Of the appreciation and esteem which the governors and
captains-general, and the archbishops and bishops of this holy
cathedral have had for the house of Santa Misericordia; and other
particulars worthy of being read.
[Those governors, archbishops, and others who have signally aided
the brotherhood in alms and other ways are the following: Luis Perez
Dasmariñas, Francisco Tello, Archbishop Venavides, Archbishop Diego
Basquez de Mercado, Governor Alonso Faxardo, Bishop Fray Pedro de
Arce, Governor Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera, Governor Diego Faxardo,
Governor Sabiniano Manrrique de Lara. The latter writes a letter to
the brotherhood under date of March 17, 1660, excusing himself from
attending certain ceremonies because of stress of work, and makes
provision for the running of the school of Santa Isabel. Governor
Manuel de Leon y Saravia founds a fund of 50,000 pesos for the
benefit of the entire community in 1677, an action that is imitated
by Francisco Coloma, who leaves a principal of 4,000 pesos. Fray
Felipe Pardo establishes another pious fund in 1689 of 13,000 pesos,
and in a letter of March 21 of that year, asks the brotherhood to
accept the same. Fray Andres Gonzales, bishop of Nueva Caceres,
writes in an appreciative vein to the brotherhood, and also founds
a pious fund. April 18, 1691, the dean of the cathedral also writes
appreciatively to the Misericordia. The latter, on the occasion of
the destructive earthquake of 1645, offers the use of its church
to the cabildo of the cathedral as that edifice has been quite
destroyed. November 26, 1652, the offer is accepted and a commission
appointed by the dean to settle conditions with the brotherhood. These
conditions relate to church service and procedure, both the cabildo
and the Misericordia making certain concessions. The religious orders
of Manila have at various times made mention of the Misericordia and
its good work to his Majesty, and the same thing has been done by
governors and archbishops. To these good reports, which are sent to
his Majesty in 1693, are due the royal decrees of 1699 and 1708 by
which the brotherhood is declared exempt from visit by the ordinary,
archbishop, provisors during vacant see, or by any other ecclesiastical
minister; as well as the papal concessions that are made it. Our author
defends the exemption from visit against those who oppose it. Many
honors have been heaped upon the brotherhood during royal religious
ceremonies. Lastly, Governor Marquis de Torrecampo has shown honor
and appreciation to the association, on many occasions, even naming
a new ship which he had built "Santo Christo de la Misericordia,"
in honor of a crucifix owned by the brotherhood.]