The relevance of the archives of religious houses for scholarly research : the Discalced Carmelites in Malta 1625-1800 : a case study

Abstract

The presence of Religious Orders in Malta contributed to the dissemination of ritual and belief in adherence to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The resilient construction of friaries, convents and monasteries by zealous preachers, monks and like-minded followers of initiators and reformers strengthened Pauline foundations previously eclipsed by the wondering North African flag - bearer of the Arabian Prophet. The Carmelites, the Dominicans and other established institutions sustained the Christian community of the central Mediterranean islands and reached out beyond the inlet shores to those eager to form part of the universal mission of the Saviour through the Living Word. The decree of the Holy Roman Emperor in sustaining the Knights Hospitaller and the eventual settlement of the Sovereign Order within the midst of a thriving medieval formation paved the way for the emerging discalced congregation to seek refuge in the Bur Mula extension of Birgu through a sumptuous handout from the local Ecclesiastical Steward. The benevolence by Monsignor Balthassar Cagliares was prompted through the acquaintance with a Maltese member of the reformed establishment of the Carmelites during frequent visits to Rome whilst building the episcopal palace in Valletta. The encounter facilitated an inter - vivos agreement for the benefit of a nascent Marian Order for the love of God and celestial glory. From 1625 onwards, the local Church and Convent of the Discalced Carmelite flourished. The congregation established a preparatory institute for missionaries and received various donations to construct a Romitorio or retreat house for the spiritual renewal of Chaplains and Priests. The community was held in high esteem by the civil and ecclesiastical authorities and an Inquisitor found repose in the religious grounds of the Discalced Carmelites. The Sovereign Order provided victuals, wood as well as candles on a regular basis. Contributions flowed in and legacies brought in a steady income later decimated on the forceful departure of the Knights of Malta in 1798. The archive of the Religious Order at Cospicua is a testimony of the Discalced Carmelites from their early days to the recent past. The registers and ledgers uncover the administrative framework of the institution and reveal the day-to day realities of the community on the Maltese islands. The Actae Capitularum as from 1626 are a reliable source of relevant insight about the existence of the religious within the parameters of the convent and throw light on their relations with the outside world. In addition, the Introito ed Esito registers go beyond their accounting definition and include essential entries about the missionary significance of those present in Malta. The contribution of Grand - Masters and the Inquisitors further highlights the standing of the Religious Order in the early modern era within the contemporary social framework. Other documentation is well - preserved and the content is revealing. For instance, the Necrologium lists the attributes of those who faced their ultimate fate during their studies or assignments while the confraternity series mentions the role of these dynamic institutions in the Tridentine context. Friars where appointed spiritual directors to the lay organisations which dealt with devotional aspects and provided burial facilities for their members besides prayer for the repose of the soul in accordance with the art of dying well: the Ars Moriendi. Not much has been written about the Discalced Carmelites in Malta apart from contributions by Father John Leone OCD being `Historical outlines on the History of the Carmelite Order’ and `St Teresa `s at Cospicua in retrospect upon the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the Discalced Carmelites in Malta’. Other rudimentary works include Il-Karmeltani Terezjani by P. Angeliku M. Busuttil OCD and Karmelitani Terezjani Maltin by P. Manwel Schembri OCD. Meanwhile several works of a religious nature are attributed to prominent members of the Reformed Order. Suffice to mention Hajja ta` Santa Teresa tal-Bambin Gesu` Teresjana bl-isem ta` Storja ta` Ruh by Patri Piu ta` San Leone (1926) and the elaborate volumes of P. Angeliku M Busuttil OCD such as Il-Kitba ta` Santa Teresa ta` Gesu` (Publikazzjonijiet Karmelitani Terezjani) as well as L-Istejjer tal-Patri by P.Piju Sammut OCD. The Religious Order has also maintained a steady rhythm of journals as from the early twentieth - century with Il- Bambin ta` Praga seemingly being first on the list under the direction of Patri Piju ta` San Iljun (1913). In addition, the Teresian religious publication Il – Messaggier Terezjan covers an extensive period from 1957 to 1975 with varied articles of interest. The archive is an elaborate narrative of the Religious Order in Malta and the present study focuses mainly on three basic aspects which are fundamental for further academic studies. The origins in Malta trace the sequence of events that led to the establishment of the mother house in Burmula. The formation required a sound financial state to function properly and in so doing the congregation retained a practical accounting system that served its purpose throughout its period in Malta. As benefits and legacies poured in the institution managed property and met its expenses mainly through donations emanating from the general public as well as from the ecclesiastical and secular authorities. The upheaval of the late eighteenth century, however, threatened the early modern state of affairs and constrained the community to dispose of valued silverware for survival. In order to combine the essential nature of the Discalced Carmelites in the local arena the essay attempts to convey the essence of a bygone age in distinct sections that deal with the early phase of the Religious Order in Malta, the financial system as well as the French period. […]