The Tsangos of Romania - Corvinus Library - Hungarian History

91.Rome, 28th of June, 1697Report of the Monastic Franciscan MissionaryBernardino Silvestri, to Carlo Agostino Farbeni,Secretary at the Propaganda Fide"At this moment the Moldavian situation is not onlydifficult, but is really absurd, and we should report all to YourHoly Eminence, who has been serving the Court of the HolyCongregation of the Propaganda Fide for 8 years. Now youentered into the ninth year. All this time the fathers received helpjust once.... While, caused by the frequent devastations of theTatars, people had to flee to the forests. Because of theprivations, misery and hunger suffered for 3-4 weeks in a row,even more; such sufferings that human tongue could hardlydescribe.In the town of Jasi lives Monsignor R.Prefectus, this town is hisprincipal residence. 23 families live here, besides them others,and a lot of people. It is impossible to count them because theylive in the forest as a result of the troubles. They are refugeesfrom villages of Sabaoani, Tamaseni, Adjudeni, Rachiteni.From Faraoani, the neighbouring village, all the people are inthe forest, some 160 families with P.Luigi Bevilacqua.Also, from Trotusi, where P. Carlo Nigrini lives, 90 familiesare in the forest together with the people of the neighbouringvillages: Brahnea, Grozesti and Casin.In Barlad where P. Andrea Fabri lives they are in the forest. InBarlad there are 23 families, the rest I could not count becausethey run away from the Tatars.In Galati, where P. Giuseppe Sonantii lives, are 10 families and3 more in the locality nearby.There are two other localities: namely Bacau, with a bishophric,with the adjoining villages: Trebes, (free village); Callugara,Cusbicco and Pisciata, all in the forest. Here is the residence ofMsgr. illustrious and Reverend Episcopal Vicar, who nevercame to see the misery and visit the people of his episcopality.