(Tres Palacios, Felipe Joseph), Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
Public and private instructions given to Father (Joaquin) Jochin de Portillo, (O.M. Cap.) when he was made Vicar Forane of this Province and to Father Theodoro (Thirso) Henrique Henriquez, Advocate of the Royal court of Mexico and Santo Dom(ingo), Vicar General Auxiliary to the Bishop of Havana and its jurisdiction and present Vicar Forane, Ecclesiastical Judge of this Province. A note adds that the said instructions are presented in an abridged form in the following pages.
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1790 Nov. 15
Trespalacios, Phelipe J(ose)ph, Bishop of
Havana, Cuba?)
Trespalacios, First Bishop of the Cathedral Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Cristoval, appoints as Vicar Forane, Ecclesiastical Judge for New Orleans, Father Joaquin de Portillo, O.M. Cap. from now on, as long as (Trespalacios) wishes, with all authority for whatever falls under the jurisdiction of a vicar and ecclesiastical judge. Portillo will adhere to the instructions, made out this day, and being sent to him. He is to take possession of his vicarship as soon as he arrives in New Orleans and will have turned over to him all the records and documents belonging to the archives. Estevan Man(uel) de Elosua, as secretary, certifies this document.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Nov. 18
Elosua, Estevan Man(uel) de
Havana, (Cuba)
Portillo appeared before Elosua and accepted the appointment as secretary. He swore to discharge it faithfully and to obey the orders given in it and in the Instructions. Portillo signed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Nov. 15
Trespalacios, Phelipe J(ose)ph de, Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
Portillo is to follow the instructions (given here under 32 headings). No. 3 (mentions) Auxiliary Bishop Cyrilo (Cirilo Sieni) of Barcelona. No. 21 (gives some instructions in regard to) the Franciscans and Capuchins, No. 26-28 (in regard to) the Ursulines. Portillo is also to inform Trespalacios of the number of priests necessary and the number of curacies in New Orleans and in Pensacola, (Florida) and Mobile, (Alabama). Elosua certifies as secretary.
Copy D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Nov. 20
(Trespalacios, Felipe Joseph de) Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
to Father Joaquin de Portillo, (O.M. Cap.)
(Havana, Cuba)
Private instructions to Portillo (contain 13 items, among them the following): On arriving at New Orleans, he will endeavor to inform Andres Almonester y Roxas to whom he will give the enclosed letter and then go to the Governor (Baron Francisco Luis Hector de Carondelet) to whom he will present the credentials from the Vice-Patron and these (from Trespalacios); after this he will go to the Auxiliary Bishop to whom he will deliver (Trespalacios)'s letter; he will inform Father Joseph Maria Valdes, O.F.M. and Father Simon de Fuentes, O.F.M. that they are to leave at the first occasion for their convent in this city, their places will be taken by the two religious who accompany Portillo; he will examine the charges against Father Joseph Xerez, O.M. Cap., which he will make known to Father Francisco de Cardes; he will inquire into the conduct of Father Ubaldo Delgado, (O.F.M.); if he finds Father Ignacio Olot, (O.M. Cap.) in the Province he is to ask him for his license, if he does not have it he is to leave the Province that he may continue his mission in the Orinoco or wherever he belongs; he is to inquire about the property of Father Antonio (de) Sedella, O.M. Cap.) and Xerez, whose property is to come to the receiver, Father Isidro fermoselle. Elosua certifies this.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1790 Nov. 17
Elosua, Estevan Man(uel)
Havana, (Cuba)
Headings of (Trespalacios)'s usual faculties which he communicates to Portillo. Elosua adds in a note that this is a copy from the original Brief, copied out to send to Portillo.
A.D.S. (Latin)
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1790 Nov. 17
Elosua, Estevan Man(uel) de
Havana, (Cuba)
Chapters from the Royal Decree commanding what is to be done in the Indies about the guilty who take refuge in the church. Given by the King (Charles III of Spain) on March 15, 1787, (written out by) Manuel de Nestares(?) (as secretary?). Elosua certifies that this is a copy of the original found in the Royal Decree.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
1891 Mar. 26
(Trespalacios, Felipe Joseph de) Bishop of
(Havana), Cuba
to Father (Joaquin de) Portillo, (O.M. Cap.)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
(TresPalacios) grieves that the epidemic has struck the priests at the time when they are needed most. Although the king has approved Portillo's appointment, the return of the Capuchins and the retirement of Valdes and Fuentes who served as Chaplains in the First and Second Battalions, Portillo is to send the completed summaries and also that of Father Ignacio Olod, former assistant pastor. Colonel Antonio Maxen, through whom Portillo wrote the letter answered February 28, has arrived; Trespalacios will remember the recommendation given by Portillo as he is a good Frenchman. It is not expedient to accede to Portillo's request that Abbot (Father Francois) Gase be appointed pastor of St. Charles (German Coast?); as Portillo knows he is not to allow anyone not designated by his Majesty to be appointed as the king does not wish anyone but Capuchins there. If Gase will come to this diocese Trespalacios would hear him according to his merits. He has read the letter of Father William (Savage) Sabages, pastor of Natches, sent to him by Portillo, (about certain) faculties which Portillo may grant but for the rest he must come to Portillo and Portillo to him (Trespalacios) in hard cases. Besides the two mails a month there are repeated occasions. In regard to marriages between Catholics and heretics, Trespalacios can only quote the two Papal bulls given by Benedict XIV which begin "Matrimonia que" of November 4, '41 and "Reddite Sum" of December 17, '46, (whose rulings Trespalacios discusses). Portillo will attach this letter to the Instructions.
L.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Oct. 10
Portillo, (O.M. Cap.), Father Joaquin de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
to Bishop Felipe Josef de Tres Palacios
Havana, (Cuba)
Portillo received the two letters of Trespalacios yesterday: the one of August 27 referring to the dispensation asked by Juan Pedro Frederic to marry his cousin, Mariana Toups and the one of September 4 authorizing him to grant faculties to satisfactory persons in case of need. The matter of the Majordomos of the Fabrique needs to be remedied. There is hardly a pastor who does not complain about them. They make use of the small incomes of the treasury and leave the churches without the necessities for Divine worship, and when the priest asks for money they say there is none. One priest had to go for hosts to the parish of Mr. Cantrel(le), (St. James), five leagues distant. If Trespalacios does not approve of his plan to do away with the Majordomos and give the work to the pastors, it seems to Portillo that a new majordomo should be elected each year. He wishes Trespalacios would state the procedure to be followed in the decorating of churches. The case of Father (Bernardo de) Deva, (O.M. Cap.) is not yet settled after so many months. The Governor says the papers are being translated before being sent to Portillo. Portillo answered that he would not overlook the least proved defect, but also, he would not heed anything not proved against one of the best priests of the colony whom he knew well. The Commandant has left and the papers have not been sent. This is proof that they had nothing serious against him. The priest's reputation has suffered greatly through the unorthodox proceedings of the Commandant. The Auxiliary, (Bishop Cirilo) has confirmed in the oratory of his home and Father Ignacio (de Olot) his secretary has sent Portillo a list of those confirmed. He does not know what priests assisted him unless it was Fathers Ignacio and Luis Guighes (O.M. Cap.) His Excellency has not been in Church since the octave of Corpus Christi when the Mass and Tedeum were sung for the delivery of Her Majesty. Portillo has invited him to the feast of St. Francis and to dinner but he said he was invited to dine with the Commandant.
A.L.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Nov. 6
(Trespalacios, Felipe Joseph de) Bishop of
(Havana, Cuba)
The corresponding decree is to be considered and the rules made out by the Vicar. The accounts of the Majordomos are to be examined. Certified by Elosua.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Dec. 2
(Trespalacios, Felipe Joseph de) Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
The pastors are not to be appointed as majordomos. They are to be appointed every year by the pastor, the Commandant the most important person of the parish; pew-rent is to be continued; expenditures for church decorations are to be made by the pastor and the Commandant. Certified by Elosua.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Nov. 29
Trespalacios, Phelipe J(ose)ph, Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
Trespalacios, since poor health prevents him from going there personally, appoints as Vicar Forane and Ecclesiastical Judge of the province of Louisiana, Father Theodoro (Thirso Henrique H)enriquez Advocate of the Royal Court of Mexico and Santo Domingo and Trespalacios' Vicar General Auxiliary in his bishropic. Upon arrival, mindful of the public and private instructions given on this date, Henriquez may use the faculties given him. He is also to investigate the conduct of Father Joaquin de Portillo, O.M. Cap. named Vicar Forane and Ecclesiastical Judge on November 17, 1790 and the other ecclesiastical ministers; he will take measures to fulfill the confidential instructions given him in fulfillment of the instructions given to Trespalacios in the Royal Decree of July 22, 1791. He is also to investigate the conditions which were explained by father Portillo; he is granted plenary faculties for everything; he is to select a notary, visit the rural churches and to appear before the bishop's secretary of State and governor to repeat his oath. Certified by Elosua, Secretary.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
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(1791) (Nov. 29)
Henriquez, Theod(or)o Thyrso Henriq(u)e
Havana, (Cuba)
Henriquez appears and accepts the appointment before Elosua, Secretary.
D.S. Copy (Spanish)
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1793 Feb. 7
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
This conforms with the original which the Vicar General Auxiliary of Havana and Vicar Forane of L(o)uisiana handed over for Quinones to copy.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Nov. 29
Trespalacios, Phelipe J(ose)ph, Bishop of Havana, (Cuba)
Because of his poor health and the inclemency of the season Trespalacios delegates Henriquez in his place on the occasion on which Baron (Francisco) Luis (Hecton) de Carondelet takes command. Henriquez is to obey the instructions given on November 15 and 16, 1790, when Portillo was appointed Vicar Forane, in all matters not changed by the present orders. He will consult the letter given on February 16, 1791 making known the faculties conferred on the former Vicar. On March 13, 1791, orders were given that the cloister is to be kept in the Ursuline Convent and the Vicar was to visit the Convent together with Father Ubaldo Delgado, O.F.M. and in the same letter the questions about fasting and abstaining on Fridays was answered saying that there was no knowledge of any dispensations excusing the faithful much less the religious from abstinence and requiring them to fast only on three days a week. On March 26 Savage was given (certain) faculties and the Vicar is to inform all the priests of that province that they are granted the same faculties. Trespalacios is grieved because of the grave disorders; the spiritual state not only of the French but also of the Spanish. With regard to the Sacrament of Penance, the Spanish are as bad as the French; out of twelve to 13 thousand of either nationality, not two hundred have made their Easter duty. They make their First Communion at the age of twelve, fifteen or twenty and many working men have not yet made it. Concubinage is tolerated publicly and is permitted to the slave in such a measure that they boast of it. From the year '77 to August 18, 1791 only 54 marriages have been contracted; since January 1791 only 205 negroes and mulattos have been baptized not counting the many who died without receiving the Holy Oils or receiving Baptism in their homes in necessity. The piety of the new Governor gives hope for improvement in this respect. The number of soldiers of the permanent regiment who have made their Easter Duty is not over 15 as stated by the Vicar in his letter of August 18. If the chaplains can induce their superiors to see to the fulfillment of Articles 6 and 7 of Chapter 23 of the second volume referring to preaching and religious instruction and Articles 18 and 19 of the Instructions for the aid of those ill or who have not fulfilled their Easter Duty, these evils can be remedied. the King is the protector of religion in dogma and morals and its ministers. Slaves are not forbidden to work on feast days when necessity requires it. Trespalacios will show these instructions to the Governor and ask his cooperation; the vicar will follow this example. The Vicar, with discretion will distribute the pamphlet Trespalacios has had reprinted which contains the address given by the Higher Clergy of France to the Christian King under the title, "The Voice of Pastoral Zeal and Presages of Irreligion and False Philosophy." The King, by the Royal Decree of July 22, 1791 has sent Trespalacios the charges that Bishop Cirilo (Sieni) de Barcelona has made against Father Antonio de Sedella and the Vicar is to fulfill His Majesty's orders regarding the investigation. The Vicar will also investigate the conduct of the former Vicar and all other priests of the Province. Elosua certifies as Secretary. (P.S.) The Vicar will bear in mind that, in cases of necessity the relations of second and first degree have been dispensed.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Nov. 29
(Trespalacios, Phelipe Joseph de) Bishop of
Hav(ana, Cuba)
(Henriquez) will make out documents giving an account of the way public worship has been conducted, concerning Passion services during Holy Week, processions and banners, and sermons and instructions. In another document he will name the Capuchins who have been appointed temporary chaplains of the two Battalions and their report on the Easter duty, in another the report of the pastor in regard to Easter duty. He will investigate the charge against Father Josef de Xerez, O.M. Cap. and try to find out where the property and money of this priest is. He will visit the monastery taking any measures necessary to observe the cloister, informing the Mother Superior about the dowry and admittance and dismissal. An account is to be given the Vicar by the majordomos who should be permanent and can be reelected provided he has fulfilled his duties in accordance with the rules made out by Portillo at Trespalacios' request, or guided by his opinion. The majordomos who have spent money of the Church are to return it to the respective parishes. The Vicar is not to introduce new measures without the assistance of the Governor observing the Royal Orders in the past together with the recent one for St. Augustin(e) of Florida sent by the Marq(ue)s de Bajamar. Certified by Elosua.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1791 Nov. 29
Elosua, (Estevan Manuel de)
Hav(an)a, (Cuba)
Extracts from the Bull "Matrimonia que" of Benedict XIV of November 4, 1741 and from "Reddite Sunt" of September 17, 1746. Law 8, Chapter 1, Book 4 of the Synod of Cuba is also to be consulted. Note: For a marriage to be declared invalid a certain form and order must be present as expressed in the Bull of Benedict XIV of November 3, 1741 and also in the above extract of November 4, 1741. No Catholic where the (decisions of the Council) of Trent have been received can marry without making it a sacrament; no priest can assist at a wedding of heretics unless they have abjured their errors, nor administer the sacraments to those unworthy. A copy of the royal order of May 21, 1791 addressed to Florida; to replace the late Father Pedro Camps a Minorcan religious or one who knows their language will accompany the three Irish priest to minister to the large number of families from that Island established in Florida since the British domination, and since His Majesty has decided that two hermitages be built in the district of St. John and St. Mary where two of the Irish priests chosen by Trespalacios or his Vicar in Florida with the accord of the Governor, will reside continuously, teaching and preaching. These priests may not permit clandestine marriages or "English style" (marriages). This is a true copy of the original, Elosua certifies. About the marriages between Catholics and heretics nothing more can be said than that contained in the two Bulls of Benedict XIV which declared that such marriages were not invalid but not a sacrament. Catholics are to be informed that they cannot marry infidels because of the danger of perversion, the divided education of the children and because of the prohibition of the Council of Chalcedon.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Feb. 1
Henriq(ue)z, Father (Theodoro Thirso Henrique)
New Orleans. (Louisiana)
The undersigned notary is to add these instructions dated November 29, 1791 to those sent to Portillo, his predecessor and placed in the archives. Certified by Quinones as notary.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Feb. 7
(Trespalacios, Felipe Joseph de) Bishop of
Hav(an)a, (Cuba)
to Father (Joaquin de) Portillo, (O.M. Cap.)
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
Trespalacios has received Portillo's four letters, three dated the 19th and the other the 20 of last January. The one about the arrival of his Auxiliary reached him after he had replied to those matters. He is pleased that the Governor is in agreement with the Instructions. These instructions and the understanding that he and Father Theodor have should carry out his ideas in governing the province. The sermons are not to last more than half an hour, Portillo's report of the parish of St. Louis gives the days on which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and other mementos of the early customs of the Province which were pious and devout up to the time of Governor (Bernardo) Galvez. Portillo will see how all who marry try to conceal the fact. Trespalacios also notes a copy of the Royal order permitting Father (Francois Gace) Francisco Gaze and Father Alexander (Viel) Vier to be established in the Province because of the need of priests who know French. If the King does not appoint them to a parish Portillo and Father Theodoro with the Governor, will do so. Trespalacios thanks God for a Governor of such good Qualities, under whose care there will never occur a case such as Portillo refers to about the pastor of At(t)acapes. Portillo has also informed him of the case of Father Olot, his repentance and intentions to carry out the bishop's orders. As to fees for funerals he will never approve anything resembling annual contributions because they are not recognized by the state. He is also informed of the results of his decree issued by his Auxiliary, of the list of property of Father Xerez and his offer to surrender it to Father Theodoro. Portillo has expressed the need for altars. As for missals and rituals he will remind Don Fran(cis)co Segui to send them. Portillo is to pass on this letter to Father Theodoro to be kept as part of the instructions.
L.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Mar. 15
Henriq(ue)z
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
The above letter is to be added to the Instructions that govern them as ordered. This is certified by Quinones, notary.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Oct. 8
(Trespalacios), Phelipe J(ose)ph (de) Bishop of
Havana, (Cuba)
Among the reasons that forestall spiritual advancement none is as important as lack of submission to authority. The king in his decree of June 19, '86, speaking with the Prefect of the Capuchin Mission whom he had sent at his expense states that they must be obedient through the Royal Vice Patron and Diocesan Prelate. The scarcity of priests causes them to live, not in convents, but each in his appointed church, and their offenses must be punished by the Diocesan, according to the ruling of the Council of Trent. This makes stranger and more reproachful the lack of obedience on the part of the Capuchins, who, if pressed will leave the Province without priests and who have meetings in which they discuss disobedience to the Royal Vice-Patron and his Auxiliary. The scandal caused by the maids living under the same roof as the Capuchins and the exceptions made to the disposal of what is left over of the money the king gives them, are not to be tolerated. A request has been sent to the King for at least 12 Capuchins, one for at least each of the principal districts. The Vicar is to visit each pastor of the Province, inform him of this decree and have him sign. This decree is to be kept with the other Instructions. A copy of it is to be sent to Vice-Patron Baron Fran(cis)co (Luis Hector) de Carondelet whose letters have contributed to his determination. Elosua certified as Secretary.
D.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Nov. 5
Henriq(ue)z, Theod(oro) Thyrso Henriq(u)e
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Henriquez certifies that on this date he made the visits ordered in the above document to the undersigned Capuchins. Father Joaquin de Portillo, Fran(cis)co de Caldes, Bern(ar)do de Deva, Luis de Quintanilla, Tirso de Peleagonzalo, Joseph de Villaprovedo.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1792 Nov. 15
Henriq(ue)z, Father (Theodoro Thyrso Henrique)
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Henriquez certifies that he conveyed the decree to Father Pedro de Velez (O.M. Cap.) pastor of the First Coast of the Germans who signed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1793 dec. 21
Walsh, Father Patrick
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
Walsh certifies that he conveyed the above decree to Father Estevan de Valoria (O.M. Cap.) who signed.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
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1793 Oct. 18
Quinones, Estevan de
New Orleans, (Louisiana)
A copy of the title of Vicar Forane, Ecclesiastical Judge (conferred) on Father Patrick Walsh: "Walsh is named Vicar Forane in New Orleans and the Province of Pensacola, taking charge of the Archives and informing Baron Carondelet, Governor and Intendant, duly legalized in Guanabacoa on May 1, 1793. (Signed by) Felipe Joseph, Bishop of Havana and (certified by) Francisco Fonte, pro-secretary." This agrees with the original given to Quinones by Walsh for copying; the original returned to him.
A.D.S. (Spanish)
IV-4-m D.S., A.D.S., L.S., A.L.S. and copies (Spanish) 83pp. 4to.
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