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Dublin No 10
No 19.
7/3/3/2
Acts of the Second Provincial Chapter
of the Anglo-Nibernian Province
of the
Congregation of the Papion.
held in St. Annes Retreat, Sutton, St. Yelms, Lancasters
from the 2nd to the 5th of June, 1860.
ITEM NO 001 SERIAL 129 UNITED G.

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CALL NO
ITEM
NO
1860.06.05
001
YEAR, MONTH, DAY
CLASS •
NUMBER •
ENTRY DATE
SERIAL
1973.06.05
129.
ARCHIVES
MOUNTAINS, DUBLIN, G.

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Acts of the Second Provincial Chapter
of the Anglo Hibernian Province,
of the Congregation of the Papion
held in St. Annie's Retreat - Suthon - St. Helens. Lancashire
from the 2nd to the 5th of June, 1860.
It is with a michieve of feelings that we view the present Conversation of the Second Chapter of our Province. It is but Cately that we have heard that our Father General has been compelled by the unhappy circumstances of the times to prorogue to an indefinite period the Conversation of the Triunial Chapter income of the provinces in Italy; and the same cause has deprived us of the happiness which had been promised us of his coming in persons to preside at our Chapter and to visit the houses which have been founded in these Kingdoms under his paternal care. But while we sympathize in the afflictions, and peculies of our brothers in the although country of the Congregation, we should be most ungrateful if we did not look with feelings of joy and wonder on the circumstances, in which we stand in these Kingdoms, where, not very long lined our holy Religion was proscribed, and the Religious Actors of the Church were held in peculiar abhorrence; whereas now we are enabled, with full liberty, and can under the favourable regards of those who are deposited from us in faith to meet in Chapter, and there to consult in peace on the measures to be adopted for the advancement and efficiency of our body, although the arowed object of its entrance into these Kingdoms was its conversion. Glory be to God, the Author of all good! Glory likewise to Volpesed Dave our Founder, whose prayers during his life on earth, and much more lined his entrance into glory, we doubt not have gained for us this blessing.
In the month of April the Very Rev. Father Signatures of the Infant Jesus, Mr Provincial, received authority from the Father General to convoke the Chapter, without waiting any longer for his own coming to attend it; of which he now could no longer contest in the thought. At the same time he appointed the Very Rev. Father prepared of the Bonnen maculate heart of Mary, Provincial of the province of St. Michael, the Archangel to represent thim as President of the Chapter.

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In the month of April the Very Rev. Father Ignatius of the Infant Jesus, Mr Povincial, received authority from the Father General to convoke the Chapter, without waiting any longer for his own coming to attend it, of which he now could no longer contestain the thought. At the same time he appointed the Very Rev. Father foreph of the Mr. Macculale heart of Mary, Povincial of the province of St. Michael the Archangel to represent thim as President of the Chapter.
The Father Povincial ignored his convocatory letter dated April 30th, 1860, appointing the 2nd of June, as the day for opening the Chapter and calling on all the vocal Fathers to meet him at St. Annis Retreat, Setton, on the 30th May,

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to unite in a column Triducum previous to the Chapter, to implore the blessing of God on our deliberations. In this letter he explains the object of a provincial Chapter which are to examine into and remedy any abuses which may have entered into our practice, to excite the Religious to new fervour and Jeal, but most particularly to elect worthy subject for the different offices of the province.
Accordingly, the Very Rev. Father Joseph of the Immaculate heart of Mary, being arrived from Holland, at St. Joseph's Retreat Highgate, on the 2nd May, and having there met all the Capitular Fathers who were assembled for the laying the foundation stone of our new Church of St. Joseph, on the 2nd May, they proceeded together to St. Annis Retreat on the 30th excepting the Very Rev. Father Ignatius of St. Taul, Second Consultor, who, on account of a special engagement delaying him on the way, did not arrive till the following day.
On that day, May 31st the Very Rev. Father Vincent of St. Joseph, Triest Consultor, advised to the Capitular Fathers and to the entire Community assembled with them, a discourse setting forth the importance of the occasion which has called us together, and the weighty responsibility caid on each who had to lapse an action become active part in the Chapter.
On the same afternoon at 5o of war held the first of the usual preliminary Conferences. In these Conferences was read out an act of the Father General, appointing the Very Rev. Father Joseph of the Immaculate heart of Mary, as his deligate to preside in the Chapter. A letter was then read from the Father General stating that he had obtained from the Pape for the Master of Hovices the right of boting in the Chapter, though it should not be held in the Hovicists, also a dispensation from His Holiness for the election of a Master of Hovices, who should not have reached the age of 35, 9 years, provided he should have proper 30.
The Rectors then presented their respective documents which

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On the same afternoon at 5th of was held the first of the several preliminary Conferences. In these Conferences was read out an act of the Father General, appointing the Very Rev. Father Joseph of the Immaculate heart of Mary, as his deligate to preside in the Chapters. A letter was then read from the Father General stating that he had obtained from the Pape for the Masters of Hovices the right of boting in the Chapters, though it should not be held in the Hovicists, also a dispensation from His Holiness for the election of a Masters of Hovices, who should not have reached the age of 35, 9 years, provided he should have proper 30.
The Rectors then presented their respective documents which were examined by the President. After this, each member was called upon to propose any matter, which he judged proper for discussion in the Chapter, and a list of these was taken by each Capitular, in order that he might maturely consider them beforehand.

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3
On the appointed day, Saturday the 2nd June, at 8 o'c. a Lolemus High Mafs, de Spiritu Sancto, was sung by the Very Rev. Father President, immediately after which the entire Community, chanting the hymn "Vexilla V.C." went in procession to the room appointed for the meetings of the Chapter. Here the Accustomed prayers were first-recited; then the rest of the Community having been dismissed, the Very Rev. Father President delivered in latin a short address reminding the Fathers of the Spirit, which ought to auxiliate the members of our Congregation, as spirit of union and mutual charity, of mortification and of Zeal for the Palation of Loves.
The names of the members of the Chapter were then called over. There were present the following Fathers.
The Very Rev. Father Joseph of the Immaculate heart of Mary, Provincial of the province of St. Michel & the Arcangel - President.
The Very Rev. F. Signatures of the Infant Jesus, Provincial of the province of St. Joseph.
The Very Rev. F. Vincent of St. Joseph, First Provincial Consultor.
The Very Rev. F. Signatures of Mr. Daul, Second Provincial Consultor.
The Very Rev. F. Eugene of St. Anthony, Rector of the Retreat of St. Joseph.
The Very Rev. F. Bernard of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rector of the Retreat of the Most Holy Saviour.
The Very Rev. F. Bernardine of the heart of Mary, Rector of the Retreat of St. Anne.
The Very Rev. F. Ormond of the Most Holy Cross, Rector of the Retreat of Blessed Daul of the Cross.
The Very Rev. Father Solvion of Our Lady of Dolours Master of Xovices.
The names having been called in order, the Veni Ceato was recited followed by the prayer prayers of the Holy Practicers of the Congregation. After this, the Very Rev. F. President, taking the Cross on his shoulders and placing a rope about his neck said the Colpe to the Father Provincial, who in his himself said

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The names having been called in order, the Veni Creator was treated followed by the proper prayers of the Holy Protestants of the Congregation. After this, the Very Rev. J. President, taking the Cross over his shoulders and placing a rope about his neck said the Colpe to the Father Provincial, who in his time said it to him in the name of all the Capitulars. The Father President then gave to all absolution from censures at Cantelan, and received it himself in return from the Father Provincial.

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The decree of the Sacred Office was then tead. The question was then asked, whether in the judgement of all present, this Chapter was legitimately considered, to which an answer was given by all in the affirmative. The seals of Office were then given up.
The Very Rev. F. Signatures of St. Paul was proposed as Secretary to the Chapter, and accepted by all. The Very Rev. F. Ormand of the Most holy Profs, and the Very Rev. F. Salvian of our Lady of Dolours, were appointed scrutiners.
These preliminaries having been gone through, and the F. President having according to order made the protest de non excludendis ad Volum ferendum dignis, et de non admittendis indignis ex quocumque Capite, the Fathers proceeded to the election of the F. Provincial, observing trigorously the prescriptions of the Holy Council of Grent, Sas. xxv. Ch. vi.
The votes were unanimous in favour of the Very Rev. F. Signatures of the Infant fews. The signal was immediately given through the house, of the election having taken place, and all the Religious came together with eagerness to offer their congratulations to the newly telected Provincial and to kip his hand in token of obedience. All then proceeded to the church, where the Gedeum was solemnly intound, and benediction of the Blissed Sacrament given by the Provincial.
The Capitulars after this returned to the place of meeting, where the accustomed thanks giving was made and this first Session terminated.
Session II. Saturday, June 2, 14th to 5, Afternoon.

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The bottos were senanismous in favour of the Very Rev. F. Signatius of the Infant Jesus. The signal was immediately given through the house, of the election having taken place, and all the Religious came together with eagerness to offer their congratulations to the newly selected Provincial and to Rifs his hand in token of obedience. All then proceeded to the church, where the y Deum was solamnly intound, and benediction of the Blissed Sacrament given by the Provincial.
The Capitulars after this returned to the place of meeting, where the accustomed thanks giving was made and this first Session terminated.
Session II. Saturday, June 2, 1/5th, Afternoon.
The Second Session was opened at a quartet to fine in the afternoon of the same day. After invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the Capitulars proceeded to the election of the other superiors of the province.

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5
There never can have been a course of elections gone through with greater rapidity and unanimity. All the Superiors appointed to the several Offices of the province at the General Chapter three years ago, were reelected at the first scrutiny.
The U. Rev. F. Vincent of St. Joseph, was reelected First Provincial Consultor.
The U. Rev. F. Squatins of St. Paul was reelected Second Provincial Consultor.
The Very Rev. F. Salvian of Our Lady of Dolours was reelected Master of Hovices.
The U. Rev. F. Sugene of St. Anthony was reelected Rector of the Retreat of St. Joseph.
The U. Rev. F. Bernard of the B. Virgin Mary was reelected Rector of the Retreat of the Most Holy Sacrifices.
The U. Rev. F. Bernardine of the heart of Mary, was reelected Rector of the Retreat of St. Anne.
The U. Rev. F. Ormond of the Most Holy Crofo, was reelected Rector of the Retreat of Blysed Paul of the Crofo.
The Elections of the Masters of Hovices, and of the four Rectors having been confirmed by the Very Rev. Father Presidents in the name and by the authority of the Most Rev. F. General, after giving thanks to God, the Session was closed.
Session III, Sunday Morning, June 3rd 1/2 past 8.
Prayer having been offered as usual, the act of the first Session as well as the account of the convocation of the Chapters and of the preliminary conferences were read by the Secretary, and the Report was approved.
The first subject brought forward for discussion was the new honorium which has been followed in the province since the commencement of last year. The Secretary read the circular letter of the Father Provincial, dated Dec 20 1900.

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Session III, Sunday Morning, June 3rd 1/2 past 8.
Prayer having been offered as usual, The act of the first Session as well as The account of the Convocation of the Chapters and of the preliminary Conferences were read by the Secretary, and The Report was approved.
The first subject brought forward for discussion was the new honorium, which has been followed in the province since the commencement of last year. The Secretary read the Circular letters of the Father Provincial, dated Dec. 30. 1858, ordering it to be adopted at that time on trial. The Provincial then more fully explained what was stated in the letters itself, that before this order was given, he had written to the Father General. to express to him. The

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desire of many of the Religious and his own that a new distribution of the hours in some respects should be made, and had proposed to him the alterations which have actually been introduced. The Father General had answered that the Horarium thus modified, might be tried for a time, and if after the trial it was found to answer, it would receive a final sanction. The Provincial, further related that after the new horarium has been observed during three months he had ordered the question to be proposed in all the houses, whether or not, the Religious were satisfied with it. The members of the local chapters in each house, gave their votes secretely, and the answer was every where affirmative. This being reported to the Father General, he had in reply given a Temporary sanction to the new horarium, with a dispensation from the half hours prayers after making, ordering however, that the questions should be again treated at the approaching provincial chapters. The Capitular Fathers, after some discussion, were all agreed on the general advantage gained by the change. The only point on which a difficulty was raised, was the altering the time of the mocturnal choirs, and the question was asked and referred to their votes that and decided that a new horarium should be drawn up and presented to the Father General for his approval. (
(N.B. for the new horarium and the Father General's approval, see the appendice at the end of these acts.)
The session was concluded with the usual thanks giving.
Session IV. Sunday afternoon 4. of June 3, '22
The usual prayers having been said, the question was moved whether Confessors in any of our houses should be permitted to receive converts into the church without the knowledge and approbation of the Rector. Reference was made to the acts

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(N.B. for the new honorium and the Father General's approval, see the appendice at the end of these acts.)
The Section was concluded with the usual thanks giving.
Section IV. Sunday afternoon 4. of June 3rd
The usual prayers having been said, the question was moved whether Confessors in any of our houses should be permitted to receive converts into the church without the knowledge and approbation of the Restor. Reference was made to the acts of our first provincial chapter in 1851, where it was distinctly decreed that the entire charge and responsibility of the Leculus Congregation should rest with the Restor, and that whatever was soon by others in regard to its administra-

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Should be done under his direction. Moreover an order was cited made by Father Dominic of happy memory, our first superior in England, and set up by him in writing before the eyes of all in our first retreat at Boston, thrilly forbidding any convert being received without the knowledge and approbation of the Superior. On the strength of these previous decrees, and for important reasons now brought forward, it was unanimously agreed that Father Dominic's order should now be renewed and carefully observed.
Certain difficulties were then brought forward and discussed concerning the manner in which the prescriptions of the Cisculas of Father Giacommaria were to be carried out in this province. It was determined that the Very Rev. F. Provincial should write to the Father General, stating these difficulties and requesting a solution of them by the higher Superiors.
The Act of Thanksgiving having been made in Commons the session was closed.
Session, V. Monday, June 4th - 9th.
All the Fathers being assembled, the assistance of the Holy Chost was indoked as usual.
The first subject which then came under discussion was the proper regulation of our common walks, the circumstances of our houses rendering it very difficult or rare there impossible to keep up the regular practice of them as is some in Stoly. A good deal of discussion took place on this subject in the Chapter, the result of which was that the matter should be left very much to the directions of the Rector, the chapter only recommending that he should overange things in such a manner that those Religious, who had not been sent out for other purposes should have the advantage of a walk at least once a week, but at the same time invisiting that no Religious should go out of the precincts of the retreat, simply for the purpose of a walk, without a companion. After this it was remarked that some little irregularities

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Session, V. Monday, June 4th - 9th.
All the Fathers being sembled, the assistance of the Holy Chort was invoked as usual.
The first subject which then came under discussion was the proper regulation of our common walks, the circumstances of our houses rendering it very difficult or rare there improssible to keep up the regular practice of them as is done in Stoly. A good deal of discussion took place on this subject in the Chapter, the result of which was that the matter should be left very much to the discussion of the Rector, the chapter only recommending that he should avonge things in such a manner that those Religious, who had not been sent out for other purposes should have the advantage of a walk at least once a week, but at the same time insisting that no Religious should go out of the precincts of the retreat simply for the purpose of a walk, without a companion.
After this it was remarked that some little irregularities had appeared to be creeping in with regards to the secular dress used by our Religious when out of the retreat. Our order to check this evil before it might grow to any thing considerable, it was thought necessary to remind the Religious of what was

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decreed on this point in our first Provincial chapter, and confirmed in the last general chapter at Rome; namely that Strict uniformity should be observed in every portion of our dress; that the coats should be of a true ecclesiastical form with regard to collar ♀.2 that gloves, if used at all, and handkerchiefs for the neck, should be of dark coloured cotton or wool; that in regard to practical handkerchiefs the approved customs of the Congregation should be adhered to; that any one who is allowed a wratch should not let the chain or guard by which it is held be seen outwardly; that the shoes which go by the name of "Blucher shoes" be generally worn, or if not, that at least the shoes should be plain and not reach above the subles.
It having often hopponed that priests, inviting our Religious to preach occasional commons in their churches, have requested them to appear in their habit, as the people were interested by its sight; but this practice having been objected to by some of the Religious as irregular, directions upon the subject were now asked from the Fathers in chapter. It was answered that the only occasions on which it was to be our invariable practice to preach in the habit were Missions and retreats; that in our own churches, unless when constructing a regular course of exercises in them, we should always wear a simplice; at other times it should be left to the discretion of the preacher, who, however should have regards in this point to the wishes of the clergy by whom he is invited.
A male paper intended for distribution among the people at our Missions, as a memorial, having been drawn up and printed, at a late Mission by the Very Rev. L. Bernard of the Post Blessed Virgin Many, and now presented by him for examination, it was approved, subject to such partial alterations as he might adopt after consultation with others.
The Father Provincial then proposed that a letter should be drawn up and printed, ready to be sent to priest who should request Missions from our Fathers, expeciating what we generally require to be prepared for the occasions, and as thing necessary information on different matters commented with the place to which we are at the point.

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A small paper intended for distribution among the people at our Missions, as a memorial, having been drawn up and printed, at a late Missions by the Very Rev. F. Bernard of the Most Religious Virgin Many, and now presented by him for examination, it was approved, subject to such partial alterations as he might adopt after consultation with others.
The Father Provincial then proposed that a letter should be drawn up and printed, ready to be sent to priests who should request Missions from our Fathers, explaining what we generally require to be prepared for the occasions, and as ring necessary information on different matters commented with the place to which we are called. The Chapter, considering that it entirely rests with the Provincial to dispose of the services of our Missionaries, and as all applications for Missions if addressed to particular Fathers, are to him referred to be answered, indeed it best to leave to his discretion the

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gramming and printing of a letter such as was proposed?
After the discussion of so many topics, the enorming being now far advanced, the present session was closed with the thanksgiving offered to Almighty Gat, and the few remaining Topics of discussions were recommendedreserved till the Afternoon.
Sessions VI, Monday afternoon, Jane 4th - 4 Oc.
After the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the Very Rev. F. Sgnatius of St. Paul, proposed a subject for the consideration of the Chapter in which he had been of late particularly interested and which was closely allied to that which for so many years had been the primary circal object of his life, namely the conversions of England. The subject now in question was the sanctification and perfection of the Srish people. Father Sgnatius had been for nearly two years mainly occupied in giving little missions from parties to parish through different parts of Ireland, intended to house the people to a great and generous resolution to devote themselves to the gaining to Gat those nations which are separated from the faith, especially England, and for that end to determine on quickly banishing from among themselves all prevailing disorders and labouring to show faith in the example of an entire people what fruits of virtue and happiness our holy Religions will produce when followed in perfection. These little missions had thus far been fatestryly received. He wished to proceed with them, but in doing so to feel himself backed and supported in a special way by the conditional approbation and prayers of all his brothers. To give an idea of the nature of his proceedings he laid before the Chapter a little printed paper, entitled "a memorial of the little mission for the sanctification of Ireland" which had already been approved by the Provincial for distribution among the people.
The Very Rev. Fathers, after discussing this subject came to the resolution that, as the conversion of England has from the first, been a leading object of interest to the children of Helped Paul of the Coops, and was at the last general Chapter specially recommended a new to the prayers of all our

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The Very Rev. Fathers, after discussing this subject came to the resolution that, as the conversion of England has from the first, been a leading object of interest to the Children of Blissed Paul of the Cross, and was at the last general Chapter specially recommended a new to the prayers of all our brethren, and to the Jeal of all our missionaries, and as our various grounds is could not be questioned that the conversion of England mainly depended, under God, on the sanctification of the Fishes peoples, it should be recommended

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to all the Religious of our province to take this second object most earnestly to heart, and to offer their fervent prayers and use all other means which may be in their power to promote it.
The last subject brought forward in the Chapter was comcerning two offers which had been made by distinguished and wealthy Catholic proprietors of foundations for our Congregation on their respective estates; the in England, and another in Ireland. The members of the Chapter were all of them perfectly aware that, from a variety of reasons, it was quite impossible for us to entertain, on the present, the idea of any new foundation; and consequently there could be no question that we must decline these two offers, but it was desired that this should be done in a way to express the most lively gratitude of our entire body to those our intended municipiants benefactors, and to ascure them of our fervent prayers for blessings on themselves and their families and on the people in whose behalf, the are so generously interested. The Session was concluded as usual with thanksgivings to God.
Session VII. Tuesday morning, June 5th 111/2 of.
The elections of the superiors in the province having been so happily concluded in the first two Sessions of this Chapter, and all the Topics proposed for deliberation having been maturely discussed, and resolutions formed our all of them to the full satisfaction of all the ascended Fathers, the present meeting was called for no purpose except that after invoking once more the Divine assistance, a final approvation might be given to the entire act of the Chapter, and the signatures of all the Capitular Fathers might be appointed to them.
The Chapter began its settings on the last day of the Nobly week of Tentecost, invoking solemnly the assistance of the Divine Spirit to preside over and guide all their acts; the spirit of Charity, joy and peace. How should we not recognise in the concord, the unanimity, the mutual charity and the joy which have accompanied and marked every stage of our proceedings and answer to these our prayers, and

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The Chapter began its sittings on the last day of the
holy week of Tentecost, invoking solemnly the assistance of
the Divine Spirit to preside over and guide all their acts: The
Spirit of Charity, joy and peace. How should we not
recognise in the concord, the unanimity, the mutual
charity and the joy which have accompanied and enacted every
stage of our proceedings and answer to these our prayers, and
join now in one more solemn act of thanks giving to
the Most Blessed Virtuty, in whose name we have been
assembled, and to whose honour and praise we conservate
these our proof labours and all the actions, words & thoughts

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of our lives.
The newly elected Superiors having previously made their stemm per offertion of Faith, the President and other Capitulars appended as follows, their trepitine signatures.
St. Anne's Retreat, This 5th day of June, 1860.
Joseph. ab Immaculato Corde Maria, Provincialis provinciae, S. Michaelis Archangelis, Proses Capituli, delegatus a Rdmo Patre Generali.
Signatures of the Infant Jesus, Provincial of the province of S. Joseph Vincentius a S. Joseph, Primus Consultor Provincialis.
Signatures a S. Papa, Secundus Consultor Provincialis.
Eugenius a S. Antonio, Rector, Recepsus S. Josephis Bernardius of the B.V. May, Rector of Saint Pavioners.
Bernardius a Corde Maria S. Jose, Rector, Recepsus S. Anne.
Bernardius a Spma Cruce, Rector, Recepsus B. Pauli a Cruce.
Salviony a V. Solonosa, Sovitionum Magistr.
We testify to the authenticity of the forgoing acts of the Second Provincial Chapter, and of the signatures of the Capitular Fathers as above.
Signatures of St. Paul — Capitular Secretary.
Concordatum cum originali.
Signatures ab try? Jesus
Provitis