Several months ago I received a beguiling master’s thesis by Kristina Stojšić from the University of Rijeka in Portable Document Format.[1] Sent to me via electronic mail by Vida Ogorelec, an old friend from Ljubljana who is now my neighbor on top of the Motovun hill, it concerns the apostolic visit to Motovun by Agostino Valier, a Venetian then serving as the bishop of Verona, who was sent by Pope Gregory XIII on a mission to examine the state of catholic churches in Dalmatia and Istria after the Council of Trent prompted by the Reformation. While in Motovun in 1580, Valier investigated the misconduct of reverend Jacobus Goia, who was the priest in the town at the time. He was famous for taking part in local games of all sorts, including playing cards for money. Also, he regularly joined the locals in hunting tours. On top of that, he was known for fondling women during confessions, as well as having many lovers among local women. With one of them he even had a child that died at birth. Although there is a lot of information about Goia’s countless transgressions, it is not clear from the existing documents what was his punishment after Valier’s visit. Perhaps he only lost the privilege of priesthood and continued his tomfooleries unmolested. Be that as it may, Vida discovered the thesis because she was interested in many Christian brotherhoods and sisterhoods that were thriving in and around Motovun at the time, but I was outright delighted by Goia’s blasphemous ways. Ever since I have received it, I am returning to the thesis every now and then in search of new gems. More often than not, I find a few new ones. Who says Christianity is boring? Cut out his lying tongue!

In memory of Pietro Aretino

Footnote

1. Stojšić, Kristina, Slika Motovuna u 16. Stoljeću s posebnim naglaskom na apostolsku vizitaciju Agostina Valiera, Diplomski rad, Filozofski fakultet, Sveučilište u Rijeci, 2015.