VATICAN MANUSCRIPTS

Concerning the Church in America

Before the Time of Columbus

Copyright by

T.H. Smart,

1906.

Distinguished Sir:

Replying to request contained in your letters of May 2d and June 27, the Holy Father instructs me to grant you permission to reproduce by photography any of the manuscripts referring to the Constitution of the Church in Greenland, that were made a part of the Vatican exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

In communicating to you this benign authorization, I beg to ask that a copy of your very valuable work, in which the reproductions appear, be presented to the Vatican Library.

Assuring you of my very distinguished consideration.

Devoted to your service,

R. Cardinal Merry Del Val.

Rome, July 14, 1906.

Sig. J. W. Buel, St. Louis.

THE VATICAN MANUSCRIPTS

It was a most important, and equally valuable, discovery, that was made in 1902, by searchers among the ancient manuscripts in the Vatican repositories, when the letters of several popes were revealed in which references are made to Greenland centuries before the time of Columbus. It has for a long while been a question, forming the subject of a vigorous dispute, whether the claims of Norsemen to having visited the New World, as early as the year 1000, were founded upon any trustworthy evidences. Not a few of the most distinguished historians rejected the statements, set forth in the Sagas, as romances characteristic of the heroic aspirations of the people during what may be called the "Viking Age." There were others, however, who stoutly and with fair reasoning supported the authenticity of the discovery, basing their conclusions largely upon the simplicity of the narrative, the incidents recorded, the accuracy of the descritions of coasts and places, and the sea-roving propensities of the Norse Navigators. To the question, which was very apropos, "If the discovery were made, as declared, why were not permanent settlements established, and why have proofs of occupancy not been found?" This answer was returned: while the Northmen were essentially a sea-faring people, and extended their voyages to all parts of the North Atlantic coasts, they never had the colonizing spirit, being actuated chiefly by expectation of immediate gain; their visits to all lands were therefore made principally with a purpose to forage, and it was this ambition that gave them a reputation as freebooters rather than as explorers.

Readers of the preceding volume in the Norræna series, "The Norse Discovery of America," will recall that when Erik the Red discovered Greenland he gave an attractive name to the country with the hope that thereby many Icelanders might be persuaded to settle there. It should be borne in mind that the people of Iceland were not agriculturists, that their subsistence was most largely obtained from the sea, and being unused to cultivating the soil the fertility of a new country did not greatly appeal to their instincts. These facts furnish a sufficient answer to the enquiry quoted, and their setting forth long ago demonstrates the logical position taken by those who supported the claims of the Norse discoveries.

Reproduction and translation of those parts of the sagas that describe the finding of Greenland, and the exploration of the Atlantic Coast of North America, in connection with the historical presentation of the subject in "The Norse Discovery of America," lays before American readers, for the first time, the documents that have been so fruitful a subject of dispute. This will be highly gratifying to every student of history, who is thereby enabled, through this accessibility to the manuscripts, to form conclusions as to their credibility as records.

But if republication of ancient Icelandic manuscripts, that describe the American discovery nine hundred years ago, be so highly gratifying to the student, the masses, I apprehend, will be interested in having placed before them documentary proofs confirmatory of the Saga records. These it is our pride, pleasure and honor to present, the honor being the greater because this is the first time they have appeared in print.

If fortunately happened that discovery of Greenland was made only fifteen years (985) before the introduction of Christianity into Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Supplanting the old mythology, Catholicism became almost at one bound not only a prevalent religion among the Norse, but such earnestness was manifested that intense zeal to extend the faith became the animating ambition of the people. This being known, historians who regarded the Sagas purely as romances combatted the claim of credibility with the enquiry: "If Greenland and America were discovered at the early date fixed by certain Sagas, why are no records to be found showing that the Holy Church took cognizance of that very important event?"

For more than a century it was suspected that manuscripts did exist among the great mass of records and correspondence preserved in the Vatican library, that contained references, at least, to the American discovery by the Norse. The writer was so deeply interested in the subject that during a visit to Rome, in the year 1900, he suggested that a search be made through the Vatican manuscripts for such documents. The suggestion was so well received that an investigation followed which resulted in the finding of the several Papal letters which are reproduced, with translations, in this volume.

The importance of this literary discovery cannot be overestimated, to the church, to America, and to the world. These letters, from the several Popes, prove not only the discovery but that the Church, which ever follows the heels of the pioneer, was established in Greenland coincident with the sending of Leif Erikson to that country by King Olaf Trygvason, to introduce Christianity, who, the Saga recites, took a priest with him.

A bishop's seat was established at Gardar, Greenland, and it is certain that the Greenland (Nidros). See had jurisdiction over all the extent of country embraced in the discovery. This conclusion is confirmed by the statement that Bishop Erik Upsi visited the Vinland colonists, presumably not so much to carry to them spiritual consolation, as to locate and order the building of a church, in which the settlers might worship.

The earliest of the several letters herein reproduced is that of Pope Innocent III, February 13, 1206, but it will be noticed that the reference therein made to Greenland is of such a character as to indicate that the Church had been flourishing there for a long while. The Archbishops to whom these letters were addressed had control over the bishops of Greenland, who in turn maintained ecclesiastical jurisdiction over that part of America known as Vinland, and therefore it was unecessary for the Pope to make specific reference to Vinland, or any part of the American continent, since the whole was comprehended in the See of Greenland.

And it must be told that the search which was so generously rewarded by the finding of the reproduced letters, has not been concluded, for so vast is the accumulation of manuscripts that several years will be required to complete the examination. It is perfectly fair to believe that the prosecution of the search will bring to light other documents of a much earlier date, in which we can hardly doubt that some reference is made to the discovery, by Leif Erikson, of Vinland and the church that was founded there.

But meantime we may content ourselves with the actual ascertainment, the positive confirmation, that Greenland was a Christianized country, as the Sagas describe, several centuries before the time of Columbus, and even in the absence of specific reference to Vinland, or the American continent, the conclusion is no less irresistable that North America, at least, was known to the Norsemen. We have seen that the Icelanders were essentially a sea-faring people; that they crossed the North Atlantic in their small, open ships from Norway to Iceland, 600 miles, that they made the passage from Iceland to Greenland, which is more than 250 miles in a direct line, and so well established themselves there that the settlement continues to this day. Is it conceivable that a people who lived so much upon the sea,----who had crossed its most dangerous reaches, who made frequent passages between Greenland, Iceland, Norway, ----would never, by design or accident, cross the 200 miles of water that separates Greenland from the continent! And once gaining the shore of North America, would it not follow that they would explore the coast, as the Sagas declare? That they made no permanent settlement does not throw discredit upon the authenticity of the discovery, for, as explained, the Icelanders were not a colonizing people. They established themselves in Greenland because that country so much resembled their own. Moreover, they met no hostile aborigines in Greenland, to dispute their occupancy of the land, as they did in Vinland. Conditions while probably more favorable climatically were distinctly less encouraging in other particulars, and so to climate the Icelanders so greatly prefer the arctic that they rarely emigrate from their island, for which reason though they number more than 80,000 souls it is an extremely rare thing to meet with an Icelander further from home than the Danish possessions, or Norway.

For the Papal letters which are reproduced in this supplement to the Norræna series, I beg to acknowledge my gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Merry del Val, Papal Secretary of State, whose authorization was given in a personal letter which appears on a preceeding page. These recently discovered communications, to the Archbishops of Norway, constituted a part of the Vatican exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, 1904, copies of which were later presented to the St. Louis University and are now to be seen in the museum of that institution.

FROM THE VATICAN LIBRARY

Text of the Letter of Pope Innocent III to the Archbishop of Nidros, Norway 1206. Greenland-America was included in the See of Nidros.

[Innocentius III] [13 Febr. 1206.]

1. ....Nidrosjensi archiopiscopo eiusque seccessoribus canonice substituendis, in perpetuum. Licet omnibus ligandi et solvendi sit concessa potestas, licet unum preceptum ad omnes idemque pervenerit predicandi evangelium omni creature, velut quedam tamen inter eas habita est discretio dignitatis et dominicarum ovium curam, que omnibus imminebat, unus singulariter suscepit habendam, dicente ad eum Domino: Petre amas me? Pasce oves meas. Que etiam inter omnes apostolos principatus nomen obtinui, et de fratrum confirmatione singulare a Domino preceptum accepit, ut in hoc secuture posteritati daretur intelligi, quoniam, quamvis multos ad regimen ecclesie contingeret ordinari, unus tamen solummodo supreme dignitatis locum fastigiumque teneret, et unus omnibus et potestate gubernandi et judicandi omnes presideret. Unde et secundum hanc formam in ecclesia distinctio servata est dignitatum, et sicut in humano corpore pro varietate officorum diversa ordinata sunt membra, ita in structura ecclesie ad diversa ministeria exhibenda diverse persone in diversis sunt ordinibus contitute. Aliis enim ad singularum ecclesiarum, aliis autem ad singularum urbium dispositionem ordinatis ac rerum, constituti sunt in singulis provinciis alii, quorum prima inter fratres sententia habeatur, et ad quorum examen subiectarum peronarum questiones et negocia referantur. Super omnes autem Romanus pontifex tamquam Noe in archa primum locum noscitur obtinere, qui ex collato sibi desuper in apostolorum principe privilegio de universorum causis iudicat et disponit et per uuiversum orbem ecclesie filios in christiane fidei firmitate non desinit confirmare, talem se curans iugiter exhibere, qui vocem dominicam videatur audisse, qua dicitur: Et tu aliquando conversus confirma fratres tuos. Hoc nimirum post beatum Petrum illi apostolice surrexerunt indesinenti cucuraverunt studio adimplere et per universum orbem nunc per se nunc per legatos suos corrigenda corrigere et statuenda statuere summopere studuerunt. Quorum quoque vestigia subsecutus felicis memorie Eugenius papa, antecessor noster, de corrigendis hiis, que in regno Norweie correctionem videbantur exposcere et verbo ibi fidei seminando iuxta sui officii debitum sollicitus extitit, et quod per se ipsum, universalis ecclesie cura obsistente, non potuit, per legatum suum Nicholaum, tunc scilicet Albanensem episcopum, qui postea in Romanum pontificem est assumptus, executioni mandavit. Qui ad partes accedens, sicut a suo patrefamilias acceperat in mandatis, talentum sibi creditum largitus est ad usuram et tamquam fidelis servus et prudens, multiplicatum inde fructum studuit reportare. Inter cetera vero, que ad laudem illic nominis Dei et ministerii sui commendationem implevit, iuxta quod predictus antecessor noster ei preceperat, palleum Iohanni antecessori tuo indulsit et, ne de cetero provincie Norweie metropolitani cura possit deesse, commissam gubernationi tui urbem Nidrosiensem eiusdem provincie perpetuam metropolim ordinavit et ei Asloensem. Amatripiensem. Bargensem, Stavangriensem, insulas Orcades, insulas Fareie, Sutrhaie et Islandensem et Grenelandie episcopatus tamquam seu metropoli perpetuis temporibus constituit subiacere et eorum episcopos sicut metropolitanis suis tam sibi quam suis successoribus obedire. Ne igtur ad violentiam constitutionis ipsius ulli unquam liceat aspirare, nos felicis memorie predicti Eugenii et Alexandri atque Clementis predecessosum nostrorum Romanorum pontificum vestigiis inherentes, eandem constitutionem auctoritate apostolica confirmamus et presentis scripti privilegio communimus, statuentes ut Nidrosiensis civitas supradictarum urbium perpetuis temporibus metropolis habeatur, et earum episcopi tam tibi quam tuis successoribus sicut suo metropolitano obediant et de manu vestra consecrationis gratiam sortiantur, successores autem tui ad Romanum pontificem tantum percepturi donum consecrationis accedant, et ei solummodo et Romane ecclesie subiecti semper existant. Porro concesso tibi palleo pontificalis scilicet officii plentudine infra ecclesiam tantum ad sacra missarum sollempnia per universam provinciam tuam hiis solummodo diebus uti fraternitas tua debebit, qui inferius leguntur inscripti: Nativitate Domini, Epiphania, Cena Domini, Resurrectione, Ascensione, Pentecoste, in sollempnitatibus beate Dei Genitricis semperque virginis Marie, Natalicio beatorum Petri et Pauli, Inventione et Exaltatione sancte Crucis, Nativitate beati Ionnis baptiste, festo beati Iohannis evangeliste. Commemoratione omnium sanctorum, in consecrationibus ecclesiarum vel episcoporum, benedictionibus abbatum, ordinationibus presbiterorum, in die consecrationis ecclesie tue ac festis sanct Trinitatis, et sancti Olavi et anniversario, tue consecrationis die. Studeat ergo tua fraternitas plenitudine tante dignitatis suscepta ita strenue cuncta peragere, quantinus morum tuorum ornamenta eidem valeant convenire. Sit vita tua subditis exemplum, ut per eam cognoscant, quid debeant appetere, quid cogantur vitare; esto discretione precipuus, cogitatione mundus, actione purus, discretus in silentio, utilis in verbo, cura tibi sit magis prodesse hominibus quam preesse. Non in te potestatem ordinis, sed equalitatem oportet pensare conditionis. Stude ne vita doctrinam destituat, nec cursum vite doctrina contradicat. Memento quod est ars artium regimen animarum. Super omnia studium tibi sit apostolice sedis decreta firmiter observare et tamquam matri et domine tue ei humiliter obedire. Ecce frater in Christo karissime inter multa alia hec sunt pallei, hec sacerdotii, que omnia facile Christo adiuvante adimplere poteris, si virtutum omnium magistram caritatem habueris et humilitatem, et quod foris habere ostenderis intus habebis. Decernimus ergo et c. usque in finem. Dat. Rome apud Sanctum Petrum per manus Ioannis, Sancte Marie in Cosmedin diaconi cardinalis, sancte Romane ecclesie cancellarii, idibus februarii, indictione vj, incarnationis dominice anno MCCV, pontificatus vero domini Innocentii pape iij anno octavo.

English Translation of the Letter of Pope Innocent III.

(Innocent III.) (Feb. 1206.)

1. To the Archbishop of Nidrosi (Nidros) and his successors canonically appointed, in perpetuity. Although indeed the power to bind and loose was granted to all the Apostles, and although the injunction to preach the Gospel to every creature applied to all, still, as it were, there obtained with them a certain distinction in rank, and one in particular undertook to secure that care of the Lord's sheep which was incumbent upon all; for to him the Lord said: "Peter, lovest thou me? Feed my sheep!" This one, moreover, was called Prince of the Apostles, and received special instruction from the Lord about fortifying his brethren, as it should be understood by posterity, that, although many would be ordained for the ministry of the Church, still only one should have the position and distinction of supreme authority, and preside in governing and judging all. Hence, not only has the Church observed the distinction in rank, but also, just as in the human body the various members have been designed for different functions, so, in the organism of the Church, different persons have been given the administration of single churches and others that of single cities, still others, whose judgment should have the greatest weight with their brethren, and to those investigation are to be referred all questions and undertakings of their inferiors, have been established in single provinces. Above all, however, the Roman Pontiff is recognized as holding the highest office just as Noe in the Ark; by his heaven-sent prerogative as Prince of the Apostles, he judges and disposes of all difficulties, and, throughout the earth never ceases to strengthen the sons of the Church inthe Christian Faith, always carefully demanding himself as one of the Church in the Christian Faith, always carefully demanding himself as one who had received the word of the Lord: "And thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren!" This injunction, in truth, those Apostles and others, who succeeded the blessed Peter in the duties of the Apostolic See, sought, with untiring zeal, to carry out, and throughout the globe made every effort, either personally or through their Legates, to right the wrong and decide the undetermined. Following in their footsteps, Pope Eugenius, Our predecessor of blessed memory, in the spirit of his office, ardently desired to plant the Faith in the Kingdom of Norway and to remove those evils which seemed there especially in need of remedy; and whatever he could not himself accomplish, impeded as he was by the care of the Universal Church, he committed to his legate, Nicolas, then Bishop of Alba and afterwards raised to the Roman Pontificate. Nicholas, upon assuming office, put out at interest the talent loaned to him, even as it had been enjoined on him by his master, and like a true and prudent servant, strove to reap therefrom a harvest many times increased. But among other things which he accomplished for the glory of God and to the praise of his own ministry, in accordance with the admonition of Our aforesaid predecessor, he conferred the Pallium upon your predecessor, John; and in order that the rest of Norwegian province might not lack the attention of a metropolitan, he decreed that the city of Nidrosi (Nidros), committed to your direction, be the permanent metropolis of the province, and that Also, Amatripia, Barga, Stavangria, the Orcade (Orkneys) Islands, the Islands of Fareia (Faroes), the bishoprics of Sutrhaia, Iceland, and Greenland, be subject to it forever as their metropolis, and that their bishops obey both him (your predecessor) and his successors as their metropolitans. Accordingly, that no one may ever attempt to violate this ordinance. We, after the example of the aforesaid Eugenius of blessed memory, and of Alexander and Clement, Our predecessors in the Roman Pontificate, confirm the same by apostolic authority, and seal it by this document, wherein We determine that the City of Nidrosi be regarded for all time as the metropolis of the above named cities, and that the bishop of the latter obey you and your successors as their metropolitans, and receive the grace of consecration at your hands; but that your successors apply to the Roman Pontiff for so great a gift of consecration, and remain forever subject to him alone and to the Roman Church. Moreover, the Pallium granted you, the fullness, namely, of the pontifical office subject to the Church, your Fraternity should use at the solemn celebration of Mass throughout your province only on the days inscribed below: the Nativity of Our Lord, Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Easter, the Ascension of Our Lord, Pentecost, the festivals of the blessed Mother of God, Mary, ever Virgin, the Natal days of blessed Peter and Paul, the day of the Finding and Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Nativity of John the Baptist, the feast of blessed John the Evangelist, the Feast of All Saints, at the consecration of churches and bishops, at the blessing of abbots, at the ordination of priests, on the day of the consecration of your church, on the feasts of the blessed Trinity, and of St. Olaf, and on the anniversary of your consecration. Let your Fraternity, therefore, now that you have received the fullness of such dignity, earnestly endeavor to accomplish all things in such a way that the excellence of your character may rise as much as possible to the same standard. Let your life be an example to your inferiors, that they may learn therein what to seek and what to avoid; be first in discretion, elegant in thought, pure in deed, judicious in silence, practical in speech, and let your aim be rather to benefit than to rule mankind. For it is proper that others be impressed, not with the importance of your rank, but with the equality of your condition. Let not your life forsake your teaching, nor your teaching contradict your life. Remember that the art of arts is the direction of souls. Above all things be careful to observe unflinchingly the decrees of the Apostolic See, and to obey the latter humbly as your mother and your master. Behold, dear brother in Christ, among many others, these are the duties of the Pallium, these the duties of the priesthood, all of which you will easily be able to fulfill with Christ's assistance, if you will cultivate humility and charity, the mistress of virtues, and if your interior will be even as your exterior. We decree, therefore, and confirm (?) the above to the end of time.

Given in Rome, at St. Peter's, by the hand of John, Cardinal Deacon of St. Mary in Cosmedin, Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church, on the Ides of February, in the sixth indication, the year of the Incarnation of Our Lord MCCVI, the eighth year of the Pontificate of Pope Innocent III.

Type Text of Letter of Pope John XXI to the Archbishop of Nidros, 1276.

[Ioannes XXI.] [4 Dec. 1276.]

2. ........Archiepiscopo Nidrosiense. Tua nobis fraternitas intimavit, quod, cum tibi collectio decime Terre Sancte in regno Norwagie per littaras apostolicas sit commissum et in litteris ipsis contineatur expresse, ut omnes partes eiusdem regni debeas propter hoc personaliter visitare, idque guodammodo impossibile videatur, cum Gardensis diocesis, que de tua provincia et regno existit eodem, a metropolitana ecclesia adeo sit remota, quod de ipsa ecclesia illuc propter maris impediments vix infra quinquennium ire quis valeat et redire ad ecclesiam supradictam, ac ideo dubites, quod adhuc infra temporis spatium ad solutionem ipsius decime constituti apostolicum sive tuum ad partes illas non valeat pervenire mandatum; postulasti super hoc per apostilice sedis providentiam remedium adhiberi. Cupientes igitur, ut collectioni eiusdem decime sollicitis stuidiis intendatur, volumus et fraternitati tue per apostolica scripta mandamus, quatinus, si premissa veritas comitetur, aliquas personas ydoneas et fideles, super quibus tuam intendimus conscientiam onerare, ad partes illas destinare procures, que ad executionem collectionis eiusdem diligenter invigilent et intendant aliasque super hoc providere studeas, prout utilitati eiusdem decime videris expedire; nichilominus ad collectionem huiusmodi per to ipsum operose sollicitudinis studium impensurus, ita quod proinde tibi a Domino premium compares et sedis apostolice gratiam uberius merearis. Dat. Viterbii II nonas decembris, anno primo.

3 ....Eidem. Tua nobis et c. usque in regno Norwagie sit commissa per sedis apostolice litteras speciales, et in eis contineatur expresse, ut omnes eiusdem regni partes debeas propter hoc personaliter visitare, ac plures dioceses in regno ipso tusque provincia constitute per maris spatia adeo sint disperse ac intra suos limites dilatate, quod fere infra sex annos et absque gravissimo ecclesie tue dispendio partes omnes predictarum per sonaliter vistare diocesum difficile tibi foret, cum nonnunquam per dietas quinque ac plures etiam te per talia loca procedere oporteret, in quibus ob domorum defectum tecum deferre tentoria cogereris, concedi tibi, ut per easdem dioceses super collectione ipsius decime certos nuntios tuos ydoneos et discretos, mandato apostolico contrario non obstante, deputare valeas postulasti. Nos itaque tua et ecclesie tue dispendia evitantes, tibi, ut, si premissis veris existentibus expedire videris, super quo tuam intendimus conscientiam onerare, nuntios huiusmodi per easdem dioceses super ipsius decime collectione deputare valeas, tenore presentium duximus concedendum; volentes nichilominus, ut tu illas ex predictis diocesibus personaliter visites, quas absque magno incomodo poteris visitare, sollicitum studium adhibens circa colletionem decime supradicte, ita quod exinde premium expectes a Domino, cuius negotium agitur, et favorem apostolicum uberius merearius. Dat, ut supra.

4 .....Eidem. Intimasti nobis, quod, cum propter nimiam episcopatuum diffusionem regni Norwagie, in quo tibi per apostolicas litteras collectio decime Terre Sanct deputate subsidio est commissa, duo collectores iuxta promissionem [l. permissionem] apostolice sedis in qualibet diocesi ordinati nequaquam sufficiant ad ipsam decimam colligendam, nec per illos posset comode colligi absque magno profluvio expensarum, fu cum consilio et assensa suffraganeorum tuorum ipsius regni pro huiusmodi utilitate negotii statuisti per rura singularum diocesum plures alios collectores, qui suis laboribus et expensis predictam decimam colligant et collectam statutis temporibus duobus collectoribus deferant, qui sunt in civitatibus deputati, unde nobis humiliter supplicasti, ut eorundem collectorum rularium [l. ruralium] labores et sumptus benigna meditatione pensantes, aliquam illis indulgentiam, concedere curaremus. Volentes itaque, ut iidem collectores rurales fructum ex suis laboribus et sumptibus consequantur, eis illam indulgentiam impartimur, que ad promotionem negotii Terre Sancte opem et operam exhibentibus est concessa. Dat. ut supra.

5. .....Eidem. Intimasti nobis. quod in regno Norwagie, in quo tibi decime Terre Sancte collectio est commissa, usque adeo vilis esse moneta dinoscitur usualis, quod extra ipsius regni limites in pretio non habetur, quodque in quibusdam partibus dicti regni monete usus aliquis non existit nec crescunt segetes neque frugum alia genera producuntur, sed lacticiniis et piscibus fere dumtaxat vita inibi sustentatur humana. Quare significari tibi a nobis humiliter petivisti, quid de decima, que de lacticiniis et piscibus et moneta predictis colligitur, debeas ordinare. Nos igitur ad ea, que sunt utiliora negotio intendentes expedire videmus, ut, premissis veris existentibus, in aurum vel argentum, prout commodius fleri poterit, huiusmodi moneta et decima con vertantur. De monialibus autem et personis aliis regularibus dicti regni, quorum proventus et redditus ecclesiastici adeo sunt tenues et exiles, quod ex illis sustentari non possunt, sed pro habenda vite sue substentatione necesse habeant publice mendicare et helemosinas petere, servare poteris, quod in declarationibus super ipsius decime editis plenius continetur. Dat. ut supra.

English Translation of the Letter of Pope John XXI to the Archbishop of Nidros.

(John XXI.) (Dec. 4, 1276.)

2. To the Archbishop of Nidrosi. Your Fraternity has informed Us that, whereas in the Kingdom of Norway, the collection of the tithe for the Holy Land has been entrusted to you by Apostolic Letters, in which it is expressly declared you shall personally visit all parts of the Kingdom for that purpose, this seems in a measure impossible, since the diocese of Garda, subject to your province and said Kingdom, is so far distant from the metropolitan church that, because of the difficulties of navigation, one can scarcely make the voyage, thither and return, in less than five years; so that you doubt that the apostolic command, or your own, can reach those parts within the time appointed for the payment of the tithe; you have therefore besought the Apostolic See to provide some solution to the difficulty. Desiring, then, that the gathering of the tithe be carried on with earnest zeal, We order and command your Fraternity by Apostolic Letters, that if the foregoing conditions are true, that you procure for those regions suitable and faithful persons, in regard to whom We purpose to bind your conscience, and who are to watch over and attend carefully to the collection of the tithe, and that you endeavor furthermore to provide other persons, accordingly as you will find it expedient for the tithe; nevertheless you should also apply yourself with a diligent solicitude to the latter, that you may thereby prepare for yourself a reward from God, and merit more plentifully the favor of the Apostolic See. Given at Viterbo, on the day before the Nonse of December, in the first year (of Our Pontificate).

3. To the same. Your Fraternity has informed Us that, whereas, in the Kingdom of Norway, the collection of the tithe for the Holy Land has been entrusted to you be special Letters of the Apostilic See, in which it is expressly declared that you should personally visit all parts of said Kingdom for that purpose, the majority of the dioceses of the Kingdom and of your province are so scattered through the expanse of the sea and so extended within their own limits that it would be difficult for you to visit all parts of the said dioceses even in six years and at very great expense to your church, since frequently, for five days at a time and more, you will have to travel through regions where, because of the want of houses, you would be forced to carry tents with you; wherefore you have asked permission to delegate certain prudent and able Nuncios of yours to gather the tithe in those dioceses, any Apostolic order to the contrary notwithstanding. We, therefore, wishing to diminish your expenses and those of your church, have decided to grant, by the tenor of the present document, that, if you will find it expedient under the above conditions, duly verified, in regard to which We intend to bind your conscience, you may delegate the said Nuncios to collect the tithe in said provinces; at the same time, however, We wish that you visit in person those of the said dioceses which you will be able to visit without great inconvenience, and display zealous solicitude in the collection of said tithe, that you may expect therefore a reward from the Lord, Whose interest it is, and merit also greater apostilic favor. Given as above.

4. To the Same. You have informed Us that, because of the exceeding territorial extent of the bishoprics of the Kingdom of Norway, where the collection of the tithe intended for the help of the Holy Land has been assigned to you, two collectors, appointed in each diocese by permission of the Apostolic See, are by no means sufficient for gathering the tithe, nor able to do so conveniently and without greatly increased expenses; and therefore, you, with the advice and consent of your Suffragans of the same Kingdom, have appointed many other collectors in the rural districts of the various dioceses, who, at their own labor and expense, gather the said tithe and deliver it, on the days appointed, to two collectors delegated for the cities; wherefore you have humbly besought Us that, rewarding the toil and expenditure of those rural collectors with fatherly consideration, We grant them some indulgence. Wishing, therefore, that the same rural collectors receive some compensation for their toil and expenditures, We impart to them that indulgence which has been granted to those who bestow means and labor upon furthering the cause of the Holy Land. Given as above.

5. To the Same. You have informed Us that in the Kingdom of Norway, in which the collection of the tithe for the Holy Land has been entrusted to you, ordinary money (coin) is held so cheap that outside the Kingdom it is not in demand; furthermore, that in certain parts of said Kingdom coined money is not in use, nor does corn grow, nor are other kinds of staple food produced, but human life is sustained almost entirely on milkfood and fish. For this reason you have humbly besought Us to declare what you should decree about the tithe gathered from said milkfood and fish and money. We, therefore, mindful of what is of greater utility for the undertaking, deem it well to propose that, if the above conditions are true, said money and tithe be converted into gold or silver, according to convenience. But with regard to the monks and other religious of said Kingdom, whose ecclesiastical income and returns are so small and insignificant that they cannot draw their support therefrom, but find it necessary for their sustenance to beg publicly and ask alms, you may observe the directions previously given in the instructions about the said tithe. Given as above.

Latin Type Text of Letter of Pope Nicolas III to the Archbishop of Nidros, 1279.

[Nicolaus III.] [31 Jan. 1279]

6. Venerabili fratri.....archiepiscopo Nidrosiensi. Ex transmissa nobis nuper tuarum collegimus serie litterarum, quod insula, in qua civitas Gardensis consistit, propter malitiam maris Occeani, infra quod ipsa consistit, raro navigio visitantur; unde, cum nuper quidam naute ad eiusdem insule visitationem tenderent vela in altum, tu huiusmodi oportunitate captata quendam discretum virum, colligendi decimam commisso sibi officio, cum dictis nautis ad civitatem transmissiste eandem, et sub spe nostre ratificationis concessisti eidem, ut clericos ab excommunicationis sententia, quam pro eo quod huiusmodi decimam in statutis super hoc terminis non solverunt incurrerant, absolveret et cum eis dispensaret super irregularitate, si quam proinde forsitan contraxerunt. Quare itaque huiusmodi postulationi, ut pote que rationis viribus non iuvatur, [i. iuvatur, non] acquiescere favorahiliter nequeamus, ac propter hoc cupientes huiusmodi tuis desideriis annuere et animarum periculis per consequens occurrere provisionis remedio salutaris, presentium tibi auctoritate commictimus, ut absolvendi clericos tam in predicta quam aliis insulis maris eiusdem constitutos a predicta sententia iuxta formam ecclesie et dispensandi cum eis super irregularitate huiusmodi libere commictere valeas officium hiis, quos propter collectionis ministerium ad predictas insulas destinasti vel forsitan imposterum destinabis. Dat. Rome apud Sanctum Petrum II kalendas februarii, anno secundo.

English Translation of the Letter of Pope Nicolas III, January, 1279.

(Nicolas III.) (Jan. 31, 1279.)

6. To our Venerable Brother---Archbishop of Nidrosi. From the series of your letters, lately transmitted to Us, we gather that the island, on which stands the City of Garda, is seldom visited by ships, because of the dangers of the Ocean surrounding it; wherefore, when of late certain seamen set sail for the same island, you, embracing the opportunity, sent a certain prudent man with them to the same city, having commissioned him to collect the tithe, and, in the hope of securing Our ratification, you have empowered him to absolve the clerics from the sentence of excommunication which they had incurred for not paying the tithe within the appointed time, and to dispense them from any irregularity which perchance they contracted therefrom. For this reason you have humbly besought Us to kindly ratify your action. Since, then We cannot but acquiesce favorably in this request, inasmuch as it is highly reasonable, and wishing therefore to approve of your desire and to avert in consequence the danger of souls by means of a salutary remedy, We invest you with authority to grant freely to those whom you have sent to said islands in the matter of the collection, or perhaps will send in the future, the function of absolving the clerics, as well in said island as in others of the same Ocean, from said sentence according to the ecclesiastical forms, and of dispensing them from the same irregularity. Given in Rome, at St. Peter's, on the day preceding the Calends of February, in the second year (of Our Pontificate).

Latin Type Text of Letter of Pope Nicolas III to the Archbishop of Nidros, June, 1279.

[Nicolaus III.] [9 Jun. 1279.]

7. Eidem [magistro Bertrando Amalrici]. Te nuper significante accepimus, quod in cathedralibus ecclesiis in Datie et Suetie regnis constitutis nonnulli redditus devotione fidelium deputati existunt, ex quibus per personam ad hoc specialiter deputatum clerics ecclesiarum infra eadem regna consistentium vinum et ostie annis singulis ministrantur. Quia vero, an de huiusmodi redditibus exigi debeat decima, consultationem a sede apostolica postulasti, nos tuam diligentiam commendantes discretioni tue per apostolica scripta mandamus, quatinus, si proventus ipsi sint adeo magni, quod ministratis vino et ostiis multum ex illis noveris superesse, volumus, quod de illis huiusmodi decima persolvatur; si vero nihil vel parum ex predictis redditibus superesset, nichil persolvatur de ipsis propter reverentiam divini cultus et Domini sacramentum. Dat ut supra. [Rome apud Sanctum Petrum V idus iunii, anno secundo].

English Translation of the Letter of Pope Nicolas III to the Archbishop of Nidros.

(Nicolas III.) (June 9, 1279.)

7. To the Same (Master Bertrand of Amalricus). We learn from your recent communication that, in the Cathedrals of the Kingdoms of Datia and Suetia, there exist certain endowments established by the devotion of the faithful, out of which, year after year, wine and hosts are provided for the priests of the churches in those Kingdoms by a person specially appointed for this office. Since, however, you have sought instructions from the Apostolic See as to whether or not the tithe should be taken from these endowments, We, commending your zeal, entrust to your discretion, by Apostolic Letters, that, if the income is so great that you know there will be much left over after the wine and hosts have been supplied, the tithe be taken from those revenues; but if little or nothing of the aforesaid income would remain, let nothing be paid therefrom, out of reverence for the divine worship and the Lord's Sacrament. Given as above. (In Rome, at St. Peter's, on the fifth day before the Ides of June, in the second year of Our Pontificate).

Latin Type Text of Letter of Pope Martin IV to the Archbishop of Nidros, 1282.

[Martinus IV.] [4 Mart. 1282.]

8. Venerabili fratri......archiepiscopo Nidrosiense. Tua nobis fraternitas intimavit, quod decima, que in Islandie et Feroyum insulis in regno Norwegie constitutis in diversis rebus persolvitur, que de facili, permutari vel pecunialiter vendi non possunt, propter quod decima eadem nequit ad Terram Sanctam vel ad sedem apostolicam comode destinari. Subiuncxisti quoque, quod Gronlandie decima non percipitur nisi in bovinis et focarum coriis ac dentibus et funibus balenarum, que, sicut asseris, vix ad competens pretium vendi possunt. Unde, quid super premissis a te agendum existat, petiisti te per apostolice sedis oraculum edoceri. Nos itaque tue sollicitudinis studium commendantes, consultationi tue taliter respondemus, quod tam insularum quam Gronlandie decimas predictarum in argentum vel aurum, prout melius et utilius fieri poterit, convertere studeas, illud una cum [illa] alia decima in ipso regno collecta pro ipsius Terre subsidio ad apostolicam sedem, quamcito poteris, transmissurus, quid et quantum destinaveris fideliter, intimando. Ceterum carissimo in Christo filio nostro......regi Norwegie illustri nostras rogatorias litteras destinavimus, ut non impediat nec impediri permittat, quin decima ipsa de regno suo libere extrahatur in predicte Terre subsidium secundum apostolice sedis arbitrium disponenda, quodque prohibitionem contra eiusdem clericos regni factam, ne quivis laicus ipsius regni sterlingos vel argentum aliud vendere quoquomodo presumat, studeat difficultate summota qualibet revocare. Dat. apud Urbemveterem IIII nonas martii, anno primo.

English Translation of the Letter of Pope Martin IV.

(Martin IV.) (March 4, 1282.)

8. To our Venerable Brother---Archbishop of Nidrosi. Your Fraternity has informed Us that, in the Island of Iceland and Feroyes of the Kingdom of Norway, the tithe is paid in various things which cannot easily be converted or sold for money; and for this reason the same cannot conveniently be shipped to the Holy Land or to the Apostolic See. You have added, moreover, that the tithe of Greenland is received entirely in cattle-skins, the skins and tusks of seals, and whale-bone (?), which you assert, can hardly be sold at a fair price. Wherefore you have asked to be instructed by the Apostolic See as to what you should do in the above matters. We, therefore, commending your zeal, reply to your inquiry that you endeavor to convert into silver or gold the tithes both of Greenland and of the said islands, in as far as it will be possible to do so successfully and with the benefit, and that you send this, together with the rest of the tithe collected in that Kingdom for the good of the Holy Land, to the Apostolic See as quickly as possible, faithfully specifying what and how much is sent. For the rest, We have directed to Our very dear son in Christ ****the illustrious King of Norway, letters requesting that he neither hinder, nor permit any one to hinder, the free gathering of the tithe in his Kingdom, to be disposed of for the benefit of the Holy Land according to the decision of the Apostolic See, and that, having removed every difficulty, he revoke the prohibition enacted against the clerics of his Kingdom, that no layman of that Kingdom presume in any way to sell sterling or other silver. Given in the City of Rome, on the fourth day before the Nones of March, in the first year (of Our Pontificate).

Latin Type Text of the Letter of Pope Nicolas V.

[Nicolaus V.] [20 Sept. 1448.]

9. Nicolaus etc. venerabilibus fratribus Schaoltensi et Olensi episcopis salutem etc. Ex iniuncto nobis desuper apostolice servitutis officio universarum ecclesiarum regimini presidentes, sic auctore domino pro animarum salute precioso Salvatoris redemptas comortio nostre solicitudinis curam impendimus, ut illam non solum impietatis et errorum procellis sepius fluctuantes, sed et erumnis et persecutionum turbinibus involutas ad statum optime tranqullitatis reducere studeamus. Sane pro parte dilectorum filiorum indigenarum et universitatis habitatorum insule Grenolandie, que in ultimis finibus Occeani ad septemtrionalem plagam regni Norwegie in provincia Nidrosiense dicitur situata, lacrimabilis querela nostrum turbavit auditum, amaricavit et mentem, quod in ipsam insulam, cuius habitatores et incole ab annis fere sexcentis Christi fidem gloriosi sui preconis beati Olavi regis predicatione susceptam, firmam et intemeratam sub sancte Romane ecclesie et sedis apostolice institutis servarunt, ac quod tempore succedente in dicta insula populis assidua devotione flagrantibus, sanctorum edes quamplurime et insignis ecclesia cathedralis erecte fuerint, in quibus divinus cultus sedulo agebatur, donec, illo permictente, qui imperscrutabili sapiencie et sciencie sue scrutinio persepe, quos diligit, temporaliter corrigit ed an meliorem emendam castigat, ex finitimis lictoribus paganorum ante annos triginta classe navali barbari insurgentes, cunctum habitatorum ibidem populum crudeli invasione aggressi et ipsam patriam edesque sacras igne et gladio devastantes solis [in] insula novem relictis ecclesiis parrochialibus, que latissimis dicitur extendi terminis, quas propter crepidines montium commode adire non poterant, miserandos utriusque sexus indigenas, illos precipue quos ad subeundum perpetue onera servitutis aptos videbant et fortes, tanquam ipsorum tyrannidi accomodatos, ad propria vexerunt captivos. Verum quia, sicut eadem querela subiungebat, post temporis successum quamplurimi ex captivitate predicta redeuntes ad propria et refectis hinc inde locorum ruinis, divinum cultum possetenus ad instar dispositionis pristine ampliare et instaurare desiderent, et quia propter preteritarum calamitatum pressuras fame et inedia laborantibus non suppetebat hucusque facultas presbiteros nutriendi et presulem, toto illo triginta annorum tempore episcopi solatio et sacerdotum ministerio caruerunt, nisi quis per longissimam dierum et locorum distanciam divinorum desiderio officiorum ad illas se conferre valuisset ecclesias, quas manus barbarica illesas pretermisit, nobis humiliter supplicari fecerunt, quatinus eorum pio et salutari proposito paterna miseratione cucurrere [l. succurrere] et ipsorum in spiritualibus supplere defectus nostrumque et apostolice sedis in premissis favorem impartiri benivolum dignaremur. Nos igitur dictorum indigenarum et universitatis habitatorum prefate insule Grenolandie iustis et honestis precibus et desideriis inclinati, de premissis et eorum circumstanciis certam noticiam non habentes, fraternitati vestre, quos ex viciniribus episcopis insule prefate esse intelleximus, per apostolica scripta commictimus et mandamus, quatinus vos vel alter vestrum diligenti examine auditis et intellectis premissis, si ea veritate fulciri compereritis ipsumque populum et indigenas numero et facultatibus adeo sufficienter esse resumptos, quod id pro nunc expedire videbitis, quod ipsi affectare videntur, de sacerdotibus ydoneis et exemplari vita preditis ordinandi et providendi plebanos et rectores instituendi, qui parrocchias et ecclesias resarcitas gubernent, sacramenta ministrent et, si vobis sive alteri vestrum demum expedire videbitur et opportunum, requisito ad hoc metropolitani consilio, si loci distancia patietur, personam utilem et ydoneam, nostram et sedis apostolice communionem habentem, eis in episcopum ordinare et instituere ac sibi munus consecrationis in forma ecclesie consueta, nomine nostro impendere et administracionem spiritualium et temporalium concedere, recepto ab eodem prius iuramento nobis et Romane ecclesie debito et consueto, valeatis vel alter vestrum valeat; super quibus omnibus vestram conscienciam oneramus, plenam et liberam vobis vel alteri vestrum auctoritate apostolica concedimus tenore presencium facultatem, statutis et constitucionibus apostolicis et generalium conciliorum ac aliis in contrarium editis non obstantibus quibuscunque. Dat. Rome apud Sanctam Pontecianam, anno etc. millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo octavo, duodecimo kalendas octobris, pontificatus nostri anno secundo.

Gratis de mandato domini nostri pape.

English Translation of the Letter of Pope Nocolas V.

(Nicolas V.) (Sept. 20, 1448.)

9. Nicolas etc., to Our venerable brothers, the Bishops of Shaoltensus and Olensus, greeting, etc. Presiding over the government of the universal Church in virtue of the duty of Apostolic service enjoined on Us from heaven with the help of the Lord We so apply Our solicitous care for the salvation of souls redeemed by the precious labors of the Redeemer, that We endeavour to bring back to a state of the highest tranquility not only the souls now wavering in the storms of impiety and error, but also such as are overwhelmed by the calamities and whirlwinds of persecution. Indeed, as regards Our beloved sons, the natives and all the inhabitants of the Island of Greenland, which is said to lie in the province of Nidrosi, in the extremity of the Ocean, in the norther region of the Kingdom of Norway, We have heard with sad and anxious heart the doleful story of that same island, whose inhabitants and natives, for almost six hundred years, have kept the Faith of Christ, received under the preaching of their glorious evangelist, the blessed King Olaf, firm and unspotted under the guidance of the Holy Roman Church and the Apostolic See, and where for all succeeding time the people, inflamed with eager devotion, erected many temples of the Saints and a famous Cathedral, in which divine worship was sedulously carried on; but at length, thirty years ago, with the permission of Him Who, in the disposition of His inscrutable wisdom, afflicts for a time and chastises for their great good those whom He loves, the barbarians, gathering together in a fleet on the neighboring shores of the Pagans, attacked this entire people in a cruel invasion, devastating their fatherland and sacred temples by fire and sword, leaving in the island only nine parochial churches, these, it is said, extend into the farthest districts, which they could not approach conveniently because of the defiles of the mountains, and carrying away captive to their possessions the natives of both sexes, especially such as they deemed brave and fit to undergo the burden of perpetual slavery, just as if adjusted to their tyrrany. As the same report subjoins, however, very many, after a time, returned to their own from said captivity, and, having thenceforth repaired the ruins of those places, desired to renew and extend the divine worship as much as possible after the pristine fashion but because, overwhelmed by the past calamities, and laboring under famine and want, they were unable to support priests and a bishop, they were deprived, for that entire period of thirty years, of the consolation of a bishop and the ministry of priests, except when anyone, in the desire of serving God, after travelling far and long, had succeeded in reaching those churches which the barbarian hand had passed unhurt; wherefore they have humbly petitioned Us to deign to meet their pious and salutary design with fatherly commiseration, and to supply their spiritual wants and impart Our benevolent approbation and that of the Apostolic See to the foregoing. We, therefore, favorably disposed towards the just and worthy prayers and desires of said natives and inhabitants of the aforesaid island of Greenland, but having no certain knowledge of the foregoing events and their circumstances, commit to and command your Fraternity, whom We understand to be one of the nearer bishops of the aforesaid island, that you, or one of you (nearer bishops), ordain fit and exemplary priests, provide parishes, and establish rectors, who will govern the restored parishes and churches, and administer the Sacraments; and, furthermore, that, if it will finally appear to you or one of you as opportune and expedient, you will, with the advice of the metropolitan, provide the distance of the place permit, ordain and establish as their bishop some practical and able person, in communion with Us and the Apostolic See, and impart to him the grace of consecration in Our name, according to the usual ecclesiastical forms, and deliver to him the conduct both of spiritual and temporal matters, having previously administered to him the proper and usual oath of allegiance to Us and the Roman Church; in regard to all of which We bind your conscience, and grant you or any one of you, by Apostolic authority, by the tenor of the present document, free and complete power, any apostolic regulations and constitutions, and those of the General Councils, and any others, to the contrary notwithstanding. Given in Rome, at the Church of St. Pontenciana in the year etc., one thousand four hundred and forty eight, the twelfth day before the Calends of October, in the second year (of Our Pontificate).

GRANTIS BY COMMAND OF OUR MASTER THE POPE.

Latin Type Text of Letter of Pope Alexander VI to the Church of Garda, Greenland.

[Alexander VI.] [Prioribus pontificatus annis.]

10. Cum, ut accepimus, ecclesia Gadensis in fine mundi sita in terra Gronlandie, in qua homines commorantes ob defectum panis, vini et olei siceis piscibus et lacte uti consueverunt, et ob id ac propter rarissimas navigationes ad dictam terram causantibus intentissimis aquarum congelationibus fieri solitas navis aliqua ab ottuaginta annis non creditur applicuisse, et, si navigationes huiusmodi fleri contingeret, profecto has non nisi mense augusti congelationibus ipsis resolutis fleri posse non existimentur; et propterea eidem ecclesie similiter ab ottuaginta annis vel circa nullus penitus episcoporum vel presbyterorum apud illam personaliter residende prefuisse dicitur; unde ac propter presbyterorum catholicorum absentiam evenit, quam plures diocesanos olim catholicos sacrum per eos baptisma susceptum proh dolor regnasse [l. renegasse], et quod incole eiusdem terre in memoriam christiane religionis non habent nisi quoddam corporale, quod semel in anno presentetur, super quo ante centum annos ab ultimo sacerdote tunc ibidem existente corpus Christi fuit consecratum; hiis igitur et aliis consideratis considerandis, felicis recordationis Innocentius papa VIII, predecessor noster, volens dicte ecclesic tunc pastoris solatio destitute de utili, de ydoneo pastore providere, de fratrum suorum consilio, de quorum numero tunc eramus, venerabilem fratrem nostrum Mathiam, electum Gadensem, ordinis sancti Benedicti de observantia professum, ad nostram instantiam, dum adhuc in minoribus constituti eramus, proclamatum ad dictam ecclesiam summopere ac magno devotionis fervore accensum pro deviatorum et renegatorum mentibus ad viam salutis eterne reducendis et erroribus huiusmodi eradicandis vitam suam periculo permaximo sponte et libere submictendo navigio etiam personaliter proficisci intendentem, eidem episcopum prefecit et pastorem. Nos igitur eiusdem electi pium et laudabile propositum in Domino quam plurimum commendantes sibique in premissis aliquo subventionis auxilio propter eius paupertatem, qua, ut similiter accepimus, gravatus existit, succurrere cupientes, motu proprio et etiam ex certa nostra scientia de fratrum nostrorum consilio et assensu, dilectis filiis rescribendario, abbreviatoribus necnon sollicitatoribus ac plumbatoribus illarumque registratoribus ceterisque tam cancellarie quam camere nostre apostolice officialibus quibuscumque sub excommunicationis late sententie pena ipso facto incurrenda commictimus et mandamus, ut omnes et singulas litteras apostolicas de et super promotione dicte ecclesie Gadensis pro dicto electo expediendas in omnibus et singulis eorum officiis gratis ubique pro Deo absque cuiuscunque taxe solutione seu exactione expediant et expediri faciant omni contradictione cessante; necnon camere apostolice clericis et notariis, ut litteras seu bullas huiusmodi dicto electo absque solutione seu exactione alicuius annate seu minutorum servitiorum et aliorum iurium quorumcumque in similibus solvi solutorum [l. solitorum] libere tradant et consignent, motu et scientia similibus ac sub penis predictis commictimus et mandamus, in contrarium facientes non obstantibus quibuscumque. Fiat gratis ubique quia pauperrimus. R.

As. Ma. Vicecancellarius. Io. Datarius.

English Translation of Letter of Pope Alexander VI.

(Alexander VI.) (In the early years of his Pontificate)

10. Since, as We have heard, The Church of Garda is situated at the extremity of the earth in the country of Greenland, whose inhabitants are accustomed to use dried fish and milk because of the want of bread, wine and oil, wherefore and also on account of the rare shipping to said country due to the intense freezing of the sea no vessel is believed to have put to land there for eighty years back, or if it happened that such voyages were made, surely, it is thought, they could not have been accomplished save in the month of August, when the ice was dissolved; and since it is likewise said that for eighty years, or thereabouts, absolutely no bishop or priest governed that Church in personal residence, which fact, together with the absence of Catholic priests, brought it to pass that very many of the diocese unhappily repudiated their sacred baptismal vows; and since the inhabitants of that land have no relic of the Christian religion save a certain Corporale, annually set forth, upon which, a hundred years ago, the Body of Christ was consecrated by the last priest then living there;----for these, then, and for other considerations, Pope Innocent VIII, of blessed memory, Our predecessor wishing to provide a suitable pastor for that Church, at the time deprived of the useful solace of the same, at the advice of his brethren, of whom We were then one, appointed bishop and pastor to that place Our venerable brother Matthias; the latter was Bishop-elect of Garda, a professed member of the Order of St. Benedict, and had been announced, at Our urging, while We were still in Minor Orders, as intending to sail personally for said Church, inspired with great fervor of devotion to lead back the souls of the strayed and apostate to the way of eternal salvation, and to expose his life to the greatest danger, freely and spontaneously, to obliterate such errors. We, therefore, highly commending the pious and praiseworthy undertaking in the Lord of said Bishop-elect, and wishing to succour him in the above circumstances, because, as We have likewise heard, he is sorely pressed by poverty, at Our own instance and with the certain knowledge of the advice and approval of Our brethren, commit to and order, in a circular letter to Our esteemed sons, the scribes, solicitors, those who have charge of the seals, the registrars, and all the other officials both of Our Apostolic chancery and treasury, that, under pain of excommunication, "lata sententia," ipso facto incurred, all and each of the Apostolic Letters, about and concerning the promotion of said Church of Garda, to be forwarded for said Bishop-elect, be forwarded by them and caused to be forwarded in all and each of their offices, everywhere gratis, for God, and without payment or exaction of any tax, all contradiction ceasing; and to the clerics and notaries of the Apostolic treasury We commit and command, at like instance and knowledge and under said pain of excommunication, that they freely hand over and consign these Letters or Bulls to said Bishop-elect, without payment or exaction of any revenues, or even of small fees, or of the other claims usually paid in similar cases, anything enacted to the contrary nothwithstanding. Let it be done everywhere gratis because he is extremely poor. R

As. Ma. Vice Chancellor Jno. Datrarius (Secretary).