2

I am doing research on an ancestor (or relative of my ancestor) and found his name in two Italian almanacs. Using Google Translate I have figured out most of what I want to know, but not all of it. Here are some words and abbreviations that Google Translate apparently can't help me with. Hopefully someone here can.

Abbreviations

  • Vesc.

Words

  • NAPOLETANE
  • Aquino
  • Sora

Do note that these are related to the Catholic Hierarchy.

Here is (in its original Italian) what the text said:

Gerarchia Cattolica

Arcivescovi e Vescovi delle Sedi Residenziali italiane.

...

PROVINCIE NAPOLETANE

...

Vesc. Aquino — Raffaele Sirolli.

   Pontecorvo (Antichi dominii della S. Sede) e Sora — Raffaele Sirolli.

Perhaps you guys can help me translate this and help me learn about my ancestor (or relative of my ancestor) - Raffaele Sirolli.

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    Was your ancestor a Catholic bishop? I was under the impression they could not have children.
    – DaG
    Dec 15, 2016 at 15:06
  • I think either he is an ancestor or a relative of an ancestor. I have only recently started my research.
    – Christian Sirolli
    Dec 15, 2016 at 15:12
  • The words that Google translate does not translate are, with the only exception of napoletane, nouns and toponyms (that is place names) so they cannot be translated
    – Denis Nardin ♦
    Dec 15, 2016 at 17:31
  • I guess that Arciv. is an abbreviation of Arcivescovo (Archbishop) while Vesc. is the abbreviation of Vescovo (Bishop). Without a more clear context, I could not understand what Imm. Sogg. could stand for, the only thing I could say is that the double consonant (mm and gg) suggests that those are abbreviations of plural words
    – Riccardo De Contardi
    Dec 15, 2016 at 20:43
  • I did a little more research while I waited for replies and found out that "Imm. Sogg. - Arciv. Amalfi — Enrico De Dominicis" are not important for my research. It is about someone else. Gonna remove it.
    – Christian Sirolli
    Dec 15, 2016 at 20:49

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

The completely spelled out version of “Imm. Sogg.” is “immediatamente soggetta” (it refers to a diocese, so it's feminine). It means that the diocese is directly dependent from the Holy See, and not from a Metropolitan Bishop, in which case it would be a “diocesi suffraganea” (suffragan diocese).

The abbreviations “Vesc.” and “Arciv.” mean “vescovo” (bishop) and “arcivescovo” (archbishop).

“Napoletane” is “Neapolitan”, that is, “related to Naples”. “Enrico de Dominicis” is a person's noun; Amalfi Sora and Aquino are toponyms.

Apparently, your ancient relation was the bishop of Pontecorvo. The town used to be an exclave of the Papal State inside the Kingdom of Naples.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.