Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548.
This abstract describes a historically significant epistolary document: a formal letter dated 20 January 1548, composed in Goa and dispatched from Cochin, addressed by an unnamed Franciscan friar—identified only as ‘S.P.Z.’ and styling himself ‘Charifim’—to Fr. Mestre Simão, Provincial of the Franci...
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| Format: | Manuscripts |
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| Published: |
1548-01-20
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| Subjects: |
Cape of Comorin
;
Christian faith
;
Cochim
;
Cochin
;
Company
;
Conversion
;
Francis Xavier, Saint
;
Franciscan missionary activity
;
Governor of the Indies
;
India
;
Island of Selon
;
Master Simon
;
Portuguese India administration
;
Regimietto
;
Religious Personnel
;
Rodrigues, Pe. M. Simão
;
administrative dynamics
;
missionary efforts
;
spiritual guidance
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/VIDVNQAL/viewer_VIDVNQAL.html |
| Summary: | This abstract describes a historically significant epistolary document: a formal letter dated 20 January 1548, composed in Goa and dispatched from Cochin, addressed by an unnamed Franciscan friar—identified only as ‘S.P.Z.’ and styling himself ‘Charifim’—to Fr. Mestre Simão, Provincial of the Franciscan Order of St Francis in the Portuguese Indies. The letter articulates urgent ecclesiastical and administrative priorities for the Society’s mission across the early modern Portuguese Empire, with particular emphasis on Cochin, Malacca, Goa, Ceylon (Ilha de Selo), Cape Comorin, Pegu, China, and Japan. Central themes include the imperative deployment of spiritually mature, theologically trained, and physically resilient preachers—exclusively Franciscan—to royal fortresses (*fortalezas*) throughout the Indies; the hierarchical prioritisation of pastoral care for Portuguese settlers, enslaved persons (*forros*), and female dependants (*syas*) over evangelisation of non-Christians (*gentios*); the King’s role as ‘Defender of the Faith’ and his spiritual accountability; and the requirement that all Governors swear a binding oath to uphold the Society’s authority and safeguard Christian subjects. The text reflects formal early modern Iberian religious discourse, preserves period-specific terminology—including *capa*, *acobanes*, *forros*, and *syas*—and underscores the interdependence of royal governance, ecclesiastical discipline, and missionary practice in sixteenth-century colonial India. Entry number 23 in catalogue "Jesuítas na Ásia" |
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