Storia do Mogor 357.3

357.3

We presented these [decrees] to the Lord Bishop, who after perusal approved them, as may be seen on the margin of one particular decree sent to him by the Sacred Congregation. Not only has he approved them, but also directed that they should be communicated to the reverend Father Tachard. This we have done, gentlemen; but what was the reverend father's answer when we showed him the above-named decrees ? 'My fathers, you are wasting your time and wearing yourselves out fruitlessly.' Do you not think that a fine answer from a man of judgment, as he is ? By it he makes out these decrees to be no more than a jest, and the penalties recited therein mere trifles of no importance. Neither he nor the other reverend fathers have ceased to carry on their functions in the ordinary way, just as if nothing had been said. Now we pray you, gentlemen, to tell us which of the two parties is the more disobedient, the Capuchins or the reverend Jesuit fathers ?