Cabildo Digest

City Archives
New Orleans Public Library

Digest of the Acts and Deliberations of the Cabildo
Ecclesiastical

Introduction to the Digest

Subject Book Volume Page Date Description

Ecclesiastical 1
8 12/9/1769 Governor O’Reilly; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting four memoranda were presented signed by residents up and down the river offering to pay one half of the rent on the houses occupied by the priests. The Commissioners accepted, and appointed the Commissioners to take charge of the collections.

Ecclesiastical 1
100 6/4/1772 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners decide that a Royal Standard, to be carried by the Commissioners in ceremonies of the Church, should be made; also six posts for a canopy for the Holy Sacrament, in accordance with established customs in all countries of the Kingdom. (See Pages 302 and 310 of Cabildo Book 1.)

Ecclesiastical 1
179 3/4/1774 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Governor, at this time, presented a Royal Edict dated October 12th, 1773, together with excerpts from the Apostolic Brief issued by His Holiness, Clement XIV, annulling, dissolving and extinguishing the order called “Compania de Jesus” (Company of Jesus).

Ecclesiastical 1
248 11/29/1776 Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting a letter was read by the Secretary from the newly designated Bishop of this Diocese (named by His Majesty) asking for an assistant when he begins his functions in April.

Ecclesiastical 1
254 1/10/1777 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting Don Carlos Juan Bautista Fleurian, Commissioner, was appointed to go to Havana to assist the Illustrious Bishop of Cuba.

Ecclesiastical 1
267 8/22/1777 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A letter from the King was opened and read at this meeting, which referred to a recommendation made by the Bishop of Cuba regarding the removal of the Ursuline Nuns to the City of Havana, Cuba.

Ecclesiastical 1
269 10/21/1777 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A duplicate of the letter from His Majesty, regarding the transfer of the Ursuline Nuns to Havana, was read at this meeting, and it was agreed to comply with the agreement of August 22nd.

Ecclesiastical 1
290 9/18/1778 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners agreed at this time that the election of a steward (sexton) for the parochial church, every two years, shall be at the free will of the priest of said church, advising said steward (sexton), that he must give a complete statement of his activities during the two years to the two Commissioners appointed by the Cabildo for this purpose.

Ecclesiastical 1
316 5/7/1779 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Reverend Father Vicar requests that the Commissioners have some altars made for the procession on Corpus Christi Day. The Commissioners agreed.

Ecclesiastical 2
2 9/8/1779 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners notified the Reverend Father Vicar Cirilo to sing the "Te Deum" in the accustomed manner, at the close of the day, for the capture of Fort Manchac from the British.

Ecclesiastical 2
19 3/20/1780 Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - Again Reverend Father Vicar Cirilo is asked to sing the “Te Deum” to give thanks for the surrender of Mobile. And again on May 18th, 1781, for the success of the army at Pensacola (See page 55, Cabildo Book 2).

Ecclesiastical 2
229 6/25/1784 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Reverend Friar Cirilo de Barcelona addressed a letter to the Cabildo protesting the arrest of one of his servants during the quelling of an uprising of Savage Negroes. (See “Slaves and Savage Negroes.”) A heated controversy ensued resulting in an accusation that the priests refused spiritual consolation to the condemned men. (See Cabildo Book 3, Volume I, page 1).

Ecclesiastical 3 I 6 7/9/1784 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Attorney General calls attention to the high cost of marriages and burials, especially when the Capuchin Fathers will not take one step to bury anyone without first being paid. The Commissioners agreed to write to the Bishop of Cuba.

Ecclesiastical 3 I 14 9/3/1784 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A Royal Order is received from the King in which the Ecclesiastical Tribunals will not have jurisdiction over wills, inventories, seizures, etc.

Ecclesiastical 3 I 32 12/24/1784 Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners discuss an appointment made by the Reverend Acting Bishop Cirilo, of a Superintendent of Factories (Church Warden) wherein he disregarded certain forms and customs followed by this Colony in the past, and they resolve to write a letter to him asking that this appointment be revoked. (At the next meeting, page 54, a letter from Galvez is read in which he asks that they apologize to the Acting Bishop for asking him to revoke his appointment. The Commissioners immediately nullified the act in so far as it applied to the appointment made by the Acting Bishop.)

Ecclesiastical 3 I 105 6/2/1786 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - An Edict of Government for the city containing 34 articles was published at this time. Articles 1, 2 and 3 prohibit work, traffic of carts and selling of merchandise on Sundays and religious Holidays.

Ecclesiastical 3 I 181 8/17/1787 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this time the Governor General presents a Royal Order concerning divorce cases, alimony, marriages of minors, etc. (See “Laws”). Also a Royal Order that the law be complied with relative to concessions to the Congregation of Presbyterians.

Ecclesiastical 3 II 13 3/26/1788 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting mention is made of the Parish Church and the Priests’ house which were destroyed by fire on March 21st, 1788. (See “Fire.”)

Ecclesiastical 3 II 50 2/13/1789 Governor: Miro: Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - Andres Almonaster y Rojas calls attention to his offer to rebuild the parochial church. He asked the Commissioners to fix a day for placing the four corner stones, and to appoint two Commissioners to place two of the stones - the first two stones to be placed by the Governor and the Reverend Father Vicar.

Ecclesiastical 3 II 55 4/4/1789 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting the death of Carlos III is announced to the Cabildo. He died on December 14th, 1788. It was decided that funeral rites be held in the small church of the Hospital. (The other church having been destroyed by the fire of 1788.) - Pages 57 to 66 describe the ceremonies in connection with the funeral rites, also the coronation of Carlos IV.

Ecclesiastical 3 II 76 10/2/1789 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting the Attorney General calls to the attention of the Cabildo the inconvenience suffered by the people in attending Divine Services at the small ruined church, and recommends that the Commissioners send this petition to Almonaster to ascertain his intentions concerning his promise to rebuild the church, or to appeal to His Majesty to provide for the building. - On page 87, Cabildo Book 3, Volume II, the Commissioners decide to send a simple message to Almonaster. On page 91 (same book), Almonaster replies that he will begin repairing the church on the first of the coming month (February).

Ecclesiastical 3 II 87 12/11/1789 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - Complaint is received from the inhabitants of the city who are living in small houses constructed at their own expense (with the consent of the Governor) on land belonging to the garden of the Capuchin Fathers, that since the arrival of Friar Cirilo de Barcelona they are being charged high rent. The Commissioners sent their complaint to the Supreme Council of the Indies (See “Huts”).

Ecclesiastical 3 II 109 5/28/1790 Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - The Governor and President of this Cabildo presented a Royal Decree at this meeting, wherein His Majesty annuls a previous Decree abolishing the small monasteries of the Religious Military Order in the realms of the Indies and Philippine Islands.

Ecclesiastical 3 II 189 2/3/1792 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - A letter is received from Doctor Don Theodoro Thyrzo Henrique Henriques, Foreign Vicar and Ecclesiastical Judge of this Province, informing the Cabildo of his arrival in this city.

Ecclesiastical 3 III 71 6/28/1793 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Don Theodoro Thyrzo Enrique Henriques informs the Cabildo that he has been transferred to Havana, and that Don Patricio Walsh, Chaplain of the Regiment, has been appointed to the Vicarship of this Province.

Ecclesiastical 3 III 78 8/9/1793 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Governor requests the Cabildo to attend Mass in a body on Sunday, the 11th, to offer prayers for the success of His Majesty’s Army. (See “Military.”)

Ecclesiastical 3 III 115 1/10/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Don Andres Almonaster addressed a letter to the Cabildo in answer to recommendations of the Attorney General concerning Charity Hospital (See “Hospitals”) in which he states that the work on the Priests’ House and the Cathedral has not been completed due to several unjust lawsuits which have been brought against him in order to obstruct this work.

Ecclesiastical 3 III 176 12/12/1794 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners, considering that the Parish Church will be completed with a short time, decided to place the pews for use of the Members of the Cabildo, and commissioned Almonaster to have the pews built to be paid for out of the city funds.

Ecclesiastical 4 I 26 5/22/1795 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Reverend Patricio Walsh informs the Cabildo that Francisco Bermudez has been named Notary of Holy Crusades.

Ecclesiastical 4 I 146 8/26/1796 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Reverend Patricio Walsh asks the Cabildo for a testimonial as to his zeal in discharging his duties, which the Commissioners agreed should be given him. The Commissioners also decided at this meeting to place a light in the Plaza immediately in front of the church.

Ecclesiastical 4 II 62 9/30/1797 Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Mention is made at this meeting of the bricks from the old cemetery having been used in the construction of the Cathedral. (See "Cemeteries.”)

Ecclesiastical 4 II 70 10/20/1797 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Filberto Farge presents a bill to the Cabildo covering the cost of 14 small pews covered with damask for use of the Members of the Cabildo.

Ecclesiastical 4 III 30 5/17/1799 Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Don Antonio Ramis, Sexton of the Cathedral, petitions the Cabildo to grant him 14 or 15 feet in the back of the Cathedral for use as storage room.

Ecclesiastical 4 IV 35 11/7/1800 Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A letter from Bishop Luis de Penalver y Cardenas to the Cabildo concerning the ownership of the old cemetery (See “Cemeteries”) states in part:….”this Parish Church of St. Luis which, at the request of His Majesty, was created a Cathedral by a Decree authorized by the Pope on April 23rd, 1793….”

Ecclesiastical 4 IV 148 11/6/1801 Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The Bishop Penalver informs the Cabildo that he has been promoted to the rank of Archbishop of Guatemala, and that he is leaving his Vicar-General, Don Tomas Harret (Hasset) in charge of this Diocese.

Subject	Book	Volume	Page	Date	Description
Ecclesiastical	1		8	12/9/1769	Governor O’Reilly; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting four memoranda were presented signed by residents up and down the river offering to pay one half of the rent on the houses occupied by the priests. The Commissioners accepted, and appointed the Commissioners to take charge of the collections.
Ecclesiastical	1		100	6/4/1772	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners decide that a Royal Standard, to be carried by the Commissioners in ceremonies of the Church, should be made; also six posts for a canopy for the Holy Sacrament, in accordance with established customs in all countries of the Kingdom. (See Pages 302 and 310 of Cabildo Book 1.)
Ecclesiastical	1		179	3/4/1774	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Governor, at this time, presented a Royal Edict dated October 12th, 1773, together with excerpts from the Apostolic Brief issued by His Holiness, Clement XIV, annulling, dissolving and extinguishing the order called “Compania de Jesus” (Company of Jesus).
Ecclesiastical	1		248	11/29/1776	Governor: Unzaga; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting a letter was read by the Secretary from the newly designated Bishop of this Diocese (named by His Majesty) asking for an assistant when he begins his functions in April.
Ecclesiastical	1		254	1/10/1777	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this meeting Don Carlos Juan Bautista Fleurian, Commissioner, was appointed to go to Havana to assist the Illustrious Bishop of Cuba.
Ecclesiastical	1		267	8/22/1777	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A letter from the King was opened and read at this meeting, which referred to a recommendation made by the Bishop of Cuba regarding the removal of the Ursuline Nuns to the City of Havana, Cuba.
Ecclesiastical	1		269	10/21/1777	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A duplicate of the letter from His Majesty, regarding the transfer of the Ursuline Nuns to Havana, was read at this meeting, and it was agreed to comply with the agreement of August 22nd.
Ecclesiastical	1		290	9/18/1778	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners agreed at this time that the election of a steward (sexton) for the parochial church, every two years, shall be at the free will of the priest of said church, advising said steward (sexton), that he must give a complete statement of his activities during the two years to the two Commissioners appointed by the Cabildo for this purpose.
Ecclesiastical	1		316	5/7/1779	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Reverend Father Vicar requests that the Commissioners have some altars made for the procession on Corpus Christi Day. The Commissioners agreed.
Ecclesiastical	2		2	9/8/1779	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners notified the Reverend Father Vicar Cirilo to sing the "Te Deum" in the accustomed manner, at the close of the day, for the capture of Fort Manchac from the British.
Ecclesiastical	2		19	3/20/1780	Governor: Galvez; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - Again Reverend Father Vicar Cirilo is asked to sing the “Te Deum” to give thanks for the surrender of Mobile. And again on May 18th, 1781, for the success of the army at Pensacola (See page 55, Cabildo Book 2).
Ecclesiastical	2		229	6/25/1784	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Reverend Friar Cirilo de Barcelona addressed a letter to the Cabildo protesting the arrest of one of his servants during the quelling of an uprising of Savage Negroes. (See “Slaves and Savage Negroes.”) A heated controversy ensued resulting in an accusation that the priests refused spiritual consolation to the condemned men. (See Cabildo Book 3, Volume I, page 1).
Ecclesiastical	3	I	6	7/9/1784	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Attorney General calls attention to the high cost of marriages and burials, especially when the Capuchin Fathers will not take one step to bury anyone without first being paid. The Commissioners agreed to write to the Bishop of Cuba.
Ecclesiastical	3	I	14	9/3/1784	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - A Royal Order is received from the King in which the Ecclesiastical Tribunals will not have jurisdiction over wills, inventories, seizures, etc.
Ecclesiastical	3	I	32	12/24/1784	Acting Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - The Commissioners discuss an appointment made by the Reverend Acting Bishop Cirilo, of a Superintendent of Factories (Church Warden) wherein he disregarded certain forms and customs followed by this Colony in the past, and they resolve to write a letter to him asking that this appointment be revoked. (At the next meeting, page 54, a letter from Galvez is read in which he asks that they apologize to the Acting Bishop for asking him to revoke his appointment. The Commissioners immediately nullified the act in so far as it applied to the appointment made by the Acting Bishop.)
Ecclesiastical	3	I	105	6/2/1786	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - An Edict of Government for the city containing 34 articles was published at this time. Articles 1, 2 and 3 prohibit work, traffic of carts and selling of merchandise on Sundays and religious Holidays.
Ecclesiastical	3	I	181	8/17/1787	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Sr. - At this time the Governor General presents a Royal Order concerning divorce cases, alimony, marriages of minors, etc. (See “Laws”). Also a Royal Order that the law be complied with relative to concessions to the Congregation of Presbyterians.
Ecclesiastical	3	II	13	3/26/1788	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting mention is made of the Parish Church and the Priests’ house which were destroyed by fire on March 21st, 1788. (See “Fire.”)
Ecclesiastical	3	II	50	2/13/1789	Governor: Miro: Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - Andres Almonaster y Rojas calls attention to his offer to rebuild the parochial church. He asked the Commissioners to fix a day for placing the four corner stones, and to appoint two Commissioners to place two of the stones - the first two stones to be placed by the Governor and the Reverend Father Vicar.
Ecclesiastical	3	II	55	4/4/1789	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting the death of Carlos III is announced to the Cabildo. He died on December 14th, 1788. It was decided that funeral rites be held in the small church of the Hospital. (The other church having been destroyed by the fire of 1788.) - Pages 57 to 66 describe the ceremonies in connection with the funeral rites, also the coronation of Carlos IV.
Ecclesiastical	3	II	76	10/2/1789	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - At this meeting the Attorney General calls to the attention of the Cabildo the inconvenience suffered by the people in attending Divine Services at the small ruined church, and recommends that the Commissioners send this petition to Almonaster to ascertain his intentions concerning his promise to rebuild the church, or to appeal to His Majesty to provide for the building. - On page 87, Cabildo Book 3, Volume II, the Commissioners decide to send a simple message to Almonaster. On page 91 (same book), Almonaster replies that he will begin repairing the church on the first of the coming month (February).
Ecclesiastical	3	II	87	12/11/1789	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - Complaint is received from the inhabitants of the city who are living in small houses constructed at their own expense (with the consent of the Governor) on land belonging to the garden of the Capuchin Fathers, that since the arrival of Friar Cirilo de Barcelona they are being charged high rent. The Commissioners sent their complaint to the Supreme Council of the Indies (See “Huts”).
Ecclesiastical	3	II	109	5/28/1790	Governor: Miro; Royal Ensign: De Reggio, Jr. - The Governor and President of this Cabildo presented a Royal Decree at this meeting, wherein His Majesty annuls a previous Decree abolishing the small monasteries of the Religious Military Order in the realms of the Indies and Philippine Islands.
Ecclesiastical	3	II	189	2/3/1792	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - A letter is received from Doctor Don Theodoro Thyrzo Henrique Henriques, Foreign Vicar and Ecclesiastical Judge of this Province, informing the Cabildo of his arrival in this city.
Ecclesiastical	3	III	71	6/28/1793	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Don Theodoro Thyrzo Enrique Henriques informs the Cabildo that he has been transferred to Havana, and that Don Patricio Walsh, Chaplain of the Regiment, has been appointed to the Vicarship of this Province.
Ecclesiastical	3	III	78	8/9/1793	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Governor requests the Cabildo to attend Mass in a body on Sunday, the 11th, to offer prayers for the success of His Majesty’s Army. (See “Military.”)
Ecclesiastical	3	III	115	1/10/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Don Andres Almonaster addressed a letter to the Cabildo in answer to recommendations of the Attorney General concerning Charity Hospital (See “Hospitals”) in which he states that the work on the Priests’ House and the Cathedral has not been completed due to several unjust lawsuits which have been brought against him in order to obstruct this work.
Ecclesiastical	3	III	176	12/12/1794	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Commissioners, considering that the Parish Church will be completed with a short time, decided to place the pews for use of the Members of the Cabildo, and commissioned Almonaster to have the pews built to be paid for out of the city funds.
Ecclesiastical	4	I	26	5/22/1795	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Reverend Patricio Walsh informs the Cabildo that Francisco Bermudez has been named Notary of Holy Crusades.
Ecclesiastical	4	I	146	8/26/1796	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - The Reverend Patricio Walsh asks the Cabildo for a testimonial as to his zeal in discharging his duties, which the Commissioners agreed should be given him. The Commissioners also decided at this meeting to place a light in the Plaza immediately in front of the church.
Ecclesiastical	4	II	62	9/30/1797	Governor: Carondelet; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Mention is made at this meeting of the bricks from the old cemetery having been used in the construction of the Cathedral. (See "Cemeteries.”)
Ecclesiastical	4	II	70	10/20/1797	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: Almonaster - Filberto Farge presents a bill to the Cabildo covering the cost of 14 small pews covered with damask for use of the Members of the Cabildo.
Ecclesiastical	4	III	30	5/17/1799	Governor: Gayoso; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - Don Antonio Ramis, Sexton of the Cathedral, petitions the Cabildo to grant him 14 or 15 feet in the back of the Cathedral for use as storage room.
Ecclesiastical	4	IV	35	11/7/1800	Acting Governor: Vidal; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - A letter from Bishop Luis de Penalver y Cardenas to the Cabildo concerning the ownership of the old cemetery (See “Cemeteries”) states in part:….”this Parish Church of St. Luis which, at the request of His Majesty, was created a Cathedral by a Decree authorized by the Pope on April 23rd, 1793….”
Ecclesiastical	4	IV	148	11/6/1801	Governor: Salcedo; Royal Ensign: De La Ronde - The Bishop Penalver informs the Cabildo that he has been promoted to the rank of Archbishop of Guatemala, and that he is leaving his Vicar-General, Don Tomas Harret (Hasset) in charge of this Diocese.

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