IL VICARIATO APOSTOLICO DELLA MOLDAVIA (1818–1884)

Abstract

The apostolic vicariate of Moldova (1818–1884). The article intends to present, briefly, the life and activity of the apostolic vicars who led the Catholic community of Moldavia during the Apostolic Vicarage period, which was founded in 1818, with the death of the last bishop of Bacau, Joseph Bonaventura Berardi. The period displayed, comes to an end in 1884, when Pope Leon the XIIIth promoted the Apostolic Vicarage of Moldavia to the title of diocese. The first bishop appointed was Jospeh Nicolas Camilli, who was also the last appointed apostolic vicar. It is also presented the way the catholic people of Moldavia lived and expressed their faith before and after the unification of the Romanian Principalities in 1859, showing also the significant role that the moldavian catholics played during the process of unification. The article also captures the report between the apostolic vicars, the religious authorities and those of state from the XIXth century, emphasizing on the testimony of faith expressed by the leaders of the Mission in Moldova, and also by laymen, shown to the entire Romanian society.