**TERMINISM: V. NOMINALISM; OCCAM; SCHOLASTICISM.**
TERMINOLOGY OF THE SACRED CONGREGATIONS AND TRIBUNALS OF THE ROMAN CURIA. — For centuries, the Sacred Congregations and Tribunals of the Roman Curia have employed numerous formulas designed to signify, with a single word or phrase, the resolution given to proposed questions or petitions. The origin of these formulas, which correspond to the spirit of the Latin language, is connected with the ancient practice of reducing proposed questions to one or more queries (*dubia*), to which answers could often be given with a simple affirmative or negative.
Below is a review of the principal formulas most commonly in use, arranged in a logical order.
1. **Formulas of Favorable Resolution.** — A fully favorable resolution is indicated by the following formulas: *Affirmative*; *Pro gratia*; *Iuxta petita*; *Pro gratia iuxta petita*. Sometimes a favorable response may be given, though it should not be considered a general rule; in such cases, the formula used is: *Affirmative in casu*, i.e., for the particular circumstances of the case. A substantially favorable response, but with some limitation, may be expressed by various formulas, for example: *Affirmative, ita tamen...*; *Affirmative iuxta modum*; *Affirmative iuxta petita*. Finally, an affirmative resolution may be conditional or limited in scope; the formula then used is: *Affirmative. Et ad mentem. Mens autem est*: followed by the formulation of the conditions or limitations.
2. **Formulas of Negative Resolution.** — A negative resolution is expressed through various formulas indicating its nuances, from a simple negation to a judgment of inopportunity. The most frequent formulas are: *Negative*; *Negative et amplius*, where *amplius* is a contraction of a longer formula (*amplus non proponatur*), meaning that the Congregation is so well-informed on the matter that it should not be proposed again unless absolutely grave new elements intervene; *Reponatur*, i.e., to the archives, or *Ad acta*, meaning that the matter will no longer proceed; *Non expedire*, meaning that while the concession could in principle be granted, it is not deemed opportune under the circumstances; *Nihil innovetur*, meaning that one should adhere to what is already legitimately possessed; *Gaudeat immediatus*, a formula presupposing a previous concession that is not to be extended; *In decisis*, meaning that a prior resolution is confirmed; *In decisis et amplius (non proponatur)*, meaning that the matter should not be proposed again; *Lectum* or *Nihil*, meaning that the Congregation does not deem it necessary to give a resolution; *Non proposita*, meaning that the matter has not been deemed worthy of discussion.
3. **Formulas of Delayed Resolution.** — When the resolution of a matter must be delayed for any reason, the following formulas are used: *Dilata*, or *Dilata sine die*, if no time is foreseen for the resolution of the matter; *Dilata ad primam*, i.e., until the next meeting of the Congregation. Often, in proximity to festive periods, the resolution is postponed until after the holidays associated with such festivities, which are indicated by the following formulas: *Post Regem*, i.e., after the Christmas season and specifically after Epiphany; *Post Cineres*, i.e., after the Carnival holidays, formerly in use before Ash Wednesday; *Post Agnos*, i.e., after Easter; *Post Ignem*, i.e., after Pentecost; *Post aquas*, i.e., after the summer holidays.
4. **Procedural Formulas.** — If, upon examining a matter, deficiencies in the informational part are found, the formula used is: *Completatur acta*; if new elements are presented while the matter is ongoing and it is deemed useful to add them to the file, the notation is: *Uniatur*. If verbal clarifications are deemed necessary, the formula *Vocentur agens* is appended, meaning that the agent is to be summoned. If a particular resolution exceeds the competence of the dicastery, the formula *Si Sanctissimo placuerit* is added to the resolution, meaning that the said resolution will be approved by the Holy Father; similarly, if the competence of the Dicastery in a given case is doubtful, the formula *Facto verbo cum Sanctissimo* is appended, meaning that the Holy Father is consulted. It may happen that the Congregation does not deem it expedient to give a general resolution on a particular matter but is willing to resolve individual cases, which is expressed by the formula: *Providebitur in casibus particularibus*. If, for a matter already resolved, new elements are adduced that justify further examination, the formula used is: *Resumatur*. It may also occur that recourse to the Congregation was unnecessary, either by common law or because the Ordinary had the faculty to resolve it; in the first case, the response is: *Utatur iure suo*; in the second: *Recurrat ad Ordinarium*. Sometimes the Congregation may deem it prudent not to give a resolution at all and refers the petitioner to common doctrine with the formula: *Consulat probatos auctores*. If the doubt is unfounded, the response may be: *Aequiescat*, meaning that the petitioner should be at ease. If a resolution exceeds the competence of the Dicastery and recourse to the Holy Father was necessary, the formula *Ex audientia Sanctissimi* is appended. Finally, if a matter is not within the competence of the Dicastery, the formula used is: *Non spectare*.
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