The ‘Reverenda Fabbrica di San Pietro dell'Urbe’ in the Maltese islands : a historical survey, 1626-1798

Abstract

The Office and Tribunal of the Reverenda Fabbrica in Malta and Gozo were the fourth judicial power in the Maltese Archipelago for nearly two centuries (1626-1798). The Sacred Congregation of the Reverenda Fabbrica in the Vatican established its Tribunal in Malta with Nicola Mangione, a meticulous jurist and consultant of Grand Master Lascaris, as its Commissioner, in order to see that all pious legacies were fulfilled and to raise funds for the building and embellishment of the Vatican Basilica. It enjoyed full executive powers over all the inhabitants of Malta and Gozo, including the familiares of the Bishop and of the Inquisitor, the Religious Orders and all the members of the Order of Saint John, the Sovereign rulers of the islands. Its ministers and officials were exempt persons from all existing powers. At times great conflicts of power had to be decided by the Holy See. By means of the Brief of Alexander VII (19 May 1655), formerly Inquisitor of Malta as Fabio Chigi, the Tribunal was united to that of the Holy Inquisition, though the Fabbrica maintained its autonomy of judgement in two instances: it kept its own Chancery and Depositeria:the Inquisitor pro tempore became the Deputy of the Congregation and its Commissioner;. appeals from sentences pronounced in Malta were heard before the High Court of the Congregation. Its seat of judgement was transferred from the Banca Notarile of Michele Ralli in Valletta to the Apostolic Palace in Vittoriosa. Owing to the penury and poverty of the Maltese people a great amount of the Fabbrica's income was distributed as elemosina to the poor families and to the institutes or monasteries which cared for orphans, unmarried mothers, poor spinsters and to the nuns themselves. Even foreigners living in Malta were given help during their misfortunes. After the earthquake of 1693 and during the plagues, the social and charitable assistance of the Fabbrica reached its peak. At times places of worship were allowed contributions for the building, amongst which St Paul's parish church in Valletta. For a whole century no money was sent to the Vatican because it was badly needed for the social assistance of the Maltese people. However, when the Fabbrica was in great need, especially after the pontificate of Alexander VII, all income was sent immediately to the Vatican. Since no research in this area has ever been made by scholars of Maltese history, the correspondence of the Reverenda Fabbrica is still an untapped source for the social history of Malta and Gozo. The publication of all the Corrispondenza held at the Vatican Archives and the Cathedral Museum in Mdina will, it is hoped, providing one and all with new insight into the many interesting aspects of the history of Malta and Gozo.