8th. The provincials of Castile received express mandate and command from the father master, Thaddeus of Perugia,[8] general for the time being, and from the most illustrious Cardinal of Mont Claro when in Spain, not to busy themselves with the government of the provinces of the Indies, by not only giving up the office of vicar but also the use of that title.
Lastly. In general chapter held in Rome in 92, a petition was presented in the interest of the province of Mexico and of other provinces. The reasons whereof having been considered, the definitors of the province of Castile having been summoned, and the reasons of each side heard, a decree was passed which, while enjoining the provincial of Castile from any longer busying himself with the said government, ordered him under pain of being treated as a rebel, as well as under divers other penalties and censures, to hold his peace for all time—a sentence that was confirmed through the goodness of Pope Clement the Eighth. Of this, notice was sent to the provincial of Castile and the procurator-general of the province [of the Philippine Islands?]. From that day to this no change has been made and [the decree] is faithfully observed at present.
[Endorsed: “By the most illustrious Cardinal Santa Severina.”]
[Endorsed: “Reasons why the provinces and provincials of the Indies be not subject to the provinces and provincials of Spain.”]
[Endorsed: “Submitted by the reverend father prior-general of the Order of Hermit Brethren of St. Augustine, November 7, 1599.”]
[This Collection of three documents is addressed on the back of the outside wrapper:
“To Cardinal Santa Severina, to be acted upon in the sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide.”]
[Endorsed: “The Hermit Brethren of St. Augustine of the Philippine Islands.”]
[Endorsed: “I received it September [sic: perhaps, December] 18, 1599.”]