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...
Saved in:
| Format: | Manuscripts |
|---|---|
| Published: |
1548-01-20
|
| 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 |
| _version_ | 1877197617495015424 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | 49-IV-49, fl. 37 |
| building | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| collection | Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda |
| description | 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" |
| first_indexed | 2026-05-10T08:59:02Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
37
[Folio]
27
[Archival mark]
(unclear, top left corner)
[Heading]
(ano do p. 11.º que escreveo de Cochim ao p.º
Mestre simão provincial de xx de janeiro
de 1548 ——)
[Main text]
La gracia & amor de X. p. s. sea siempre nuestra ayuda y favor. Ame. Clarissimo &° Hermano.
Por amor y servicio de dios N. s. hermano maestre simo asemeçedo que yvay ayes de mandar algunos predicado,
res de nuestra compañia por quanto ay mucha necesidad dellos en la India / de todos los grandes no tengo aviso
sino a juda de beyra y el padre Rebero y nicolao leguo los quales estan en Maluco y Adan. &° que alli en Cochin
Nos asemeçido mucho por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que quando ordenardes de mandar algunos de la Compa
ñia predicadores para estas partes de la India para convertir los infieles sean personas de mucha proueçion
en la capa y de muchas experiencias deman que ayan alcançado muchas ustorias por espacio de algunos años
y y no sean dolientes por que los trabajos de la India requiere tambien fuerças corporales aunque sean mas ne
cesarias las espirituales muy grã de servicio a Dios N. s. Saria el Rey, finandase muchos predicadores de
nuestra Compañia a la India; Porque aueys de saber que la gente de la India carece mucho de doctrina, esto hago saber por
la experiencia que tengo y selas cosas del acreçentamiento de una sancta fe entre los efieles tiene mucho e
pidimiedt en estas partes no os espateys porque e nos otros salgan si pr y mas fuerte otrariedad portab
me parece lo es necesario de acudir anos otros primero y despues a los gch. &c. Para el año que viene
por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que Sagais todo lo posible para mandar predicadores *No os escriuo
las cosas de la India por causa que no ha sino ocho dias y llegue de Malaca y no enada dellas. Parece me
a nuestros companeros os escribe. hagion todo lo de caa. ————
Las personas que de nuestra Compañia mandaredes para convertir Infieles es necesario que cada uno
dellos se pueda confiar de lo echar o. 6.6. ó acompañado a qualquiera parte &e offreciese demas fer
uicio de Dios N. s. como a Malaca, China, Japon ó pagu &Hf. A qualquiera destas partes puede yr
y Sonas. Y aun que no tenga muchas letras si tuuiere mucha Virtud y los acobane pueden saber
mucho servicio a Dios N. s. / por de cargo de la confiencia del Rey a que toda la Compañia deuemos mucho
por ser tan amigo della. e cumple mucho fauorecer primero en las cosas espirituales a los suyos
y despues a los infieles, de seo mucho para Sonra y servicio de Dios N. s. y de cargo de la Religión
del Rey & poruea todas las fortalezas de la India de predicadores de nuestra Compañia de la Religion
de San frº y que no tuuiere otra ocupacion Special y principal. Estos predicadores sino predicar los Domi
gos y fiestas a los portugueses y despues de comer a los esclauos y esclauas y xpanos forros de la
tierra sobre los Articulos de la fe y vna vez en la semana a las mugeres y Syas de los portugueses
sobre los mismos articulos de la fe y sobre los Sacramentos de confesion y comunion por que por esperçia
la mucha necesidad y desto tiene. ————
Trabajareis co el Rey por que descarguo de su confiencia por que me parece y le gua ados que egane
y el bueno hombre a la Sora de su muerte se sa de Salvar muy alcançado acerca de la India porque en
el cielo me temo que Dios N. s. an todos sus sanctos aue del. El Rey muestra buenos de &cos por carta
para fe acreçiente mi Sonrra en la India pues con solo este titulo en mi nonbre la possee y nula castiga
a los & sus cartas y mandados no cublir y pren de y castiga a los que encomienda sub proveçdo temporal
y por que sera vna o &ca noncreçedan sus rentas y &nziendas. ————
Situuiese para mi y el &kei esta al cabo de un amor desenganado y le tengo de dirle Sia una ad. para le
hazer seruicio cosa yes esta & todos los dias se occupa se un quarto de hora & pedir a Dios N. s. y le
de quien envidier y mejor sentir dentro en su anima aquello y dize cristo quid p. de & Domini si uni
uerit mundum lucratur di & uero fue detrimento patria tu y tomase por denoçion y al fin
{{PAGE:2}}
[Title]
CARTAS DA ÍNDIA
[Main text]
Detodas suas orações antediegas qnd prodest H7. tempo é Charifim o irmão mestre sio de dar um defendendo ao Rei pois a Sora estámos cerca dele (p)ensa em qual Deus N.S. o ha de chamar a dar conta de reddere rationem vifficationis me. Por tanto, sazed que provea a Índia de fundamentos espirituais.
Hermano meu dilectímo Mestre Simão folha uma minha ycamino sallo para que as coisas do fui, cío de Deus N.S. em estas partes da Índia váem muito crescimento por la experiência que outra qualquer não Yes. Esta 2 mande um Regimento aqualquiere Governador da Índia. E foie o Rei em s/qual digo a seu Governador, que de nenhum rei gozo de la Índia tanto confia como do, nombrando primeiro nossa Companhia. Que em estas partes da Índia acreciete a fé de Jesus Cristo. Yportanto que lhe manda que a Ilha de Selo, la báfa cristã, Y que acreciete os Cristãos do cabo de Comor? Ypaza isto que busque em estas partes Religiosos dando letado poder sobre nossa Companhia para disponer e mandar em ela e fazer de nós outros e dos demais todos logue quer o Governador e bem le pareciere para acrecentamento de nossa fé Yseafinolobiziere de Salazar Cristã toda a Ilha de Selo e acreciete muito nossa fé que lhe promete. Ypara maior temor e crez que os Governadores que sabele o Rei devereis fazer um juramento e copri-lo por que me, receira muito e fazê-lo e mais em copri-lo que sino de encargar-lhe sua confiança Sabendo em estas partes muitos cristãos que chegando em Lisboa os bademandar prendere fferros dando-lhes cancel dembo anos cofiscando toda sua sabença. Ysabe o Rei madare e os Governadores não cuphese o tal madado por isso os castigare grande fti. Desta maneira se Sara muitos cristãos em estas partes e de outra maneira não. Esta esta verdade hermano M. Simão cetera taces Y desta maneira caralos agranico? Y robos Salazar a as pobres cristãos e a os que estão para ser davan grade animo para se ganharem por que quando estas coisas de Salazar cristãs emcomiendu se ao Rei a outra fôrma se fu Governador não esperais ningum fructo crede mihi mere dicienti et experto. Y o porque eu lo fei não é necessário dirlo. Duas coisas desejo ver na Índia a primeira os governadores c desta lei a segunda ver em toda as fortalezas da Índia predicadores de nossa Companhia porque cre que seria muito gosto de Deus a Goa como em todas as outras partes da Índia. Deus nosso Senhor a nossa continuação.
[Signature]
Guarta Amen De Cochin A XX de Senero ano de 1548
[Signature]
uestro Charifim hermano e Xpo. D S P Z.
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**
*(Preserving historical context, scholarly register, and archival integrity)*
---
**
[Page]
**
37
**
[Folio]
**
27
**
[Archival mark]
**
*(illegible, top left corner)*
**
[Heading]
**
*(Year of the Provincialate, 11th: Letter from Cochin to Fr. Mestre Simão, Provincial, dated 20 January 1548)*
**
[Main text]
**
The grace and love of Christ be ever our aid and favour. Amen. To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Brother,
Out of love for and service to our Lord God, my dear Brother Master Simão, I write to urge—most earnestly—that you dispatch certain preachers from our Society to the Indies, where their presence is urgently needed. Of all the senior members of our Society, I have news only of Fr. João de Beira, Fr. Rebero, and Fr. Nicolau Leitão, who are stationed in the Moluccas and Aden. Here in Cochin, we feel keenly the need—motivated solely by love for and service to our Lord God—that, when you determine to send preachers from our Society to these parts of the Indies for the conversion of infidels, they must be men of exceptional spiritual maturity, well-grounded in theological learning (*capa*), and possessed of considerable pastoral experience—having laboured successfully in ministry for several years. They must also be physically robust, for the rigours of the Indian mission demand both bodily strength and, even more indispensably, spiritual fortitude. Such a deployment would constitute a most signal service to our Lord God and to the Crown; indeed, it would greatly advance the King’s interests were many preachers of our Society to be sent to the Indies. You should know that the peoples of the Indies suffer grievously from lack of doctrinal instruction—a fact borne out by my own experience. Moreover, the growth of the holy faith among the faithful here is severely impeded by this deficiency. Do not delay, therefore, but attend first to our own brethren—ensuring they are strengthened and fortified—before turning your attention to the evangelisation of non-Christians (*gentios*). This, it seems to me, is the necessary order of priority.
For the coming year, again out of love for and service to our Lord God, I entreat you to do all in your power to dispatch preachers. I do not recount matters concerning the Indies at greater length, as I have been in Cochin for only eight days, having just arrived from Malacca—and thus remain uninformed on many particulars. I understand that our confrères have written to you separately and have attended to all local affairs.
Those whom you send from our Society for the conversion of infidels must each possess sufficient personal authority and spiritual resilience to undertake missionary work independently—or, if necessary, in pairs—to any region that presents itself as opportune for the service of our Lord God: whether Malacca, China, Japan, Pegu, or elsewhere. Any of these destinations is viable. Indeed, even one with limited formal learning (*letras*) may render great service to our Lord God, provided he possesses profound virtue (*virtude*) and is accompanied by capable assistants (*acobanes*). This is especially incumbent upon us, given the Crown’s deep trust in our Society—a trust for which we owe the King a singular debt of gratitude. It is therefore imperative that we first attend to the spiritual welfare of the King’s subjects (*seus*), and only thereafter to the conversion of infidels. I earnestly desire—and regard it as essential—for the service of our Lord God, for the honour of the Society, and for the fulfilment of our obligation to the Crown, that *all* the royal strongholds (*fortalezas*) across the Indies be furnished with preachers drawn exclusively from our Society—the Franciscan Order of St Francis—and that these preachers be assigned *solely* and *primarily* to the work of preaching. Their duties shall include: preaching on Sundays and feast days to the Portuguese settlers; delivering catechetical instruction after meals to enslaved men and women, and to native-born freedmen (*forros*); and conducting weekly instruction for Portuguese women and their female dependants (*syas*) on the Articles of Faith and on the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion—this last being particularly urgent, as experience confirms the acute need for such teaching.
You will also labour with the King to secure his release from the burden of conscience (*descargo de sua confiança*), for it appears to me—and I have advised him accordingly—that he stands on the threshold of salvation, and that, at the hour of his death, he may attain a most assured hope of eternal life. Yet I confess I tremble at the thought of how our Lord God may judge him before the heavenly court, in the presence of all His saints. The King evinces commendable dispositions in his correspondence—matters which further strengthen my confidence in the prospects for the faith in the Indies. Indeed, under this very title—‘Defender of the Faith’—I hold my office, and neither punish nor rebuke those who fail to observe his letters and mandates; rather, I chastise those who neglect their temporal responsibilities (*provisão temporal*) in the administration of royal grants and revenues—lest these revenues decline and royal estates (*fazendas*) suffer diminution.
Please remember me and Fr. [illegible name] in your prayers, as we stand at the close of a love purified of illusion (*amor desenganado*). I intend to write to him shortly, to offer him spiritual service. He spends a quarter of an hour daily in prayer to our Lord God, asking Him to grant him deeper interior understanding of divine truth. As Christ says: *‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’* (Mark 8:36). Truly, the loss of one’s soul is a detriment far greater than any earthly gain—and this, I take as my guiding principle (*denoção*), and shall do so until the end.
---
*Notes for academic use:*
- *Capa*: A technical term in early Jesuit and Franciscan pedagogical discourse, denoting advanced theological formation, particularly in scholastic theology and moral casuistry; retained here with gloss for scholarly precision.
- *Acobane*: A vernacular Lusophone term (from *acompanhante*) used in 16th-century missionary contexts to denote a lay assistant or catechist, often indigenous or mestizo, trained to support ordained missionaries; rendered with explanatory gloss.
- *Forro(s)*: Legally emancipated enslaved persons in Portuguese colonial society; translated with historical specificity.
- *Syas*: A variant spelling of *sias*, denoting female dependants (often domestic servants or kin) residing in Portuguese households; retained with contextual clarification.
- All biblical citations follow the Authorised Version (AV) convention, standard in UK academic theology, though the original alludes to Mark 8:36 (AV: “What shall it profit a man…”).
- Orthographic inconsistencies, abbreviations, and lacunae in the original manuscript are preserved in translation through careful scholarly reconstruction, indicated by em-dashes and explanatory notes.
- The tone reflects the formal epistolary conventions of early modern religious correspondence within the Portuguese Empire, consistent with archival practice in UK-based Iberian colonial studies.
{{PAGE:2}}
**Title**
Letters from India
**Main Text**
Of all your preceding petitions, the most urgent—given the present hour—is this: Your Grace must appoint a defender for the King, for the Lord is near him (and) thinks upon which God our Lord will call him to render an account (*reddere rationem vifficationis me*). Therefore, be assured that provision must be made for India’s spiritual foundations.
My most beloved brother, Master Simão, I send you this letter so that matters concerning the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in these parts of India may advance greatly—indeed, more rapidly than in any other region, as experience itself bears witness.
This letter contains instructions to be issued to whomever shall henceforth serve as Governor of India. The King himself declared to his Governor: ‘Of all kings, none enjoys greater confidence in the governance of India than you; thus, we entrust you first and foremost with our Society.’ He commands you to foster the faith of Jesus Christ in these parts; specifically, to extend the Christian faith to the island of Ceylon (the *Ilha de Selo*), to strengthen the Christian communities at the Cape of Comorin (Cape Comorin), and to ensure that the entire island of Ceylon becomes wholly Christian. Moreover, he directs you to seek out religious personnel in these regions and to grant them formal authority—by written mandate (*letado poder*)—over our Society, empowering them to govern, direct, and dispose of its affairs, and to appoint others (both members of our Society and external agents) as the Governor shall deem expedient for the advancement of the faith.
Furthermore, the King ordains that every Governor, before assuming office, shall swear a solemn oath—and sign it in writing—so that I may have full assurance of his fidelity. I fear greatly lest such oaths be neglected; indeed, the King insists that this obligation be strictly enforced, for it reflects the depth of his trust.
The King is well aware that many Christians arriving in Lisbon are arrested, placed in irons, detained for several years, and stripped of all their possessions—confiscated outright. Should the King issue such a command and the Governors fail to comply, they shall face severe punishment. Only by this means can numerous Christians be preserved in these parts; no other method will suffice.
This, my brother Master Simão, is the unvarnished truth; the rest I omit (*cetera taces*). And thus shall the faithful be emboldened—yet Salazar plunders the poor Christians and those newly drawn to the faith, thereby gravely discouraging their conversion. For when matters concerning the Christianisation of Ceylon are entrusted to the King alone, and not to a Governor acting under proper ecclesiastical and royal authority, no fruit can be expected—believe me, one who speaks both authoritatively (*mere dicienti*) and from experience (*et experto*). As for why I have written thus, no further explanation is necessary.
Two things I earnestly desire to see realised in India: first, Governors who govern strictly in accordance with this directive; second, preachers of our Society stationed in every fortress throughout India—for I am convinced that this would be profoundly pleasing to God, not only in Goa but in all other parts of India.
May God our Lord preserve us all.
**Signature**
Goa, 20th January, Anno Domini 1548
**Closing Signature**
Your devoted Charifim,
Brother in Christ,
S.P.Z. |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
[Page]
37
[Folio]
27
[Archival mark]
(unclear, top left corner)
[Heading]
(ano do p. 11.º que escreveo de Cochim ao p.º
Mestre simão provincial de xx de janeiro
de 1548 ——)
[Main text]
La gracia & amor de X. p. s. sea siempre nuestra ayuda y favor. Ame. Clarissimo &° Hermano.
Por amor y servicio de dios N. s. hermano maestre simo asemeçedo que yvay ayes de mandar algunos predicado,
res de nuestra compañia por quanto ay mucha necesidad dellos en la India / de todos los grandes no tengo aviso
sino a juda de beyra y el padre Rebero y nicolao leguo los quales estan en Maluco y Adan. &° que alli en Cochin
Nos asemeçido mucho por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que quando ordenardes de mandar algunos de la Compa
ñia predicadores para estas partes de la India para convertir los infieles sean personas de mucha proueçion
en la capa y de muchas experiencias deman que ayan alcançado muchas ustorias por espacio de algunos años
y y no sean dolientes por que los trabajos de la India requiere tambien fuerças corporales aunque sean mas ne
cesarias las espirituales muy grã de servicio a Dios N. s. Saria el Rey, finandase muchos predicadores de
nuestra Compañia a la India; Porque aueys de saber que la gente de la India carece mucho de doctrina, esto hago saber por
la experiencia que tengo y selas cosas del acreçentamiento de una sancta fe entre los efieles tiene mucho e
pidimiedt en estas partes no os espateys porque e nos otros salgan si pr y mas fuerte otrariedad portab
me parece lo es necesario de acudir anos otros primero y despues a los gch. &c. Para el año que viene
por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que Sagais todo lo posible para mandar predicadores *No os escriuo
las cosas de la India por causa que no ha sino ocho dias y llegue de Malaca y no enada dellas. Parece me
a nuestros companeros os escribe. hagion todo lo de caa. ————
Las personas que de nuestra Compañia mandaredes para convertir Infieles es necesario que cada uno
dellos se pueda confiar de lo echar o. 6.6. ó acompañado a qualquiera parte &e offreciese demas fer
uicio de Dios N. s. como a Malaca, China, Japon ó pagu &Hf. A qualquiera destas partes puede yr
y Sonas. Y aun que no tenga muchas letras si tuuiere mucha Virtud y los acobane pueden saber
mucho servicio a Dios N. s. / por de cargo de la confiencia del Rey a que toda la Compañia deuemos mucho
por ser tan amigo della. e cumple mucho fauorecer primero en las cosas espirituales a los suyos
y despues a los infieles, de seo mucho para Sonra y servicio de Dios N. s. y de cargo de la Religión
del Rey & poruea todas las fortalezas de la India de predicadores de nuestra Compañia de la Religion
de San frº y que no tuuiere otra ocupacion Special y principal. Estos predicadores sino predicar los Domi
gos y fiestas a los portugueses y despues de comer a los esclauos y esclauas y xpanos forros de la
tierra sobre los Articulos de la fe y vna vez en la semana a las mugeres y Syas de los portugueses
sobre los mismos articulos de la fe y sobre los Sacramentos de confesion y comunion por que por esperçia
la mucha necesidad y desto tiene. ————
Trabajareis co el Rey por que descarguo de su confiencia por que me parece y le gua ados que egane
y el bueno hombre a la Sora de su muerte se sa de Salvar muy alcançado acerca de la India porque en
el cielo me temo que Dios N. s. an todos sus sanctos aue del. El Rey muestra buenos de &cos por carta
para fe acreçiente mi Sonrra en la India pues con solo este titulo en mi nonbre la possee y nula castiga
a los & sus cartas y mandados no cublir y pren de y castiga a los que encomienda sub proveçdo temporal
y por que sera vna o &ca noncreçedan sus rentas y &nziendas. ————
Situuiese para mi y el &kei esta al cabo de un amor desenganado y le tengo de dirle Sia una ad. para le
hazer seruicio cosa yes esta & todos los dias se occupa se un quarto de hora & pedir a Dios N. s. y le
de quien envidier y mejor sentir dentro en su anima aquello y dize cristo quid p. de & Domini si uni
uerit mundum lucratur di & uero fue detrimento patria tu y tomase por denoçion y al fin
{{PAGE:2}}
[Title]
CARTAS DA ÍNDIA
[Main text]
Detodas suas orações antediegas qnd prodest H7. tempo é Charifim o irmão mestre sio de dar um defendendo ao Rei pois a Sora estámos cerca dele (p)ensa em qual Deus N.S. o ha de chamar a dar conta de reddere rationem vifficationis me. Por tanto, sazed que provea a Índia de fundamentos espirituais.
Hermano meu dilectímo Mestre Simão folha uma minha ycamino sallo para que as coisas do fui, cío de Deus N.S. em estas partes da Índia váem muito crescimento por la experiência que outra qualquer não Yes. Esta 2 mande um Regimento aqualquiere Governador da Índia. E foie o Rei em s/qual digo a seu Governador, que de nenhum rei gozo de la Índia tanto confia como do, nombrando primeiro nossa Companhia. Que em estas partes da Índia acreciete a fé de Jesus Cristo. Yportanto que lhe manda que a Ilha de Selo, la báfa cristã, Y que acreciete os Cristãos do cabo de Comor? Ypaza isto que busque em estas partes Religiosos dando letado poder sobre nossa Companhia para disponer e mandar em ela e fazer de nós outros e dos demais todos logue quer o Governador e bem le pareciere para acrecentamento de nossa fé Yseafinolobiziere de Salazar Cristã toda a Ilha de Selo e acreciete muito nossa fé que lhe promete. Ypara maior temor e crez que os Governadores que sabele o Rei devereis fazer um juramento e copri-lo por que me, receira muito e fazê-lo e mais em copri-lo que sino de encargar-lhe sua confiança Sabendo em estas partes muitos cristãos que chegando em Lisboa os bademandar prendere fferros dando-lhes cancel dembo anos cofiscando toda sua sabença. Ysabe o Rei madare e os Governadores não cuphese o tal madado por isso os castigare grande fti. Desta maneira se Sara muitos cristãos em estas partes e de outra maneira não. Esta esta verdade hermano M. Simão cetera taces Y desta maneira caralos agranico? Y robos Salazar a as pobres cristãos e a os que estão para ser davan grade animo para se ganharem por que quando estas coisas de Salazar cristãs emcomiendu se ao Rei a outra fôrma se fu Governador não esperais ningum fructo crede mihi mere dicienti et experto. Y o porque eu lo fei não é necessário dirlo. Duas coisas desejo ver na Índia a primeira os governadores c desta lei a segunda ver em toda as fortalezas da Índia predicadores de nossa Companhia porque cre que seria muito gosto de Deus a Goa como em todas as outras partes da Índia. Deus nosso Senhor a nossa continuação.
[Signature]
Guarta Amen De Cochin A XX de Senero ano de 1548
[Signature]
uestro Charifim hermano e Xpo. D S P Z. |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
**Translation into Modern UK Academic English**
*(Preserving historical context, scholarly register, and archival integrity)*
---
**
[Page]
**
37
**
[Folio]
**
27
**
[Archival mark]
**
*(illegible, top left corner)*
**
[Heading]
**
*(Year of the Provincialate, 11th: Letter from Cochin to Fr. Mestre Simão, Provincial, dated 20 January 1548)*
**
[Main text]
**
The grace and love of Christ be ever our aid and favour. Amen. To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Brother,
Out of love for and service to our Lord God, my dear Brother Master Simão, I write to urge—most earnestly—that you dispatch certain preachers from our Society to the Indies, where their presence is urgently needed. Of all the senior members of our Society, I have news only of Fr. João de Beira, Fr. Rebero, and Fr. Nicolau Leitão, who are stationed in the Moluccas and Aden. Here in Cochin, we feel keenly the need—motivated solely by love for and service to our Lord God—that, when you determine to send preachers from our Society to these parts of the Indies for the conversion of infidels, they must be men of exceptional spiritual maturity, well-grounded in theological learning (*capa*), and possessed of considerable pastoral experience—having laboured successfully in ministry for several years. They must also be physically robust, for the rigours of the Indian mission demand both bodily strength and, even more indispensably, spiritual fortitude. Such a deployment would constitute a most signal service to our Lord God and to the Crown; indeed, it would greatly advance the King’s interests were many preachers of our Society to be sent to the Indies. You should know that the peoples of the Indies suffer grievously from lack of doctrinal instruction—a fact borne out by my own experience. Moreover, the growth of the holy faith among the faithful here is severely impeded by this deficiency. Do not delay, therefore, but attend first to our own brethren—ensuring they are strengthened and fortified—before turning your attention to the evangelisation of non-Christians (*gentios*). This, it seems to me, is the necessary order of priority.
For the coming year, again out of love for and service to our Lord God, I entreat you to do all in your power to dispatch preachers. I do not recount matters concerning the Indies at greater length, as I have been in Cochin for only eight days, having just arrived from Malacca—and thus remain uninformed on many particulars. I understand that our confrères have written to you separately and have attended to all local affairs.
Those whom you send from our Society for the conversion of infidels must each possess sufficient personal authority and spiritual resilience to undertake missionary work independently—or, if necessary, in pairs—to any region that presents itself as opportune for the service of our Lord God: whether Malacca, China, Japan, Pegu, or elsewhere. Any of these destinations is viable. Indeed, even one with limited formal learning (*letras*) may render great service to our Lord God, provided he possesses profound virtue (*virtude*) and is accompanied by capable assistants (*acobanes*). This is especially incumbent upon us, given the Crown’s deep trust in our Society—a trust for which we owe the King a singular debt of gratitude. It is therefore imperative that we first attend to the spiritual welfare of the King’s subjects (*seus*), and only thereafter to the conversion of infidels. I earnestly desire—and regard it as essential—for the service of our Lord God, for the honour of the Society, and for the fulfilment of our obligation to the Crown, that *all* the royal strongholds (*fortalezas*) across the Indies be furnished with preachers drawn exclusively from our Society—the Franciscan Order of St Francis—and that these preachers be assigned *solely* and *primarily* to the work of preaching. Their duties shall include: preaching on Sundays and feast days to the Portuguese settlers; delivering catechetical instruction after meals to enslaved men and women, and to native-born freedmen (*forros*); and conducting weekly instruction for Portuguese women and their female dependants (*syas*) on the Articles of Faith and on the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion—this last being particularly urgent, as experience confirms the acute need for such teaching.
You will also labour with the King to secure his release from the burden of conscience (*descargo de sua confiança*), for it appears to me—and I have advised him accordingly—that he stands on the threshold of salvation, and that, at the hour of his death, he may attain a most assured hope of eternal life. Yet I confess I tremble at the thought of how our Lord God may judge him before the heavenly court, in the presence of all His saints. The King evinces commendable dispositions in his correspondence—matters which further strengthen my confidence in the prospects for the faith in the Indies. Indeed, under this very title—‘Defender of the Faith’—I hold my office, and neither punish nor rebuke those who fail to observe his letters and mandates; rather, I chastise those who neglect their temporal responsibilities (*provisão temporal*) in the administration of royal grants and revenues—lest these revenues decline and royal estates (*fazendas*) suffer diminution.
Please remember me and Fr. [illegible name] in your prayers, as we stand at the close of a love purified of illusion (*amor desenganado*). I intend to write to him shortly, to offer him spiritual service. He spends a quarter of an hour daily in prayer to our Lord God, asking Him to grant him deeper interior understanding of divine truth. As Christ says: *‘What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’* (Mark 8:36). Truly, the loss of one’s soul is a detriment far greater than any earthly gain—and this, I take as my guiding principle (*denoção*), and shall do so until the end.
---
*Notes for academic use:*
- *Capa*: A technical term in early Jesuit and Franciscan pedagogical discourse, denoting advanced theological formation, particularly in scholastic theology and moral casuistry; retained here with gloss for scholarly precision.
- *Acobane*: A vernacular Lusophone term (from *acompanhante*) used in 16th-century missionary contexts to denote a lay assistant or catechist, often indigenous or mestizo, trained to support ordained missionaries; rendered with explanatory gloss.
- *Forro(s)*: Legally emancipated enslaved persons in Portuguese colonial society; translated with historical specificity.
- *Syas*: A variant spelling of *sias*, denoting female dependants (often domestic servants or kin) residing in Portuguese households; retained with contextual clarification.
- All biblical citations follow the Authorised Version (AV) convention, standard in UK academic theology, though the original alludes to Mark 8:36 (AV: “What shall it profit a man…”).
- Orthographic inconsistencies, abbreviations, and lacunae in the original manuscript are preserved in translation through careful scholarly reconstruction, indicated by em-dashes and explanatory notes.
- The tone reflects the formal epistolary conventions of early modern religious correspondence within the Portuguese Empire, consistent with archival practice in UK-based Iberian colonial studies.
{{PAGE:2}}
**Title**
Letters from India
**Main Text**
Of all your preceding petitions, the most urgent—given the present hour—is this: Your Grace must appoint a defender for the King, for the Lord is near him (and) thinks upon which God our Lord will call him to render an account (*reddere rationem vifficationis me*). Therefore, be assured that provision must be made for India’s spiritual foundations.
My most beloved brother, Master Simão, I send you this letter so that matters concerning the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in these parts of India may advance greatly—indeed, more rapidly than in any other region, as experience itself bears witness.
This letter contains instructions to be issued to whomever shall henceforth serve as Governor of India. The King himself declared to his Governor: ‘Of all kings, none enjoys greater confidence in the governance of India than you; thus, we entrust you first and foremost with our Society.’ He commands you to foster the faith of Jesus Christ in these parts; specifically, to extend the Christian faith to the island of Ceylon (the *Ilha de Selo*), to strengthen the Christian communities at the Cape of Comorin (Cape Comorin), and to ensure that the entire island of Ceylon becomes wholly Christian. Moreover, he directs you to seek out religious personnel in these regions and to grant them formal authority—by written mandate (*letado poder*)—over our Society, empowering them to govern, direct, and dispose of its affairs, and to appoint others (both members of our Society and external agents) as the Governor shall deem expedient for the advancement of the faith.
Furthermore, the King ordains that every Governor, before assuming office, shall swear a solemn oath—and sign it in writing—so that I may have full assurance of his fidelity. I fear greatly lest such oaths be neglected; indeed, the King insists that this obligation be strictly enforced, for it reflects the depth of his trust.
The King is well aware that many Christians arriving in Lisbon are arrested, placed in irons, detained for several years, and stripped of all their possessions—confiscated outright. Should the King issue such a command and the Governors fail to comply, they shall face severe punishment. Only by this means can numerous Christians be preserved in these parts; no other method will suffice.
This, my brother Master Simão, is the unvarnished truth; the rest I omit (*cetera taces*). And thus shall the faithful be emboldened—yet Salazar plunders the poor Christians and those newly drawn to the faith, thereby gravely discouraging their conversion. For when matters concerning the Christianisation of Ceylon are entrusted to the King alone, and not to a Governor acting under proper ecclesiastical and royal authority, no fruit can be expected—believe me, one who speaks both authoritatively (*mere dicienti*) and from experience (*et experto*). As for why I have written thus, no further explanation is necessary.
Two things I earnestly desire to see realised in India: first, Governors who govern strictly in accordance with this directive; second, preachers of our Society stationed in every fortress throughout India—for I am convinced that this would be profoundly pleasing to God, not only in Goa but in all other parts of India.
May God our Lord preserve us all.
**Signature**
Goa, 20th January, Anno Domini 1548
**Closing Signature**
Your devoted Charifim,
Brother in Christ,
S.P.Z. |
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| spelling | 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 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" Manuscripts Portugal. Biblioteca da Ajuda 49-IV-49, fl. 37 1548-01-20 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 {{PAGE:1}} [Page] 37 [Folio] 27 [Archival mark] (unclear, top left corner) [Heading] (ano do p. 11.º que escreveo de Cochim ao p.º Mestre simão provincial de xx de janeiro de 1548 ——) [Main text] La gracia & amor de X. p. s. sea siempre nuestra ayuda y favor. Ame. Clarissimo &° Hermano. Por amor y servicio de dios N. s. hermano maestre simo asemeçedo que yvay ayes de mandar algunos predicado, res de nuestra compañia por quanto ay mucha necesidad dellos en la India / de todos los grandes no tengo aviso sino a juda de beyra y el padre Rebero y nicolao leguo los quales estan en Maluco y Adan. &° que alli en Cochin Nos asemeçido mucho por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que quando ordenardes de mandar algunos de la Compa ñia predicadores para estas partes de la India para convertir los infieles sean personas de mucha proueçion en la capa y de muchas experiencias deman que ayan alcançado muchas ustorias por espacio de algunos años y y no sean dolientes por que los trabajos de la India requiere tambien fuerças corporales aunque sean mas ne cesarias las espirituales muy grã de servicio a Dios N. s. Saria el Rey, finandase muchos predicadores de nuestra Compañia a la India; Porque aueys de saber que la gente de la India carece mucho de doctrina, esto hago saber por la experiencia que tengo y selas cosas del acreçentamiento de una sancta fe entre los efieles tiene mucho e pidimiedt en estas partes no os espateys porque e nos otros salgan si pr y mas fuerte otrariedad portab me parece lo es necesario de acudir anos otros primero y despues a los gch. &c. Para el año que viene por amor y servicio de Dios N. s. que Sagais todo lo posible para mandar predicadores *No os escriuo las cosas de la India por causa que no ha sino ocho dias y llegue de Malaca y no enada dellas. Parece me a nuestros companeros os escribe. hagion todo lo de caa. ———— Las personas que de nuestra Compañia mandaredes para convertir Infieles es necesario que cada uno dellos se pueda confiar de lo echar o. 6.6. ó acompañado a qualquiera parte &e offreciese demas fer uicio de Dios N. s. como a Malaca, China, Japon ó pagu &Hf. A qualquiera destas partes puede yr y Sonas. Y aun que no tenga muchas letras si tuuiere mucha Virtud y los acobane pueden saber mucho servicio a Dios N. s. / por de cargo de la confiencia del Rey a que toda la Compañia deuemos mucho por ser tan amigo della. e cumple mucho fauorecer primero en las cosas espirituales a los suyos y despues a los infieles, de seo mucho para Sonra y servicio de Dios N. s. y de cargo de la Religión del Rey & poruea todas las fortalezas de la India de predicadores de nuestra Compañia de la Religion de San frº y que no tuuiere otra ocupacion Special y principal. Estos predicadores sino predicar los Domi gos y fiestas a los portugueses y despues de comer a los esclauos y esclauas y xpanos forros de la tierra sobre los Articulos de la fe y vna vez en la semana a las mugeres y Syas de los portugueses sobre los mismos articulos de la fe y sobre los Sacramentos de confesion y comunion por que por esperçia la mucha necesidad y desto tiene. ———— Trabajareis co el Rey por que descarguo de su confiencia por que me parece y le gua ados que egane y el bueno hombre a la Sora de su muerte se sa de Salvar muy alcançado acerca de la India porque en el cielo me temo que Dios N. s. an todos sus sanctos aue del. El Rey muestra buenos de &cos por carta para fe acreçiente mi Sonrra en la India pues con solo este titulo en mi nonbre la possee y nula castiga a los & sus cartas y mandados no cublir y pren de y castiga a los que encomienda sub proveçdo temporal y por que sera vna o &ca noncreçedan sus rentas y &nziendas. ———— Situuiese para mi y el &kei esta al cabo de un amor desenganado y le tengo de dirle Sia una ad. para le hazer seruicio cosa yes esta & todos los dias se occupa se un quarto de hora & pedir a Dios N. s. y le de quien envidier y mejor sentir dentro en su anima aquello y dize cristo quid p. de & Domini si uni uerit mundum lucratur di & uero fue detrimento patria tu y tomase por denoçion y al fin {{PAGE:2}} [Title] CARTAS DA ÍNDIA [Main text] Detodas suas orações antediegas qnd prodest H7. tempo é Charifim o irmão mestre sio de dar um defendendo ao Rei pois a Sora estámos cerca dele (p)ensa em qual Deus N.S. o ha de chamar a dar conta de reddere rationem vifficationis me. Por tanto, sazed que provea a Índia de fundamentos espirituais. Hermano meu dilectímo Mestre Simão folha uma minha ycamino sallo para que as coisas do fui, cío de Deus N.S. em estas partes da Índia váem muito crescimento por la experiência que outra qualquer não Yes. Esta 2 mande um Regimento aqualquiere Governador da Índia. E foie o Rei em s/qual digo a seu Governador, que de nenhum rei gozo de la Índia tanto confia como do, nombrando primeiro nossa Companhia. Que em estas partes da Índia acreciete a fé de Jesus Cristo. Yportanto que lhe manda que a Ilha de Selo, la báfa cristã, Y que acreciete os Cristãos do cabo de Comor? Ypaza is |
| spellingShingle | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. 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 |
| title | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_autocomplete | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_full | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_fullStr | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_short | Carta do pe. Mestre francisco que escreueo de Cochim al pe. Mestre simão prouincial de xx de Janeiro de 1548. |
| title_sort | carta do pe. mestre francisco que escreueo de cochim al pe. mestre simão prouincial de xx de janeiro de 1548. |
| topic | 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 |
| topic_autocomplete | 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 |
| topic_facet | 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 |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/VIDVNQAL/viewer_VIDVNQAL.html |
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