Letter XIV. To Fathers Broet and Salmerón

[Rome, ' Beginning of September, 1541.

JHUS.

MEMORANDUM ON THE AFFAIRS OF IRELAND.

The purpose of this mission to Ireland is in general to be of assistance to that province in spiritual matters, and to relieve, in any possible way, the conscience of the Supreme Pontiff, and also that of the most Illustrious and Reverend Protector of that province.

With this object in view some points will here be touched upon concerning the course to be pursued by those who are sent there; other memoranda will indicate the subjects about which information should be sent here, and the assistance that may be looked for from Rome.

WHAT IT APPEARS SHOULD BE DONE IN IRELAND.

First: Visit the Catholic leaders, and especially four secular gentlemen who are chief men in the kingdom, praising in the name of His Holiness their constancy in and zeal for the Catholic religion, and encouraging them to persevere, &c.

Visit also the Catholic bishops, observing the same behaviour towards them. And if any have failed in their duty, giving bad example by their lives to their dioceses, or by not residing at their cathedrals, and not visiting their flocks, or by neglecting to see that the divine office is said, or that the churches are kept in due order, or by making bad selections and promotions in the ministry, or by any other public and important short- coming, admonish them and exhort them to better conduct, if they desire a good report to be sent to the Holy See concerning them.

Similarly with priests, especially parish priests, do all the good you can, helping them in what concerns their maimer of life, exhorting them yourselves, and resorting to the hand of the bishops to correct them, whether it be for flagrant sins, or for negligence in doing their duty in connection with divine worship and the help of souls. But with those of a lower estate more use could be made of the authority and jurisdiction you possess.

Pay special attention to the administration of the Sacraments, seeing how the priests behave in baptizing, hearing Confessions, and administering Holy Communion, Extreme Unction, and Matrimony. Observe the bishops also, in confirming and conferring Holy Orders, in order to advise them; and supply deficiencies wherever it is possible, especially as to Confession and Communion.

See also whether the Word of God is preached in a Catholic spirit; and give to all ministers the instruction and help that it is in your power to give. Moreover, do you teach the people yourselves, and exhort them to lead Christian lives.

If you hear of any heretical preacher or parish priest, consider how he can be deprived of the opportunity of doing harm to others, and for yourselves, endeavour to reclaim him, showing him the truth in spiritu lenitatis * If he be obdurate, and yet might be helped by the authority and power of those over him, you must do what you can to bring this to bear, as well as his punishment if necessary.

Endeavour to confirm the sick in the faith, and to exhort them to Confession in such cases and after such manner as you may find expedient, without at the same time giving occasion either for servile fear or for temerity.

Wherever you hear of really good people, fitted to instruct and govern others, endeavour to bring them to the notice of the bishops, that the latter may make use of them and may give them the benefices which are in their hands and at their disposal.

If you could establish schools of grammar anywhere, finding Catholic and efficient masters, it would be a great remedy against the profound ignorance prevailing in the country. But it would then be necessary to induce the parents to send their children to these schools, that they may be taught letters and good manners, and may gain a thorough knowledge of Christian and Catholic doctrine.

See that order be given that monasteries of men and women be founded, and that those at present in existence be reformed.

It would be well to procure the establishment, or re-establishment if they previously existed, of Monti della pietct for the assistance of the poor, as also hospitals and other pious institutions, such as are common in these parts and would find acceptance in those.

In all the works of charity here mentioned, and in all others which it is the custom for members of this Society to undertake for the good of souls, proceed according to our Institute, accepting no remuneration, nor even any alms on account of any work you may do. Of course if it be necessary for your support you may help yourselves with alms; but you must not ask or accept them on account of the work you do. Thus you will endeavour to give edification by the example of your charity and your zeal for the salvation of souls, etc.

Where for the glory of God and the common good it may be necessary, without rashness and without tempting God, to incur danger to life, you must not avoid the occasion. Nevertheless/ speaking generally, proceed with all possible caution and prudence so as not to fall into the hands of the Queen’s officials; and consult with such Catholic gentlemen as you may be able, and see how far you can proceed with the business you have in hand in the countries governed by English heretics.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS CONCERNING WHICH ADVICE MUST BE SENT TO ROME.

First: You will give information in a general way of the condition in which you find the Catholic faith, and obedience to the Apostolic See, both in the leaders, ecclesiastical arid secular, and in the people, and also what is gained and lost each day; the manner in which this information is to be written will be stated in another place.

If it were found that any prelates conducted themselves badly, and could not be restrained by any authority in Ireland, but needed the authority of the Apostolic See to reform their scandalous conduct; however loyal Catholics they may seem, you will give faithful and candid information of all that you think advisable.

In the same way you will act in regard to any of the principal laymen who may not behave well in religious matters, and for whose correction the usual resources of the locality are found to be insufficient.

Send an account of those whom you might think fit for the episcopate; especially when a bishopric falls vacant, it would be well to mention who seems to you best fitted for it, as also the reasons that guide your choice.

When any come to Rome to apply for bishoprics or greater benefices, you should send your opinion whether, in consideration of the people of the country, you think them suitable for the place for which they apply. If you do not think them suitable the fact of your writing nothing will be indication of your opinion.

If in a general way any important means occurred to you that the Holy See could employ to promote the common good of that country, give an account of them in your letters.

Notes on the text

• a 11 With all gentleness.”