is of peculiar and pathetic interest because its writer, Ferreira,
was the only one of the Jesuits arrested in Japan who became, under
the strain of torture, an apostate; this occurred a year after he
wrote the letter.

The ecclesiastical cabildo of Manila write to the king (1632), urging
that royal aid be given to the cathedral, in consideration of its
poverty and needs. They complain that the highest positions in the
diocese are filled by friars, to the neglect and discouragement
of the native-born seculars who are being educated in the two
universities at Manila. The cathedral needs a permanent subsidy for
its current provision of wine, etc., and a special grant to finish
its sacristy. Its service is painfully inadequate; to save the
expense of salaries for additional canons, the cabildo recommend
that some of the missions and benefices now held by the religious
orders be turned over to the cathedral. They recommend royal favor
for certain priests in Manila, and especially praise the labors of
the Augustinian order in the islands; more missionaries are needed
there, especially for the Augustinian Recollects. The writers commend
also certain military officials; but they denounce the treasury
officials for having permitted contraband trade of enormous extent
with Mexico. They remonstrate against the appointment of Fray Guerrero
to the archbishopric; and highly commend the character, abilities,
and work of the royal visitor Rojas.

A papal bull concerning missions is issued (June 28, 1633) by Urban
 VIII. After citing previous decrees of the Holy See respecting
the despatch of missionaries to Japan and the Philippines, and their
journeys between those countries, Urban grants permission to the heads
of religious orders to send missionaries to the countries and islands