nos ayudaron dos dellos el uno es fray ignacio q fue criado de fra germano don leon Enparis y otro con el trabajando y dando de ej ejemplo como muy buenos Religiosos quedamos en estas obras en el sob nos ayuntamos amandonos mucho y tanto q agora ben muchos veez Anso collegio y comiençanfa dos vidas con nos otros y formando a
{{PAGE:6}}
[Page]
26
[Main text]
Do ano de 1543
my proposito queriendonas ya embarcar los enfermos nos importunaron mucho q no los desemparasemos faziendonos muchos Requerimientos de parte de dios q los lleuasemos con nos otras, aviendo piedad dello q. pedi a los capitanes q me quisiesen a yudar para esto y ellos como muy grandes siervos de dios me dixeron q todo lo q yo ordenase harian y q los q estuviesen mas enfermos reciberian y curarian muy bien, asi q a quella noche tome una barca llena de enfermos repartidos por las naos, y al otro dia se truxe los q mas quedauan no dexando sino solamente los q en ninguna manera parecia q no se podia bolir con ellos y delos q mas dolientes estauan quiso tomar manuel de macedo principal Capitan de la primera armada obra de veje en su nao fueron todos curados hasta la yndia co mucha diligencia y proueydos de todo lo necesario puesto q muy pocas cosas me dieron pa ellos en td por q no lo auia, demanera q pluo anio senos q no vieron muy pocas y esos muy bien, llegamos a la yndia a 4 desetiembre partiendo de lisbona a x6j de marzo, de manera q fue nauegacion de cinqo meses quitando los dias q estuui mos en mancabiq. El padre M. franc estando en goa de camino para el cabo de comorim oyendo nuevas delos otros por unos nauios de macanbiq que quando alla estauamos partieron primero q nra armada quisonos esperar pormos ver y saber nuevas de la compania antes q se fuese, tanto q los naos an coxaran mandonos visitar con muchos refrefos y que luego nos fuesemos q tenia muchos deseos de nos ver bisi mos lo asy y cierto Germanos mios charisimos q no se puede dexir el alegria q alli sentimos en nosos spus ni comprobe zer la charidad q vi enel padre Maestro fr. y como q rificaua adios oyendo y hallando enel fruto q el senor por medio desta compania labia en esse Reino como en todas las otras partes de los mas padres y Germanos n bos lo se dezir sino q son afegidos del s. y q cada hora me confuden, mandome el p. machio fr. aparejar para el dia de nra senora desetiembre que predicase en san pablo y en caxgoma
{{PAGE:7}}
[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
mucho q' hablase alto y siendo mucha layente por las nuevas
de la mar los fueron dadas de nos otros, fue de manera que
dixo un hombre q' de auno delos nros padres para q' es aca
esta ponçona tambien el padre M fr quedo descontento porq'
muchos no me entendieron por no oyrmme bien partirse enton
ce para Comorin y dexo ordenado q' deschocen la yglesia y
excitase la63 por la saber mas Alta, Sisele asi entanto y los
mos q' a sedaua por satisfechos comence de a si adelante y
predicar y layente agustar delos sermones visitaua tambien a
presos y entendia tambien en otras obras desery de dios q' me a
dauan en casa leya Ona licion de gramatica y otra delos prover
bios y comence a leer las Artes en este medis ag. de adubre llego el
Doctor Antonio gomes q' venia en lanau galega de la qual
teniamos poca esperança por q' defuente de las canarias se apan
fara de nos otros habiendo fuego q' tuvimos por mala señal asi vno
milagrosamente a la India, por q' aerca demacanbiq' veniendo del
apopo dieron en unas baxos muchas vezes siltos el leme fuera do
layente muy desconfiada de se poder salvar salio el padre antonio gomes
con la cabeca q' traya de aqlla santa virgen consolandolos y prouocandolos
q' se encomendasen a dios tomando por intercessora a la santa virgen y
no dexassen de trabajar, quiso el senor por su bondad sacarlos de aquellos
baxos mas no podian meter el timon en ninguna manera y yada fangia
dos dixo el padre , ora sus esta sea la ultima vez en nombre de stabi
gen sagrado y si desta no se pudiese meter ella sin timon no metera en
puerto seguro mchofse fuego el timon de q' dieron muchas gras a dios,
senor, y asi llevaron a Macambi q' fueron se luego derechos al hospital
onde comenzaron atomar otra buena h. con los dolientes que alli estauan qd
Do se embarcaron tambien los truxeron con sigo en la nao y de alli para yoa
se ouieran de perder otra vez ) allonde destos trabajos les sucedio otro mayor
q' fue la falta de los mantenimy con casi toda layente le adolecex allego
abanto los hermanos por q' siempre repartieron de lo q' trayan con los pobres
y fue necesario comprar vino q' casi beuian sin alguna agua y este
fardaran mas x oys 6 dias perdieron se todos, Mesxamos mucho to
dos en el senor y luego dimos quantos aqui estauamos obediencia al
como tenia mandado el Maestro q' entregandole el collar y en
el mismo dia enferme yo y sangraronme dos vezes Tambien adolecio el
melchior Ets y fr. mas luego el senor nos dio salud, fue este dia
{{PAGE:8}}
[Page]
47
[Main text]
Doano de 1547
El padre Antonio visitar el Gouernador y el obpo y los fijos de S. Domingo y san fr. z nos aman todos mucho ordenose q el domingo q venia que fuesen por la cabeza de la virgen; salio de la yglesia mayor una procesion muy solemne en la qual fue el gouernador y el obpo con toda la mas gente noble pédio el padre que se hiziese con mucha edificacion de todos y al otro domingo seg. q era dia de las onze mil virgines hibimos otra vez la fiesta a esta virgen predico tambien el q. fue co mucho fervor y movio mucho la gente fue tanta la deuision q hasta aora le queda q venieron muchos a ofrecerse a la cabeza—el domingo q. fuimos misa nueva del padre caltesar Gayo predico antes de la misa predico antes de la misa auicndo tanta gente q no cabia en los soportales y tambien ocupauan las claustras, En la misa tambien vuo vn breve sermón del Doctor Antonio padre de algunos puntos muy deuotos segundo no fue dicho por q yo no le oy q fuy apredicar a otra yglesia, Comencando ya mas la deuocion en la gente se nos aumentauan tambien los trabajos aq. on confesiones q eran muy continuas como en resoluciones de casos de satisfacer a las preguntas como tambien en predicaçiones q. nos pedian q lo menos q yo agora cada q. predico son tres o quatro vezes en la mesa del gouernador donde pareció q. sebaria mucho seruicio a dir como en effet. se haze al lunes y miercoles y viernes en otras yglesias en los mismos dias y en otros tambien continuo mis sermones y algunos dias pdo el dia se me pasa en predicar allende de los sermones q el doctor Antonio sabe y no pueden seruarnos por las ocupaciones q tiene en estos nuestros negocios mas Importante q lesocurren) en la carcel se hizieron dos ordinariamente cada noche letanias y esta constituido entre ellos quien represendera los juramentos y amonestara delos yerros publicos (bemos ben dito sea el señor para siempre mucho fruto enpos dia de grandes y muchos testimonios, penitentes deuociones muchas de vida y de muchas personas de caja de un enfermo q estaba en palamento con el qual fuy a estar dos pues q lo offrece y estuue con el q. me parecio necesario y saliendo me salio un hombre honrado y muy bieo tan mouido que se vino para mi q. de pusié de todas sus asinadas como me pareciese seruicio de dios por q no tenia hija ni hija q que queria sufrar solamente la saluacion de su alma confesse el y su muger como luego cargo de proueçiones q. va muy bien con sus cosas bendito sea el señor para siempre de vna predicacion se me lomio con muy grande contricion a pedir q por amor de Jesus le diese remedio para se salvar por q muchos tpo estuuiera lançado con los moros q.
{{PAGE:9}}
[Title]
Cartas da India
[Main text]
y queria haber desus pecados toda la penitencia que icidiese; Un cavallero me edifico vn dia en gran manera, el qual preuiniendome quanto cuman caua el senor de su amor a vn hombre perfecto, dize algunos exemplos de la sagrada scriptura, de los effedos q el amor dedios sabia fue tanto el mouimiento enel que me marauillo, por que siendo casado no lo podia quitar de mortificaciones publicas que queria fazer diziedo q por amor desudios y senor no era mucho salir hombre fuera desu seso pusese con se querer confesar luego cada dia y fiso confesar su cava y tiene tanto cuidado y diligencia en disponer su alma para + Onfundir enella el amor dedios que espero que sera Vn grandisimo suyo + otro de otra predicacion que seria de edad de xxx6 anos, su fio contanta contricion que era marauilla Dixome luego q en toda su vida creyera en Jesu x y que el senor le diera conocimiento desus yexos y que se yria confesar mas q primero determinaua de fazer alli alguna penitencia, pediome vnas deciplinas, y dixelas y atormen tose tanto tantas vezes y entanta manera que me habia temersipe luxaria y estuue para limitarle la penitencia otros mouimientos Qus asi notables de personas q abra muchos anos q estauan en pecado mortal y uno q diez anos se lechaua con los moros no los las particulario por q escora muy larga sabed q el senor obra estas Cosas por nos para q nos confundamas y au' conseriendo y crecen mas obligaciones o bremos por el continuando asi estos y otros ex ercicios conformes anro Instituto supe q me oya en la carcel el principal de los Bramenes destaxa e igual se llama locu y segun Dizen Aparece q vna de las principales cabezas de la Gentilidad en Controle Vndia acompañado de muchos bramenes y otras y con el On bio decixfa diome no serbr animo para los acometer dis putamos largamente desulej y prouele algunas cosas de lana legel. deseaua q le prouase, dize algunas comparaciones y raciones natura les asumado y finalmente despues de los aber muchas beses venido les dixe algunas cosas Rogandoles q pensasen ellas y pedixe (anno senor q les alumbrase el entendim y les diese a entender q + confeix la Verdad para la seguir alguna escola sia algunos el bio de orifha demij mas al locu falle mas prompto A qual de alli a dos dias mandodesir al Doctor antonio somos que queria ser christian
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[Heading]
DO ANO DE 1543
[Main text]
En comendamosle al senor dandole gras por este movimiento pidiendole que se la confirmase y fuimos luego alla y hablando con el padre Anmigones se puso en sus manos pidiendole agua de bautismo diziendole que le ayudase a salvar su Alma y que plamele la salvacion della le movia a ser cristiano y que no pareciere y pensando que lo podia soltar Ni Aotrascas sar tenia recebido por gento do querria que se guardase justicia fue el p. antegonador desto cuenta al gouernador y apedirle que soltase el qual le concedio y lleuamoslo luego para el Collegio donde en 3 dias aprendio lo que era necesario para le dar agua de bautismo y en quanto alli se estaua aparejando nos mando el p. Anmigones atres poco cada vno El fuyeron estos yras Germanos canaris para entender en la conuersion de sus almas conuertierense tres vn sobrino del sue y otro hombre principe entre ellos ordenase su bautismo dentro de vno collegio vn domingo con vna misa muy solemne y sermon fue el gouernador el padrino y el qual los bautizo pusieron nombre abscu lucas desa y asu mi ger dona isabel y asu sobrino don Antonio, lleuaronlos a cavallo acompañados de muy gran gente y aquy auia y tambien muchos bramenes acasa las campanas de las iglesias las calles muy enramadas y por ellas puestos muchos palmas de la manera que se pone los pinas en el Pascio de bisbona el dia de la resureccion, duro la fiesta toda vna semana para gloria del senor desia las gentiles que pues el padre setornaua Christianos los hijos caballos en su cuerpo, espero en Jesu chro nro senor que toda esta isla muy presto sera conuertida. Aviso el gouernador a este hro mucho Germano dios fanadar mayor es vna mayor gran dignidad entre ellos este wou era hombre muy prospero tenia cada ano renta de 6000 pardas era muy acepto a los portugueses basiales muchas buenos obros tan liberal que estimaua en muy poca quitar mil pardas, goaua muy abo del suyo en limosnas y vna de las cosas por que mparce que dios se auerdo del era su buen aso cosas, agora despues de su version cada dia tenemos cathecumenos para bautismo y bautizamos y muchos, andando nos en estos conuertaciones y gozando de los mercedes del senor se nos criesta ciudad (pera muestro el p. mfr. diziendo generos de muerte crueles y ladieron sido esta nueua mucho senting en los debotos y atatice que son casi todos queriendo algunos buscar su
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[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Cierpo para lo canonizar diziendo q aun q los costase 300 de lo quen
debaser dixerannar algunas milagros q afirman q hizo los quales a
Enmbre q nos esto sea cosa desta qualidad no os los digo aqui ni
meparece q cosa para nos hablar en ella sino para dar muchas
gracias al senor puesto el bien cesugo y del procede nos otros.
Con todo trabajamos siempre por nos q forcar no dexando modo
do de proceder puesto que mucho sentamos la falta que podia ha
ber en estas partes mas el senor luego nos mando consolar y
Visitar estos sus siervos por el padre capriano y manuel demar
ley q venieron del cabo de amarin, donde dexaron el padre
M fr al qual fue alla refevido de aquellos spanos dela
fra sin grandisima alegria y fiesta lecando ropas por dond
auna deposar y q lo lleuaron En las brasas ala Iglea y daxa
pso tps nos horno aver y luego se fue para Cozin esperamos q
avre q fin defuer por q tenemos por cierto q fra a Japon
desta gente demanera onte meparece q el culto q se hiziere
se conservara mas facilmente por q tienen mejor juizio q no
mas capaces q los desta costa dela India, Oms aguere el
padre M francisco Enrrexijo del Oga alla tunisep medios
aprendio aqui en el Collegio la estade lofe y leon y furen
En b. mafes tambien q esparcidos xidos al senor despues q
Estamos fueron Recibidos palacompania algunas personas
de muy buenas partes y q a tienen mostrado quando verdad
se determinaron dellos me parece q no conoscereis alla mas q dos
Uno dellos q andres de Carvallo hijo del Capitan de Alcacar y el
hio q don Diego hijo de don felipe lobo andan al tps q esta (bajo
mas de veynte que piden q los Refician si algunos probaron am
el necesario recebirlosan no tienen letras por q aca no oy sino que
busq Riqueza temporal plazera al senor q los bara tan ricos de subien
agia que entendiendo quan poco vale lo q pretenden desprecien todo
por su amor y se dispongan avocidaderamente seguir q buscar a ths
lo qual fueron criados, tenéis hros mios otros hermanos repartidos por
muchas partes, y muy separados. Onas delectos tienen mucho trabajo
que mas tambien empleados y con tantas anfoliciones en ellos q sola la
suavidad q sofierte llebe ninouma qual quiera dificultad y mas a
cordarse lombre del amor con q toda su vida paso en excesiuo
Aquel Han benignamente esta pogdad (nra en quanto nra la pdemos
llamar reficie para ambienes eternos nos la Remunerar La consider
aun destos estos enstrepardes y a disescade ala q alla en vved cu
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[Page]
Doano de 1548
[Main text]
bienos y quietud tencis y no se puede saber comparacion toca el senor sea
de otra manera y mas no se pasa todo en deseo. Venid Germanos mis venid
y la sangre de nro buen Jesu y derramo por estas almas da boces
por vos otros con grandisimos gritos y no se como no sienten estos
todos los Oparticipan de su ley y era que verdaderamente Br
mis dulcisimos nos os lo puedo decir sin grandedor de my alma
nos otros somos poca parte Estamos aqui en una parte enel cabo de co
morin y algunos en Cochroa otros en Blan otros en Malaca
otros tambien En Malues y aon agora se deuiden mas tenemos siem
pre mucha necesidad de vras oraciones y go tanta como ellos bien
saben pues tan particularmente me comunicastes y conosceis no creo q
os oluidareis nunca de noso por q la charidad con q nos amamos
no lo consentira Jesu Obro mo Redemptor sea siempre en vras almas
con todos Amen desde collegio de s pablo en Goa a 13 de deziembre de 1548.
[Signature]
Losabrois a 13 de dezembro de 1548.
[translation]
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24
[Marginalia — top left]
Year 1578. 17 April.
10 April 1578. 17 April.
10 April.
Baltasar Yano, p. 11, h. 1, p. 11, no. 1, p. 11.
17 April.
10 April 1578.
Baltasar Yano, p. 11, h. 1, p. 11, no. 1, p. 11.
[Stamp — top centre]
*Cartas da Índia* [‘Letters from India’: official designation for correspondence dispatched from Portuguese Asia to the metropole]
[Heading]
Letter from Father Gaspar de São Félix of Goa to the Brothers of the College of Jesus in Coimbra, written on 13 December 1578.
[Main text]
*Grace and peace, which surpass all understanding, and the fellowship of the Holy Hope, be ever in the heart. Amen.*
The principal motive prompting me to write this letter was the glory of the blessed name of Jesus the Saviour—not that I imagined our brethren, having been apprised thereby of the mercies which He, in His boundless goodness, had vouchsafed to bestow upon us, His unworthy instruments, would render Him abundant thanks and prayers. Yet I am confident, most beloved brethren, that your intercessions were not wanting; indeed, much of what you shall read herein proceeded from them. For it is manifestly clear that no work accomplished within our household proceeds from any source other than the Lord, Giver of all good things; to Him alone be glory and honour unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having departed Belém with our brethren, we were distributed between two vessels: Father Melchior González, Father Baltasar Yano, Brother João Bernández, Brother Darseto, and myself aboard the *São Pedro*, the flagship; while Dr António Gomes, Father Paulo del Valle, Brother Francisco González, Brother Manuel Dab, and Brother Flores sailed aboard the *Nau Galega*.
Father Melchior was appointed Rector of the *São Pedro*—a charge under whose prudent governance the Lord conferred upon us many signal favours, by virtue of his exemplary virtues (*‘Embi Auen minimo maximas’*: ‘He sends greatest gifts through the humblest instruments’). Captain of this vessel was João de Mendoza. Through inadvertence, we had failed to speak with him prior to his boarding; thus, upon entering the ship, we sought an audience, so that he might have some knowledge of our presence and purpose. He proved a most virtuous and affectionate man, who holds us in deep regard.
Upon boarding the *São Pedro*, we observed a considerable number of people aboard—many of them lavishly attired—and, as I judged, some four hundred gentlemen, courtiers, and chamber pages of the King. This sight at once aroused in me a certain misgiving, for it seemed unlikely that spiritual fruit could be borne among such company. Yet, not knowing how matters would unfold, we resolved to proceed, guided by report and rumour; and, indeed, on the following day—having learned that the captain intended to hold a formal muster—we approached him to propose that, each evening, the Litany, sermons, and the *Dobrina* (a devotional exercise combining psalmody and instruction) should be conducted, with the crew’s participation. This measure proved highly beneficial: the men responded with marked devotion and discipline.
In the interim, however, all my confrères suffered severe seasickness; several were so afflicted as to be unable even to eat. Moreover, there was no one aboard to prepare food for us over the galley fire. Consequently, I was obliged to take up the cooking-pot myself—a task I performed for several days. In this office, I received neither courtesy nor assistance; and when, having left the galley, I was struck across the face by the ship’s boys (*grumetes*), I endured it without protest. The galley was suffocatingly hot and smoky; I saw scarcely anything amid the fumes. Having persevered in this duty for some days, I then descended to assist in the preparation of meals below decks—where again I laboured without respite or recognition.
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[Page]
47
[Heading]
From the year 1547
[Main text]
The brothers were permitted to partake of food, for on occasion my cooking pot was missing, on others it was broken, and yet again it was overturned—so that I could not manage with them. When this situation came to the attention of a most honourable and well-born knight, who took great concern for us, he dispatched one of his own enslaved servants to prepare our meals, thereby enabling us more readily to devote ourselves to spiritual exercise. From that point onward, I began to esteem all feast days—and especially the works of mercy—more highly; and on many days of the week, I would recite the *Pater Noster* repeatedly, adding further devotional repetitions beyond the prescribed number. Moreover, we diligently practised private confession and mutual spiritual exhortation—a discipline we deemed indispensable, given the large number of women aboard the vessel. Indeed, we had resolved to petition the captain to disembark them at the earliest opportunity should we anchor anywhere along the route.
We distributed to the poor all the provisions we carried for the voyage to India—generously and without reserve—and offered fervent supplication to Our Lord, such that our devotion appeared almost miraculous. One man, who had joined the expedition at the behest of the Company (having been ‘ground down’, as it were, by its demands), was so struck by what he witnessed that he expressed profound astonishment. He was received by Father Master Mendes, who served as spiritual director.
Thus did we sail under exceptionally favourable winds until reaching the Guinea Coast, encountering very few calms. The edification wrought among the crew and passengers aboard the ship was extraordinary: those who had previously been unruly, given to drunkenness and lewd conduct, became remarkably gentle and compliant. They freely offered all they possessed—both for the relief of the poor and for our own sustenance. So great was the trust placed in us, both by high and low alike, that no one failed to seek our counsel—not only in matters of conscience, but also in all other perplexing questions and difficult moral cases, referring them to us as if to judges.
Sermons were preached regularly aboard the vessel, for the company was numerous and spiritually prepared. Immediately upon concluding each homily, I hastened to attend the sick, which prompted the captain himself to summon me to his cabin. There he admonished me—on behalf of God—exhorting me to deeper spiritual vigilance, and many others likewise desired such conversation with me. In these exchanges, he would often spend time discussing theological matters, particularly the Psalms and other sacred texts, and frequently made confession—repeating it often, with evident sincerity. He consistently gave copious alms to the poor, and also bestowed gifts upon others whom we recommended; indeed, he earnestly wished to share with us all the preserved foods and provisions he carried—though we had brought none of these ourselves. Yet I always declined, affirming that the ship’s established regimen, together with the modest supplies we ourselves carried, sufficed entirely for our needs.
Such practices—and others like them—greatly confounded the brothers, who stood in awe of the immense labours undertaken on behalf of the poor: washing basins, tending the infirm, and performing other menial tasks. At length, the captain approached me and asked—astonished—how one might attain salvation amid such comforts: fine chambers, delicate fare, and the absence of penitential discipline—whereas we, by contrast, sought heavenly glory through arduous toil. Finally, he offered to place the entire governance of the ship under my authority, entrusting me with full discretion over arrests, releases, and all administrative decisions—stating explicitly that he would abide entirely by my judgement in every matter. In my view, this extraordinary gesture arose from certain particular incidents involving myself and the brothers, which had led to our being summoned before the ship’s authorities and ultimately to the establishment of a formal disciplinary regime aboard—designed both to correct the misconduct of certain individuals on board and to ensure the safety and good order of the entire company.
[Marginalia — right]
*
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
With the prisoners aboard the ship following the wedding ceremony, I undertook the Spiritual Exercises of the First Week. Thereafter, I began to demonstrate—unceasingly—how the Lord’s grace was communicated to me, speaking constantly of God and ministering to the afflicted poor until our arrival in India, beyond which I celebrated Mass and distributed alms to all the king’s servants.
Alas! With good hope we encountered two very severe storms. In the first—which lasted only a short time—few people were drenched; thereupon I preached to them several times on the story of Jonah, since this passage exhorted us *in tempests, “cast me into the sea”* (Jonah 1:12), instructing them how they ought to comport themselves during the storm, both before the Lord and within themselves. I encouraged them to labour diligently at their tasks aboard the vessel, urging that—lest we be lost through negligence—they refrain from crying out for mercy with loud, frantic voices, so as not to dishearten others, but rather, inwardly and mentally, to implore the Lord’s aid with steadfast composure and without outward signs of fear.
The second storm was far more violent: while we were endeavouring to round the Cape, it persisted for nearly twenty days. One evening, near the Cape, we miraculously struck bottom—measured by sounding-line and lead—and the tempest raged for almost three days. It was so fierce that the Master and Pilot declared they had never before witnessed its like. The ship was wholly overwhelmed; such torrents of water poured in that all aboard believed ourselves doomed. The men stood paralysed, not knowing where to turn, resigned only to awaiting death. At that moment, one man came rushing to me urgently requesting confession. I heard him lying on the deck, leaning against the bulwark, and briefly absolved him—so imminent was the peril, and so close to death did I feel myself to be. This confession proved a great service to the Lord: the man, a physician, affirmed that we were all already dead, save for divine intervention. Upon hearing this, I immediately informed my fellow Jesuits, lest they remain unaware; then hastened up on deck, where I found all the crew utterly transfixed—already prepared to die. I commanded them to offer themselves to God, assuring them they need fear nothing; and they turned to me as though my person held the promise of salvation for the morrow. Strengthening them thus, we blessed the sea and the waters, and the wind, as is customary, reciting the Litany and the Seven Penitential Psalms. So resolute did the men become that one might have thought them another company of the Custodians of God—the bearers of the Crucifix.
Thereupon the Captain entreated me to stand at the compass (the *aguja*) so that, together with him, I might encourage the remaining crew at the helm, delegating tasks to others. The helmsman laboured strenuously at the tiller; all this transpired during the darkest hour of night. Never had men beheld so terrifying a tempest—save, perhaps, those condemned to Hell. Throughout that night, the Jesuit brothers remained in continuous prayer; meanwhile, the Captain swore oaths at the sea from the quarterdeck, where the Pilot and Master were stationed, blessing each wave as it broke upon the vessel. And with every breaking wave, they made the sign of the Cross three times, saying: *“Spiritus Sanctus vincit, Spiritus Sanctus regnat, Spiritus Sanctus imperat. Spiritus Sanctus ab omni malo nos defendat.”* (*The Holy Spirit conquers, the Holy Spirit reigns, the Holy Spirit commands. May the Holy Spirit defend us from all evil.*) This greatly consoled the crew—not only that night, but also in the many mysteries of the Lord revealed therein. Henceforth, I desired no further meditation—neither upon death nor upon Hell or the Last Judgement—for myself or for my brethren; for they derived great spiritual benefit therefrom: each received his due share of the exercise of patience amid temptation, and of humility in the face of pride. Indeed, amidst these trials, I admonished the Pilot not to slacken his vigilance, for a sudden squall—nearly overwhelming—struck us from astern, killing many aboard and striking down those stationed at the helm. At that moment, none could imagine any power greater than the Lord’s—and yet He willed not that we should perish, but rather that we should persevere.
**Marginalia — left**
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[Page]
45
[Heading]
Of the Year 1547
[Main text]
We gave thanks to God for our deliverance from this storm. During it, I administered the sacrament of confession to the women aboard; among them was one woman here present—whom, for many days, I had been unable to persuade to confess or to renounce her former immoral conduct. Yet on one occasion, she placed her hands upon me in such a manner that she nearly overpowered me. In the midst of this tempest, she declared: ‘Since you are leading us on a path that will cause us to perish, I shall prepare myself for confession before descending into Hell.’ Thereupon—and with heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God—she made her confession.
While sailing before the wind (i.e., *apopá*, or stern-on) during the night off the islands of São Lourenço, we sighted a large light, which the pilot judged to be a star; yet the master—through whom the Lord wrought His will—ordered the sounding-line to be cast, and it struck bottom. We were lying directly over a submerged reef—or rocky shoal—and had we delayed but a quarter of an hour, we would certainly have been dashed to pieces and all perished.
Sailing onward amongst other islands, we narrowly avoided foundering upon a wrecked vessel lying hidden there; for we were bearing straight towards it, yet could not see it owing to dense fog. But the Lord, who guides us, revealed its presence to us by showing us the breaking of the waves against the rocks—‘He spreadeth out His cloud upon the sea’ (*Psalm 104:3)*—and thus, under divine protection, we arrived safely and prosperously at Malindi (Maranbiq), without the loss of a single life.
Throughout the voyage, I exercised great diligence in caring for the sick, who were visited daily with abundant charity. Along the coast of Guinea, they received each day only scant rations—chiefly *rosado* (a type of salted meat) and water infused with cow’s-tongue herb (*Lippia citriodora*, known locally as *língua de vaca*). Upon reaching Malindi, I exhorted the congregation in my final sermon of the year to assist the poor patients of the hospital—nearly one hundred and twenty in number—with alms. In response, they presented us with preserves, fruit conserves (*marmeladas*), flour, dried fruits (*legumbres*), and other provisions not available on board—goods valued, as estimated, at some ten thousand *réis*. With these supplies, we proceeded to the hospital.
There, even more alms were brought to us—both monetary donations and further conserved provisions. Had this assistance not been forthcoming, the sick would have suffered extreme privation, for the ship carried neither victuals nor royal funds—only the personal stores of Captain Fernando de Sosa, who offered to take us to his residence. We expressed our profound gratitude to him, but respectfully declined, explaining that our proper abode was the hospital (*Casa da Cacaba*, i.e., the Hospital of St. James—the Portuguese name for the hospital in Malindi, derived from *Casa de São Tiago* or *Casa da Cacaba*, a local toponymic variant). He accordingly escorted us there, treating us with exceptional kindness and placing us under generous provision—supplying abundantly all that we required. We likewise observed the hospital’s steward (*diger*, i.e., *degredado* or appointed administrator) distributing water and other necessities to the patients with due care and compassion. Moreover, the vicar received us with marked warmth and hospitality.
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
Charity admonished us—and we took care to guard ourselves against infection from the sick, for all contagious diseases were present there. We read aloud with Father Master Fr. [name redacted], who was greatly occupied with this matter in the same hospital; however, the Lord Protector did not attend. Father Melchior, who had responsibility for hearing confessions and visiting the sick, did so diligently. Fathers Baltasar and Don Juan P. were entrusted with distributing food according to the physician’s instructions. My own service was especially zealous: I applied myself principally to all duties within my capacity—both hearing confessions and keeping vigil at night with the sick, accompanying them through the final passage of death; for so many were dying that, at times, three or four lay simultaneously in extremis, requiring our immediate attention. Some begged alms at the gates and asked for water *pro amore Dei*, as the captain had none to spare—the population being so large—and he himself served as cook, apothecary, and purveyor. I studied sermons while preparing meals, and at night, while tending the sick, I spoke to those nearing death, instructing them in charity, calling them ‘brothers’ in Christ, and shrouding their bodies after death.
The Sisters of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucía), Vincentian nuns, likewise distributed clothing taken from the deceased for the use of the poor. We had so many continuous confessions that it seemed we could offer countless ‘*Ave Maria*s’ and ‘*Domine non sum dignus*’s (‘Lord, I am not worthy’)—yet we were utterly unable to satisfy all demands. We slept among the sick, lying upon simple mats; thus we spent some fifteen days in that place, ever praising the Lord, blessed be His name forever, Who is Master of all.
Through these graces, the Lord strengthened us greatly and favoured us abundantly—so much so that the local people stood in astonishment, saying: ‘These men are truly contracted by nature to peace, yet they willingly undertake greater labours than others; rather than seeking rest, they gain increased strength—though they know not that *Dominus fortitudinis* (“the Lord is our strength”)’.
While we remained thus in the hospital, news arrived of the arrival of the *lanas* [a term likely denoting a ship or convoy—possibly a corruption of *naus* or *náos*, i.e., vessels; cf. Portuguese *naus da Índia*]; we immediately visited the Dominican fathers, who came to us and exerted themselves wholeheartedly to assist. In practice, two of them rendered us exceptional aid through profound charity: one was Friar Ignacio, formerly a protégé of Friar Germán, Don León, in Paris; the other worked alongside him, setting an exemplary standard of religious devotion. Through such works, we remained united in fraternal affection—loving one another so deeply that many now frequently visit our college, begin living a more disciplined spiritual life alongside us, and join us in forming a common religious life.
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From the year 1543
My intention had been to embark the sick aboard ship without delay; yet they importuned us greatly not to abandon them, making repeated entreaties—on behalf of God Himself—that we take them with us. Moved by compassion for their condition, I petitioned the captains to assist me in this matter. They, being devout and deeply committed servants of God, assured me that they would carry out whatever orders I gave, and pledged that those most severely ill would be received and cared for with particular diligence. Accordingly, that same night I dispatched a boat laden with the sick, distributed across the several vessels of the fleet. The following day, the remaining patients were brought aboard, leaving behind only those whose condition appeared so grave that it was deemed impossible—under any circumstances—to convey them safely. Among the gravest cases, Manuel de Macedo, principal captain of the first armada (a man of advanced years), took aboard several on his own vessel; all of these individuals recovered fully en route to India, owing to his assiduous care and the provision of all necessary medical supplies—though very few such provisions had been furnished to us in Lisbon, as they were simply unavailable there. Thus, throughout the voyage, our patients suffered scarcely any fatalities; indeed, only a handful died, and even these received exemplary care. We arrived in India on 4 September, having departed Lisbon on 16 March—making the total duration of the voyage five months, excluding the days spent at Mombasa (Manca-biq).
Father Mestre Francisco (Fr. M. Franciscus), while residing in Goa en route to the Cape of Comorin, learned of our arrival from certain vessels out of Mombasa. These ships had departed Mombasa before our fleet and had deliberately waited for us—both to see us and to obtain news of our Company before proceeding further—so much so that they sent messengers to visit us, bearing many tokens of goodwill, and urging us to hasten our journey, as Father Mestre Francisco expressed an ardent desire to meet us. We complied accordingly. Indeed, my most beloved brethren: words cannot adequately convey the profound joy we experienced upon reuniting with our confreres, nor can I sufficiently attest to the extraordinary charity I witnessed in Father Mestre Francisco—how he seemed almost to shed tears of farewell, even as he rejoiced, perceiving the spiritual fruit which Our Lord was bringing forth through this Company in that kingdom, just as He had done—and continues to do—through the other Fathers and Brothers throughout the Indies. I cannot describe them otherwise than as men wholly devoted to the Lord; each hour, they deepen my own sense of humility and conviction. Father Machio Francisco then instructed me to prepare a sermon for the Feast of Our Lady of September (i.e., the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8 September), to be delivered at the Church of São Paulo and at Caxemba (Caxgoma).
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
Much was spoken aloud, and—as news arrived from the sea—the crowd was large. These tidings were conveyed to us by others; yet the matter unfolded in such a manner that one man declared: *‘One of our Fathers has already arrived here—this very poison [i.e., affliction or trial] has also befallen Father M. Fr. [i.e., Father Manuel Frutuoso?], who became deeply disheartened, since many failed to understand him, owing to their inability to hear him clearly.’* Thereupon he departed for Cape Comorin, leaving instructions that the church be dismantled and that the *excitatio* [lit. ‘stirring up’; here: spiritual arousal or catechetical instruction] be intensified—so as to impart the loftiest truths of the faith. If this course were followed, meanwhile, and those present declared themselves satisfied, he resolved thenceforth to preach regularly; the laity responded favourably to his sermons. He likewise visited prisoners and engaged in other works of divine service entrusted to him. At home, he studied a lesson in grammar and another from the Book of Proverbs, and began reading the *Artes* [i.e., the standard Jesuit curriculum of logic, rhetoric, and philosophy, often referring to the *Ratio Studiorum* or its precursors].
In mid-October, Dr Antonio Gomes arrived aboard the galleon *Nau Galega*, from which we had entertained scant hope—since, having departed from the Canary Islands, she had been long separated from our fleet, and the outbreak of fire aboard had struck us as an ill omen. Yet, miraculously, she reached India: while approaching Macau (then commonly called *Macambi*), she ran aground repeatedly upon shoals near Apopo, the rudder becoming wholly unresponsive. The crew, utterly despairing of survival, were consoled by Father António Gomes, who emerged holding the image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and exhorted them to commend themselves to God, taking the Blessed Virgin as their intercessor—and not to cease their efforts. By His mercy, the Lord delivered them from those shallows; yet the rudder remained immovable in any position. As the vessel sank deeper into the mud—two fathoms deep—the Father cried aloud: *‘Now may this be the last time! In the name of the Most Holy Virgin, if She cannot bring us safely into port without a rudder, then no rudder shall ever bring us into safe harbour!’* Immediately thereafter, the rudder broke free—whereupon all raised fervent thanks to God, the Lord. They were thus conveyed to Macau, where they proceeded directly to the hospital and commenced tending diligently to the sick therein. Those convalescents who were able also embarked with them aboard the ship—and it was feared they might founder once more en route to Goa. Indeed, at that very juncture, a further and graver trial befell them: a severe shortage of provisions, affecting nearly the entire crew and passengers. The Brothers, ever mindful of their duty, distributed among the poor all that they themselves had brought; consequently, it became necessary to purchase wine—of which they drank almost undiluted, with scarcely any water. This privation endured for six days, during which all fell gravely ill. We placed our complete trust in the Lord and, forthwith, all of us present rendered obedience to the Superior, as commanded by the Master [i.e., the Jesuit Provincial or Rector], delivering to him the chain of office [i.e., the symbolic collar denoting authority]. On that same day, I myself fell ill and was bled twice. Melchior Ets and Brother [—] likewise fell sick; yet the Lord soon restored us all to health. This occurred on [date unspecified].
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[Page]
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**Donation of 1547**
Father António visited the Governor and the Bishop, as well as the friars of the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Franciscans. All held us in great affection. It was resolved that the following Sunday the procession should be held in honour of the Head of the Virgin. A most solemn procession issued from the cathedral church, in which the Governor and the Bishop participated, accompanied by the greater part of the nobility. Father António requested that it be conducted in such a manner as to afford profound edification to all present.
The following Sunday—being the feast day of the Eleven Thousand Virgins—another celebration was again held in honour of this same Virgin. Father António preached on that occasion with great fervour, moving the congregation deeply; so great was the devotion thus aroused that its effects endure to this day: many came forward to offer themselves to the cult of the Head of the Virgin.
On the Sunday when the new Mass was celebrated for Father Caltesar Gayo, he preached before Mass. So large was the congregation that the cloister arcades could not contain them; indeed, the cloisters themselves were also fully occupied. During the Mass, Dr Antonio delivered a brief sermon—touching upon several highly devotional points—but I did not hear it myself, having been sent to preach at another church.
As popular devotion began to increase, so too did our pastoral labours intensify: these included frequent confessions (conducted almost continuously), the resolution of difficult cases of conscience, responses to complex theological and moral questions, and numerous preaching engagements. At the very least—and this is my own experience—I now preach three or four times each week at the Governor’s table, where it appeared that such ministry would render considerable service; and indeed, it does. Similarly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I deliver sermons in other churches on those same days—and on additional days besides. My preaching schedule has thus become continuous. On certain days, I devote the entire day to preaching, apart from the sermons delivered by Dr Antonio, who—though eminently learned—is unable to assist us in this regard owing to the weightier administrative and ecclesiastical responsibilities incumbent upon him in connection with our most pressing colonial affairs.
In the prison, two sets of litanies are recited nightly, as a matter of regular practice. Moreover, an inmate has been formally appointed among the prisoners to lead the recitation of oaths and to admonish others publicly concerning their transgressions.
We have witnessed—blessed be the Lord for ever—abundant spiritual fruit: numerous conversions, deep penitential dispositions, marked improvements in moral conduct, and sincere devotions evinced by persons of all social ranks—including one gravely ill man confined to his sickbed, whom I visited twice at his own request. I remained with him for as long as I judged necessary. Upon leaving, a respected and elderly gentleman approached me, so deeply moved that he came directly to me and placed himself entirely at my disposal—offering all his worldly possessions—as he perceived this to be serviceable to God. He had neither son nor daughter, and sought only the salvation of his soul. He and his wife both made confession; and he immediately undertook provisions for his spiritual welfare, which proceed most satisfactorily. Blessed be the Lord for ever.
From one particular sermon, a man was so seized with profound contrition that he urgently entreated me—out of love for Jesus Christ—to provide him with spiritual remedy for his salvation; for many years he had lived among the Moors.
{{PAGE:9}}
**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
And he desired to undergo full penance for all his sins. One day, a gentleman greatly edified me: having first explained to me the profound depth of the Lord’s love for a truly virtuous man, he cited several examples from Holy Scripture illustrating the effects of divine love—so powerful was its impetus that I marvelled. Though married, he could not refrain from undertaking public acts of mortification; declaring that, out of love for Christ and the Lord, it was no great matter for a man to appear momentarily beside himself—so fervent was his devotion. He resolved to confess daily, and indeed had his servant confess also; and he applied such diligent care and spiritual vigilance to preparing his soul to receive and be wholly transformed by the love of God that I confidently hope he will become one of His most distinguished servants.
Another individual—heard in a different sermon—was about thirty-six years of age. His son exhibited such extraordinary contrition that it was astonishing. He told me then that he had never, in all his life, believed in Jesus Christ, but that the Lord had granted him insight into his own sins; and he declared his intention to confess more frequently than before, resolving to undertake some form of penance on the spot. He asked me for disciplines (whips), which I provided; and he scourged himself so repeatedly and with such severity that I feared he might fall into self-inflicted injury—or even into the sin of luxuria—and I therefore felt compelled to restrict the extent of his penitential practice.
Other notable conversions occurred among persons who had long remained in a state of mortal sin: one, for instance, had cohabited with Muslims for ten years. I omit further particulars concerning such cases, as they would render this account excessively lengthy. Be assured that the Lord works these things among us—not for our glory, but that we may be humbled, and that, through reflection and grace, our obligations to Him may deepen still further. Continuing in this manner—and in other exercises consonant with our Institute—I learned that the chief Brahmin of this region, named Locu (so called, according to report), was imprisoned. He appears to have been one of the principal leaders of Gentile religion in the Konkan region of India, accompanied by numerous Brahmins and others. I visited him in prison, and engaged him in extended disputation concerning his beliefs. I presented him with certain arguments drawn from natural reason and from canon law, which he expressed a desire to have demonstrated more fully. He offered several analogies and naturalistic rationales; and finally—after he had visited me on multiple occasions—I addressed him with several doctrinal points, urging him to reflect upon them, and praying to the Lord that He might enlighten his understanding and grant him the grace to recognise and embrace the Truth, so as to follow it faithfully. Some of those present—including one from Orissa—showed signs of receptivity; but Locu proved notably more prompt in his response. Indeed, within two days he sent word to Dr António Soares requesting baptism, declaring his desire to become a Christian.
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[Heading]
Of the Year 1543
[Main text]
We commended him to the Lord, giving thanks for this conversion and petitioning that it be formally confirmed. We proceeded thither immediately; and, upon speaking with Father Antegonés, the man placed himself entirely in the Father’s hands, requesting baptismal water and imploring his assistance in saving his soul. He declared that the prospect of salvation was what moved him to embrace Christianity—and that he would not appear before us again unless he were first released. Believing that he might otherwise escape—or perhaps fearing reprisals—he had already been received among the *gentios* (i.e., non-Christians), and thus we considered it imperative that justice be duly observed in his case. Father Antegonés reported this matter to the Governor and requested his release, which the Governor granted. We then conveyed the man at once to the College, where, within three days, he learned all that was requisite for baptism.
While he remained there preparing for the sacrament, Father Antegonés dispatched three German brethren—Canarians by origin—to minister to the spiritual welfare of their fellow countrymen. Of these, three were converted: one, a nephew of the aforementioned gentleman; and another, a man of princely standing among them. Their baptisms were solemnly administered within the College on a Sunday, during a highly solemn Mass accompanied by a formal sermon. The Governor served as godfather and performed the baptisms. The newly baptised received the Christian names *Abscu Lucas*, *Dona Isabel*, and *Don Antonio*. They were borne on horseback in procession, escorted by a large assembly; many *brāhmaṇas* (Brahmins) also attended, and the church bells rang out continuously. The streets were richly adorned with greenery, and numerous palm fronds were set up along the route—in the manner customary in Lisbon during the Easter *Páscoa* (Paschal) celebrations on the day of the Resurrection. The festivities continued for a full week, to the greater glory of the Lord. Observing these events, the local *gentios* remarked, ‘Since the Father has turned the sons into Christians, he must now turn the horses into Christians too!’ We place our hope in Jesus Christ our Lord that this entire island will soon be fully converted.
The Governor informed this venerable Father that a certain prominent German—*Dios Fanadar*, or *Diofanadar*, as he was styled—held the highest rank among his people. This man was notably prosperous, enjoying an annual income of 6,000 *pardaus* (a Portuguese colonial coin). He was held in high esteem by the Portuguese authorities and was renowned for his exemplary conduct: so generous was he that he regarded the expenditure of one thousand *pardaus* as a trifling sum. He distributed alms liberally from his own resources, and one of the chief reasons why Divine Providence appears to have taken special notice of him was his exceptional kindness and compassion.
Since his conversion, catechumens present themselves daily for baptism, and we administer the sacrament to many. As we labour in these conversions and rejoice in the mercies bestowed upon us by the Lord, news reached us—conveyed by Father M.F.R.—of cruel and violent deaths inflicted upon certain individuals. This intelligence caused profound grief among the devout, and stirred deep anxiety, for nearly all are now eager to seek safety—some even contemplating flight.
{{PAGE:11}}
**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
A body has been assembled for the cause of canonisation, stating that although it may cost 300 [reais], some miracles—affirmed to have been performed by him—must nevertheless be declared. Yet, since this matter is of such a nature, I do not recount those miracles here, nor do I consider it appropriate for us to dwell upon them at length; rather, we ought to render abundant thanks to the Lord for the great good that has ensued—and continues to flow—from his life and works.
Nonetheless, we labour continually on his behalf, leaving no means untried in advancing the cause, though we keenly feel the absence he has left among us in these parts. Yet the Lord swiftly sent consolation and visitation to His servants here through Fathers Capriano and Manuel de Marley, who arrived from the Cape of Amarin—where they had left Father M[?], who was received there with immense joy and festivity by the Spaniards resident in that region. They presented him with garments for vesting, carried him in procession upon their shoulders into the church, and placed him upon the altar; thereafter, he departed for Cochin. We confidently anticipate that this process will reach its conclusion, for we are certain that the friars will proceed to Japan from this group; indeed, it seems to me that devotion to him will be more readily preserved there, as those people possess sounder judgment and are more capable than the inhabitants of this coast of India.
Meanwhile, Father M[?] Francisco Enrrexijo—of the Order of St Augustine—has arrived from Tunis, having previously studied theology and philosophy here at the College of Évora and Lisbon; he likewise entered the Society of Jesus in B. Mafes. Since our reception into the Society, several individuals of excellent disposition have joined us, demonstrating sincerity and steadfastness in their vocation. Of these, I believe you will recognise only two: one is André de Carvallo, son of the Captain of Alcácer; the other is Dom Diego, son of Dom Filipe Lobo. Both are currently residing here (under the age of twenty), along with more than twenty others who petition admission. Some have already undergone the necessary probationary period; yet many lack formal education, for they have hitherto sought only temporal wealth. May it please the Lord to enrich them abundantly with spiritual riches, so that, comprehending the utter worthlessness of earthly ambitions, they may spurn all things for His love and devote themselves wholeheartedly to following Him—the very purpose for which they were raised.
My dear brothers, you have other brethren dispersed across many regions, widely separated from one another. Some of these beloved confrères endure considerable hardship; others are heavily engaged in manifold apostolic labours, bearing such weighty responsibilities that only the gentle strength born of patience can sustain them through every difficulty—and even more so, the remembrance of the boundless love with which He lived His entire life in exceeding charity. That same divine benignity, which sustains us now (so far as we may call it ours), shall one day reward us with eternal blessings. Reflect, therefore, upon these dispersed members of our Society, and direct your prayers towards those who reside in the East.
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[Page]
Donation of 1548
[Main text]
You enjoy peace and tranquillity, and no comparison can be drawn—may the Lord be otherwise—but all else passes into mere desire. Come, my brothers, come! And the blood of our good Jesus, poured out for these souls, cries out for you—yes, cries out for you—with most vehement entreaties; and I cannot comprehend how these cries are not heard by all. All participate in His law, and indeed it is true that—
my most sweet brethren—I cannot tell you this without profound emotion stirring my soul. We ourselves constitute but a small part: some of us are stationed at the far end of Cochin; others at Cranganore; others at Calicut; others at Malacca; and still others at the Moluccas. Moreover, our numbers continue to increase even now. We are perpetually in great need of your prayers—and you know full well how greatly we depend upon them, since you have so intimately shared with me and are so thoroughly acquainted with our circumstances. I do not believe you will ever forget us, for the charity with which we love one another forbids it. May Jesus, our merciful Redeemer, abide always in your souls. Amen.
From the College of St Paul, Goa, 13 December 1548.
[Signature]
Lourenço Rodrigues, 13 December 1548. |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
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24
[Marginalia — top left]
Año de 1578. 17. de
abril. 10. de abril del
año 1578. 17. de
abril. 10. de abril.
Baltasar
yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11.
no. 1. p. 11.
17. de abril.
10. de abril.
del año 1578.
Baltasar
yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11.
no. 1. p. 11.
[Stamp — top center]
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation: Cartas da India]
[Heading]
Carta de m. Gaspar y esfino de Goa
a los her. del Collegio de Iesus de Coimbra
scrita a 13 de deziembre. de 1578.
[Main text]
Gratia et pax exuperat omne sensum et comunicatio
spes sanctae sit semper vi cordis. Vris amen. (La Causa
principal que me movio escreuir esta carta fue la gloria del
bendito nombre de Iesu salvador, no por que siendo por ella
certificados de las misericordias q el por su bondad con nos o
tros laxos Instrumentos suys uso, le davan muchas gras y
ores, bien creo charisimas hermanas q no faltaro vnas ora
ciones y que dellas procedio mucha parte delo q aqui vereis, pues
esta tan claro esta no auer en mi casa por q el senor dador de
Todo bien las quisiere obrar illi soli sit Gloria & honor per
Infinita seculorum secula amen.
Apartandonos en Belcen de nros hermanos fuimos repartidos en
dos naos el padre Melchior gonzalez, y el padre balicasar yano, Jn.
bernandez, Darseto y yo en la nao san pedro capitana, y el doctor
Antonio gomez, y el padre paulo del valle, Francisco gonzalez manuel
Dab y flores en la Nao galega
Dela nao san pedro fue constituido por Rector nro / el padre Melchior
Ello por cuyo gouierno nos hizo el senor grandes mercedes por sus virtudes
(Embi Auen minimo maximas) y va por capitan desta nao Jn de Mendoza
al qual por descuido no auia mos ydo a hablar estando entierto para q
tuviese Alguna noticia de nos otros es hstbre (my virtuoso y que my
Sho nos ama al Entrar dela Nao vimos mucha gente y my labida, ca
Valleros y pajes decamara del trej que ami parecer serian quatrocientos hom
bres y luego me vino Vna desconfianca pareciendome Gentre ellos no podria ha
zer fructo, mas no sendo sabe bien lo ghase Andando yanos otras por fama
nos dieramos deperder en las cachopas y el otro dia sey sabiendo el capita
alarde le fuimos a hablar para q cada noche se ordenasen dediser las letanias
y sermonas y doblina y piana el ayuda la gente se hslvieron mucho con esto
en este medio todas mis hermanos se marearon y asi fueron algunos mareados y
sin poder comer ny teniamos quien nos lo hiciese de comer en el fuego por lo
qual me fue necesario tomar la cruz acuestas) y despues me luego baxer,
de comer en el, donde ninguna cortesia me tenian a las ordenes y quando de
alli sepe sui bafetadas que los grumetes me querian dar y del grande humo y
Avia no bise tan poco / en este oficio continue algunos dias y esto faydo & pouechs (Pnico)
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47
[Heading]
Do año de 1547.
[Main text]
Los hermanos podían gustar de comer por que unas veces me faltavan la olla otras me la quebravan otros me la entornavan de manera que no me podia valer con ellos y siendo esto enrigido de maicado cavallero muy honrado dolíendose de nos otros mandó aun su esclavo y nos hiciese de comer para que mas fácilmente nos podiésemos Exercitar en el spiritual y de aqui a delante comence aprediar todas las fiestas las fiestas las obras de misericordia y en muchas dias de la semana dolia mia sobre el pater noster allende desto nos exercitavamos en confecciones y en las amonestaciones auiendo desto grande necesidad por las muchas mugeres y en la nao venian y teniamos determinado de pedir al capitan y las sechase en tra si en alguna parte fuesemos a ancorar repartimos con los pobres todo lo que llevavamos hasta la india muy largas y suplicamos a nuestro señor de manera que parecia y todo exercio de lo qual se espantava mucho un hombre que metio a venir a los obientes molido por la compañia el qual fue recibido por el padre maestro que llamase mendez. Así fuimos con muy prospero viento hasta la cuesta de guineas con muy pocas calmarías en el qual vino atanta edificacion la gente desta nao que de andomables y eran en fuegos y viñas se hizieron tan mansos y todo lo que tenian ofician asi para los pobres como para nosotros tanto fue el Credito que nos tenian grandes y pequeños que nunca se faltavan de comunicar con nos otras cosas de su confiencia y todas las otras dudas y casos dificultosos Remetian anos como a jueces, los sermones sabia delgados de la nao por de la nave por que la gente era mucha y acabada la predicacion luego me gua muy deprisa para los dolientes por lo qual me mando llamar en su camara Regueriendome de la parte de dios y comunicase con el y muchos lo deseava por que el tipo y en otras cosas gastava lo gastase comigo en cosas dentro sendos y asi comunicavamos declarando le algunas psalmos y cosas spuales confesandose muchas veces de lo que muchos gustava y dava siempre largas viñas nas a los pobres y anas otros y queriamos y el me desea (todo lo que trayade conservas y mantenym) de lo qual nos no venyamos proueydos para que los quisiese tomar mas yo siempre me ofrese diziendo que nos bastava la regla de la nao y lo que nos otros trayamos y con estas y otras cosas que vey a en los hermanos se confundia mucho espantandose de los trabajos grandes y tedores de pobres y lavar de bacines y hasta que me vino a dexir que como se podia saludar con tantas criadas camaras y comeres tan delicadas sin penitencia quando nos otras con tantos trabajos ganavamos la gloria finalmente offre cisme toda la nao poniendo en mis manos todo el gouierno della diziendo que soltase y prendiese y udixese siempre entodo my parecer para se Regir por el pareceme que procedio esto de algunas veces destos particulares con mi nicacion venimos a monestas y fundamente de la manedumore con a ania de castigar los hixoros de la nao y de la segurinidat conyseaua de aven
[Marginalia — right]
*
{{PAGE:3}}
[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Con los presos de la boda Tomo los exercicios de la primera semana y luego començo a mostrar quanto el senor encilar se le comunicara nunca cesando de hablar cosas de dios y manteniendo los pobres dolientes hasta La India allende della messa y dana a todos los criados del rey. Eme! Cuyo de buena esperança pasamos dos muy grandes tormentas En la primera por q duro poco no se mojo mucha gente prediqueles entonces algunas vezes sobre aquello de Jonas porque me exorta efi Sec tempestas projicite me in mare enseñandoles como se avian de aluer en la tormenta con el senor y consigo mismos, Animandolos al trabajo del menos de la nao y entonces exaglado por q por falta no nos perdiésemos y q no gritasen por misericordia como muchos aaltas vozes ganian por no desmayar alos otros mas mentalmente en sus almas pidiésen al senor socorro sin mostrar temor. La seg. tormenta fue mayor por q andando nos por doblar, Llego quasi veinte dias, fumusadar una tarde en el cabo despues donde milagrosamente hondo con el fondo plomo duro la tormenta cerca de tres dias y fuetan grande que decia el Maestro y piloto q nunca otra tal jamas vieron visto y cobro totalmente la nao y tomo tanta agua q todos se tenian por perdidos y pasmados los hombres no sabian de q lanzarse no sino esperar por la muerte en este tpo se vino uno muy aprisa pidiendo fesion oyle en custado anca varanda y breuemente asobio por el peligro en gestos mos q nunca tan propincs me balle a la muerte fue mucho servicio dentro senor esta confesion este hombre medico q todos eramos muertos si dios no nos valia quando esto oy seni dar cuenta a los hermanos por los no ynguietos y me fuy deprisa a riba donde balle toda la pasmada aparejados para morir y manda dolos a offrecer q no temiesen se llevaron para mi como si en mi estuviera la salvacion de mañana y esforzandolos bendimos la mar y el agua biento de la capa como se acostumbra y cantamos las letanias y siete psalmos que la gente tan esforzada que debia ser esta otra tal como la del custodio de dios del crucifixo/ Entonces me rogo el capitan q estuviese al aguja para q juntamente d el esforzar a los restaua en el leme dandole a otros y Penne trabajo hizo el leme algunos todo esto fue dedia tan noche Lancette tu dimas tan espantosa tormenta y oreo q nunca los hombres tal vieron excepto los q estan en el infierno toda ella los hermanos estuvieron en oracion y amj hivio el capitan con jurar la mar y de arriba donde esta gobernando el piloto y el maestro bendecia las ondas asi como venian detraues, y acada vna lancaua tres cruces diciendo spus vinct sps Regnat, sps imperat. sps abomni malo nos defendat consolauase mucho con esto la gente, nesta noche y muchos misterios del senor y no queria nung mas sentir de las meditabiles asi de la muerte como del infierno y juicio para mi y para mis hermanos los quales se aprovecharon bien desto por q sef cupo asu parte el exo de la esm temptacion y amy de la altiva asi que en estos trabajos amonestaua al piloto q no madrase flega por que casi le ofrendise abnonda que vino detraues la qual mato tanta asoa dentro de la nao y csoo alas q estauan en el leme y no tenian entonces por podidas mas el senor q no querra mas q prouemos fangamos
[Marginalia — left]
*
[Marginalia — left]
*
[Marginalia — bottom left]
e 2702
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[Page]
45
[Heading]
DO ANO DE 1547
[Main text]
Informaçe nos saluo en esta tormenta hize confesar las mugeres entre las quales auia vna
Aqui de primero por muchos tpo no pude persuadir que se confesase y se aparta
se de sus malas costumbres passadas mas vn dia me puso las manos de manira
q fulto poco q no me apalcase ala qual con esta tormenta dise q pues lleuaua
nos Camino para q nos perdesemos se a parejase para se confesar antes
q fuese al Infierno, ella demido se confeso, gracias amo senor. Estando defronta
delas islas de s Lorenzo nauegando Viento apopa denoche vimos Vna lo
yera grande la qual debia el piloto que era estrella mas el Maestre
por quien espiró el senor mando lançar el plomo y ballo. Estauamos
sobre Vna reslinga, o roca y si tardaramos la quarta parte de media
hora nos Ouiramos de haber enpedacos y perdíxamos todos. Na
uegando a delante entre otras yslas donde estaua vna nao perdida nos
ouieramos de perder por q yuamos derechos para ellas y no las viamos
por que nos lo Ompedia vna nie mas el senor q nos giua nos mostro
el quebrar delas ondas en las penas expandens nubem suam Inprotekte
nobri y desta manera muy prosperos llegamos a Maranbiq sin q senos
moriese persona alguna. gras a? mo senor Ouo siempre mucha diligencia
en la cura delos Enfermos y fuero visitados en todo el camino de
mucha Charidad y en la costa de guinea tuuieron todos los dias poca
camana acuex Rosado con agua de lengua de vaca quando llegamos.
a Macanbiq amonesté en la Vltima predicacio del ano q socorriesen a
los pobres del Hospital q eran casi ciento y veinte con Algunas Limosnas
y q nos las pediriamas dieron nos conservas y melmeladas y harina. Le
gumbres y otras cosas q no abia en la tra q Valdria poco a dedies mil
mesd con esto nos fuimos al hospital adonde estando nos lleuaron mas
limosnas asi dedi como de conservas y sesto socorro no tuuieran los
Enfermos padeçieron grande detimiento por q en la tra no abia
dels a? a ninguna ni dinero del Rey sino serendicia vnpalmar
Fernando de sosa capitan tenia para qro el qual dela nao nos
quisiera lleuar para su casa y nos otros agradeciendosels mucho y a?
pondimos q nra casa era Cacaba dedir como el spital adonde luego nos
lleuo faziendonos muy buen tratan? y mandonos en mucha abundan
ciã do lo q nos era necesario y bimos entregar al hospital contodo Diger
aua com amayor domos Tambien el vicario nos Recebio co mucha
{{PAGE:5}}
[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Charidad amonestandonos & nos guardaremos del contagio de los dolientes por que auiá alli todas las enfermedades contagiosas & leyandonos con el padre Maestro Fr. q desto estuuiera a la much en el mesmo hospital, mas el señor protector no fui, el padre melchior q tenia cargo de confesar & visitar los enfermos. el padre Baltasar & Don Juan P. tenian cargo de repartir el comer conforme a lo q el medico mandaua, muy oficios fue my principal Entendiendo en todas las cosas q podia, asi desconfesiones como de estar de noche con los enfermos & acompanarlos en el paso de la muerte por q eran tantos los q morian & q amy tercio, cabian tres & quatro en el articulo de la muerte, yales abuscan. Algunas limosnas fuera alas puertas & pedir agua por amor de dios por q no la tenia el capitan por la gente ser mucha, era cozinero boticario & Compradgidor los sermones studiava andando baziendo de comer & de noche Estando con los dolientes hablando a los q morian como a prendj Charipimos Germanos & amortajandolos. Las hermanas de San la Sooreana Vncian Repartiamas tambien las ropas & quedavan delos muertos por los pobres teniamos tantas confesiones continuas q era para dar muchas ygras adios (nro senor) & nung podimos satisfaser a todas, dormiamas entre los dolientes sobre algunas esteras y asi gastamos alli algunas quinbe dias donde ben dito el senor para siempre al amo quien es. En estas sus mercedes nos esforçamos mucho & nos fauorecio de lo qual se espantaua mucho la gente diziendo estos hombres son contratado natural en la paz de defensar ellos vman mejores trabajos, y en lugar de cessa sar gana mayores fuerças no sabian quia dominus fortitud. nra estando asi toda via en el hospital llego lanas spus fuimus luego visitar a los padres dominicos & en elle venian los qua les se esforçaron por nos ayudar y en effecto con mucha charidad nos ayudaron dos dellos el uno es fray ignacio q fue criado de fra germano don leon Enparis y otro con el trabajando y dando de ej ejemplo como muy buenos Religiosos quedamos en estas obras en el sob nos ayuntamos amandonos mucho y tanto q agora ben muchos veez Anso collegio y comiençanfa dos vidas con nos otros y formando a
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26
[Main text]
Do ano de 1543
my proposito queriendonas ya embarcar los enfermos nos importunaron mucho q no los desemparasemos faziendonos muchos Requerimientos de parte de dios q los lleuasemos con nos otras, aviendo piedad dello q. pedi a los capitanes q me quisiesen a yudar para esto y ellos como muy grandes siervos de dios me dixeron q todo lo q yo ordenase harian y q los q estuviesen mas enfermos reciberian y curarian muy bien, asi q a quella noche tome una barca llena de enfermos repartidos por las naos, y al otro dia se truxe los q mas quedauan no dexando sino solamente los q en ninguna manera parecia q no se podia bolir con ellos y delos q mas dolientes estauan quiso tomar manuel de macedo principal Capitan de la primera armada obra de veje en su nao fueron todos curados hasta la yndia co mucha diligencia y proueydos de todo lo necesario puesto q muy pocas cosas me dieron pa ellos en td por q no lo auia, demanera q pluo anio senos q no vieron muy pocas y esos muy bien, llegamos a la yndia a 4 desetiembre partiendo de lisbona a x6j de marzo, de manera q fue nauegacion de cinqo meses quitando los dias q estuui mos en mancabiq. El padre M. franc estando en goa de camino para el cabo de comorim oyendo nuevas delos otros por unos nauios de macanbiq que quando alla estauamos partieron primero q nra armada quisonos esperar pormos ver y saber nuevas de la compania antes q se fuese, tanto q los naos an coxaran mandonos visitar con muchos refrefos y que luego nos fuesemos q tenia muchos deseos de nos ver bisi mos lo asy y cierto Germanos mios charisimos q no se puede dexir el alegria q alli sentimos en nosos spus ni comprobe zer la charidad q vi enel padre Maestro fr. y como q rificaua adios oyendo y hallando enel fruto q el senor por medio desta compania labia en esse Reino como en todas las otras partes de los mas padres y Germanos n bos lo se dezir sino q son afegidos del s. y q cada hora me confuden, mandome el p. machio fr. aparejar para el dia de nra senora desetiembre que predicase en san pablo y en caxgoma
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[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
mucho q' hablase alto y siendo mucha layente por las nuevas
de la mar los fueron dadas de nos otros, fue de manera que
dixo un hombre q' de auno delos nros padres para q' es aca
esta ponçona tambien el padre M fr quedo descontento porq'
muchos no me entendieron por no oyrmme bien partirse enton
ce para Comorin y dexo ordenado q' deschocen la yglesia y
excitase la63 por la saber mas Alta, Sisele asi entanto y los
mos q' a sedaua por satisfechos comence de a si adelante y
predicar y layente agustar delos sermones visitaua tambien a
presos y entendia tambien en otras obras desery de dios q' me a
dauan en casa leya Ona licion de gramatica y otra delos prover
bios y comence a leer las Artes en este medis ag. de adubre llego el
Doctor Antonio gomes q' venia en lanau galega de la qual
teniamos poca esperança por q' defuente de las canarias se apan
fara de nos otros habiendo fuego q' tuvimos por mala señal asi vno
milagrosamente a la India, por q' aerca demacanbiq' veniendo del
apopo dieron en unas baxos muchas vezes siltos el leme fuera do
layente muy desconfiada de se poder salvar salio el padre antonio gomes
con la cabeca q' traya de aqlla santa virgen consolandolos y prouocandolos
q' se encomendasen a dios tomando por intercessora a la santa virgen y
no dexassen de trabajar, quiso el senor por su bondad sacarlos de aquellos
baxos mas no podian meter el timon en ninguna manera y yada fangia
dos dixo el padre , ora sus esta sea la ultima vez en nombre de stabi
gen sagrado y si desta no se pudiese meter ella sin timon no metera en
puerto seguro mchofse fuego el timon de q' dieron muchas gras a dios,
senor, y asi llevaron a Macambi q' fueron se luego derechos al hospital
onde comenzaron atomar otra buena h. con los dolientes que alli estauan qd
Do se embarcaron tambien los truxeron con sigo en la nao y de alli para yoa
se ouieran de perder otra vez ) allonde destos trabajos les sucedio otro mayor
q' fue la falta de los mantenimy con casi toda layente le adolecex allego
abanto los hermanos por q' siempre repartieron de lo q' trayan con los pobres
y fue necesario comprar vino q' casi beuian sin alguna agua y este
fardaran mas x oys 6 dias perdieron se todos, Mesxamos mucho to
dos en el senor y luego dimos quantos aqui estauamos obediencia al
como tenia mandado el Maestro q' entregandole el collar y en
el mismo dia enferme yo y sangraronme dos vezes Tambien adolecio el
melchior Ets y fr. mas luego el senor nos dio salud, fue este dia
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[Page]
47
[Main text]
Doano de 1547
El padre Antonio visitar el Gouernador y el obpo y los fijos de S. Domingo y san fr. z nos aman todos mucho ordenose q el domingo q venia que fuesen por la cabeza de la virgen; salio de la yglesia mayor una procesion muy solemne en la qual fue el gouernador y el obpo con toda la mas gente noble pédio el padre que se hiziese con mucha edificacion de todos y al otro domingo seg. q era dia de las onze mil virgines hibimos otra vez la fiesta a esta virgen predico tambien el q. fue co mucho fervor y movio mucho la gente fue tanta la deuision q hasta aora le queda q venieron muchos a ofrecerse a la cabeza—el domingo q. fuimos misa nueva del padre caltesar Gayo predico antes de la misa predico antes de la misa auicndo tanta gente q no cabia en los soportales y tambien ocupauan las claustras, En la misa tambien vuo vn breve sermón del Doctor Antonio padre de algunos puntos muy deuotos segundo no fue dicho por q yo no le oy q fuy apredicar a otra yglesia, Comencando ya mas la deuocion en la gente se nos aumentauan tambien los trabajos aq. on confesiones q eran muy continuas como en resoluciones de casos de satisfacer a las preguntas como tambien en predicaçiones q. nos pedian q lo menos q yo agora cada q. predico son tres o quatro vezes en la mesa del gouernador donde pareció q. sebaria mucho seruicio a dir como en effet. se haze al lunes y miercoles y viernes en otras yglesias en los mismos dias y en otros tambien continuo mis sermones y algunos dias pdo el dia se me pasa en predicar allende de los sermones q el doctor Antonio sabe y no pueden seruarnos por las ocupaciones q tiene en estos nuestros negocios mas Importante q lesocurren) en la carcel se hizieron dos ordinariamente cada noche letanias y esta constituido entre ellos quien represendera los juramentos y amonestara delos yerros publicos (bemos ben dito sea el señor para siempre mucho fruto enpos dia de grandes y muchos testimonios, penitentes deuociones muchas de vida y de muchas personas de caja de un enfermo q estaba en palamento con el qual fuy a estar dos pues q lo offrece y estuue con el q. me parecio necesario y saliendo me salio un hombre honrado y muy bieo tan mouido que se vino para mi q. de pusié de todas sus asinadas como me pareciese seruicio de dios por q no tenia hija ni hija q que queria sufrar solamente la saluacion de su alma confesse el y su muger como luego cargo de proueçiones q. va muy bien con sus cosas bendito sea el señor para siempre de vna predicacion se me lomio con muy grande contricion a pedir q por amor de Jesus le diese remedio para se salvar por q muchos tpo estuuiera lançado con los moros q.
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[Title]
Cartas da India
[Main text]
y queria haber desus pecados toda la penitencia que icidiese; Un cavallero me edifico vn dia en gran manera, el qual preuiniendome quanto cuman caua el senor de su amor a vn hombre perfecto, dize algunos exemplos de la sagrada scriptura, de los effedos q el amor dedios sabia fue tanto el mouimiento enel que me marauillo, por que siendo casado no lo podia quitar de mortificaciones publicas que queria fazer diziedo q por amor desudios y senor no era mucho salir hombre fuera desu seso pusese con se querer confesar luego cada dia y fiso confesar su cava y tiene tanto cuidado y diligencia en disponer su alma para + Onfundir enella el amor dedios que espero que sera Vn grandisimo suyo + otro de otra predicacion que seria de edad de xxx6 anos, su fio contanta contricion que era marauilla Dixome luego q en toda su vida creyera en Jesu x y que el senor le diera conocimiento desus yexos y que se yria confesar mas q primero determinaua de fazer alli alguna penitencia, pediome vnas deciplinas, y dixelas y atormen tose tanto tantas vezes y entanta manera que me habia temersipe luxaria y estuue para limitarle la penitencia otros mouimientos Qus asi notables de personas q abra muchos anos q estauan en pecado mortal y uno q diez anos se lechaua con los moros no los las particulario por q escora muy larga sabed q el senor obra estas Cosas por nos para q nos confundamas y au' conseriendo y crecen mas obligaciones o bremos por el continuando asi estos y otros ex ercicios conformes anro Instituto supe q me oya en la carcel el principal de los Bramenes destaxa e igual se llama locu y segun Dizen Aparece q vna de las principales cabezas de la Gentilidad en Controle Vndia acompañado de muchos bramenes y otras y con el On bio decixfa diome no serbr animo para los acometer dis putamos largamente desulej y prouele algunas cosas de lana legel. deseaua q le prouase, dize algunas comparaciones y raciones natura les asumado y finalmente despues de los aber muchas beses venido les dixe algunas cosas Rogandoles q pensasen ellas y pedixe (anno senor q les alumbrase el entendim y les diese a entender q + confeix la Verdad para la seguir alguna escola sia algunos el bio de orifha demij mas al locu falle mas prompto A qual de alli a dos dias mandodesir al Doctor antonio somos que queria ser christian
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[Heading]
DO ANO DE 1543
[Main text]
En comendamosle al senor dandole gras por este movimiento pidiendole que se la confirmase y fuimos luego alla y hablando con el padre Anmigones se puso en sus manos pidiendole agua de bautismo diziendole que le ayudase a salvar su Alma y que plamele la salvacion della le movia a ser cristiano y que no pareciere y pensando que lo podia soltar Ni Aotrascas sar tenia recebido por gento do querria que se guardase justicia fue el p. antegonador desto cuenta al gouernador y apedirle que soltase el qual le concedio y lleuamoslo luego para el Collegio donde en 3 dias aprendio lo que era necesario para le dar agua de bautismo y en quanto alli se estaua aparejando nos mando el p. Anmigones atres poco cada vno El fuyeron estos yras Germanos canaris para entender en la conuersion de sus almas conuertierense tres vn sobrino del sue y otro hombre principe entre ellos ordenase su bautismo dentro de vno collegio vn domingo con vna misa muy solemne y sermon fue el gouernador el padrino y el qual los bautizo pusieron nombre abscu lucas desa y asu mi ger dona isabel y asu sobrino don Antonio, lleuaronlos a cavallo acompañados de muy gran gente y aquy auia y tambien muchos bramenes acasa las campanas de las iglesias las calles muy enramadas y por ellas puestos muchos palmas de la manera que se pone los pinas en el Pascio de bisbona el dia de la resureccion, duro la fiesta toda vna semana para gloria del senor desia las gentiles que pues el padre setornaua Christianos los hijos caballos en su cuerpo, espero en Jesu chro nro senor que toda esta isla muy presto sera conuertida. Aviso el gouernador a este hro mucho Germano dios fanadar mayor es vna mayor gran dignidad entre ellos este wou era hombre muy prospero tenia cada ano renta de 6000 pardas era muy acepto a los portugueses basiales muchas buenos obros tan liberal que estimaua en muy poca quitar mil pardas, goaua muy abo del suyo en limosnas y vna de las cosas por que mparce que dios se auerdo del era su buen aso cosas, agora despues de su version cada dia tenemos cathecumenos para bautismo y bautizamos y muchos, andando nos en estos conuertaciones y gozando de los mercedes del senor se nos criesta ciudad (pera muestro el p. mfr. diziendo generos de muerte crueles y ladieron sido esta nueua mucho senting en los debotos y atatice que son casi todos queriendo algunos buscar su
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[Title]
Cartas da India.
[Main text]
Cierpo para lo canonizar diziendo q aun q los costase 300 de lo quen
debaser dixerannar algunas milagros q afirman q hizo los quales a
Enmbre q nos esto sea cosa desta qualidad no os los digo aqui ni
meparece q cosa para nos hablar en ella sino para dar muchas
gracias al senor puesto el bien cesugo y del procede nos otros.
Con todo trabajamos siempre por nos q forcar no dexando modo
do de proceder puesto que mucho sentamos la falta que podia ha
ber en estas partes mas el senor luego nos mando consolar y
Visitar estos sus siervos por el padre capriano y manuel demar
ley q venieron del cabo de amarin, donde dexaron el padre
M fr al qual fue alla refevido de aquellos spanos dela
fra sin grandisima alegria y fiesta lecando ropas por dond
auna deposar y q lo lleuaron En las brasas ala Iglea y daxa
pso tps nos horno aver y luego se fue para Cozin esperamos q
avre q fin defuer por q tenemos por cierto q fra a Japon
desta gente demanera onte meparece q el culto q se hiziere
se conservara mas facilmente por q tienen mejor juizio q no
mas capaces q los desta costa dela India, Oms aguere el
padre M francisco Enrrexijo del Oga alla tunisep medios
aprendio aqui en el Collegio la estade lofe y leon y furen
En b. mafes tambien q esparcidos xidos al senor despues q
Estamos fueron Recibidos palacompania algunas personas
de muy buenas partes y q a tienen mostrado quando verdad
se determinaron dellos me parece q no conoscereis alla mas q dos
Uno dellos q andres de Carvallo hijo del Capitan de Alcacar y el
hio q don Diego hijo de don felipe lobo andan al tps q esta (bajo
mas de veynte que piden q los Refician si algunos probaron am
el necesario recebirlosan no tienen letras por q aca no oy sino que
busq Riqueza temporal plazera al senor q los bara tan ricos de subien
agia que entendiendo quan poco vale lo q pretenden desprecien todo
por su amor y se dispongan avocidaderamente seguir q buscar a ths
lo qual fueron criados, tenéis hros mios otros hermanos repartidos por
muchas partes, y muy separados. Onas delectos tienen mucho trabajo
que mas tambien empleados y con tantas anfoliciones en ellos q sola la
suavidad q sofierte llebe ninouma qual quiera dificultad y mas a
cordarse lombre del amor con q toda su vida paso en excesiuo
Aquel Han benignamente esta pogdad (nra en quanto nra la pdemos
llamar reficie para ambienes eternos nos la Remunerar La consider
aun destos estos enstrepardes y a disescade ala q alla en vved cu
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[Page]
Doano de 1548
[Main text]
bienos y quietud tencis y no se puede saber comparacion toca el senor sea
de otra manera y mas no se pasa todo en deseo. Venid Germanos mis venid
y la sangre de nro buen Jesu y derramo por estas almas da boces
por vos otros con grandisimos gritos y no se como no sienten estos
todos los Oparticipan de su ley y era que verdaderamente Br
mis dulcisimos nos os lo puedo decir sin grandedor de my alma
nos otros somos poca parte Estamos aqui en una parte enel cabo de co
morin y algunos en Cochroa otros en Blan otros en Malaca
otros tambien En Malues y aon agora se deuiden mas tenemos siem
pre mucha necesidad de vras oraciones y go tanta como ellos bien
saben pues tan particularmente me comunicastes y conosceis no creo q
os oluidareis nunca de noso por q la charidad con q nos amamos
no lo consentira Jesu Obro mo Redemptor sea siempre en vras almas
con todos Amen desde collegio de s pablo en Goa a 13 de deziembre de 1548.
[Signature]
Losabrois a 13 de dezembro de 1548. |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
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24
[Marginalia — top left]
Year 1578. 17 April.
10 April 1578. 17 April.
10 April.
Baltasar Yano, p. 11, h. 1, p. 11, no. 1, p. 11.
17 April.
10 April 1578.
Baltasar Yano, p. 11, h. 1, p. 11, no. 1, p. 11.
[Stamp — top centre]
*Cartas da Índia* [‘Letters from India’: official designation for correspondence dispatched from Portuguese Asia to the metropole]
[Heading]
Letter from Father Gaspar de São Félix of Goa to the Brothers of the College of Jesus in Coimbra, written on 13 December 1578.
[Main text]
*Grace and peace, which surpass all understanding, and the fellowship of the Holy Hope, be ever in the heart. Amen.*
The principal motive prompting me to write this letter was the glory of the blessed name of Jesus the Saviour—not that I imagined our brethren, having been apprised thereby of the mercies which He, in His boundless goodness, had vouchsafed to bestow upon us, His unworthy instruments, would render Him abundant thanks and prayers. Yet I am confident, most beloved brethren, that your intercessions were not wanting; indeed, much of what you shall read herein proceeded from them. For it is manifestly clear that no work accomplished within our household proceeds from any source other than the Lord, Giver of all good things; to Him alone be glory and honour unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having departed Belém with our brethren, we were distributed between two vessels: Father Melchior González, Father Baltasar Yano, Brother João Bernández, Brother Darseto, and myself aboard the *São Pedro*, the flagship; while Dr António Gomes, Father Paulo del Valle, Brother Francisco González, Brother Manuel Dab, and Brother Flores sailed aboard the *Nau Galega*.
Father Melchior was appointed Rector of the *São Pedro*—a charge under whose prudent governance the Lord conferred upon us many signal favours, by virtue of his exemplary virtues (*‘Embi Auen minimo maximas’*: ‘He sends greatest gifts through the humblest instruments’). Captain of this vessel was João de Mendoza. Through inadvertence, we had failed to speak with him prior to his boarding; thus, upon entering the ship, we sought an audience, so that he might have some knowledge of our presence and purpose. He proved a most virtuous and affectionate man, who holds us in deep regard.
Upon boarding the *São Pedro*, we observed a considerable number of people aboard—many of them lavishly attired—and, as I judged, some four hundred gentlemen, courtiers, and chamber pages of the King. This sight at once aroused in me a certain misgiving, for it seemed unlikely that spiritual fruit could be borne among such company. Yet, not knowing how matters would unfold, we resolved to proceed, guided by report and rumour; and, indeed, on the following day—having learned that the captain intended to hold a formal muster—we approached him to propose that, each evening, the Litany, sermons, and the *Dobrina* (a devotional exercise combining psalmody and instruction) should be conducted, with the crew’s participation. This measure proved highly beneficial: the men responded with marked devotion and discipline.
In the interim, however, all my confrères suffered severe seasickness; several were so afflicted as to be unable even to eat. Moreover, there was no one aboard to prepare food for us over the galley fire. Consequently, I was obliged to take up the cooking-pot myself—a task I performed for several days. In this office, I received neither courtesy nor assistance; and when, having left the galley, I was struck across the face by the ship’s boys (*grumetes*), I endured it without protest. The galley was suffocatingly hot and smoky; I saw scarcely anything amid the fumes. Having persevered in this duty for some days, I then descended to assist in the preparation of meals below decks—where again I laboured without respite or recognition.
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[Page]
47
[Heading]
From the year 1547
[Main text]
The brothers were permitted to partake of food, for on occasion my cooking pot was missing, on others it was broken, and yet again it was overturned—so that I could not manage with them. When this situation came to the attention of a most honourable and well-born knight, who took great concern for us, he dispatched one of his own enslaved servants to prepare our meals, thereby enabling us more readily to devote ourselves to spiritual exercise. From that point onward, I began to esteem all feast days—and especially the works of mercy—more highly; and on many days of the week, I would recite the *Pater Noster* repeatedly, adding further devotional repetitions beyond the prescribed number. Moreover, we diligently practised private confession and mutual spiritual exhortation—a discipline we deemed indispensable, given the large number of women aboard the vessel. Indeed, we had resolved to petition the captain to disembark them at the earliest opportunity should we anchor anywhere along the route.
We distributed to the poor all the provisions we carried for the voyage to India—generously and without reserve—and offered fervent supplication to Our Lord, such that our devotion appeared almost miraculous. One man, who had joined the expedition at the behest of the Company (having been ‘ground down’, as it were, by its demands), was so struck by what he witnessed that he expressed profound astonishment. He was received by Father Master Mendes, who served as spiritual director.
Thus did we sail under exceptionally favourable winds until reaching the Guinea Coast, encountering very few calms. The edification wrought among the crew and passengers aboard the ship was extraordinary: those who had previously been unruly, given to drunkenness and lewd conduct, became remarkably gentle and compliant. They freely offered all they possessed—both for the relief of the poor and for our own sustenance. So great was the trust placed in us, both by high and low alike, that no one failed to seek our counsel—not only in matters of conscience, but also in all other perplexing questions and difficult moral cases, referring them to us as if to judges.
Sermons were preached regularly aboard the vessel, for the company was numerous and spiritually prepared. Immediately upon concluding each homily, I hastened to attend the sick, which prompted the captain himself to summon me to his cabin. There he admonished me—on behalf of God—exhorting me to deeper spiritual vigilance, and many others likewise desired such conversation with me. In these exchanges, he would often spend time discussing theological matters, particularly the Psalms and other sacred texts, and frequently made confession—repeating it often, with evident sincerity. He consistently gave copious alms to the poor, and also bestowed gifts upon others whom we recommended; indeed, he earnestly wished to share with us all the preserved foods and provisions he carried—though we had brought none of these ourselves. Yet I always declined, affirming that the ship’s established regimen, together with the modest supplies we ourselves carried, sufficed entirely for our needs.
Such practices—and others like them—greatly confounded the brothers, who stood in awe of the immense labours undertaken on behalf of the poor: washing basins, tending the infirm, and performing other menial tasks. At length, the captain approached me and asked—astonished—how one might attain salvation amid such comforts: fine chambers, delicate fare, and the absence of penitential discipline—whereas we, by contrast, sought heavenly glory through arduous toil. Finally, he offered to place the entire governance of the ship under my authority, entrusting me with full discretion over arrests, releases, and all administrative decisions—stating explicitly that he would abide entirely by my judgement in every matter. In my view, this extraordinary gesture arose from certain particular incidents involving myself and the brothers, which had led to our being summoned before the ship’s authorities and ultimately to the establishment of a formal disciplinary regime aboard—designed both to correct the misconduct of certain individuals on board and to ensure the safety and good order of the entire company.
[Marginalia — right]
*
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
With the prisoners aboard the ship following the wedding ceremony, I undertook the Spiritual Exercises of the First Week. Thereafter, I began to demonstrate—unceasingly—how the Lord’s grace was communicated to me, speaking constantly of God and ministering to the afflicted poor until our arrival in India, beyond which I celebrated Mass and distributed alms to all the king’s servants.
Alas! With good hope we encountered two very severe storms. In the first—which lasted only a short time—few people were drenched; thereupon I preached to them several times on the story of Jonah, since this passage exhorted us *in tempests, “cast me into the sea”* (Jonah 1:12), instructing them how they ought to comport themselves during the storm, both before the Lord and within themselves. I encouraged them to labour diligently at their tasks aboard the vessel, urging that—lest we be lost through negligence—they refrain from crying out for mercy with loud, frantic voices, so as not to dishearten others, but rather, inwardly and mentally, to implore the Lord’s aid with steadfast composure and without outward signs of fear.
The second storm was far more violent: while we were endeavouring to round the Cape, it persisted for nearly twenty days. One evening, near the Cape, we miraculously struck bottom—measured by sounding-line and lead—and the tempest raged for almost three days. It was so fierce that the Master and Pilot declared they had never before witnessed its like. The ship was wholly overwhelmed; such torrents of water poured in that all aboard believed ourselves doomed. The men stood paralysed, not knowing where to turn, resigned only to awaiting death. At that moment, one man came rushing to me urgently requesting confession. I heard him lying on the deck, leaning against the bulwark, and briefly absolved him—so imminent was the peril, and so close to death did I feel myself to be. This confession proved a great service to the Lord: the man, a physician, affirmed that we were all already dead, save for divine intervention. Upon hearing this, I immediately informed my fellow Jesuits, lest they remain unaware; then hastened up on deck, where I found all the crew utterly transfixed—already prepared to die. I commanded them to offer themselves to God, assuring them they need fear nothing; and they turned to me as though my person held the promise of salvation for the morrow. Strengthening them thus, we blessed the sea and the waters, and the wind, as is customary, reciting the Litany and the Seven Penitential Psalms. So resolute did the men become that one might have thought them another company of the Custodians of God—the bearers of the Crucifix.
Thereupon the Captain entreated me to stand at the compass (the *aguja*) so that, together with him, I might encourage the remaining crew at the helm, delegating tasks to others. The helmsman laboured strenuously at the tiller; all this transpired during the darkest hour of night. Never had men beheld so terrifying a tempest—save, perhaps, those condemned to Hell. Throughout that night, the Jesuit brothers remained in continuous prayer; meanwhile, the Captain swore oaths at the sea from the quarterdeck, where the Pilot and Master were stationed, blessing each wave as it broke upon the vessel. And with every breaking wave, they made the sign of the Cross three times, saying: *“Spiritus Sanctus vincit, Spiritus Sanctus regnat, Spiritus Sanctus imperat. Spiritus Sanctus ab omni malo nos defendat.”* (*The Holy Spirit conquers, the Holy Spirit reigns, the Holy Spirit commands. May the Holy Spirit defend us from all evil.*) This greatly consoled the crew—not only that night, but also in the many mysteries of the Lord revealed therein. Henceforth, I desired no further meditation—neither upon death nor upon Hell or the Last Judgement—for myself or for my brethren; for they derived great spiritual benefit therefrom: each received his due share of the exercise of patience amid temptation, and of humility in the face of pride. Indeed, amidst these trials, I admonished the Pilot not to slacken his vigilance, for a sudden squall—nearly overwhelming—struck us from astern, killing many aboard and striking down those stationed at the helm. At that moment, none could imagine any power greater than the Lord’s—and yet He willed not that we should perish, but rather that we should persevere.
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We gave thanks to God for our deliverance from this storm. During it, I administered the sacrament of confession to the women aboard; among them was one woman here present—whom, for many days, I had been unable to persuade to confess or to renounce her former immoral conduct. Yet on one occasion, she placed her hands upon me in such a manner that she nearly overpowered me. In the midst of this tempest, she declared: ‘Since you are leading us on a path that will cause us to perish, I shall prepare myself for confession before descending into Hell.’ Thereupon—and with heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God—she made her confession.
While sailing before the wind (i.e., *apopá*, or stern-on) during the night off the islands of São Lourenço, we sighted a large light, which the pilot judged to be a star; yet the master—through whom the Lord wrought His will—ordered the sounding-line to be cast, and it struck bottom. We were lying directly over a submerged reef—or rocky shoal—and had we delayed but a quarter of an hour, we would certainly have been dashed to pieces and all perished.
Sailing onward amongst other islands, we narrowly avoided foundering upon a wrecked vessel lying hidden there; for we were bearing straight towards it, yet could not see it owing to dense fog. But the Lord, who guides us, revealed its presence to us by showing us the breaking of the waves against the rocks—‘He spreadeth out His cloud upon the sea’ (*Psalm 104:3)*—and thus, under divine protection, we arrived safely and prosperously at Malindi (Maranbiq), without the loss of a single life.
Throughout the voyage, I exercised great diligence in caring for the sick, who were visited daily with abundant charity. Along the coast of Guinea, they received each day only scant rations—chiefly *rosado* (a type of salted meat) and water infused with cow’s-tongue herb (*Lippia citriodora*, known locally as *língua de vaca*). Upon reaching Malindi, I exhorted the congregation in my final sermon of the year to assist the poor patients of the hospital—nearly one hundred and twenty in number—with alms. In response, they presented us with preserves, fruit conserves (*marmeladas*), flour, dried fruits (*legumbres*), and other provisions not available on board—goods valued, as estimated, at some ten thousand *réis*. With these supplies, we proceeded to the hospital.
There, even more alms were brought to us—both monetary donations and further conserved provisions. Had this assistance not been forthcoming, the sick would have suffered extreme privation, for the ship carried neither victuals nor royal funds—only the personal stores of Captain Fernando de Sosa, who offered to take us to his residence. We expressed our profound gratitude to him, but respectfully declined, explaining that our proper abode was the hospital (*Casa da Cacaba*, i.e., the Hospital of St. James—the Portuguese name for the hospital in Malindi, derived from *Casa de São Tiago* or *Casa da Cacaba*, a local toponymic variant). He accordingly escorted us there, treating us with exceptional kindness and placing us under generous provision—supplying abundantly all that we required. We likewise observed the hospital’s steward (*diger*, i.e., *degredado* or appointed administrator) distributing water and other necessities to the patients with due care and compassion. Moreover, the vicar received us with marked warmth and hospitality.
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
Charity admonished us—and we took care to guard ourselves against infection from the sick, for all contagious diseases were present there. We read aloud with Father Master Fr. [name redacted], who was greatly occupied with this matter in the same hospital; however, the Lord Protector did not attend. Father Melchior, who had responsibility for hearing confessions and visiting the sick, did so diligently. Fathers Baltasar and Don Juan P. were entrusted with distributing food according to the physician’s instructions. My own service was especially zealous: I applied myself principally to all duties within my capacity—both hearing confessions and keeping vigil at night with the sick, accompanying them through the final passage of death; for so many were dying that, at times, three or four lay simultaneously in extremis, requiring our immediate attention. Some begged alms at the gates and asked for water *pro amore Dei*, as the captain had none to spare—the population being so large—and he himself served as cook, apothecary, and purveyor. I studied sermons while preparing meals, and at night, while tending the sick, I spoke to those nearing death, instructing them in charity, calling them ‘brothers’ in Christ, and shrouding their bodies after death.
The Sisters of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucía), Vincentian nuns, likewise distributed clothing taken from the deceased for the use of the poor. We had so many continuous confessions that it seemed we could offer countless ‘*Ave Maria*s’ and ‘*Domine non sum dignus*’s (‘Lord, I am not worthy’)—yet we were utterly unable to satisfy all demands. We slept among the sick, lying upon simple mats; thus we spent some fifteen days in that place, ever praising the Lord, blessed be His name forever, Who is Master of all.
Through these graces, the Lord strengthened us greatly and favoured us abundantly—so much so that the local people stood in astonishment, saying: ‘These men are truly contracted by nature to peace, yet they willingly undertake greater labours than others; rather than seeking rest, they gain increased strength—though they know not that *Dominus fortitudinis* (“the Lord is our strength”)’.
While we remained thus in the hospital, news arrived of the arrival of the *lanas* [a term likely denoting a ship or convoy—possibly a corruption of *naus* or *náos*, i.e., vessels; cf. Portuguese *naus da Índia*]; we immediately visited the Dominican fathers, who came to us and exerted themselves wholeheartedly to assist. In practice, two of them rendered us exceptional aid through profound charity: one was Friar Ignacio, formerly a protégé of Friar Germán, Don León, in Paris; the other worked alongside him, setting an exemplary standard of religious devotion. Through such works, we remained united in fraternal affection—loving one another so deeply that many now frequently visit our college, begin living a more disciplined spiritual life alongside us, and join us in forming a common religious life.
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From the year 1543
My intention had been to embark the sick aboard ship without delay; yet they importuned us greatly not to abandon them, making repeated entreaties—on behalf of God Himself—that we take them with us. Moved by compassion for their condition, I petitioned the captains to assist me in this matter. They, being devout and deeply committed servants of God, assured me that they would carry out whatever orders I gave, and pledged that those most severely ill would be received and cared for with particular diligence. Accordingly, that same night I dispatched a boat laden with the sick, distributed across the several vessels of the fleet. The following day, the remaining patients were brought aboard, leaving behind only those whose condition appeared so grave that it was deemed impossible—under any circumstances—to convey them safely. Among the gravest cases, Manuel de Macedo, principal captain of the first armada (a man of advanced years), took aboard several on his own vessel; all of these individuals recovered fully en route to India, owing to his assiduous care and the provision of all necessary medical supplies—though very few such provisions had been furnished to us in Lisbon, as they were simply unavailable there. Thus, throughout the voyage, our patients suffered scarcely any fatalities; indeed, only a handful died, and even these received exemplary care. We arrived in India on 4 September, having departed Lisbon on 16 March—making the total duration of the voyage five months, excluding the days spent at Mombasa (Manca-biq).
Father Mestre Francisco (Fr. M. Franciscus), while residing in Goa en route to the Cape of Comorin, learned of our arrival from certain vessels out of Mombasa. These ships had departed Mombasa before our fleet and had deliberately waited for us—both to see us and to obtain news of our Company before proceeding further—so much so that they sent messengers to visit us, bearing many tokens of goodwill, and urging us to hasten our journey, as Father Mestre Francisco expressed an ardent desire to meet us. We complied accordingly. Indeed, my most beloved brethren: words cannot adequately convey the profound joy we experienced upon reuniting with our confreres, nor can I sufficiently attest to the extraordinary charity I witnessed in Father Mestre Francisco—how he seemed almost to shed tears of farewell, even as he rejoiced, perceiving the spiritual fruit which Our Lord was bringing forth through this Company in that kingdom, just as He had done—and continues to do—through the other Fathers and Brothers throughout the Indies. I cannot describe them otherwise than as men wholly devoted to the Lord; each hour, they deepen my own sense of humility and conviction. Father Machio Francisco then instructed me to prepare a sermon for the Feast of Our Lady of September (i.e., the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8 September), to be delivered at the Church of São Paulo and at Caxemba (Caxgoma).
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
Much was spoken aloud, and—as news arrived from the sea—the crowd was large. These tidings were conveyed to us by others; yet the matter unfolded in such a manner that one man declared: *‘One of our Fathers has already arrived here—this very poison [i.e., affliction or trial] has also befallen Father M. Fr. [i.e., Father Manuel Frutuoso?], who became deeply disheartened, since many failed to understand him, owing to their inability to hear him clearly.’* Thereupon he departed for Cape Comorin, leaving instructions that the church be dismantled and that the *excitatio* [lit. ‘stirring up’; here: spiritual arousal or catechetical instruction] be intensified—so as to impart the loftiest truths of the faith. If this course were followed, meanwhile, and those present declared themselves satisfied, he resolved thenceforth to preach regularly; the laity responded favourably to his sermons. He likewise visited prisoners and engaged in other works of divine service entrusted to him. At home, he studied a lesson in grammar and another from the Book of Proverbs, and began reading the *Artes* [i.e., the standard Jesuit curriculum of logic, rhetoric, and philosophy, often referring to the *Ratio Studiorum* or its precursors].
In mid-October, Dr Antonio Gomes arrived aboard the galleon *Nau Galega*, from which we had entertained scant hope—since, having departed from the Canary Islands, she had been long separated from our fleet, and the outbreak of fire aboard had struck us as an ill omen. Yet, miraculously, she reached India: while approaching Macau (then commonly called *Macambi*), she ran aground repeatedly upon shoals near Apopo, the rudder becoming wholly unresponsive. The crew, utterly despairing of survival, were consoled by Father António Gomes, who emerged holding the image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and exhorted them to commend themselves to God, taking the Blessed Virgin as their intercessor—and not to cease their efforts. By His mercy, the Lord delivered them from those shallows; yet the rudder remained immovable in any position. As the vessel sank deeper into the mud—two fathoms deep—the Father cried aloud: *‘Now may this be the last time! In the name of the Most Holy Virgin, if She cannot bring us safely into port without a rudder, then no rudder shall ever bring us into safe harbour!’* Immediately thereafter, the rudder broke free—whereupon all raised fervent thanks to God, the Lord. They were thus conveyed to Macau, where they proceeded directly to the hospital and commenced tending diligently to the sick therein. Those convalescents who were able also embarked with them aboard the ship—and it was feared they might founder once more en route to Goa. Indeed, at that very juncture, a further and graver trial befell them: a severe shortage of provisions, affecting nearly the entire crew and passengers. The Brothers, ever mindful of their duty, distributed among the poor all that they themselves had brought; consequently, it became necessary to purchase wine—of which they drank almost undiluted, with scarcely any water. This privation endured for six days, during which all fell gravely ill. We placed our complete trust in the Lord and, forthwith, all of us present rendered obedience to the Superior, as commanded by the Master [i.e., the Jesuit Provincial or Rector], delivering to him the chain of office [i.e., the symbolic collar denoting authority]. On that same day, I myself fell ill and was bled twice. Melchior Ets and Brother [—] likewise fell sick; yet the Lord soon restored us all to health. This occurred on [date unspecified].
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**Donation of 1547**
Father António visited the Governor and the Bishop, as well as the friars of the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Franciscans. All held us in great affection. It was resolved that the following Sunday the procession should be held in honour of the Head of the Virgin. A most solemn procession issued from the cathedral church, in which the Governor and the Bishop participated, accompanied by the greater part of the nobility. Father António requested that it be conducted in such a manner as to afford profound edification to all present.
The following Sunday—being the feast day of the Eleven Thousand Virgins—another celebration was again held in honour of this same Virgin. Father António preached on that occasion with great fervour, moving the congregation deeply; so great was the devotion thus aroused that its effects endure to this day: many came forward to offer themselves to the cult of the Head of the Virgin.
On the Sunday when the new Mass was celebrated for Father Caltesar Gayo, he preached before Mass. So large was the congregation that the cloister arcades could not contain them; indeed, the cloisters themselves were also fully occupied. During the Mass, Dr Antonio delivered a brief sermon—touching upon several highly devotional points—but I did not hear it myself, having been sent to preach at another church.
As popular devotion began to increase, so too did our pastoral labours intensify: these included frequent confessions (conducted almost continuously), the resolution of difficult cases of conscience, responses to complex theological and moral questions, and numerous preaching engagements. At the very least—and this is my own experience—I now preach three or four times each week at the Governor’s table, where it appeared that such ministry would render considerable service; and indeed, it does. Similarly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I deliver sermons in other churches on those same days—and on additional days besides. My preaching schedule has thus become continuous. On certain days, I devote the entire day to preaching, apart from the sermons delivered by Dr Antonio, who—though eminently learned—is unable to assist us in this regard owing to the weightier administrative and ecclesiastical responsibilities incumbent upon him in connection with our most pressing colonial affairs.
In the prison, two sets of litanies are recited nightly, as a matter of regular practice. Moreover, an inmate has been formally appointed among the prisoners to lead the recitation of oaths and to admonish others publicly concerning their transgressions.
We have witnessed—blessed be the Lord for ever—abundant spiritual fruit: numerous conversions, deep penitential dispositions, marked improvements in moral conduct, and sincere devotions evinced by persons of all social ranks—including one gravely ill man confined to his sickbed, whom I visited twice at his own request. I remained with him for as long as I judged necessary. Upon leaving, a respected and elderly gentleman approached me, so deeply moved that he came directly to me and placed himself entirely at my disposal—offering all his worldly possessions—as he perceived this to be serviceable to God. He had neither son nor daughter, and sought only the salvation of his soul. He and his wife both made confession; and he immediately undertook provisions for his spiritual welfare, which proceed most satisfactorily. Blessed be the Lord for ever.
From one particular sermon, a man was so seized with profound contrition that he urgently entreated me—out of love for Jesus Christ—to provide him with spiritual remedy for his salvation; for many years he had lived among the Moors.
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
And he desired to undergo full penance for all his sins. One day, a gentleman greatly edified me: having first explained to me the profound depth of the Lord’s love for a truly virtuous man, he cited several examples from Holy Scripture illustrating the effects of divine love—so powerful was its impetus that I marvelled. Though married, he could not refrain from undertaking public acts of mortification; declaring that, out of love for Christ and the Lord, it was no great matter for a man to appear momentarily beside himself—so fervent was his devotion. He resolved to confess daily, and indeed had his servant confess also; and he applied such diligent care and spiritual vigilance to preparing his soul to receive and be wholly transformed by the love of God that I confidently hope he will become one of His most distinguished servants.
Another individual—heard in a different sermon—was about thirty-six years of age. His son exhibited such extraordinary contrition that it was astonishing. He told me then that he had never, in all his life, believed in Jesus Christ, but that the Lord had granted him insight into his own sins; and he declared his intention to confess more frequently than before, resolving to undertake some form of penance on the spot. He asked me for disciplines (whips), which I provided; and he scourged himself so repeatedly and with such severity that I feared he might fall into self-inflicted injury—or even into the sin of luxuria—and I therefore felt compelled to restrict the extent of his penitential practice.
Other notable conversions occurred among persons who had long remained in a state of mortal sin: one, for instance, had cohabited with Muslims for ten years. I omit further particulars concerning such cases, as they would render this account excessively lengthy. Be assured that the Lord works these things among us—not for our glory, but that we may be humbled, and that, through reflection and grace, our obligations to Him may deepen still further. Continuing in this manner—and in other exercises consonant with our Institute—I learned that the chief Brahmin of this region, named Locu (so called, according to report), was imprisoned. He appears to have been one of the principal leaders of Gentile religion in the Konkan region of India, accompanied by numerous Brahmins and others. I visited him in prison, and engaged him in extended disputation concerning his beliefs. I presented him with certain arguments drawn from natural reason and from canon law, which he expressed a desire to have demonstrated more fully. He offered several analogies and naturalistic rationales; and finally—after he had visited me on multiple occasions—I addressed him with several doctrinal points, urging him to reflect upon them, and praying to the Lord that He might enlighten his understanding and grant him the grace to recognise and embrace the Truth, so as to follow it faithfully. Some of those present—including one from Orissa—showed signs of receptivity; but Locu proved notably more prompt in his response. Indeed, within two days he sent word to Dr António Soares requesting baptism, declaring his desire to become a Christian.
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We commended him to the Lord, giving thanks for this conversion and petitioning that it be formally confirmed. We proceeded thither immediately; and, upon speaking with Father Antegonés, the man placed himself entirely in the Father’s hands, requesting baptismal water and imploring his assistance in saving his soul. He declared that the prospect of salvation was what moved him to embrace Christianity—and that he would not appear before us again unless he were first released. Believing that he might otherwise escape—or perhaps fearing reprisals—he had already been received among the *gentios* (i.e., non-Christians), and thus we considered it imperative that justice be duly observed in his case. Father Antegonés reported this matter to the Governor and requested his release, which the Governor granted. We then conveyed the man at once to the College, where, within three days, he learned all that was requisite for baptism.
While he remained there preparing for the sacrament, Father Antegonés dispatched three German brethren—Canarians by origin—to minister to the spiritual welfare of their fellow countrymen. Of these, three were converted: one, a nephew of the aforementioned gentleman; and another, a man of princely standing among them. Their baptisms were solemnly administered within the College on a Sunday, during a highly solemn Mass accompanied by a formal sermon. The Governor served as godfather and performed the baptisms. The newly baptised received the Christian names *Abscu Lucas*, *Dona Isabel*, and *Don Antonio*. They were borne on horseback in procession, escorted by a large assembly; many *brāhmaṇas* (Brahmins) also attended, and the church bells rang out continuously. The streets were richly adorned with greenery, and numerous palm fronds were set up along the route—in the manner customary in Lisbon during the Easter *Páscoa* (Paschal) celebrations on the day of the Resurrection. The festivities continued for a full week, to the greater glory of the Lord. Observing these events, the local *gentios* remarked, ‘Since the Father has turned the sons into Christians, he must now turn the horses into Christians too!’ We place our hope in Jesus Christ our Lord that this entire island will soon be fully converted.
The Governor informed this venerable Father that a certain prominent German—*Dios Fanadar*, or *Diofanadar*, as he was styled—held the highest rank among his people. This man was notably prosperous, enjoying an annual income of 6,000 *pardaus* (a Portuguese colonial coin). He was held in high esteem by the Portuguese authorities and was renowned for his exemplary conduct: so generous was he that he regarded the expenditure of one thousand *pardaus* as a trifling sum. He distributed alms liberally from his own resources, and one of the chief reasons why Divine Providence appears to have taken special notice of him was his exceptional kindness and compassion.
Since his conversion, catechumens present themselves daily for baptism, and we administer the sacrament to many. As we labour in these conversions and rejoice in the mercies bestowed upon us by the Lord, news reached us—conveyed by Father M.F.R.—of cruel and violent deaths inflicted upon certain individuals. This intelligence caused profound grief among the devout, and stirred deep anxiety, for nearly all are now eager to seek safety—some even contemplating flight.
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**Title**
Letters from India
**Main text**
A body has been assembled for the cause of canonisation, stating that although it may cost 300 [reais], some miracles—affirmed to have been performed by him—must nevertheless be declared. Yet, since this matter is of such a nature, I do not recount those miracles here, nor do I consider it appropriate for us to dwell upon them at length; rather, we ought to render abundant thanks to the Lord for the great good that has ensued—and continues to flow—from his life and works.
Nonetheless, we labour continually on his behalf, leaving no means untried in advancing the cause, though we keenly feel the absence he has left among us in these parts. Yet the Lord swiftly sent consolation and visitation to His servants here through Fathers Capriano and Manuel de Marley, who arrived from the Cape of Amarin—where they had left Father M[?], who was received there with immense joy and festivity by the Spaniards resident in that region. They presented him with garments for vesting, carried him in procession upon their shoulders into the church, and placed him upon the altar; thereafter, he departed for Cochin. We confidently anticipate that this process will reach its conclusion, for we are certain that the friars will proceed to Japan from this group; indeed, it seems to me that devotion to him will be more readily preserved there, as those people possess sounder judgment and are more capable than the inhabitants of this coast of India.
Meanwhile, Father M[?] Francisco Enrrexijo—of the Order of St Augustine—has arrived from Tunis, having previously studied theology and philosophy here at the College of Évora and Lisbon; he likewise entered the Society of Jesus in B. Mafes. Since our reception into the Society, several individuals of excellent disposition have joined us, demonstrating sincerity and steadfastness in their vocation. Of these, I believe you will recognise only two: one is André de Carvallo, son of the Captain of Alcácer; the other is Dom Diego, son of Dom Filipe Lobo. Both are currently residing here (under the age of twenty), along with more than twenty others who petition admission. Some have already undergone the necessary probationary period; yet many lack formal education, for they have hitherto sought only temporal wealth. May it please the Lord to enrich them abundantly with spiritual riches, so that, comprehending the utter worthlessness of earthly ambitions, they may spurn all things for His love and devote themselves wholeheartedly to following Him—the very purpose for which they were raised.
My dear brothers, you have other brethren dispersed across many regions, widely separated from one another. Some of these beloved confrères endure considerable hardship; others are heavily engaged in manifold apostolic labours, bearing such weighty responsibilities that only the gentle strength born of patience can sustain them through every difficulty—and even more so, the remembrance of the boundless love with which He lived His entire life in exceeding charity. That same divine benignity, which sustains us now (so far as we may call it ours), shall one day reward us with eternal blessings. Reflect, therefore, upon these dispersed members of our Society, and direct your prayers towards those who reside in the East.
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You enjoy peace and tranquillity, and no comparison can be drawn—may the Lord be otherwise—but all else passes into mere desire. Come, my brothers, come! And the blood of our good Jesus, poured out for these souls, cries out for you—yes, cries out for you—with most vehement entreaties; and I cannot comprehend how these cries are not heard by all. All participate in His law, and indeed it is true that—
my most sweet brethren—I cannot tell you this without profound emotion stirring my soul. We ourselves constitute but a small part: some of us are stationed at the far end of Cochin; others at Cranganore; others at Calicut; others at Malacca; and still others at the Moluccas. Moreover, our numbers continue to increase even now. We are perpetually in great need of your prayers—and you know full well how greatly we depend upon them, since you have so intimately shared with me and are so thoroughly acquainted with our circumstances. I do not believe you will ever forget us, for the charity with which we love one another forbids it. May Jesus, our merciful Redeemer, abide always in your souls. Amen.
From the College of St Paul, Goa, 13 December 1548.
[Signature]
Lourenço Rodrigues, 13 December 1548. |
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| spelling | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. This abstract describes a Jesuit missionary letter dated 13 December 1548, authored by Lourenço Rodrigues from the College of St Paul in Goa, addressed to the Brothers of the College of Jesus in Coimbra. The document forms part of the official *Cartas da Índia* series—correspondence dispatched from Portuguese Asia to the metropole—and details a multi-vessel voyage undertaken between March and September 1548 from Lisbon to India aboard the *São Pedro* and *Nau Galega*. Key figures include Fathers Gaspar de São Félix (author), Melchior González, Baltasar Yano, António Gomes, Paulo del Valle, and Manuel de Marley; Dr António Gomes; and secular authorities including Captains João de Mendoza and Fernando de Sosa, Governor of Portuguese India, and Bishop of Goa. Locations encompass Lisbon, the Guinea Coast, Cape Verde, São Lourenço, Malindi (Maranbiq), Mombasa (Manca-biq), Macau (Macambi), Cape Comorin, Cochin, Cranganore, Calicut, Malacca, and the Moluccas. The letter chronicles spiritual administration aboard ship—including liturgical observance, preaching, confession, care for the sick and poor, and responses to storms—and subsequent missionary activity in East African and Indian ports, notably conversions among Brahmins (including Locu), German residents, and local populations, alongside institutional collaboration with Dominicans, Franciscans, and colonial officials. It records pastoral labours, disciplinary measures, interreligious dialogue, hospital ministry at Malindi’s *Casa da Cacaba*, and the early development of the canonisation cause for an unnamed Jesuit. The text is a primary source for studying Portuguese imperial logistics, Jesuit spirituality, cross-cultural encounter, and ecclesiastical administration in the mid-sixteenth-century Estado da Índia. Entry number 25 in catalogue "Jesuítas na Ásia" Manuscripts Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda 49-IV-49, fl. 43v. 1548-12-13 16th century Barzeo, Pe. M. Gaspar Bethlehem Clergy Coimbra Colonial expansion Galega Goa India Jesuit Missionary Letters Jesuit Missions Litanies Portuguese expeditions Poverty relief Provisions San Pedro Seasickness Sermons Spiritual Exercises {{PAGE:1}} [Page] 24 [Marginalia — top left] Año de 1578. 17. de abril. 10. de abril del año 1578. 17. de abril. 10. de abril. Baltasar yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11. no. 1. p. 11. 17. de abril. 10. de abril. del año 1578. Baltasar yano p. 11. h. 1. p. 11. no. 1. p. 11. [Stamp — top center] [UNCLEAR: best interpretation: Cartas da India] [Heading] Carta de m. Gaspar y esfino de Goa a los her. del Collegio de Iesus de Coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre. de 1578. [Main text] Gratia et pax exuperat omne sensum et comunicatio spes sanctae sit semper vi cordis. Vris amen. (La Causa principal que me movio escreuir esta carta fue la gloria del bendito nombre de Iesu salvador, no por que siendo por ella certificados de las misericordias q el por su bondad con nos o tros laxos Instrumentos suys uso, le davan muchas gras y ores, bien creo charisimas hermanas q no faltaro vnas ora ciones y que dellas procedio mucha parte delo q aqui vereis, pues esta tan claro esta no auer en mi casa por q el senor dador de Todo bien las quisiere obrar illi soli sit Gloria & honor per Infinita seculorum secula amen. Apartandonos en Belcen de nros hermanos fuimos repartidos en dos naos el padre Melchior gonzalez, y el padre balicasar yano, Jn. bernandez, Darseto y yo en la nao san pedro capitana, y el doctor Antonio gomez, y el padre paulo del valle, Francisco gonzalez manuel Dab y flores en la Nao galega Dela nao san pedro fue constituido por Rector nro / el padre Melchior Ello por cuyo gouierno nos hizo el senor grandes mercedes por sus virtudes (Embi Auen minimo maximas) y va por capitan desta nao Jn de Mendoza al qual por descuido no auia mos ydo a hablar estando entierto para q tuviese Alguna noticia de nos otros es hstbre (my virtuoso y que my Sho nos ama al Entrar dela Nao vimos mucha gente y my labida, ca Valleros y pajes decamara del trej que ami parecer serian quatrocientos hom bres y luego me vino Vna desconfianca pareciendome Gentre ellos no podria ha zer fructo, mas no sendo sabe bien lo ghase Andando yanos otras por fama nos dieramos deperder en las cachopas y el otro dia sey sabiendo el capita alarde le fuimos a hablar para q cada noche se ordenasen dediser las letanias y sermonas y doblina y piana el ayuda la gente se hslvieron mucho con esto en este medio todas mis hermanos se marearon y asi fueron algunos mareados y sin poder comer ny teniamos quien nos lo hiciese de comer en el fuego por lo qual me fue necesario tomar la cruz acuestas) y despues me luego baxer, de comer en el, donde ninguna cortesia me tenian a las ordenes y quando de alli sepe sui bafetadas que los grumetes me querian dar y del grande humo y Avia no bise tan poco / en este oficio continue algunos dias y esto faydo & pouechs (Pnico) {{PAGE:2}} [Page] 47 [Heading] Do año de 1547. [Main text] Los hermanos podían gustar de comer por que unas veces me faltavan la olla otras me la quebravan otros me la entornavan de manera que no me podia valer con ellos y siendo esto enrigido de maicado cavallero muy honrado dolíendose de nos otros mandó aun su esclavo y nos hiciese de comer para que mas fácilmente nos podiésemos Exercitar en el spiritual y de aqui a delante comence aprediar todas las fiestas las fiestas las obras de misericordia y en muchas dias de la semana dolia mia sobre el pater noster allende desto nos exercitavamos en confecciones y en las amonestaciones auiendo desto grande necesidad por las muchas mugeres y en la nao venian y teniamos determinado de pedir al capitan y las sechase en tra si en alguna parte fuesemos a ancorar repartimos con los pobres todo lo que llevavamos hasta la india muy largas y suplicamos a nuestro señor de manera que parecia y todo exercio de lo qual se espantava mucho un hombre que metio a venir a los obientes molido por la compañia el qual fue recibido por el padre maestro que llamase mendez. Así fuimos con muy prospero viento hasta la cuesta de guineas con muy pocas calmarías en el qual vino atanta edificacion la gente desta nao que de andomables y eran en fuegos y viñas se hizieron tan mansos y todo lo que tenian ofician asi para los pobres como para nosotros tanto fue el Credito que nos tenian grandes y pequeños que nunca se faltavan de comunicar con nos otras cosas de su confiencia y todas las otras dudas y casos dificultosos Remetian anos como a jueces, los sermones sabia delgados de la nao por de la nave por que la gente era mucha y acabada la predicacion luego me gua muy deprisa para los dolientes por lo qual me mando llamar en su camara Regueriendome de la parte de dios y comunicase con el y muchos lo deseava por que el tipo y en otras cosas gastava lo gastase comigo en cosas dentro sendos y asi comunicavamos declarando le algunas psalmos y cosas spuales confesandose muchas veces de lo que muchos gustava y dava siempre largas viñas nas a los pobres y anas otros y queriamos y el me desea (todo lo que trayade conservas y mantenym) de lo qual nos no venyamos proueydos para que los quisiese tomar mas yo siempre me o |
| spellingShingle | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. 16th century Barzeo, Pe. M. Gaspar Bethlehem Clergy Coimbra Colonial expansion Galega Goa India Jesuit Missionary Letters Jesuit Missions Litanies Portuguese expeditions Poverty relief Provisions San Pedro Seasickness Sermons Spiritual Exercises |
| title | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_autocomplete | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_full | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_fullStr | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_short | Carta de mestre Gaspar que escreuio de Goa A los hermanos del Collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| title_sort | carta de mestre gaspar que escreuio de goa a los hermanos del collegio de iesus de coimbra scrita a 13 de deziembre de 1548. |
| topic | 16th century Barzeo, Pe. M. Gaspar Bethlehem Clergy Coimbra Colonial expansion Galega Goa India Jesuit Missionary Letters Jesuit Missions Litanies Portuguese expeditions Poverty relief Provisions San Pedro Seasickness Sermons Spiritual Exercises |
| topic_autocomplete | 16th century Barzeo, Pe. M. Gaspar Bethlehem Clergy Coimbra Colonial expansion Galega Goa India Jesuit Missionary Letters Jesuit Missions Litanies Portuguese expeditions Poverty relief Provisions San Pedro Seasickness Sermons Spiritual Exercises |
| topic_facet | 16th century Barzeo, Pe. M. Gaspar Bethlehem Clergy Coimbra Colonial expansion Galega Goa India Jesuit Missionary Letters Jesuit Missions Litanies Portuguese expeditions Poverty relief Provisions San Pedro Seasickness Sermons Spiritual Exercises |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/PGXSZ4T9/viewer_PGXSZ4T9.html |
| zotero_collection_key | MPF9XDJZ PI7XKZMA |