INTERSTICES.—Intervals of time established by the Church between the Orders, for the testing and formation of clerics and the exercise of each Order.
The discipline of the interstices has not always been uniform; it dates back to the early centuries and originated from the fixed times of ordinations and from the obligation to practice in the lower Orders before ascending to the higher ones. The interstices, initially observed by custom, were later sanctioned by laws. The Council of Sardica (can. 10) contains the first prescription that one must reach the episcopate through the lower grades; the popes then established it as a general norm. Siricius (epist. I, 9-10: PL 13, 1142-43) and Zosimus (epist. IX, 3: PL 20, 672-73) established distinct and lengthy intervals between the Orders. The primitive discipline was strict, but exceptions were not lacking, due to the virtue of the candidate, ambition, and intrigues. When the recruitment of the clergy became difficult because of the devastations of war and famine, Gelasius I temporarily reduced the interstices (epist. IX, 1-3: PL 59, 48-50). Such reductions then became the norm in many councils of Gaul and Spain. In the Decretals, the law took on a more stable and less severe form regarding the number and duration of the interstices. It was permitted to receive the four minor Orders on the same day, but not the subdiaconate; nor could two sacred Orders be received on the same day or on two consecutive days. The Council of Trent (sess. XXIII, capp. 11, 13, 14) revived the ancient law of the interstices, tempering it with the powers granted to the bishop. It prescribed an interval between the individual minor Orders for the exercise and testing of the cleric’s virtue, unless the bishop deemed otherwise expedient. Between the acolyte and the subdeacon and between the individual sacred Orders, it established a year, unless necessity or utility, in the bishop’s judgment, required otherwise. However, it was forbidden to confer two sacred Orders on the cleric on the same day.
The Code of Canon Law mitigates these prescriptions (can. 978). In Italy, the interval between the ostiariate and the individual minor Orders is left to the prudent judgment of the bishop, but it is not lawful to confer the first tonsure together with a minor Order or all four minor Orders together. Contrary custom is not excluded, but its legitimacy is debated. At least one year is prescribed between the acolyte and the subdeacon, and at least three months between the individual sacred Orders. The bishop, if he deems it necessary or useful for the Church, may dispense, but without the permission of the Roman Pontiff he cannot confer, on the same day, the minor Orders together with the subdiaconate on the candidate, nor two sacred Orders, any contrary custom being rejected. Between the priesthood and the episcopate, five years are prescribed (can. 331 § 1, n. 3).