Aspects of the social history of Mosta (1630-1650)

Abstract

Following his election in 1572, Grand Master Jean L'Avêque de la Cassière was faced with a number of serious problems. There was a growing indifference especially among the young knights to the preservation of the old monastic traditions and the discipline of the Convent was becoming very lax. This lawlessness was not helped by the influx of travellers and 'adventurers', who arrived into the Islands following Malta's victory at the Great Siege. This influx increased the instability of the Convent and led to a marked increase in disreputable behaviour. La Cassière attempted to curb the excessive licentiousness and rowdy living within Valletta and ordered that all concubines were to be removed from the city. The promulgation of this edict raised many members of the Order to fury and La Cassière was for a time arrested at Fort St. Angelo A contemporary writer commented that "the Grand Master loves Justice, for which he is rather feared, being more severe than mild". To make matters worse La Cassière had a serious quarrel with the Bishop, Fra Martino Royas, and this was to have serious and unfavourable repercussions for both of them. The Grand Master, on taking office, had requested from the Pope the right to impose a tax on the revenues of the Bishop of Malta, who had formerly been required to pay tribute to the Viceroy of Sicily. Roy as refused to pay this tax, and in this Royas was victorious on the strength of a decree of Ferdinand II of Spain issued in 1514 and duly confirmed by the Holy See exempting the Bishop and clergy of Malta from the payment of royal taxes. Moreover, Royas received a Papal Brief dated 20th March, 1573 empowering him to inquire into all cases of heresy among members of all Religious Orders, including the Knights. The Grand Master reacted strongly by send his envoy Cosimo de Luna to obtain its revocation.