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Magisterium, The Council of Trent
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SESSION THE FIRST OF THE OECUMENICAL AND GENERAL COUNCIL OF TRENT
DECREE TOUCHING THE OPENING OF THE COUNCIL
DECREE TOUCHING THE MANNER OF LIVING, AND OTHER MATTERS TO BE OBSERVED, DURING THE COUNCIL
DECREE TOUCHING THE SYMBOL OF FAITH
DECREE CONCERNING THE CANONICAL SCRIPTURES
DECREE CONCERNING THE EDITION, AND THE USE, OF THE SACRED BOOKS
DECREE CONCERNING ORIGINAL SIN
CHAPTER I. On the Institution of a Lectureship of Sacred Scripture, and of the liberal arts.
CHAPTER II. On Preachers of the word of God, and on Questors of alms.
CHAPTER I. On the Inability of Nature and of the Law to justify man.
CHAPTER II. On the dispensation and mystery of Christ's advent.
CHAPTER III. Who are justified through Christ.
CHAPTER V. On the necessity, in adults, of preparation for Justification, and whence it proceeds.
CHAPTER VI. The manner of Preparation.
CHAPTER VII. What the justification of the impious is, and what are the causes thereof.
CHAPTER IX. Against the vain confidence of Heretics.
CHAPTER X. On the increase of Justification received.
CHAPTER XI. On keeping the Commandments, and on the necessity and possibility thereof.
CHAPTER XII. That a rash presumptuousness in the matter of Predestination is to be avoided.
CHAPTER XIII. On the gift of Perseverance.
CHAPTER XIV. On the fallen, and their restoration.
CHAPTER XV. That, by every mortal sin, grace is lost, but not faith.
CHAPTER V. Bishops shall neither exercise any pontifical function, nor ordain, in another diocese.
CHAPTER I. Who is capable of governing Cathedral churches.
CHAPTER IV. The retainer of several Benefices contrary to the Canons, shall be deprived thereof.
CHAPTER VI. What unions of Benefices shall be accounted valid.
CHAPTER VIII. Churches shall be repaired: the cure of souls sedulously discharged.
CHAPTER IX. The duty of consecration not to be delayed.
CHAPTER XI. Faculties for promotion shall not avail any one without a just cause.
CHAPTER XII. Faculties for not being promoted shall not exceed a year.
CHAPTER XIV. The civil causes of exempted persons which may be taken cognizance of by bishops.
BULL WITH FACULTY TO TRANFER THE COUNCIL
DECREE CONCERNING THE TRANSLATION OF THE COUNCIL
DECREE FOR THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION
DECREE FOR THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION
BULL FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT, UNDER THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, JULIUS III
DECREE FOR RESUMING THE COUNCIL
DECREE CONCERNING THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
CHAPTER II. On the reason of the Institution of this most holy Sacrament.
CHAPTER III. On the excellency of the most holy Eucharist over the rest of the Sacraments.
CHAPTER IV. On Transubstantiation.
CHAPTER V. On the cult and veneration to be shown to this most holy Sacrament.
CHAPTER VI. On reserving the Sacrament of the sacred Eucharist, and bearing it to the Sick.
CHAPTER VII. On the preparation to be given that one may worthily receive the sacred Eucharist.
CHAPTER VIII. On the use of this admirable Sacrament.
ON THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
CHAPTER VII. The qualifications of witnesses against a bishop are described.
CHAPTER VIII. Important episcopal causes shall be taken cognizance of by the Supreme Pontiff.
SAFE-CONDUCT GRANTED TO PROTESTANTS
ON THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENTS OF PENANCE AND EXTREME UNCTION
Doctrine on the Sacrament of Penance.
CHAPTER I. On the necessity, and on the institution of the Sacrament of Penance.
CHAPTER II. On the difference between the Sacrament of Penance and that of Baptism
CHAPTER III. On the parts, and on the fruit of this Sacrament.
CHAPTER VI. On the ministry of this Sacrament, and on Absolution.
CHAPTER VII. On the Reservation of Cases.
CHAPTER VIII. On the necessity and on the fruit of Satisfaction.
CHAPTER IX. On Works of Satisfaction.
ON THE SACRAMENT OF EXTREME UNCTION
CHAPTER I. On the Institution of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.
CHAPTER II. On the Effect of this Sacrament.
CHAPTER III. On the Minister of this Sacrament, and on the time when it ought to be administered.
ON THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
ON THE SACRAMENT OF EXTREME UNCTION
CHAPTER V. The jurisdiction of Conservators is confined within certain limits.
CHAPTER VIII. No one shall, by virtue of any privilege, punish the clerics of another.
CHAPTER X. Regular Benefices shall be conferred on Regulars.
CHAPTER XIV. That the Mass, Order, and Reformation, shall be next treated of.
DECREE FOR PROROGUING THE SESSION
SAFE-CONDUCT GIVEN TO THE PROTESTANTS
DECREE FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE COUNCIL
BULL FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT, UNDER THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, PIUS IV
DECREE FOR CELEBRATING THE COUNCIL
DECREE ON THE CHOICE OF BOOKS AND FOR INVITING ALL MEN ON THE PUBLIC FAITH TO THE COUNCIL
SAFE-CONDUCT GRANTED TO THE GERMAN NATION
EXTENSION THEREOF TO OTHER NATIONS
DECREE FOR THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION
DECREE FOR THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION
CHAPTER II. The power of the Church as regards the dispensation of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
CHAPTER III. That Christ whole and entire, and a true Sacrament are received under either species.
CHAPTER IV. That little Children are not bound to sacramental Communion.
ON COMMUNION UNDER BOTH SPECIES, AND ON THE COMMUNION OF INFANTS
CHAPTER II. Those who have not wherewith to live, are excluded from sacred Orders.
CHAPTER V. Bishops shall be able to form perpetual unions, in the cases by law permitted.
DOCTRINE ON THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.
CHAPTER I. On the institution of the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
CHAPTER II. That the Sacrifice of the Mass is propitiatory both for the living and the dead.
CHAPTER III. On Masses in honour of the Saints.
CHAPTER IV On the Canon of the Mass.
CHAPTER V. On the solemn ceremonies of the Sacrifice of the Mass.
CHAPTER VI. On Mass wherein the priest alone communicates.
CHAPTER VII. On the water that is to be mixed with the wine to be offered in the chalice.
CHAPTER IX. Preliminary Remark on the following Canons.
DECREE CONCERNING THE THINGS TO BE OBSERVED, AND TO BE AVOIDED, IN THE CELEBRATION OF MASS.
CHAPTER I. The Canons relative to the life, and propriety of conduct of Clerics are renewed.
CHAPTER II. Who are to be promoted to Cathedral Churches.
CHAPTER VI Last intentions to be altered with caution.
CHAPTER VII. The chapter Romana, in the sixth (of the Decretals), is renewed.
CHAPTER X. Notaries shall be subject to the examination and judgment of the Bishops.
CHAPTER XI. Usurpers of the property of any Church, or pious places, are punished.
DECREE TOUCHING THE PETITION FOR THE CONCESSION OF THE CHALICE.
CHAPTER I. On the institution of the Priesthood of the New Law.
CHAPTER II. On the Seven Orders.
CHAPTER III. That Order is truly and properly a Sacrament.
CHAPTER IV On the Ecclesiastical hierarchy, and on Ordination.
CHAPTER III. Bishops, except in case of illness, shall confer Order in person.
CHAPTER IV Who are to be initiated by the first tonsure.
CHAPTER V Wherewith those who are to be ordained are to be furnished.
CHAPTER VII. Those to be ordained are to be examined by persons versed in divine and human laws.
CHAPTER VIII. How, and by whom, each ought to be ordained.
CHAPTER XII. Age required for the major orders the deserving only to be admitted.
CHAPTER XIV. Who are to be raised to the Priesthood: their office.
CHAPTER XV. No one shall hear confessions, unless he be approved of by the Ordinary.
CHAPTER XVI. Those who are ordained shall be assigned to a particular church.
CHAPTER XVII. In what manner the exercise of the minor orders is to be restored.
CHAPTER XVIII. Method of establishing Seminaries for Clerics, and of educating the same therein.
DOCTRINE ON THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
ON THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY.
DECREE ON THE REFORMATION OF MARRIAGE
CHAPTER II. Between whom Spiritual Relationship is contracted.
CHAPTER III. The impediment of public honesty is confined within certain limits.
CHAPTER IV. Affinity arising from fornication is confined to the second degree.
CHAPTER VI. Punishments inflicted on Abductors.
CHAPTER VII. Vagrants are to be married with caution.
CHAPTER VIII. Concubinage is severely punished.
CHAPTER X. The solemnities of marriage are prohibited at certain times.
CHAPTER I. The manner of proceeding to the creation of Bishops and Cardinals.
CHAPTER IX. By whom Secular Churches, not of any diocese, are to be visited.
CHAPTER XVI. What duty devolves on the Chapter during the vacancy of a See.
ON THE INVOCATION, VENERATION, AND RELICS, OF SAlNTS, AND ON SACRED IMAGES.
CHAPTER II. Property is wholly prohibited to Regulars.
CHAPTER V. Provision is made for the enclosure and safety of Nuns.
CHAPTER VI. Manner of choosing Regular Superiors.
CHAPTER XIV. By whom punishment is to be inflicted on a Regular who sins publicly.
CHAPTER XIX. How to proceed in cases of pretended invalidity of profession.
CHAPTER XXI. Over Monasteries, Religious of that same order shall be appointed.
CHAPTER V. The conditions and obligations imposed on Benefices shall be observed.
CHAPTER VI. In what manner the Bishop ought to act in regard of the visitation of exempted Chapters.
CHAPTER XIII. The fourth of Funeral (dues) shall be paid to the Cathedral or Parish Churches.
CHAPTER XIV. The manner of proceeding against Clerics who keep concubines is prescribed.
CHAPTER XV. The illegitimate Sons of Clerics are excluded from certain Benefices and Pensions.
CHAPTER XIX. Duelling is prohibited under the most severe penalties.
CHAPTER XXI. In all things the authority of the Aposto1ic See shall remain untouched.
DECREE FOR CONTINUING THE SESSION ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
DECREE CONCERNING INDULGENCES.
ON CHOICE OF MEATS ON FASTS, AND FESTIVAL DAYS.
ON THE INDEX OF BOOKS ON THE CATECHISM, BREVIARY, AND MISSAL.
ON RECEIVING AND OBSERVING THE DECREES OF THE COUNCIL.
ON RECITING, IN SESSION, THE DECREES OF THE COUNCIL UNDER PAUL III. AND JULIUS III.
ON THE CLOSE OF THE COUNCIL, AND ON SUING FOR CONFIRMATION FROM OUR MOST HOLY LORD.
The sacred and holy, oecumenical and general Synod of Trent,--lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same Legates of the Apostolic See presiding therein,--not confiding in human strength, but relying on the succour and assistance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has promised that he would give to His Church a mouth and wisdom, hath especially in view to restore at length to its native purity and splendour, the doctrine of the Catholic faith, which is in many places defiled and obscured by the conflicting opinions of many who differ from each other; to bring back, to a better method of life, manners, which have divaricated from ancient usage; and to turn the heart of the fathers unto tke children, and the heart of the children unto the fathers. Whereas, then, first of all, it has noticed that the number of suspected and pernicious books, wherein an impure doctrine is Contained, and is disseminated far and wide, has in these days increased beyond measure, which indeed has been the cause that many censures have been, out of a godly zeal, published in divers provinces, and especially in the fair city of Rome,--and yet that no salutary remedy has availed against so great and pernicious a disorder; It hath thought good, that Fathers specially chosen for this inquiry, should carefully consider what ought to be done in the matter of censures and of books, and also in due time report thereon to this holy Synod; to the end that It may more easily separate the various and strange doctrines, as cockle from the wheat of Christian truth, and may more conveniently deliberate and determine, in regard thereof, that which shall seem best adapted to remove scruples from the minds of very many, and to do away with various causes of complaint. [Page 134] And the Synod wishes all this to come to the knowledge of all persons whatsoever, as by this present decree It doth make them cognizant thereof; in order that if any person may think himself in any way concerned, either in this matter of books and censures, or in the other things which It has declared beforehand are to be treated of in this General Council, he may not doubt but that he will be kindly listened to by the Holy Synod. And forasmuch as this said holy Synod heartily desires, and earnestly beseeches God for the things that are for the peace of the Church, that we all, acknowledging our common mother on earth, who cannot forget the sons of her womb, with one mouth may glorify Cod, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; It invites and exhorts, by the bowels of the mercy of our same God and Lord, all who hold not communion with us, unto concord and reconciliation, and to come unto this holy Synod; to embrace charity, which is the bond of perfection, and to show forth the peace of Christ rejoicing in thoir hearts, whereunto they are called, lit one body. Wherefore, in hearing this voice, not of man, but of the Holy Ghost, let them not harden their hearts, but, walking not after their own sense, nor pleasing themselves, let them be moved and converted by this so charitable and salutary an admonition of their own mother; for, as the holy Synod invites, so will It embrace them with all proofs of love. Moreover, this same holy Synod has decreed, that the public faith may be granted in a general congregation, and that It shall have the same force, and shall be of the same authority and weight as if it had been given and decreed in public Session.
INDICTION OF THE NEXT SESSION
The same sacred and holy Synod of Trent, lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same Legates of the Apostolic See pre-[Page 135]siding therein, resolves and decrees, that the next ensuing Session be held and celebrated on the Thursday after the most sacred festival of the Ascension of our Lord, which will be on the fourteenth day of the month of May.