Summary:
"O Padroado Portuguez na China" by Alberto Feliciano Marques Pereira is a historical account written in the early 1870s. The book primarily discusses the Portuguese influence and rights regarding the Catholic Church in China, particularly focusing on the diocese of Macau and its controversies. It captures the challenges faced by the Portuguese in asserting their ecclesiastical authority amidst foreign competition and the complexities of international agreements with the Vatican. The content revolves around a series of letters and articles addressing the tensions between the Portuguese government and the Catholic Church, especially regarding the appointment and jurisdiction of bishops in Macau. Pereira argues for the recognition of Portuguese rights as a padroado (patronage) over the region and highlights the ongoing absence of a bishop in Macau, a situation he emphasizes as detrimental to both the local populace and Portuguese interests. The text is framed within a broader context of diplomatic negotiations and historical grievances, revealing the intricacies of colonial governance and ecclesiastical law during this period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)