The Vatican Observer
March 1516

Applications

Though some notable individuals of the Borgia have gained praise of late, there are some within Rome who feel that the faction has lacked vital leadership, and that such a dearth leaves them without clarity of purpose. The news this month that Bishop EnCinq is stepping down from his lofty position will therefore be of interest to many. The news comes at the end of an eventful month for His Grace as it follows the regrettable incident in the Church of Saint Saba when a troubled soul attempted to rob the Bishop as he engaged in private worship. Fortunately the Bishops attending servants were able to drive the man away but the attack appeared to leave Bishop EnCinq in an ill humor and he took to summoning his junior clergy to his home and subjecting them to censure for hours on end. The longest meeting that followed was with Canon Gagliardi and the meeting was still underway when Francesca, a noted scholar and courtier, chose to call upon the Bishop. The three talked long into the evening, after which no further clergy were summoned and within days Bishop EnCinq let it be known that he had been appointed as Apostolic Administrator sede plena of Savano and would be leaving Rome within the week. With Canon Gagliardi no doubt standing by to take up the Bishops duties in Rome, we will no doubt soon learn what lies ahead for the Borgia.

The Ludovisi were undergoing a similar change of principal, though thankfully their Bishop’s last week was not marred by an assault upon his person. The Bishop seems to have grown weary of city living and intends to seek peace in the Benedictine monastery of S. Marta in Cremona. Unwilling to leave the faction without leadership Canon Ugo Blatti has assumed acting command of the faction until a replacement bishop is found, perhaps Canon Blatti himself will be promoted to fill that role in due course.

Archbishop de Gregori, having left such faction maneuverings behind him, will no doubt have a little more time on his hands in the coming months. His Excellency however appears well aware that Acedia, or Sloth, is a deadly sin and is already looking for new ways to stay diligent. In future the Archbishop will therefore spend at least part of his time at the Horace School of Etiquette after the Director of the school accepted the Archbishop’s generous offer to act as the senior etiquette instructor at the school.

Around the markets

The Markets of Rome began to see some activity once more this month just past, with Canon Gagliardi gladdening the hearts of vintners by replenishing his famously well stocked cellars. The Canon was also to be seen making purchases of a number of manuscripts written in the Moorish script, no doubt to furnish his studies of matters both mathematic and astronomic. Maestro Facente too was seen making the rounds of the markets, but unlike Canon Gagliardi eschewed intoxicatory beverages favouring instead simple foodstuffs, payment of bills and the purchase of ink and parchment for his studies and compositions.

Equally observant, the Maestro's good friend Archbishop De Gregori was seen distributing generous quantities of Lenten alms to the poor, both donations of soldi and food to help succor them through these last of the colder months. Would that more followed the Maestro and the Archbishop's guidance, abstinence and care for others is truly a more fitting way to spend this season in remembrance of Our Lord than drink and the study of the teachings of those who have rejected the faith.

And so, next month perhaps some shall return from the missions and so enliven the markets of Rome. Until then, the merchants must thank the Maestro and the Deacon for supporting them during this cold season.

Debates

Alas gentle readers, Rome continues to enjoy calm and quiet without men meeting to match their rhetorical wits. Let us hope that soon scholarly dispute will once again fills our cafes and piazzas with displays of eloquence that will make up for these cruel winter months past.

Court Companionship

Much of Roma remains on mission, companions discuss their secrets among themselves and the men of Roma remain loyal to those who already have their confidences. Few at present seem eager to seek new companions or to grow closer to those with whom they are already affiliated. Perhaps next month will prove more dramatic, until then Roma remains undisturbed by pernicious gossip, more's the pity.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

The men of Rome value knowledge above all things, and sought once again this month to improve themselves and better their competencies.

In the first week Padre Zamboni studied at the Martial School of Eloquence, though all say that his tongue is already as graceful as Flemish lace. Archbishop De Gregori assumed his new post as Etiquette instructor at the Horace School and passed to his pupils his deep understanding of matters of court. Canon Blatti attended the Cato School of Presence to better his bearing. Canon Magliano bettered his spiritual self by contrast, attending mass with his companion Ginevra.

Come the second week, Canon Blatti attended at the Martial School and taught eloquence with the graceful speech for which he is famed, while Canon Magliano continued to tutor at the Cicero School of Oratory. His classes continue to be well received and his students will hear no word against him, such is their appreciation of his didactic technique.

With the third week, Canon Blatti continued to tutor all attending in the arts of eloquent communication. The Director of Schools was said to be most pleased with his assiduous and diligent service.

And so the fourth week, Canon Magliano attended the Cato School where he studied matters of bearing and deportment so as to further improve his presence and to better evidence to all who view him his august standing in Roman society.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Conclave
In the second week: Grand Ball
In the third week: Minor Envoy
In the fourth week: None

Upcoming Debates

None

Positions Vacant

Councillor to the Pope

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

As His Holiness left Bologna so did the mission, but whilst the majority followed the Pope south to Rome a small division travelled north to Milan as another undertaking beckoned. Very different to Rome set upon its hills, Milan is a city on the plains of Lombardy - indeed its very name means “in the middle of the plain”. The streets of Milan, once for a short time the capital of Western Roman Empire, either radiate from or encircle Il Duomo, a great Cathedral second only to Saint Peter’s Basilica in size. Or at least it will hold such an honour when it is finally completed. Prominently placed in the centre of Milan the Cathedral has, since it’s inception in 1386, seen a succession of French architects and engineers and now its gothic facades gaze down upon a French army.

It is six months since King Francis I of France won the battle of Marignano which allowed him to capture the city of Milan from the Swiss. His French Majesty, now also calling himself the Duke of Milan having imprisoned the previous Duke Massimiliano Sforza, sits with his army in Milan and seeks to have his legitimate claim to the city recognized. In such times the church is an invaluable arbiter and so it is hoped that His Holiness can be of some assistance in seeking a resolution and forge a lasting peace.

A Chapter of the Borgia faction carried Pope Leo’s initial words of friendship to Francis, Padre Cesare Salieri having the honour to be presented to his most Christian Majesty, the most mighty and illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French. Gossip claims that the Padre is of low birth and deprived upbringing, but in presenting his message to the King Salieri’s manner of discourse was so relaxed you would think he had spoken with Royalty all his life. His Majesty thanked Salieri for his eloquence and assured all that he sought only peace and any assistance His Holiness could provide to help reach that ambition would be greatly valued. Such a response no doubt brought great joy to those waiting back in Rome and for acting as such an eloquent envoy Padre Salieri was well noted and rewarded with an estate and the sum of one thousand ducats.

The Social and the Sublime

Miei amici,

During this Lenten season, gatherings were, if anything, more numerous than at some other time of the year. However, in accord with the solemnity of the times, gracious hosting was often coupled with religious contemplation and discussion, and two of the events had pious observances as their main focus.

In the first week, Padre Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia, opened the Esquiline for austere supping and reflection. In addition to som eof the regular patrons of the place, Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca paid a call and were entertained. So pleasant did all find the time that was passed there, that they gathered again in the very next week.

In the middle of the month, Maestor Domenico Facente observed tradition dating back to the days of the Romans, when he invited Archbishop dei Gregori to bless his new home. Though our illustrious Roman forbears may have been pagans in the mists of time, they too realised that important things must be begun properly and well. Sharing in the quiet and yet joyful time were Claudia, maestro Facente's companion of the Court, Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca, Maria who attended with the Archbishop, Canon and Oratory instructor Vittorio Gregorio Magliano, with Ginevra and Padre Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia.

Borrowing from a Mass, after leading prayers and sprinkling all of the rooms with holy water, the Archbishop intoned:

Domine, dilexi decorem domus tuae: et locum habitationis gloriae tuae. Ne perdas cum impiis, Deus animam meam: et cum viris sanguinum vitam meam: in quorum manibus iniquitates sunt: dextera eorum repleta est muneribus. Ego autem in innocentia mea ingressus sum: redime me, et miserere mei. Pes meus stetit in directo: in ecclesiis benedicam te, Domine.

(O Lord, I love the house in which You dwell, the tenting place of Your glory. Gather not my soul with those of sinners, nor with men of blood my life. On their hands are crimes, and their right hands are full of bribes. But I walk in integrity; redeem me, and have pity on me My foot stands on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless You, O Lord.)

He went on to perform a threefold blessing on the house, its inhabitants,and all who might visit it or, perhaps, be raised in it, in the future.

The attendees then retired to a frugal, but tasteful repast, in which the thoughtful Facente had made sure that none need tempt his or her Lenten forbearance.

As a footnote to the evening, it had been made known to the Maestro, by certain tradesperson and merchants of the city, that housewarming gifts commissione by the Archbishop and chosen by his companion of the court, would find there way to the home after the Lenten season had ended.

Two events occasioned in the final week of the month. Padre Baldessare Zamboni and Laura invited those who would celebrate the coming gladness of the Easter season to the Capitoline. Perhaps anticipating the coming joys, they gave heed to Paul and allowed wine for the sake of their attendees' stomachs, as well as allowing them to guard their own Lenten observances. Indeed, Laura became so repetitively and cheerfully an adherent of Paul's (and Paul is not known for being a great patron of femininity), that guests were treated to an impromptu rendition of several hymns and also somewhat more secular songs. Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca and Canon Ugo Blatti and Valentina strove mightily to smile and nod, but it could easily be seen that Padre Zamboni was embarrassed by the sound, which carried into the other nearby salons.

In the via del Banchi Novi, at the Church of Giuliano, singing of a different sort was transpiring as Archbishop Rinaldo de' Gregori held one of his first formal masses since his return to Roma and his creation as Archbishop. Leavin gnothing to chance, the Archbishop accepted the graciously proffered aid of Maestro Facente to organise the event with Padre Melloni. The Archbishop further made a donative to help maintain the choristers' finery and sheet music, and for extra candles to help fill the church with light.

The Archbishop's oratory was certainly inspiring and uplifting, a reflection upon our wordly self-examinations and sacrifice at this time and how they were but a dim memorial of the awesome sacrifices made by our Heavenly Father for us, but the sombreness of the them did yet allow for flashes of the coming glory of the resurrection to reassure and comfort the congregation.

The centrepiece of the service was certainly its magnificent music: "O Bona Crux", composed, arranged and conducted by, who else, Maestro Facente. Tears came to more than one eye.

Enjoying a quiet word with each other at the the end of the service were the celebrant and Maria, Maestro Facente and Claudia, and Padre Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia.

Also, it should be noted that Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca were unrelenting in their pious observances of the season and their support of their ecclesiastical and lay acquaintances, for they were at a gathering in every week of the month. Bravo!

E finito.