C uria di San Pietro in Castello

Comunicato del Mons. Giovanelli a nome di S.E. Rev.ma Giovanni Bragadin , Patriarca

Following the shocking death of Suor Maria Sofia, may she rest in peace, His Excellency the Most Reverend Giovanni Bragadin, Patriarch of Venice, has placed the convent called Mercy in Dorsoduro under interdict; the Sisters and the orphans shall be housed in a secure monastery in sestiere Castello until it is deemed safe to return them to Dorsoduro.

Let all know that the family of Suor Maria Sofia was notified immediately, and her grieving mother, sisters and brothers have been given housing at the expense of His Excellency Most Reverend. By special archepiscopal indult, the family have been admitted into the cloister. They shall assist at the Christian burial of the mortal remains of their beloved sister, along with all the Sisters of the convent community, which burial shall take place in the crypt of the monastery church tomorrow according to the dictates of the rule of Saint Augustine.

Furthermore, His Excellency Most Reverend has authorised me to communicate with His Most Serene Highness, Alvise IV Giovanni Mocenigo, Doge of Venice, lest there be any interference with the life of the Sisters and of the children committed to their care.

His Serenity has assured His Excellency the Patriarch that every measure is being taken to secure the sestiere. His Excellency Most Reverend the Patriarch further threatens excommunication ipso facto with anyone who would attempt to desecrate the resting place of Sister Maria Sofia or interfere with the life of the orphans or the consecrated women.

His Excellency Most Reverend has further instructed me to inform the faithful that it is his considered opinion that the anti-monastic policies of the Senate have not come into play in the foul murder of Suor Maria Sofia. The readiness of His Serenity to mobilize the Guardia is an indication of this, the Patriarch confirms. His Excellency Most Reverend only laments the fact that security has been so lax up to this point, and that nothing seems to have been done in the past to prevent violence in the various sestieri of the city, especially in those areas touching the Grand Canal. Reports that bodies of victims have been removed by curious and malicious foreigners have further upset His Excellency Most Reverend, who has redoubled his protests to His Serenity Alvise IV. Assurances have come that the Guardia will increase its watch and strengthen its efforts to apprehend any and all involved in criminal activity.

The Requiem Mass will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Suor Maria Sofia during the Month's Mind, 30 days from yesterday, in the cathedral of San Pietro di Castello. In the meantime, let the faithful continue to offer their prayers in suffrage for the blessed soul of the beloved Suor Maria Sofia, as for all the victims of human malice and passion.

Given at San Pietro in Castello

in the name of the Archbishop Patriarch of Venice

23 June in the Year of Our Lord 1768

and signed and sealed by

Mons. Federico Maria Giovanelli

Domestic Prelate to His Holiness Clement XIII