Toma Ursini

Who is Toma Ursini?

Toma Ursini served as an Archbishop of Antivari in the early-17th century. He belonged to the Franciscan Order.

Originally from Popovo Polje, Ursini served as the administrator of the Bishopric of Budva.

Ursini was appointed Archbishop of Antivari in 1598. However, he resided in Budva as the Turks did not allow him access into the city of Antivari.

During his tenure, a great number of Roman Catholics who, under pressure, emigrated from Antivari, with a fraction converting to Islam. Meanwhile, a wave of Orthodox families from Montenegro immigrated into Antivari. This event ultimately resulted in the Orthodox predominance of the once Catholic-dominant city.

Ursini constructed a Franciscan monastery in Paštrovići.

Ursini received a firman from Istanbul, stating that every Catholic household must give the Archbishopric two aspers annually. It also stated that Catholics must give twelve aspers for their first marriage, twenty-four for the second marriage and forty-eight for the third. The firman stated that every parish must also give a ducat annually.