Ex quo singulari

1 were rejected; and annulled: A new formula of Oath to be taken by Missionaries is prescribed.

BENEDICT XIV, POPE.

2 For perpetual remembrance.

3 In order that by singular divine providence the propagation of the Christian Faith among the Oriental peoples, especially in the Chinese Empire, might be promoted and preserved with the greatest care; in these most recent times also the Evangelical Workers were diligently sent into the aforesaid Regions; so that with idolatry there widely dominating being utterly eradicated, they might opportunely scatter the seed of Christian Faith; and those horrible and uncultivated fields might be changed into fertile and flourishing vineyards, yielding the most abundant fruits of eternal life. From the Regions themselves, however,

4 the course of works sent to the Holy See was interrupted by dissensions. The occasion of such dissensions: Dissensions in certain Ceremonies and Rites in the Mission. These Ceremonies, which the Chinese, following the philosophy of Confucius,

5 This appears to be OCR noise or corrupted text from a printed document that does not form coherent Latin. The garbled characters, incomplete words, and formatting artifacts ("b jf YU. CES S DD e iil") do not constitute translatable content. I return it unchanged as instructed.

6 to honor their father and ancestors with honors as they were accustomed to use: when some of the Missionaries contended that these were merely civil and political Ceremonies and Rites, and thus were to be conceded to those who, having abandoned the worship of idols, embraced the Christian Religion; on the other hand, others asserted that, as smelling of superstition, they could in no way be permitted without grave injury to Religion. This controversy indeed for many years drew upon itself the care and solicitude of the Apostolic See; since it is especially careful lest tares take root in the field of the Lord, or, if they have taken root, that they be rooted out as quickly as possible:

7 First therefore they brought this case to the Tribunal of the Holy See, those who suspected that Chinese Ceremonies and Rites were imbued with superstition. Upon this certain Doubts were proposed to the Congregation of the Propaganda of the Faith, which

judged them to be superstitious. Wherefore Pope Innocent X, at the prayers of the aforesaid Congregation, issued a response under penalty of excommunication, commanding all and each of the Missionaries to observe the aforesaid responses and decisions, which were reserved to himself and the Holy See; and to reduce them to practice; until it should seem otherwise to him and the Apostolic See. But a little later other Doubts about these same Rites and Ceremonies were proposed by other Workers of the same Mission to the Congregation of the Propaganda of the Faith itself, to which the Congregation of the Inquisition was commissioned; which, as the matter of these same Ceremonies had been set forth to it in various and different ways, judged some indeed to be merely civil and political and thus to be permitted, but others in no way to be tolerated; and the same Pope Alexander in the year 1656 approved and confirmed this opinion; but behold, a third time this same controversy came to the Holy See, when several Doubts had been proposed to the Congregation of the Sacred Inquisition,

8 PoNr phum, and his ancestors to be honored with honors as had been customary: since some of the Missionaries contended that these were Ceremonies and Rites merely civil and therefore to be conceded to those who, having abandoned the worship of idols, embraced the Christian Religion; but on the other hand others asserted that, as smelling of superstition, they could by no means be permitted without grave injury to Religion. This controversy indeed for many years drew upon itself the care and solicitude of the Apostolic See; since it takes the greatest care lest tares in the field of the Lord take root, or, if they have taken root, that they be removed as quickly as possible;

9 it was also asked whether the precept of Pope Innocent X still held force, by which under penalty of excommunication he commanded the observance of the responses and decisions which had been given by the Congregation of the Propaganda in the year 1645, as stated above. Furthermore, whether, given the recently proposed doubts, their practice should be retained: since especially the Decree of the Sacred Inquisition, which emanated from it in the year 1656, seemed to stand in the way. The Congregation of the Propaganda of the Faith declared in the year 1660 that the aforesaid Decree of the year 1656 still held force, having regard to the circumstances of things which were set forth in those matters; nor had it been circumscribed by the Decree of the Sacred Inquisition, which emanated in the year 1656; rather it was to be altogether observed according to the circumstances of the questions; all things which are contained in the aforesaid Doubts. The Congregation declared

10 ninety. The Fathers judged. Therefore Pope Innocent X, in response to the petitions of the aforesaid Congregation, under pain of excommunication reserved to himself and the Holy See, commanded that all and each of the Missionaries should altogether observe the aforesaid responses and decisions, and reduce them to practice, until it should seem otherwise to him and the Apostolic See. 4.3. But shortly thereafter, other Doubts concerning the same Rites and Ceremonies were brought by other Workers of the same Mission to the Congregation of the Propaganda of the Faith itself, which Doubts were committed to the Congregation of the Inquisition; and that Congregation, as the same Ceremonies had been set forth to it in various and different ways, judged that some of them were indeed to be permitted as merely civil and political, but others could by no means be tolerated; and the same Pope Alexander in the year 1656 approved and confirmed this judgment; but behold, a third time to the Holy See, the Congregation...

approved it. Now James XI.

11 To the Apostolic See this same controversy, together with several doubts, having been laid before the Sacred Congregation of the Inquisition, that question too was asked, whether there still remained in force the precept of Pope Innocent X, by which under penalty of excommunication latae sententiae he commanded the observance of the responses and decisions which had been published by the Congregation de Propaganda in the year 1645, as has been said above. Furthermore, whether, given the doubts recently set forth, their practice should be retained, especially since a Decree of the Sacred Inquisition, which emanated from it in the year 1656, upon certain questions seemed to stand in the way. The Congregation de Propaganda Fide declared that the Decree of the year 1660 still remained in force, having regard to the matters which were set forth in it, and that it had not been circumscribed by the Decree of the Sacred Inquisition which emanated in the year 1656; rather it was to be altogether observed according to the circumstances of the questions contained in the aforesaid Doubts. The Congregation declared this on the year 1656.

12 proved is James. XI. 0f. 5.

13 of the Curia for the various reasons of the matters expounded were made and promulgated; yet so far was it from the case that the controversy concerning the Chinese Rites would obtain an end, that rather it acquired greater force and increase. For the Evangelical Workers being divided into factions, it resulted in a more bitter contention of minds and opinions. And hence, not without grave scandal and great damage to the Faith, there followed a preaching that was not uniform, and the same Christian discipline and instruction was not everywhere the same. But being made certain of these absurdities, Pope Innocent XII, Our Predecessor, judged it to be altogether of his duty, that, full of the zeal of his predecessor, he wished an examination of the same questions to be made before him. And for this reason, after a long and mature consideration, in the year of Our Lord, in the matter of the Chinese Rites, and likewise in the same manner to be observed in the rest. This Decree, Clement IX confirmed, adding a Decree;

14 its observance was required. But when in the year MDCCX, in all respects.

189 ANNO

15 an end might be given to such troublesome difficulties; he therefore committed an exact and most careful discussion of this entire controversy to the Congregation of the Holy Office. And when he left nothing unattempted by which he might obtain a sincere knowledge of the matter, the Questions were also confirmed by his mandate with the greatest diligence, which were to be resolved by that same Holy Congregation.

16 The examination of those Questions was interrupted by the death of Pope Innocent XII. Clement XI, however, who succeeded him, approved the Responses and transmitted them to the Patriarch for discussion, after which he confirmed and approved by Apostolic authority the aforesaid Responses of the Holy Congregation to all and each of the Questions proposed; by which the Chinese Rites, as being imbued with superstition, were prohibited; and he ordered that the aforesaid Responses be transmitted to Charles Thomas de Tournon, Patriarch of Antioch, Commissioner and Apostolic Visitor in the Kingdom of China: so that namely an exact observance of the same be maintained according to the aforesaid precepts, etc.

17 lest from all sides they should attempt to evade it, and by various empty reasons escape, those who had upheld the Chinese Rites as political; the aforesaid Pontiff, Clement XI, by a Decree which emanated through the Congregation of the Holy Office, again confirmed.

18 1742. § 98. Decree concerning the complete and inviolable observance of the Responses formerly given in the Cause of the Chinese Rites or Ceremonies by the Holy Congregation and approved by the Most Holy Father. It orders the Decree to be observed, issued by de Tournon.

19 in the Apostolic Palace of the Quirinal, before Our Most Holy Lord, the Lord Clement, by Divine Providence Pope XI, and the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lords, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, the General Inquisitors specially deputed by the Apostolic See against heretical depravity for the whole Christian Republic. The same Most Holy Lord, the Cause of the Chinese Rites or Ceremonies being heard, both in the Congregations more than once in the past year, and in others, in the month and in the present year several times before His Holiness, declared the aforesaid Responses formerly given in this Cause by the same Congregation and confirmed and approved by His Holiness on the 0th of November 1704, and the Mandate or Decree issued by the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, the Lord Cardinal de Tournon, Patriarch and Apostolic Commissioner General in the Empire of China on the 25th of 1707, to be observed by all and each to whom it pertains, inviolably, with appeals to the Apostolic See being barred, notwithstanding any appeal whatsoever of Persons, whether Secular or Regular, or any particular Persons, or any such.

20 mention, and Cap. Ecclesiastical.

21 set forth and shining with truth and equity, to the Apostolic See interposed, which for this reason His Holiness decreed should be reviewed, and he rejected it. Declares and Decree of Pope XI.

22 Thursday, the 25th day of September, MDCCXX.

23 General Congregation of the Holy Roman Inquisition, held in the Palace of the Most Eminent Lords, the Cardinals.

24 of Cardinals who, having maturely and diligently examined it, decreed at Autun — with censures as passed in a Mandate of this kind expressly, to be observed, and against those acting contrary thereto, with all pretext entirely removed, and with power — the same Lord Cardinal Pont. de Tournon in his Mandate, or Decree as aforesaid; by Apostolic decision on the 20th of November 1504, having professed to adhere thereto expressly, His Holiness further declared that the same Mandate, or Decree, not with the censures contained therein, but to the responses of the same to be received, so that nothing through that be added to or subtracted from the aforesaid responses; and all things which in it are stated, even in the Mandate — Moreover His Holiness, although not wishing a fuller Instruction concerning the judgment of his mind to be accepted, considering that evils of this kind are multiplied in those very wide Regions, nevertheless not ceasing; yet for this reason in them the propagation of the Catholic Religion, a wholesome and most holy work, in no way wishing to neglect, but to promote it with the greater, as he can, devotion of mind, and study, and especially with those by which the seeds of Christian Faith are there suffocated, being entirely removed, always to direct, and earnestly desiring to promote; a suitable Instruction concerning the premises, and other things pertaining to them to be made, and already to the said Lord Cardinal, insofar as he still remains in those parts, or at least to him who shall be appointed in his place, as well as to the Bishops and Apostolic Vicars of the same parts transmitted, he commanded, that both the due execution of Apostolic Decrees, and the harmony of Missionaries, the preaching of the Gospel, and the opportune care for the salvation of souls be consulted. — Finally, so that now from these things the liberty of writing, which not without scandal of the Faithful between the Parties might continue the contention to be exasperated, a mode might be imposed; His Holiness strictly commanded, to all and each Superiors of Order, Congregation, Institute, and Society, even of necessity to be expressed, Regulars, and to all others whatsoever lay Persons, both Ecclesiastical and Lay, of whatsoever state, rank, condition, and dignity they exist, that henceforth they dare not under any colour whatsoever, or pretext, or in any way into the light to be brought, published writings —

25 PONT. CLEMENT XI 491

26 to bring forth Books, Booklets, Relations, Theses, Folios, or writings of any kind, in which expressly, or incidentally concerning the Rites of this kind, or concerning the controversies arising from them or on their occasion in any way be treated, unless expressed and special licence from His Holiness, or from the Roman Pontiff existing for the time being, or from the aforesaid Congregation of the Holy and Universal Inquisition be obtained. That moreover such prohibition be inviolably observed, the same Precept concerning all, absolute, in perpetual, and inviolable observance of those things which otherwise by His Holiness in the Cause of Rites, or Ceremonies of the Chinese were decreed, with the rejection of any excuse or pretext to decline the execution of such Decrees being alleged; and the prescription of the Formula of Oath by the Missionaries of those parts present and future in this matter to be performed, being instituted;

CLEMENT XI POPE.

27 His Holiness willed and declared, to future Pontiffs passing over whatsoever excommunication — or memory. From that day, which — son. to be divided by any sentence; Regulars moreover also, although of merit of ours, in such state of deprivation of active voice, with which Popes themselves by the fact itself, without other declaration — to be able; and nevertheless also others even — His Holiness — and of his Successors, Roman Pontiffs, to the arbitrium to be inflicted — to make public. Books moreover, Booklets, Relations, under pain, Theses, Folios, and writings of any kind, &c.

28 This block is OCR noise with no coherent translatable sense. The text is severely corrupted with garbled words, misplaced characters, and fragmented Latin that does not form intelligible phrases. It appears to be a damaged scan of a historical document, but it cannot be reliably translated in its current state.

29 This consists in that response which approved. To subdue difficult minds, various questions upon such matters were issued, concerning which it is above. Therefore the same Pope Clement XI, by a long examination having at length restrained them, published a Constitution in the year 1715, by which solemnly again the aforesaid responses of the Sacred Inquisition, and those exactly and to the line he ordered to be observed, with all those escapes closed off by which obstinate men might in some way have evaded their perfect observance; and it is of the tenor which follows:

30 namely in the time of the blessed memory of Pope Innocent XII, our Predecessor, begun, and then by our order continued for many years, and having heard the reasons of both parties, and the opinions of several Theologians and Qualifiers from the Congregation of the Venerable Brothers, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, Generals of the Inquisition throughout the whole Christian Republic against heretical depravity, with Apostolic authority given, on the 26th day of No-

YEAR 1742, NOVEMBER 20, 1704.

31 1742. 20 November 1704, by the same authority we confirmed and approved. Now, which in the responses of these responses, decrees were made, are which follow:

32 And since God, the Best and Greatest, cannot suitably be expressed among the Chinese by European words, to signify the same true God; the word Tien Chi, that is, Lord of Heaven, which by the Chinese Missionaries and Faithful, by long and approved use is known to have been received, is to be admitted: but the names Tien, Heaven, and Shang Ti, Supreme Emperor, are to be entirely rejected. Therefore, the Tablets with the Chinese inscription Shang Tien, Worship Heaven, in the Churches of Christians to be hung, or already hung, in the future to be retained therein, is not to be permitted.

33 Concerning this, in no way and for no reason is it to be permitted to Christian faithful, that they preside, minister, or be present at solemn Sacrifices or Oblations, which by the Chinese are made at each equinox of any year to Confucius and to deceased Ancestors,

34 as imbued with superstition. Similarly, neither is it to be permitted that in the Houses of Confucius, which by the Chinese name are called Miao, the same Christian faithful exercise and perform Ceremonies, Rites, and Oblations, which are made in honor of the same Confucius, both at each month at the New Moon and Full Moon by the Mandarins or chief Magistrates and other Officials and Literati, and by the same Mandarins or Governors and Magistrates, before they attain dignity, or at least after its possession has been obtained, and finally by the Literati, who after they have been admitted to degrees, straightway betake themselves to the Temple or House of Confucius.

35 And so they are accustomed to be done, as if imbued with superstition. Similarly, neither is it to be permitted that in the Houses of Confucius, which are called by the Chinese name Miao, the same Christian faithful should exercise and perform Ceremonies, Rites, and Oblations, which are done in honor of the same Confucius both individually in each month at the New Moon and Full Moon by the Mandarins or chief Magistrates, and other Officials and Learned Men; both by the same Mandarins or Governors and Magistrates, before they attain to dignity, or at least after its possession has been obtained; and finally by the Learned Men, who after they have been admitted to degrees, forthwith betake themselves to the Temple or House of Confucius. Furthermore, it is not to be permitted to Christians to make less solemn Oblations to the same in Temples or Houses dedicated to Progenitors, nor to minister in them; or in any manner whatsoever to—

36 » p -otherwise hatreds, & enmities be avoided! not ?5 contracted ; by inscription, to be designated vi- [50] serve . or other Rites ; & Ceremo- — AJT. nies to be performed .- - tem, nor to be permitted prz- And thence sufficiently to Christians , Oblations ; Rites j pidjs & Ceremonies of this kind before Proc3 of ancestors Tablets, in private domi- "*: ciles , whether in the same Progenitors' Sepulchres ; whether before the deceased be committed to burial , in their honor to be performed as customary , together with Gentiles , . or separately from them to be performed ; and to minister to them , or to be present ; Indeed all the aforesaid things, inasmuch as which having been weighed on both sides , ; nor having been carefully and maturely discussed all things, 1ta to be performed it has been found ; that from superstition they cannot be separated , to the observers of Christian Law not even to be permitted effc ; with public ; or secret. protestation ; that he , not in a religious ; but in a civil, and political only manner toward » the deceased he performs , nor from them » anything to seek or hope. —— » Not however by these to be judged — «twi material 7» to be condemned that presence ; or sos ám ; assistance. merely material ; which vague a » with Gentiles superstitious to be performed 1n que bus &c, tibus, without any whether expressed , or tacit approbation of deeds y. and any ministry entirely excluded from the same superstitious acts sometimes to be avoided it may happen a. by Christians, cim they are harmful: faculty however first ,' if conveniently it can be done, by Protestation of Faith, and ceasing danger of subversion —» Finally to be permitted not to be? 57 to Christian faithful Tablets of the deceased of Ancestors in their private houses e to retain ,. According to the custom of those parts , that is with inscription Sinrca qua Throne , or Seat of Spirit; or of Soul N. to be signified; indeed nor with another, qua Seat, or "Throne; and thus the same as prior, although more to be given. Whereas to Tablets sole of the deceased name inscribed ; to be tolerated their use ; provided that in their making all things be omitted, qu&: » su-

37 [52] Acl. .

38 [53] Pp) of piety offices not superstitious gieutiqnam to be prohibited « 33 2»

39 [54] E») Their exa- , men to Apostolic Visitor, Bishops, & Vi- 5) caries Apost.

40 [55] zelinquitur. 22 2?

41 [56] RefesturDe-

42 [57] D-UrL5rzA-EIUAEL [58] smack of superstition; and with scandal excluded, that is, provided that those who are not Christians cannot think that such tablets are retained by Christians in the mind in which they themselves retain them, and moreover with a declaration added to be placed at the side of the tablets themselves; by which both the faith of Christians concerning the deceased and what the piety of sons and grandsons toward their ancestors ought to be, may be declared. Nevertheless, by the foregoing, it is not forbidden that other rites, if there be any, which are customarily performed by those peoples, may be performed toward the deceased, which are truly not superstitious, nor bear the appearance of superstition; but are contained within the limits of civil and political rites. Moreover, what these are, and by what precautions they may be tolerated, is to be left to the judgment both of the existing Commissary and Apostolic Visitor General or of him exercising his office in the Empire of China; and of the Bishops and Apostolic Vicars of those regions: yet in the meantime they ought to take care with all the study and diligence they can, that with the rites of the gentiles entirely abolished, those rites which the Catholic Church has prescribed for the deceased be gradually received by and among Christians and as Christians in this matter. After this, however, nearly six years having passed, namely on 25 September 1710, having heard again the aforesaid Cardinals, who maturely and most diligently discussed the matter, by their votes, the same responses, as well as a Mandate or Decree, adhering expressly to these, to the pious memory of Charles Thomas, while he lived, of the same Holy Roman Church Cardinal called of Tournon, then Patriarch of Antioch, Commissary and Apostolic Visitor General in the aforesaid Empire of China, was issued on 25 January 1707, by all and each to whom it pertained, to be observed unshakably and inviolably, under the censures and penalties expressed in the Mandate and Decree of this kind, we have decreed and declared, with every color and pretext of acting contrary entirely removed; and especially notwithstanding any appeal interposed by any Bishops to Us and the Apostolic See, which for this reason we have decreed ought to be entirely rejected, and we have rejected it, as is more fully contained in the Decree issued in this matter, and all things ought to have been full and abundantly sufficient, so that those tares which the enemy man had sown in that field might be utterly rooted out, and all the faithful of ours might obey the mandates of Us and this Holy See with that humility and obedience which was fitting: especially since at the end of the responses aforesaid by Us, as is provided, confirmed and approved, the case was already settled in open and clear words. But, since, as from the same parts not without the greatest sorrow of our apostolate has come to our hearing, the execution of these responses so earnestly prescribed by Us has been badly and by many, either by vain and false pretense, that they have been suspended by Us, or less legitimately promulgated, or by various evasions the observance of the conditions, as is wrongly asserted, in them contained, and before the execution itself verified, and the facts on which they were based, not justified by reason, or by the color of further declarations to be issued by Us in this matter, or by fear of grave dangers which could befall both Missionaries and the Mission itself from the demanded execution, or finally by the pretext of a Decree formerly, namely on 23 March 1656, approved by our Predecessor of pious memory, Pope Alexander VII, and not without grave injury to our Pontifical authority, to the scandal of the Christian faithful and the detriment of the salvation of souls, has been sufficiently long and much evaded, or at least greatly delayed,

43 [60] its observance by various evasions and before the execution itself verified, and the facts on which it was based, not justified by reason, or by the color of further declarations to be issued by Us in this matter, or by fear of grave dangers which could befall both Missionaries and the Mission itself from the demanded execution, or finally by the pretext of a Decree formerly, namely on 23 March 1656, approved by our Predecessor of pious memory, Pope Alexander VII, and not without grave injury to our Pontifical authority, [61] to the scandal of the Christian faithful and the detriment of the salvation of souls, has been sufficiently long and much evaded, or at least greatly delayed,

44 [62] BUWA: d : Hence it is that We, by the commission divinely committed to Us in the Apostolic office, wishing entirely and completely to remove difficulties, evasions, subterfuges, and pretexts of this kind, and to repeal the Most Strict Precept issued by the aforesaid Congregation of Cardinals concerning such Rites or Ceremonies, under censures and penalties for the execution of the same Decree, for the quiet of the faithful and the salvation of souls, concerning which all the successors of the Missionaries are to have the fullness of power, desiring to provide for this as much as is granted to Us from on high, by the counsel of the same Cardinals, and also by Our own motion and from certain knowledge and mature deliberation of Ours, and from the fullness of Apostolic power, to all and each of the Archbishops and Bishops aforesaid in the Chinese Empire and any conterminus, bordering or adjacent Kingdoms and Provinces now and for the time being hereafter existing, We suspend from the exercise of Pontifical functions and interdict from entering the Church; but to their Officials and Vicars in Spiritual matters General, and other Ordinaries of those places, and even to Apostolic Vicars who are not Bishops, and their Provicars, as well as to Missionaries, both secular and of any Order, Congregation, Institute, and Society even of Jesus, Regulars, under the sentence of excommunication latae sententiae, from which no one, except from Us or the Roman Pontiff existing for the time being, unless constituted in the article of death, can be absolved, and as regards Regulars, even privation of active and passive voice, those acting contrary incurring ipso facto without other declaration, by the tenor of the present We command, and in virtue of holy obedience We mandate, that the aforesaid responses and all and each of the things contained in them be observed exactly, integrally, absolutely, inviolably, and immovably; and by those whose care pertains to them, be carefully observed, as much as in them lies, and caused to be observed: nor let them, whether any of those expressed above or any other by whatever title, occasion, color, or pretext, dare or presume to contravene in any way. Moreover by Our own motion, knowledge, and deliberation We establish and under the same excommunication reserved and privation of active and passive voice, We ordain, that all and each Ecclesiastics, both secular and of the aforesaid Orders, Congregations, Institutes, and Societies, even of Jesus, Regulars, sent to the Chinese Empire or the aforesaid Kingdoms and Provinces, whether from this Holy See or also from their Superiors, and whenever hereafter to be sent, by whatever title or force of faculty they may exist there, or these Letters may have granted to them, before they begin to exercise any Missionary office there, must take an oath, namely, that they will faithfully, integrally, and inviolably observe such Our Precept and Mandate, the formula of which oath is to be noted at the end of the present Letters, in the hands of the Commissary and Apostolic Visitor in the aforesaid Chinese Empire for the time being existing, or another deputed by him, or, he being lacking, in the hands of the Bishops or Apostolic Vicars of the said parts, in whose respective jurisdiction they dwell or shall dwell, or others deputed by them, but Regulars moreover in the hands of the Superiors of their Religion, or those deputed by them existing in the same parts, must and are bound to perform: so that before the taking of such oath and subscription under the same formula by each one who shall take the oath thereto with his own hand, the same are suspended from continuing any Missionary office, indeed not even as deputies from the Bishops or Ordinaries of Places, or as simple or Religious Presbyters, or by any other title, cause, or privilege, concerning which express and most special mention would have to be made, to hear the Confessions of the Christian faithful, to preach, or to administer the Sacraments in any way whatsoever: in no way can they be valid, nor can any faculties, whether granted specially to them or to their respective Orders, Congregations, Institutes, and Societies, even of Jesus, generally from the aforesaid See, be of force; but as regards them, beyond and above the penalties expressed above, all and each of the aforesaid faculties cease entirely, and are of no force and are to be considered as such. Moreover all such oaths taken by whatever Missionaries, both Secular and Regular, in the aforesaid Chinese Empire or Kingdoms and Provinces, are to be transmitted authentically to the Commissary and Apostolic Visitor for the time being existing, or to the Bishops or Apostolic Vicars, as was premitted above, or at least authentic copies of them, by the same Commissary and Apostolic Visitor for the time being existing, to the Bishops and Apostolic Vicars, to the aforesaid Congregation of Cardinals, as soon as it can be done: but the Superiors, namely Regulars of any Order, Congregation, Institute, and Society, even of Jesus, now and for the time being existing, under the same penalties, are bound not only to take the same oath in the aforesaid manner before the Commissary and Apostolic Visitor for the time being existing, or the Bishops or Apostolic Vicars in the hands of whom, according to the manner prescribed above, it is to be taken, and to subscribe to its formula, but also to exact its taking from their respective Subjects and to send authentic documents concerning it as soon as possible to their respective Superior Generals, who shall immediately deliver them to the aforesaid Congregation of Cardinals. Decreeing, the same present Letters and the things contained in them, in whatever way and manner, of whatever status, grade, Order, preeminence and dignity they may be, if otherwise specific and individual mention and expression would be required, if they have not consented to them, nor been called and admitted to them, and for whatever causes the present Letters may have been issued, if sufficient cause has not been brought forward, verified, and justified, or from any other cause whatsoever, even however juridical and privileged, color, pretext, or ground, even in the body of closed Law, even of enormous, most enormous, and total lesion, at no time ever to be noted, impugned, infringed, invalidated, retracted, brought into controversy, or reduced to the terms of law, or against them opened by the mouth, on account of subreptitiousness or obreption, or nullity, defect, or intention of Ours or of those having interest, or any other whatsoever, even however great and substantial, and unthought of and unthinkable, requiring individual expression.

45 A. It is decreed and ordained that, after the subscription hereof, whatsoever persons having interest in the aforesaid premises, and all others whosoever, shall be able to have, seek, or obtain any remedy of law, fact, or grace, or having obtained, or even by motu proprio, knowledge and fullness of power, granted on equal terms, or emanated, any person in judgment or outside judgment, in any manner or way whatsoever; but these present Letters shall always remain firm, valid and efficacious, and shall be and remain so, to which any defects of law or fact, which against these same, even under the pretext of whatsoever privileges granted by the aforesaid See, to impede or hinder their execution in any manner or for any cause whatsoever might be opposed or objected, in no way resisting, shall obtain their full and complete effects, and these therefore, all and singular impediments brought forth in whatsoever manner or to be brought forth, wholly and entirely removed and in no way attended to, by those to whom they pertain, and for the time being whenever they shall pertain, inviolably and unshakably to be observed; and that not otherwise in the aforesaid matters by whatsoever Ordinary or Delegated Judges, even the Auditors of the Palace of the Apostolic See, and the Cardinals of the same Holy Roman Church, even Legates a latere, and the Nuncios of the aforesaid See, or any others whatsoever, exercising whatsoever preeminence and power, thus they shall be, the power being taken from them of decreeing otherwise, or of interpreting otherwise, to be judged and defined; and if otherwise in any manner whatsoever, it shall be null; our and the Chancellery of the Apostolic See's Rule of not removing acquired law notwithstanding; and any Apostolic and universal, Provincial and Synodal Councils issued, general or special Constitutions and Ordinances, which by authority knowingly or unknowingly happened to occur

46 Notwithstanding the aforesaid, and most ample Derogations, of whatsoever Orders, Congregations, Institutes, and Societies, even of the fief, and of whatsoever Churches, and any others whatsoever, even by oath, confirmation Apostolic, or any other solemnity strengthened, customs and practices, Statutes,

47 prescriptions of whatsoever length, and immemorial, Privileges moreover, Indults and Apostolic Letters to Orders, Congregations, Institutes and Societies, even of the fief, and Churches aforesaid, or to any other persons whatsoever, even of whatsoever sublime rank, and most specially worthy of consideration, by the aforesaid See from whatsoever cause, and by way of contract and remuneration, under whatsoever tenor of words and forms, and with whatsoever, even derogatory clauses of derogations, and other more efficacious, most efficacious, and unusual clauses, irritant and other decrees, even by motu proprio, knowledge and fullness of power similar, if to the importunity of whatsoever persons, whether Imperial, Royal, or any other worldly or Ecclesiastical dignity shining forth, or their consideration or otherwise in any manner whatsoever in the contrary direction granted, issued, made, and repeatedly iterated, and approved howsoever many times, and renewed. To all and each of which, so that for their sufficient derogation, special, specific, express, individual mention of them and their tenor, word for word, but not by general clauses importing the same, or any other expression should be had, or any other exquisite form to be observed for this should be required, the tenors of this kind, and themselves word for word, nothing whatsoever omitted, and the form in the aforesaid observed, shall be expressed and inserted, the present ones being held for fully and sufficiently expressed and inserted, otherwise remaining in their vigor, to the effect of the aforesaid only by this specially and expressly we derogate, and we will to be derogated, and to all other things whatsoever contrary. The Formula moreover of the Oath, as is premitted herein, is to be taken, and as follows to be taken.

48 » namely: I, N., Missionary to China, or to the Kingdom of N., or to the Province of N., sent or assigned by the Apostolic See or by my Superiors, according to the faculties granted to them by the Apostolic See, by Precept and Apostolic Mandate concerning the Rites and Ceremonies of the Chinese in the Constitution of our Most Holy Lord, the Lord Clement, by Divine Providence Pope XI, issued on this matter, by which the formula of the present Oath is prescribed, being fully acquainted with the reading of the same Constitution in its entirety, shall fully and faithfully obey, and shall exactly, absolutely and inviolably observe it, and shall fulfill it without any evasion. But if (which God forbid) I should in any way contravene it, as many times as this shall happen, I acknowledge myself subject to the penalties imposed by the aforesaid Constitution, and I promise, vow, and swear by the holy Gospels of God. So may God help me, and these holy Gospels of God. I, N., by my own hand."

49 Moreover, that:

50 We give command by these Letters, that the same present Letters, or authentic copies of them, even printed, be notified, transmitted, and

51 are furnished with resources, and to the individual Superiors General and Procurators General of the aforesaid Orders, Congregations, Institutes, and Societies, even of Jesus, so that both they themselves and the aforesaid Subjects or Inferiors under them may diligently execute and observe these Letters; and that they send copies of the aforesaid Letters to their Subjects or Inferiors dwelling in China, and in other Kingdoms and Provinces aforesaid as quickly as possible. By these precepts, the same Letters and the contents in them are to be executed and observed fully, entirely, and with effect, in all things and in every respect similarly. But since it is difficult for originals of this kind to be found everywhere and published, we likewise will and decree that the authority of transcripts or copies, even printed, subscribed by the hand of some public Notary and sealed by a person constituted in ecclesiastical dignity, shall be held in all respects the same in judgment as outside it, everywhere, as if these present Letters themselves were exhibited or offered.

52 Given at Rome at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, under the Seal of the Fisherman, on 19 March, 1715, in the nineteenth year of Our Pontificate.

Machine translation, not reviewed. The original text is authoritative.

Latin text

1 drino , xeprobantur ; 6c annullantur : Prafcribitur: nova formula Juramenti d- Millionariis (o0 preftandi Po

BENEDICTUS. PAPA XIV.

2 4d perpetuam yer enriam .

3 TU X quo fingulari B E providentià-f- Exordium .

4 Pe is «um e(t, ut.

5 agati b jf YU. CES S DD e iil A T Orientalium b promota in [, Sinarum 1mperio, fundere ir &- dad i fetvare. maximo. ftudio - curavit ; ; in his quoque noviffimis temporibus Evangelicos Operarios in antedictas Regiones fcduló mifit ; ut Idololatriá ibi lat& dominante funditus eradicatá, Chriflianz Fidei femen opportune fpargerent ; atque horrentes illos ;. & incultos campos 1n ferti- les florentcíque. yineas, uberrimos seternze vitz fructus. daturas , » commutarent . Ex Regiosibus autem.

6 COO mem Ww Opens a à Sancta Sede illuc muffos diffidia ; curfum. intercidiffent . f.1. Occafionem diffidiis: ejufn inodi Difidia in. E Ceremoniz quzdam ; ;& Ritus, terMiffiona, Hes. Adae squibus Sinenfes ; ad Confucium Philefo- Mor ede.

7 nb ius cum - | gregationi. de exhibita; « Ritufque. nullam in fe fuperftitionem hairSe bere videbantur. Negotium itaque hufuit . jufmodi. ab Alexandro Papa VII. Sacre B uod fa&ura , nifi.

AT V.

8 PoNr phum ,& Majores fuos honoribus profe- E it quendos uti confueverunt : cum nonnulli E cx Miffionariis contenderent , eas efle Cc. E remonias, & Ritus meré civiles adeoea dés. que concedendos iis, qui relicto Idolo- ' -rum cultu , Chriftianam Religionem amplestebantur ; contra vero alii-60s., Utpote fuperftitionem olentes ,. fine gravi Religionis injuria permitti nullo modo políe affererent.. Qua fane. controverfia -multis annis Apoftolice Sedis curam ; & Áollicitudinem ad fe traxit; cum id maxr- - 4mé caveat, né zizanja in agro Dominico radices agant » aut , fi [oues egerint » e quam citó fieri poteft ; cran :

9 4f. 2. Primo. itaque ad Sande Sedis "Fribunal Caufam hanc detulerunt 115 qui »i ia. fio Congreg, CGeremonias illas ; & Ritus Sinicos fuüpere s, b fi foi b S Fide, fub, ftiione imbutos fufpicabantur . Superi y illis Dubia. nonnulla propofita füerunt al | Congregationi de Propaganda Fide, qux jul a Occidenta- - : j| lium Indiarum dE «Or :: - nias. * & Bou eode :

10 xc Fainfe&os judicarunt. . Proinde Innocen: E. E tius Papa X. ad prefate Congregationis : preces ; om is -fub poena. excommunicationis. latz fengnome xefponía , ac rum qui Ceremofaperftitionc reve | nibus & fingulis Miffionariis ; tentige , fibi, ac Sandx Sedi refervate ; - mandavit ; ut refponfa ;, ac decifiones pradictas omnino obfervarent ; eafque ad praxim deducerent ; donec fibi & Apofolic Sedi aliter vifum non effet . 4.3. Verüm pauló poft ab aliis ejuf- : "es Miffionis: Operariis alia Dubia de iif ates ce greg. S. Indem Ritibus, & Ceremoniis ipfimet Con; sitin. à Propaganda. Fide fuerunt Xquibus Ceremoniz 1píz , Inquifitionis Congregationi commiffum fuit: que , prout vari , diversáque ratione fuerat fibi de eifdem Ceremoniis expofitum , alias quidem, tamquam mere civiles& politicaseffe. permittendas, alias vero minimé tolerari pofle judicavit ; idemque Alexander Pontifex anno 1656. hanc fententiàm probavit; & confirmavit, m gr, fib UE Sed. ecce tertió ad Sanétam c». Se . Congr eg. 1üs

PoNT.

11 -.A.ll. Sedem hiec eadem controverfia, Cum plura Dubia. Sacrz Inquifitionis Congrecationi propofita. fuiffent , illud quoque DUE quzfitum fuit , utrum adhuc vigeret Innocenti: Pape. X. praceprum , quo fub poena excommunicationis lata. fententi: mandabat obfervantiam. refponfio- : numi, ac decifionum , qux à Congregatione de Propaganda anno 1645. , ut fupra dictum eft ; eianaverant . Praeterea, an » [tantibus recens expofitis dubiis , earum praxis retinenda foret : cum praffertim obftare. videretur Decretum Sacra - Inquifitionis : quod abca emanavit anno 1656. fuper quafitis nonnullis, liverüfit ongregatio anno 166 o prafarum. ene es de Propaganda Fide Decretum. adhuc vigexe, habità ratione rerum ; qux dci in ibas expofite ; neque illud fuiffe. circumícriptum à Decreto Sacra Inquifitio- Dis; quod anno 1656. emanavit ; immo effe omnino obfervandum juxta quarfita circumftantias ;G omniaea, quain antedictis Dubiis. continentur. Declaravit PERSE: p Congreg ia tum anni 1656. !

12 probavit is Jamnoe. XI. 0f. 5.

13 Des curs CEeta pro varia rerum expofitarum ratiom een pne fuerint facta ; ac promulgata ; tantum. pu »» abfuit ut Rituum Sinenfium controveria finem obtineret, ut magis illa vires; & incrementum acquireret, Nam fcitlis. Evangelicis Operariis in partes ;- -adduda. £68 Pus in acriorem animorum ; acíententlarum contentionem . Atque hinc , non fine gravi feandalo, magnoque 1 Fidei damno, confecuta eft praedicatio non uni-- formis .& non eadem ubique Chriftianoc rum illorum difciplina . , & inflitutio . De - his autem abfurdis certior fadus Innocenuus Papa XII. Przdeceffor nofter $4 e muneris fut omnino effe putayit , ut t per- E B urnrnaalI | decefforis fui zelo plenus , coram fe quzfitorum eorumdem examen feeri voluit , A*r»cve sá ratione , alufque meom — Quam brem pott diuturnam , maturam , fitis ab Ns iue in Sinarum — & acc odecumuse anno 1 pariter ; eodem modo effe. obfervandum ftantias . 3 de reliqua i in dpfis coc Hoc - autem Decretum. Clemens re IX. com- T - Cum autem omnia prafataDe- -- cam, ; addito Decreto ;

14 ejus obfervantiam exigebat . Cum autem anno o MDCCX. queen omnimod.

I89 ANNO

15 niciofis adeo diffidiis finis daretur ; pro- 1742. inde exactam , maximéque accuratam totius hujus controverftz difcuffionem Sacrz Inquifitionis Congregationi commifit. Cumque nihil intentatum reliquiffet, quo finceram fadi nontiam obtineret , firmata quoque fuerunt. de illius mandato fumma cum diligentia Quafita j quz per eamdem Sans Congregationem refol- -yerentur.

16 f. 6. Quzfitorum illorum examen Clemens xr. : approbatRe- Innocenti Papa XII. mors intercepit . fponfiones Clemens autem XI. , qui fucceffit abo e d eafque tráfmittit ad Patriarchá- * fitat., Apoft. n rei difcuffionem » poft te rationes ? s» quibus Apoftolicá auctoritate comprobavit prainemorataz Sacre Congregationis refponfiones ad omnia , & uet quzfita propofita; quibus Ritus Sinenfes , utpote füperftitione imbuti; prohibebantur; mandavitque , przfatas refponfiones ad Carolum Thomam de Tournon Antochie Patriarcham , Commiffarium , & in Sinarum Regno. Vifitatorem Apoftolicum : -tranfmitti ; ut nimirum exactam earumdem. obfervantiam. cue po BU : dé ditis prace- — ptis &c.

17 lo iem E quo ab univerfis illam tentaffent eludere , variifque i inani busrationibus effugere ii, qui Sinenfes - : : Ritus tamquam politicos ; y acere CL les propugnaverant predictus Pontifex . Clemens XI. Decreto ; quod per Sacra c Clemens XI. At iterum om- Inquifitionis Congregationem - emanavit Bis tonffat .

18 1742. $.98« Decretum [uper omnimoda , 4c ier 9eiovviolabili obfervatione Refpouforum aliàs in Caufa Rituum s [eu Ceremopiarum Srgen- Qum. à Sacra Congregatione dazorim e à Sanétiffumo approbatorum y. eum aliis Ordinationibus .- Mandat obfervari Decretum edi- In de Tournon.

19 Jatio Apoffolico Quirinali. coram Santtiffomo Domiuo Noffro Domumo Clemente Diviud. dazo, fem Decreto praadiro we] wmseni- Providentid Papa Xl. y ac Eminentifmis y e» Revereudiffimis Dominis. Sautfa Roma-. ze Ecclefie Cardinalibus 49 tota Republica. c Ohrifliaua contra bareticam pravitatem Ge- — geralibus Inquifitoribus. à Sanída Sede .Apoffolica fpecialiter deputatis ; : ——— Jdem Sauttifrmus Dominus Caufa. Rituum y feu Ceremomiarum. Sinenfum, auditis, tam im Congregationibus ammo preterito mou femel , quàm im alits y menfe » ed anmo pra[entibus pluries coram Santfitaze Sua. babitis , prafato . $8 declaravit , refpou[a. alias im Caufa bu- -jafimdi ab cadem Congregatione datas e$ à. Sandlitate Sua. die 0. Novembris 1704. confirmata à ed approbata y accgoz Manda- | .— dum y fen Decretum ab Egnuentiffomo 5. Revereudiffrmo Domino Domino Cardiuaht de Tourgon y. iuac Patriarci | Ann j E Commiffario y € F ! "Apoftolico Cene- — sali ip Imperio Sisar die 25.49.1707. e bac de re edit / , db omuibus y «8 féngulis y — ad quos [peétat y iucoucu[ 5 e9 22violabiliy diem | pellationes a1 $. Sedem 7714702 72072 obflante quacumque appellasiue D cularibus y frve quibufi yir Per[oms , frve Sa Regularibus » eam fp. :

20 mention e, 9 Cap «E cclefiafftca.

21 5 EE E dorerpofitas £5 tudvvidud yemitate fulgentibus , ad Se- | dem Apoffo icum interpofetd , quam propte- - — rea Santéitas Sua vepiciendam effe decrevir, e apfa rejecit .— voccx eue lue Declarat, £o Decreto B oukicmpr XGI- V.

22 Feria V. die XXV. Sept. MDCCAX..

23 Congregatione Generali Sanfía Romane y am à Card. e? Uprver/ alis luquifitionis » babita in Pa-. Nofer sr efarorum. Esnineutiffso- "p Domimorum.

24 Cardinalium y qui vem maturo y ac diligen. eiffme difcufferumt y [emeutus , decrevit y A Autocheno y — b. cenfuris «8 pass ip Mandato yepo bujufimodi exprefs , obfervanua is contrafaciendiquefrro colo- - Rejiclt «pve s fen pretextu peuitus fublato y. ac potuf- : one diguis » AC quayis - vocum idem Domiuus Cardiaalis : PoNr, de Tournon iu fuo Mazmdate , fem Decreto Alc füpradiéto ; Apoffolice decifíozi die 2.0. NouL T vembris 1504. lata fe ex pre[se inberere ms profeffus fuerit y Sanitas Sua ulterius dee ii claravit y ipfim Mandatum, feu. Decretum, i noa cum cen[uris im eo comtemiis,4d Aor an eorumdem. vefpon[orum | accipiendum effe. , itaut. gibil per illud vefponfts prafatis addinn, feu detractum fuiffe: ceufendum fit y. 4c omia y que im ens in[katy etiam in Mangap. s —— Ceterum Saullitas Sua ,- 1amcetfe mou Pleniorem P NS i uu T E m . Inftru&ioné fime jagemii amimi [ui muove ACCEpEPH y conii y bu quod buami geueris boffis multiplicia in die zicania ia latiffmis illis Regiombus fu. perfeminare 400 ceffats uon z4men propterea iz eis Catholica Religionis. propaganda. [aluberviuum » ac fauctiffgnum opus ullateuus deferere "volens y fed illud majori ,. qua potfl, amimi comtemtiome, ac fludio , mque potifguum | difhiduss ; qui bus imibi Chriffiaue Fidei feges peli [pims fuffocatur » prorfus ! fubmotis , ard egi Jenper y t$ enixius promovere cupieus 5 congruam [uper pramilis , alifque ad ea pertimentibus inflrulionem confici y lamque diéfo D. Cardinali EF gs. iatenus adhuc in illis peu dus comumoretur y fto minus ila y qui ejus - loco deputatus fuerit y necuon Epiftopts y e$ Ficarüs Apoffoheis earumdem — partium | trap[unitti maudavit , qua mom mimus debite Apoflolicorum Decretorum executiom y quam Milfonariorum concordia , Eyangel- E pradicatiou y: atque auuimarum falutis opportumd coufulazur .-—— — | Demum , ut mume Wh de bis-yebus firibendi. liceutie » que mom fime Fidelium B ne : ftaudalo. uter Partes dimturuá comtemtiogg iesus exa[peratas. Vavaluiz modus imponatur s : Sanifitas Sua. diflricfó pracepit, omnibus y ev fingulis cupuf'vis Ordinis , Congregatiogis y loffuturi » 9 Societatis ,, etiam de neceffetate exprimenda , Regularibus , aliifque quibu[cumque facularibus Perfousstam Ecclefiaflicis quàm. Lawis y. cujufcusmque tandem [flatus y gradus , conditionis , «9. dr gitans exiflant , ut im pofieywm mom aWdeant [ub quovis quajüto colore , "vel pra-. tex Wprimeres "vel quoquo qmodo im lucem : c T edere Vétat publi — cati Ícriptà —

25 PoNT. DLLERILUM 4 9I

26 A. II. edere Libros , Libellos , Relationes , Tbefet , Folia , fe fcripta quacumque s 1n quibus ex profeffo y "vel incidenter de Ritibus Simicis buju[modt y. vel de contro verf. is defiger y. [eu illoruza occaftome exortis quommos dolibet traétezur y frue expreffa s e$ [pectat licentia à Santfitate Sua , feu pro tempore exiflente Romano Poptifrce. 44 Congregatione fipradicta Sanide , o "Upiver(alis Ipquifitionis obtinenda . "Ut autem. ejufn modi probibitio inviolabiliter ob[er'vetur , eadem f.1o, CLEMENTIS PAPE XI. ANNO Praeceptum fuper ommimoda y ab[oluta y. in» venor conf6gr4 y e9 imviolabili obférvatione €ortm , que Aliàs. à Santlitate Sua in Caufa Ripun, feu Cevemoniarum Sigenfium decreta. fuerunt s eum vejetfione quarumcumque vapomum y [eu excu [atiomm ad ejufmodi De« cretorum. executionem. declinandam allaza- YHP S 4C prefcriptione Formule Turamenuti per. Miffonartos illarum parium prefentes, .€8 futuros bac ia ve praflandi . ftitutionis s

HOO A PIE.

27 Santlitas Sua voluit 4 e» declaravit , C0Z- CLEMENS PAPA XI, Ad futuges ; Pontifici traeuientes quofcumque excommumicatio. — vAW» vel demoriam. Ex illa die, qua.» filium. di- ' rimendi cóuis ate fententia ; Regulares vero etiam zullo licet meritorum: moffrorum fu [n [4810 cxovesfias privationis vocis aéitya y co pn Vve pauas ipfo f tfo. abf2ue alia declaratione i "UtHyrere 5 €6 mbilominus alizs etiam pas S4n-. &irans fe y &$. Succefforum [uorum Romasorum Pontificum arbitrio infligendis Jab- , iblieia facere. Libros porro ,. Libellos ; Relatiogero pro h ibes, fib pa 2/70. 5 Thefes » Folia , ac Seripta quacumque, 5s &e.

28 aliorum baífzuus editorum approbationem 3 fuper quibus opportuudà providebitur ) , pro | expre[ 5 probibitis. baberi volut , abfque E. alia declaratione , [nb. pams , e» cenfuris (04H Regulis lIedicis. Librorum probibitorum — contentis . Iopreffores. "yer s preter Scrt« ptorum. fi C imprefforum amiffio fouem y pecu- BIATHS y alifque. corporalibus pas jnxta. TIHABIS. gravitatem. * teneri maudavit In cogtrarium facientibus y ; » n EE | quibu[cumque : | ——— feph Bartolus Sante Romane , 9 : Cntyer[alis Inguifitions Notarius . Hec. — £f.9, Atveró , nec Decretum hujufque ip futurum contra prafentis probibitioyis tenorem edi contigerit 4 ( cura ullam Mus fuh amplitudine graviffmum y ac temporum iniquitate molefttffemum , Deo ffc difpouente - » Jufcepimus , zii] Nobis. mauum. clavo. adinoveutibus. antiquius fuit y quam ACETTWBAS Comtemtiones - Imperio Sinarum. inter. 4 parium. Mi iffe 0DATIOS EXOTÍAS y femperque 4n dies "magis imvalefcentes, tam circa qua[- dam "voces Sipicas, ad [autfum, e$ ineffabile Dei uomen exprimenudum iui uf UrpatAsS quàm circa nounullos earum gentium Rutuss veluti fuperfiitiofos. à à quibuf. dam ex Miffo- 0- : Catholice. Ecclefre. gubernacula ,— boc. eff E bus -Sinen, pridem A poffolit TE illarue. e "aris pre ediéfis reprobatos 5. ab alis vero y utpori eos civiles taptum afferentibus persni[fos 5 Apoflolici Judicii cen[ura opportune dirimere : ut » fublatis diffrdus , Chriffiane Religious Catholiceque Fidei propaganu- ; S or e | gem turbantibus y 0mues tandem. D dicerent in eodem fenfu ; 69 im€ Tena y Minoque. or d Is» qui fané 9 t hrifo e :

29 Hoc confit Jm] veff onfa illa , que Ad 'va- In eum fin£ E. D ntasXicpeee ie - approbavit - Rusnepémodi ad difficiles animos fübjiciendos va- — ri4s quaftiones füper eJuf modi rebus. 0XCLxeipontofiones edita nes, de qui- Coinue. lit . Itaque Clemens idem Papa Xl, £atas, previo diuturmo examue dudum y bus fupra. ^em quó 1los tandem aliquando frenaret , Conftitutionem anno r715. evulgavit ; -qua folemniter iterum E anptedictas Sacre Inquifitionis refponfiones ,. eafque exadé & ad amuffim obfervari mandavit , preeclufis omnibus iis effugiis, quibus perfectam earum obfervan- - tiam contumaces homines aliquo pado écvadere potuiflent ; &eft tenoris qui rogue :

30 | videlicet tempore fel, record, Inpocentii Pa-.— p« XII. Pradecefforis noftri imcboato s 4c de. | 1nde juffu offro per. plures annos continua. t0 y auditi[que utriufque Partis rationibus y — aecuon complurium T. beologorum » 65 Qualifrcatorum feutentiiss à Congregatione Veue- — rabiliun Fratrum moferorum Sautie Roma- | s& E. cclefia Cardinalium in tota. Republica Chrifiana Generalium Inguifitt torum. advershs bereticam. pravitatem au&foritate Apo : flolicá. dua data | fuerunt y 3 Aes die 26. No-

ANNO: 192, BrEuEbrOeTrI AJ V | PoNr,

31 1742. 2o. Novembris 1704. cádem autoritate confrrimaimus y t6 approbavimus .— eere — (7 (Kd antem y qua in vefpoufis bujufrnofponfionum , — ,.

32 di decreta. fuerunt y funt. qua. [equunur : Ac wo Cun;Deus. OptfoBs Maximus congrué apud Sinas vocabulis Europzis exprimi nequeat , ad cumdem verum Deum fignificandum ; vocabulum T7ez Chi , hoc eft ,, Coeli Dominus ; quod à Sinenfibus Miffionaris . & Fidelibus » longo, ac probato ufü receptum. effe » dignofcitur ; admittendum effe : no- ^, mina veró T;e» Cocdlum , & Xazg T? ?5 »

33 br d » Supremus Imperator, penitüs reji-- p uendalsi os puc sis Idcirco Tabellas cum infcriptione » Sinica Kizg Tiez , Coclum colito ; in » Ecclefüs Chriftianorum appendi, feu » jam appenías in pofterum inibi retineri » permittendum non effe . | De ed, —— Ad hzc nullatenus, nullaque. de. Confucii.

34 » caufa permittendum efle Chrifüfideli- » bus, quod prafint, miniftrent ; aut » interfint folemnibus Sacrificiis feu , Oblationibus ; qux à Sinenfibus in » utroque zquino&tio cujufcumque anni Confucio, & Progenitoribus defunáus

35 E$ » fieri folent ,. tamquam. fuperftitione. st imbutis. Similiter , nec efle periit- » tendum, quod in JEdibus Confucii ; » qua Sinico nomine Mao. appellantur ; .o5 lidem Chriftifideles exerceant, ac per- » agant Ceremonias, Ritus, & Obla- » tiones, quz in honorem ejufdem Con- » fucii fiunt tum fingulis menfibus in » Novilunio ; & Plenilunio à Mandari- — »- nis » feu primariis Magiftratibus , aliif- » que Officialibus ;.& Litteratis ; tum ab. x eifdem Mandarinis , feu Gubernatori- » bus,ac Magiftratibus ;. antequam. di- » gnitatem adeant ; feu faltem poft cjus » pofleffionem adeptam ; tum denique à » Literatis, qui poftquam ad gradus funt » admiffi , é veftigio ad Templum , feà » /Edem Confucii fe conferunt . | wsoi D.» — Preterea non effe permittendum | m Chriffianis, in Templis, feu JEdibus - » Progenitoribus dicatis Oblationes, mi- ,» nus folemnes eifdem facere , nec in » illis miniftrare ; aut quomodolibet. in- M»

36 » p -aliter odia, &s inimicitie vitar! non ?5 contracta ; infcriptione, defignari vi- [50] fervire . vel alios Ritus ; & Ceremo- — AJT. nias peragere .- - tem, nec effe permittendum prz- Et indo fatis Chriftianis , Oblationes ; Ritus j pidjs & Ceremonias hujufmodi coram Proc3 genitorum Tabellis, in privatis domi- "*: bus , five in eorumdem Progenitorum Sepulchris ; five antequam defunéá fepulturz tradantur , in eorum honorem feri confuetas , unà cum Gentilibus , . vel feorfim ab illis peragere ; eifque miniftrare , aut intereffe ; 1mmo przdida omnia, utpote qua; perpenfis hinc inde deduátis ,; necnon diligenter ac mature difcuffis omnibus, 1ta peragi comperta funt ; ut à fuperftitione feparari nequeant , Chnufüanz Legis cultoribus ne quidem permittenda effc ; przemiffa publica ; vel fecreta. proteflatione ; fe , non religiofo ;. fed civili, ac politico tantüm cultu erga » defundios illi praftare , nec ab eis » quidquam petere aut fperare. —— » Nontamen per hec cenfendam — «twi materialis 7» effe damnatam prafentiam illam ;. feu sos ám ; alfiftentiam. meré materialem ;. quam vaga a » cum Gentlibus fuperftitiofa peragentur 1n que bus &c, tibus, citra ullam five expreffam , five tacitam geftorum approbationem y. ac quovis minifferio penitus feclufo eifdem fuperfüitiofis actibus quandoque vítari contingat a. Chriftanis, cim offunt: facdtà tamen prius ,' ft commodé fieri poterit, Fidei proteftatione, ac ceffante periculo fubverfionis —» Demum permirtendum non effe? 57 Chriftifidelibus Tabellas defun&orum evi Progenitorum in fuis privatis domibus e retinere ,. Juxta illarum partium 1norem , hoceft cum infcriptione Sinrca qua Thronus , feu Sedes Spiritus; vel Animz N. fignificetur; immo nec cum alia, qua Sedes, feu "Thronus; adeoque idem ac priori, licet magis deatur. Quo veró ad Tabellas folo defun&i nomine infcriptas ; rolerari pofle illarum ufum ; dummodo in cis conficiendis omittantur omnia, qu& : » fu-

37 [52] Acl. .

38 [53] Pp) ipetatis offixia non fugerftitiofa gieutiqnam prohibétur « 33 2»

39 [54] E») Eorum exa- , men Vifitatori Apofto- 95 lico, Epifcopis, & Vi- 5) cariis Apoft.

40 [55] zelinquitur. 22 2?

41 [56] RefesturDe-

42 [57] D-UrL5rzA-EIUAEL [58] fuperftitionem redolent ; & feclufo -fcandalo, hoe eft ; dummodo qui Chriftiani non funt ; arbitrari non poffint, Tabellas hujufmodi a Chriftianis retineri ed mente , quà ipfi illas retinent, necnon adjedtà infuper declaratione ad latus ipfarum Tabellarum apponendá ; quà ; & qua fit Chriftianorum de defunctus fides, & qualis Filiorum , ac Nepotum in Progenitores pietas effe debeat , enuntietur . ^» Per premiffa nihilominus non , vetati , quominus erga defunctos peragi poffint alia, fi que fint ; ab iis gentibus peragi confueta, qua veré fuperftitiofa non fint , nec fuperftirionis fpeciem praefeferant ; fed intra limites civilium , & politicorum Rituum contineantur. Porro quanam hzc fint , & quibus adhibitis cautelis tolerari valeant, tum pro tempore exiftentis Commiffarii , & Vifitatoris Generalis Apoftolici fcu cus vices exercentis in - Imperio Sinarum ; tum Epifcoporum , & Vicariorum Apoftolicorum illarum partium judicio relinquendum effe : ui tamen interea omni, quo poterunt , ftudio , ac diligentià curare debebunt, ut Gentium Coeremoniis penitus fublatis , illi fenfim a Chirifbianis , & pro Chriftianis hac in re ufu recipiantur Ritus ; quos Catholica Ecclefia pro defuntis pi& prefcripfit .- / Pofl bac veró , labente feré fexenuto ; empe die 25. Septembris 1210. y auditis iterum. ditdorum | Cardinalium 4 qui. vem maturi y ac diligentiffzné difculferunt y fuffragiis , eadem refpon[a , necnon. Mandaium, fem Decretum , quod. illis expre[sé inberendo , 4 pie recordatiomis Carolo Tbomá, dum vixit y eju[dem Santia Romane Ecclefie Cardinali de 'Tournom. nuncupato y tunc Patriarcha Antiocheno , Commi[[art0 ; e$ Vifitatore Apoffolico Generali i prefato Imperio Sinarum , die 25. Taunarn 1707. editum fuit ,. ab omnibus e$ frügulis » ad quos J[pettabat , inconcu[sà , «9 1myiolabiliter y fub cen[uris , €? pauis 1n Mandato s fé Decreto buju[modi expreffrs, eb[errauda effe decrevimus y € declaravimus y quovis contrafacieudi quefrto colore , [et pretextu penitus fublato . ac potiffimum uon obflante quacumque appellatione a quibufvis. Per[opis Ad Nos , «$ Sedem Apoflolicam 1mterpofftá y quam propterea. prorfus. rejiciendam effe femiliter decrevimus y ac ve ip[a vejecicimus , prout im Decreto bac de ve edito fufeus continetur , Fc omnia pleuà , «9 abundé fufficere debwiffent , ut ea y qua imimicus. bomo. [uperfeminaverat y: cizania ex agro illo vadicitus. evellerentur ,. Fidelefque omues uoferis , e6 bujus Santa Sedis maudatis, eá » quá par eraty bumilitate , «9 obedientiá | obfequerentur : preferzim cum incalce vefpou[orum praditforum a Nobis , ffcuz. preuittiur . confirmatorum » «9 approbatopum y Cau[am jam fitam effe, apertis , | perfpicuss yerbis. pronunciatum fuerit Verum y cum y ficuti ex eifdem par- Hbus non [rue uutimo agimi noflri dolore aa soflri pervenit Apoflolatus auditum » tam enixà a Nobis praferipta ve[ponforum huju[- modi executio malà 4. pleri[que ,. ffve vano falfoque obtentu ,. quod illa a Nobis. fufpemfà fuerint y vel minus legitime promulgata y ff ve conditionum » ut perperam af[eritur y in

43 [60] Ejus obfervantia riis effugiis retardata « eis infitarum y e? ante. executionem. ip[am verificandarum y fa&forumve , [aper quibus ipía emavaruut y non jufiificatorum ratione, ff ve ulteriorum a. Nobis ea in ve edeudarum declaratiouus colore , ffve. gravium y que [61] tam Miffionarits , quàm Miffom ipff ex demandata executione obvenire poffeut y. pertculorum formidine , frve demum Decreti dudun, nempe die 23. Martit Y656. fuper - ac a recol. mem. Alexandro Papa VIL eram Pradeceffore offro approbati prazextu y neczon fine gravi Pontificie nofira autbowttatit injuria , Chriffifidehum [caudalo y. ac f4lutis Animarum detrimento , fatis diu , mulzumque eludatur y aut faltem gimium retar-

44 [62] BUWA: d : Hinc eff , quod Nos y ex commi [Ja Nobis divinitus Apoffolice [erviturs. muuere » difficultates y tergrverfationes » fa ubterfugia , ep pratextus buju[modi penitus , € omuzo & tedio tollere ,. ac vepicere necnon Chri- Bb ftf ejufmodi Ritibus y. fen Caremontis Simieis prefata Congregatioge. Cardinalium editi y Praeceptum ar&iffimum , fub cenfuris, & po:nis,pro ejufdem Decreti execustione « va- flifidelium | quieti auimarumque. faluti y De quà om- : Miffiot SUCC »rü jme. e$ poteflatis plegitudime paribus y bancs quautum Nobis ex alto. conceditur y profpicere, cupientes , de eorumdem. Cardinalium confilio , ac etiam motu proprio ; €9 ex cerza fcientia y ac marura deliberatione noferis » deque Apoffolice potefatis pleuzudime , omgibus e$ fragulis Arcbteptf copus » e$ Epi[copsv fupradiéfo Sinarum Iuperio , alique ei coutermimis » [rve adjacentibus Regnis ac Proviuciis uuuc y €$ pro tempore quandocumque. exifleutibus [9b fufpenfioms ab exercitio Pontificalium. , €9 Igterdiéfi ab ingre[fm Eccleffe , eorum vero Officialibus y ac. l'icariis. in Spiritualibus Gezeralibus ; aliifque. illorum. | locorum. Ordinarius »/ € enam Vicariis Apoffolicis , qui Epifcopi uou fft y. eorumrve Provicarits y uecuon Miffiona- "vlüsytam faculariburquam cujuf' vis Ordimiss. COUgregationis » Iofüituti y £9 Societatis etiam Tefu, Regularibus y [ub excommuncattoms late feutentia y 4 qua uemo a. quoquam, prererquam à Nobis , fem Romamo Pontifice pro tempore exiffente y. wife im anortis articulo. conftitutus 4. abfolvi. poffrz , e$ quoad Regulares , enam privatiomis vocs. a&hiva , e$ paffrve pams per contra] acientes ipfo falfo abfque alia declaratione iuceurrendis, tenore pre[eutium. praecipimus ,. 4€ im virtute famtie obediwutie mandamus y ut refpoufa preiferta E omiaque , €9 fengula. 4n eis contenta y exalfà , integrà y. abfolute , amviolabiliter y. e$ inconeu[sà. obfervent ; AC ab eis , quorum cura ad illos [pe&tar , feuiliter obfervari , quantum-im ipfis efl , cuvent €9 faciant : meque illis y. ffve ullo ex fuperius exprelhs ,. [fve alio quovis titulo y €21554. y occafione » colore y vel pretextu y conzrayenre quoquo inodo. audeant ,- vel prafumant . A I | s Praterea motu y fcientia y deliberatiomentum pre- Bare juben- UII ferte flatutmus , 9. fub eifdem excom- Xr municatioms ve[ervate y ac privationis. 'vocis A&iTva » €$ paffrve peus, ordinamus y ut omnes, 8 frmgul: Ecclefiaflici tam. ['aculaves, quàm pradiétorum Ordinum , Congreganomum , lufhturorum y «$ Socieratum , enam Jefu ,. Regulares , ad Simas , aliave prefata Regna , «9 Provincias ; five ab - hac San&ia Sede y ffve etiam ab eorum. Su- perioribus miffi , ee quandocumque in pofteyum mittendi , cuju[vis zaudem zituli y aut facultanis vigore ilic exiftaut y. vel im futuprafentes Litere eis immotuerimt s nmeudi vyeró , autequam ibidem aliquod. Miffonarii auus exercere incipiaut 5. juramentum de- yum extiterimt 5 mi fcilicet y. flazim sae — fideliter 5 iptegre y 4c imyiolabiliter. obfer-.. yando ejuf: modi Pracepto y. 4c Mandato /0firo jura. formulam in prefentium.| Lizerarum calce annotaudam » 1n mamibus Commiffari , €9 FAfttatoris Apoftolici 1n prafazo Ipperio Sinarum. pro. tempore CXlÍPEBLLS y vel alterius ab illo deputati y. ffve y. eo defrciente , in inanibus Epifcoporum vel Vicariorum Apoffolicorum diéarum partum y in quorum. ve[peétrvà. juri[ditfiome. commoramzur, wel commorabuntur , aut aliorum ab eis. deputatorum y Regulares veró im. mambus iu[uper Superiorum fue Religious , vel ab illis deputatorum im eifdem partibus exi- - flentium y, praflare ommo debeagmr, ac teaeantur : ita ut aute prafdatiouem Turamenti hujufmodi , «6 fub[criptiouem [ub. eadem Et dotecillud preftite. rint, eifdem fufpéduntur fürmula ab unoquoque , qui — juramentum tu. ipfum praffiterimt. propria. mann faciendam s uullum Miffonarii munus. continua. ves AME EXCVCEYO immo uec tamquam | deputati ab. Epifcopis , feu. Ordinariis: Locoyum , aut tamquam ffaplices fue Rehiguoms Presbyteri y. ffve alto quovis titulo , causa, feu privilegio y. de quibus expre[fa ,. €9 [peciahffina ejfet facienda mentio ,. Chrifüafide- Lum Confofhones audire, couciomari , aut Sacramenta quotmodolibez. admimiflrare: ullo modo valeaut y uulhfque omui facultatibus y. ffve fibi fpeciatum y. [tve [uis vefpettiye Ordinibus , Congregationibus ,. Infüitudis, €9 Socetanibus , enam. Tefu, buju[- modi generaliter a Sede prafata couceffisquti poffe 5 fed quoad eos, preter, e$ ulta fuperius expreffas peuas , omues e$ fingula facultates pradiééa omnino ceffent ,. aulluufque roboris ftnt y. «8 effe cen[cautur . Omnia autem. Turamenta bujn[modi per quo[cumque Miffonarios tam Seculares y quam Regulares, im memoratorum ftve Cotm- Juramenti prattiti exe pla aychene tica ad 93€ dem tranf miffaru 5 e6 Vifitatoris "Apoftolici pro jpg P pore exiftentis y. ffve Epifcoporum ,. aut Vi- - cartorut Apoffolicorum mamibus ,. fecut pramitti [i to Superiores curent. pramifforum €- ge munita. fuerint y vel faltem authentica illorum exempla, per eo[ dem Commiffarium , e9. Vifitatorem Apoffolicum pro tempore exiflentem , Epifcopos ; eó F'icartos Apofolicos , ad prefatam Congregationem Cardiualium y quanto citius fieri poterit : manfiit- , Superiores "vero Regulares | cuju['vss Ordinis , Congregationis y luffituti , e$ Soxadoem, cjefaris, enam efus Mc uuuc, Cw pro Claufüle pro . omnimoda Literarü obfervantia . / es zempore exifeutes y [ub eifdem pagus, tecantur uon [olum idem Turamentum im pre- — fatorum , frve Conmif[arii , «8. Fifrtatorts "Apoflolici pro tempore exifleutis , five Epifeoporum , aut Vicariorum Apoffolicorum quanibus y juxta modum [upra pre[criptum , prefane » ejufque formula ft ubfcri bere fed etiam illius. praefationem. a fis. vefpettvve Subditis exigere y ac authentica ea [uper ve documenta. quamprimum man[mittere. ad fuos. vefpet&zvve Superiores. Generales y. qui ila memorate Comgregattoni Cardinalium : flatim tradere debebunt . : Deceruentes , ea[dem pra[eutes. Li- IerAs , €9 im eis contenta quacumque y enam smodolibet: prateudentes , cujuf'ois. fatus y gradus ,' Ordims , praeeminentta e$. di- - gnitatis exiflant y fin alias Jfpecificá y e8 1u- —. dividuá mentione; e8 exprelloue digni, illis - mom con[en[erint , mec ad ea vocati €9 At- T S cauif eque s propter quas pre[eutes emagarint y fi uffcienter. adducta , verificata ; e juflificate mon fuerint y. amt ex alia quas libet , etiam quantumvis juridica e$ privilegiata caufa s colore y pratextu y C? capite» etiam in corpore Turis claufo , etiam enormis , enormiffrma ,. «9 totalis. lefsomis ; nullo unquam tempore de [ubreptioms , vel obreptionis , aut nullitasis vitio y feu 12ten- -diomis uoffra , vel jutereffe babeutium. couo fenfus , aliove quolibet , etiam quautumvis magno , e$ fubflantali , ae imexcogitato e$ inexcogitabili , wudrviduamque expreffronem requirente dofeíiuy notari y impugnari y infringi y imyalidari , vetraéfart y 1m COnzrover[ram vocari , aut ad. terminos furis veduci, feu adver[us illas aperitizionis Oris;

45 A. Tl. guittitur y praflamda y. poflquam fubfcriptio- . £X £0, quod praedii , €9 alii quicumque tn o pramiffs interef[e babeutes ; ftt babere quo- P reffitutiogis i2 (utegrim » aliudve quodcumque Turis, faifr, vel gratie vemedium ipteutari , "vel impetrari y, aut. vmpetvato , feu etiam motu s fcientia e poteftazis phesutudime paribus conce[fo y "vel emanato , quempiam in Judicro y vel extra Lud y utis feu fe quvare ullo iodo poffe s fed spfas prafentes Literas femper frrmas y validas e$. efficaces exiflere » «9 fore, quibu[cumque juyis , feu fatti defettibus , qui adverfus 1- -das, etiam quorumyis a Sede prefata concefforum. privilegiorum. pratextu y ad effe- Gum impedieudi , feu. vesardandi. earum executione » quovis modo » feu quavis ex caufa opponi, feu objici po[feut y. minim refragautibus y fuos plemarios , 6 integros effettus fortiri y e$. obtimere , eafgue propierea » omuibus y «6 Jffugulis quomodolibet allatis , feu afferendis impedimeuns pentius. €$ 0mmiuo veJetfus , ac megquaquam attentis y ab illis , ad quos. fpe&laz y «d pro tempore quandocumque. fpetfabit , 4miolabiliter , «9 inconcuffe obfervari 5 feque y e non aliter in pramiffis per quofcumque Judices Ordinarios , «6 Delegatos. y. etiam Cau[avum Palatii Apoffohies Auditores y. ac ejufdem Sautie Romana Ecclefia. Cardinales , etiam de Latere Legazos , e$ prafata - Sedis Nuncios ,: aliofve quoslibet. quacumque preeminentia , e$ poteflate fimgentes - eo funtiuros , [ublatá eis em COT Cuts Decreta ir ritantia .« libet quavis aliter judicandi 6$ ipterpre- — zandi facultate y «$ autoritate » judicari y ev definiri debere 5. ac irritut y C 124926 5 ff fecus J'per bis A4 quoquam. quaYLs autdos - genus opus [rt y mofira y e$ Cancellariae Apoflolice Regula de Ture quefito non tollendo 5. alique Apoflolicis ; 4€ 15 Um ver[alibus ; Provincialibu[que , «98 Synodalibus Conciliis editis generalibus y vel fgecialibus Conflitutiogibus y e$ Ordinatiogibus , euo - ritate fcienter y yel 1gmoranter COmtigerit

46 Non obflautibus premis » €$ » QuA- Deropatinenes ampliffima, quorumcumque Ordinum s Congregationum». ; lofüitutorum , €?» Societatum etiam fefu y ac quarumvis Ecclefrarum , ep alus. quibuslbet , etiam juramento ,. coufarmatione — Apofflolicá » vel quais fermitate alia roboeg con[uetudimibus » ac Bb z pe VANS y Statutis »

47 preferiptiombus quammcumque longi/]- Kormula Juramenti dis , € umnmemorabilibus , Privileguis quoque» ludultis y e$ Literis Apoflolicis Ordimibus ; Congregationibus » ; lofhitutis ? e$ Socieratibus y etiam yefu y ac Ecclefns predié£is , alii f've quibuslibet perfonmis , etiam quamumis Jublimibus , ev Jpecialiff ffrmá qeutione dignis , 4 Sede preditfa ex quacumque caufa. » etat per viam contratZus » e remuneratiopis ,. [ub quibu[cumque werborum teuoribus , cv formis , ac cum qui- Lbufvis, etiam derogatoriarum derogatoris y alii[que ejficacioribus ; efficaciffimis y e$ 12folitis claufulis , iwritantibu[gue , «& atiis decretis , etiam motu, [ciemtia , e poteflatis. plenitudine. femilibus y, [e ad quarumcumque. per[onarum » eam Impertalt y Regali , alidve qualibet mundaud y vel Eccleft fafticá dignitate fulgentium imflautiam » aut evum contemplatione feu. aliás quomodohibet im comtrarium praum forum conce[- fet» editis y facfis , ac pluries iteratis y ac quantifc umque vicibus approbatis , cfe MIAPIS » € 1un0vAtis . - Quibus ommbus , eó ff: fngilis , etiamfr ? pro dllovum fufrcienni derogatione, de illis y eorumque uU tenoribus fpecialis y. [pecifica ,. expre[fa s idi yidua , ac de verbo ad "yerbum , mom autem. per claufulas generales idem importantes mentio y feu quavis alia expreffo babenda , aut aliqua alia exquifita forma ad boc. fervanda foret , tenores buju[modi , ac fe. de verbo ad verbum y mbil penitus omiffo , c» formá in ^ tradit obfer vata CAXprimeventur y e$. in[ereremtur ,. pre[fentibus pro plene ; e f'ufficienter expreffis » € inferzs babentes y. illis alias 1m fuo. vobore perman[uris , ad praemiorum effe&um bac ice dumtaxat [pecialiter y. «7 exprefe derogamus , e» derogatum effe "volumus , caterifque contrariis quibufc CHILQUE. . » Formula autem Juramenti , ficut Ne» premittitur R preflaudi » €f qua fequipreftandi .

48 » itr, Yidelicet : Ego N. Miffionarius. » ad Sinas, velad Regnum N. , velad. — » Provinciam N. a Sede Apoftolica vel » aSuperioribus meis, juxta facultates —» €is a Sede Apoftolica conceffas ,' mi » fus , vel deftinatus , Precepto ; ac » Mandato feppohoico fuper Ritibus ; & xeu Ceeremoniis Sinenfibus in Confütutio- ne Sandiffimi Domini Noftri Domini Clementis Divina Providentia Pape Xl. hac de re edita, qua prafentis Juramenti formula praícripta eft, contento , ac mihi per integram. ejufdem Conftitutionis le&uram optimé noto , plené ac fideliter parebo , illudque exacte , abfoluté ac inviolabiliter obfervabo , & abfque ulla. tergiverfatio- ne adimplebo . Si autem ( quod Deus avertat ) quoquo modo contravenerim , toties quoties id evenerit poc- nis per predidam Conítitutionem im- pofitis me fubJe&tum agnofco , & de- caros DM Evange- liüs;promitto, voveo, & juro. Sic , me Deus adjuvet , & hec Sancta Dei Evangelia, : Ego N. manu propria .

49 Ceterum Qood: ; € expre[fe nauPowr.

50 All D Ieceptum e Literarü damus , ut eadem grefentes Litera y [en ivima. earum exempla y etiam umpre[[a , wotificenne,tranfmifione, & e.

51 ry € immentur opibus, dv figuli m memoratorum Ordinum s Congregationum ; lof fituzorum y. &$- Societatum s etiam Jefu ; Superioribus Gengeralibus , €9 Procuratoribus Generalibus , ad boc ut tam fto quam pradicforum eis ve[petfryi Subditorum eu inferiorum mone y ipfas Literas fidelizer eXeguii y e obfervare Jpoudeant ; a&tummque | fpouffomis bau; mod: 14 [criptis veddagt ; eAYUIm yer exempla preditia pluribus YILSs quauto citius fieri poterit y tran[mittant ad eofdem [uos Subditos , feu Voferiores in Sigis , aliifque Regnis , €9 Proyinciis ftpradié£us degeutes um ari 72 His pracepiis. ea[dem literas , «9 im eis comenta qua- - €uunque plenarie ; €^ "eere ; 4C "pert s realiter y e$ cum effetin i 22 omuibus y e$ pe 0uta fr. militer exequendi » €" obfer andi .- Quia vero. difficile | fovet , e Exenplost bujufmods originales ubique offendi y e$ publicari y "volumus pariter » e? decermumus , au&oritas JVlarum tran[imptis , feu exemplis , etiam unprefés , manu alicujus Notarii. publici — Jubferiptis » € [reillo Per Jona in Ecclefta- [fica digmtate confiituta MAILS, eamdem prorfus de tm in Judicio , quàm extra ! "» ; ubique locorum baberi qua babeA. ll. retur ipfes prefeutibus y ff forent exhibita; vel offez[e .

52 pat. die 19. Datum Rome apud Santdam Mariam Xue Majorem, fub Anuulo Pt[catoris die t9. Marti 171$. Pontificatus Noffri. Anuo

Sanctissimi domini nostri Benedicti Papae XIV, Bullarium tom. I : in quo continentur constitutiones, epistolae, aliaque editae ab initio pontificatus usque ad annum MDCCXLVI (1746) — Internet Archive OCR text, restored to continuous text (page breaks, hyphenation, running heads, footnotes); OCR errors of the source remain. Source: Internet Archive.

Italian text

1 drino, reprobantur; et annullantur: Prescribitur: nova formula Giuramenti d- Milionariis (o0 prestandi Po

BENEDETTO. PAPA XIV.

2 4d perpetuam rei memoriam.

3 TU X quo singulari BE provvidenza-f- Exordium.

4 Pe is «um e(t, ut.

5 agati b jf YU. CES S DD e iil AT Orientalium b promota in [, Sinarum Imperio, fundere ir &- dad i servare. maximo. studio - curavit; ; in his quoque novissimis temporibus Evangelicos Operarios in antedictas Regiones seduló misit; ut Idololatria ibi late dominante funditus eradicata, Christiane Fidei semen opportune spargerent; atque horrentes illos;. & incultos campos 1n fertiles florentesque. vineas, uberrimos sterne vite fructus. daturas, » commutarent. Ex Regiosibus autem.

6 COO mem Ww Opens a à Sancta Sede illuc muffos dissidia; cursum. intercidissent. f.1. Occasionem dissidiis: ejufn inodi Dissidia in. E Ceremonie quaedam; ;& Ritus, terMissiona, Hes. Adae squibus Sinenses; ad Confucium Phileso- Mor ede.

7 nb ius cum - | gregationi. de exhibita; « Ritusque. nullam in se superstitionem hairSe bere videbantur. Negotium itaque hufuit. jufmodi. ab Alexandro Papa VII. Sacre B uod fa&ura, nisi.

AT V.

8 PONT phum ,& Maiores suos honoribus profequendos uti confueverunt: cum nonnulli E cx Missionariis contenderent, eas esse Cc. E remonias, & Ritus meré civiles adeoea dés. que concedendos iis, qui relicto Idolo- ' -rum cultu, Christianam Religionem amplestebantur; contra vero alii-60s., Utpote superstitionem olentes,. sine gravi Religionis injuria permitti nullo modo polse afferent.. Qua sane. controversia -multis annis Apostolice Sedis curam; & Aollicitudinem ad se traxit; cum id maxr- - 4mé caveat, né zizanja in agro Dominico radices agant» aut, si [oues egerint» e quam citó fieri poteft; cran:

9 4f. 2. Primo. itaque ad Sande Sedis "Fribunal Causam hanc detulerunt 115 qui »i ia. fio Congreg, CGeremonias illas; & Ritus Sinicos suüpere s, b fi foi b S Fide, fub, ftiione imbutos fuspicabantur. Superi y illis Dubia. nonnulla proposita füerunt al | Congregationi de Propaganda Fide, qux jul a Occidenta- - : j| lium Indiarum dE «Or :: - nias. * & Bou eode:

10 xc Fainfe&os judicarunt. . Proinde Innocen: E. E tius Papa X. ad prefate Congregationis: preces; om is -sub poena. excommunicationis. latz sengnome xesponia, ac rum qui Ceremofaperftitione reve | nibus & singulis Missionariis; tentige, sibi, ac Sancte Sedi reservate; - mandavit; ut resposta; ac decisiones pradictas omnino observarent; easque ad praxim deducerent; donec sibi & Apostolice Sedi aliter visum non effet. 4.3. Verüm pauló post ab aliis ejuf- : "es Missionis: Operariis alia Dubia de iif ates ce greg. S. Indem Ritibus, & Ceremoniis ipsimet Con; sitin. à Propaganda. Fide fuerunt Xquibus Ceremonie 1píz, Inquisitionis Congregationi commissum fuit: que, prout vari, diversáque ratione fuerat sibi de eifdem Ceremoniis expositum, alias quidem, tamquam mere civiles& politicaseffe. permittendas, alias vero minimé tolerari posse judicavit; idemque Alexander Pontifex anno 1656. hanc sententiam probavit; & confirmavit, m gr, fib UE Sed. ecce tertió ad Sanctam c». Se. Congr eg. 1üs

PONT.

11 -.A.ll. Sedem hiec eadem controversia, Cum plura Dubia. Sacre Inquisitionis Congregationi proposita. fuissent, illud quoque DUE quaesitum fuit, utrum adhuc vigeret Innocenti: Pape. X. praeceprum, quo sub poena excommunicationis lata. sententia: mandabat observantiam. responsio- : numi, ac decisionum, qux à Congregatione de Propaganda anno 1645., ut supra dictum est; eianaverant. Praeterea, an» [tantibus recens expositis dubiis, earum praxis retinenda foret: cum praefertim obstare. videretur Decretum Sacra - Inquisitionis: quod abca emanavit anno 1656. super quaesitis nonnullis, liverüfit ongregatio anno 166 o prafarum. ene es de Propaganda Fide Decretum. adhuc vigexe, habità ratione rerum; qux dci in ibas exposite; neque illud fuisse. circumscriptum à Decreto Sacra Inquisitio- Dis; quod anno 1656. emanavit; immo esse omnino observandum juxta quaesita circumftantias;G omniaea, quain antedictis Dubiis. continentur. Declaravit PERSE: p Congreg ia tum anni 1656.!

12 probavit is Jamnoe. XI. 0f. 5.

13 Dei Curi e della pro varia rerum esposizione ragione cen pne fossero state fatte; ac promulgate; tanto. pu »» abfuit ut Rituum Sinensium controversia finem obtineret, ut magis illa vires; & incrementum acquireret, Nam scitis. Evangelicis Operariis in partes; -adduda. £68 Pus in acriorem animorum; ac sententiarium contentionem. Atque hinc, non sine gravi scandalo, magnoque 1 Fidei damno, confecuta est praedicatio non uniformis .& non eadem ubique Christianorum illorum disciplina. & institutio. De his autem absurdis certior factus Innocentius Papa XII. Praedecessor noster $4 e muneris sui omnino esse putavit, ut per- E B urnrnaalI | decessoris sui zelo plenus, coram se quaesitorum eorundem examen fieri voluit, A*r»cve sá ratione, alufque meom — Quam brem pott diuturnam, maturam, fitis ab Ns iue in Sinarum — & acc odecumuse anno 1 pariter; eodem modo esse. observandum stantias. 3 de reliqua i in dpfis coc Hoc - autem Decretum. Clemens re IX. com- T - Cum autem omnia praefata De- -- cam, ; addito Decreto ;

14 ejus observantiam exigebat. Cum autem anno o MDCCX. queen omnimod.

I89 ANNO

15 niciofis adeo diffidiis finis daretur; pro- 1742. inde exactam, maximéque accuratam totius hujus controversiae discussionem Sacrae Inquisitionis Congregationi commisit. Cumque nihil intentatum reliquissent, quo sinceram fadi notitiam obtineret, firmata quoque fuerunt. de illius mandato summa cum diligentia Quaesita; quae per eamdem Sanc Congregationem resolverentur.

16 f. 6. Quaesitorum illorum examen Clemens xr.: approbat Re- Innocenti Papa XII. mors intercepit. sponsiones Clemens autem XI., qui successit abo e d easque transmittit ad Patriarchá- * rei discussionem, poft te rationes? s» quibus Apostolica auctoritate comprobavit prainemoratae Sacre Congregationis responsiones ad omnia, & uet quaesita proposita; quibus Ritus Sinenses, utpote superstitione imbuti; prohibebantur; mandavitque, praefatas responsiones ad Carolum Thomam de Tournon Antochie Patriarcham, Commissarium, & in Sinarum Regno. Visitatorem Apostolicum: -transmitti; ut nimirum exactam earumdem. observantiam. cue po BU: dé ditis praeceptis &c.

17 lo iem E quo ab universis illam tentassent eludere, variisque i inani busrationibus effugere ii, qui Sinenses: : Ritus tamquam politicos; y acere CL les propugnaverant predictus Pontifex. Clemens XI. Decreto; quod per Sacra c Clemens XI. At iterum om- Inquisitionis Congregationem - emanavit Bis tonffat.

18 1742. $.98« Decretum [uper omnimoda, 4c ier 9eiovviolabili observatione Responforum aliàs in Caufa Rituum s [eu Ceremopiarum Srgen- Qum. à Sacra Congregatione dazorim e à Sanétiffumo approbatorum, y eum aliis Ordinationibus.- Mandat observari Decretum edi- In de Tournon.

19 Jatio Apoffolico Quirinali. coram Santtiffomo Domiuo Noffro Domumo Clemente Diviud. dazo, fem Decreto praadiro we] wmseni- Providentid Papa Xl., y ac Eminentifmis, e» Revereudiffimis Dominis. Sautfa Roma-. ze Ecclefie Cardinalibus 49 tota Republica. c Ohrifliaua contra bareticam pravitatem Ge- — geralibus Inquifitoribus. à Sanída Sede .Apoffolica fpecialiter deputatis; : ——— Jdem Sauttifrmus Dominus Caufa. Rituum, feu Ceremomiarum. Sinenfum, auditis, tam im Congregationibus ammo preterito mou femel, quàm im alits, menfe, ed anmo pra[entibus pluries coram Santfitaze Sua. babitis, prafato. $8 declaravit, refpou[a. alias im Caufa bu- -jafimdi ab cadem Congregatione datas e$ à. Sandlitate Sua. die 0. Novembris 1704. confirmata à ed approbata, accgoz Manda- | .— dum, fen Decretum ab Egnuentiffomo 5. Revereudiffrmo Domino Domino Cardiuaht de Tourgon, y. iuac Patriarci | Ann j E Commiffario, € F ! "Apoftolico Cene- — sali ip Imperio Sisar die 25.49.1707. e bac de re edit / , db omuibus, «8 féngulis, — ad quos [peétat, iucoucu[ 5 e9 22violabiliy diem | pellationes a1 $. Sedem 7714702 72072 obflante quacumque appellasiue D cularibus, frve quibufi yir Per[ons, frve Sa Regularibus, eam fp.:

20 mention e, 9 Cap «E cclefiafftca.

21 5 EE E dorerpofitas £5 tudvvidud yemitate fulgentibus, ad Se- | dem Apoffo icum interpofetd, quam propte- - — rea Santéitas Sua vepiciendam effe decrevir, e apfa rejecit .— voccx eue lue Declarat, £o Decreto B oukicmpr XGI- V.

22 Feria V. die XXV. Sept. MDCCAX..

23 Congregatione Generali Sanfía Romane, am à Card. e? Uprver/ alis luquifitionis, babita in Pa-. Nofer sr efarorum. Esnineutiffso- "p Domimorum.

24 Cardinalium y che vennero maturo y e diligente. eiffme discussero y [ementus , decrevit y A Autocheno y — b. censure «8 pass ip Mandato yepo bujufimodi esprefs , osservanza is contrafaciendiquefrro colo- - Rejiclt «pve s fen pretesto peuitus sublato y. ac potuf- : one diguis » AC quayis - vocum idem Dominus Cardinalis : PONT. de Tournon in suo Mandato , fem Decreto Alc füpradiéto ; Apostolice decisioni die 2.0. Novembris 1504. lata se ex presse inberere ms professus fuerit y Sanitas Sua ulterius dee ii claravit y ipfim Mandatum, feu. Decretum, i non cum censure im eo comtemiis,4d Aor an eorumdem. vefpon[orum | accipiendum esse. , itaut. gibil per illud vefponfts prasatis addinn, feu detractum fuisse: ceufendum sit y. 4c omia y que im ens in[katy etiam in Mangap. s —— Ceterum Saullitas Sua ,- 1amcetfe mou Pleniorem P NS i uu T E m . Instruéioné fime jagemii amimi [ui muove ACCEpEPH y conii y bu quod buami generis boffis multiplicia in die zicania ia latiffmis illis Regiombus fu. perfeminare 400 ceffats uon z4mem propterea iz eis Catholica Religionis. propaganda. [aluberviuum » ac fauctiffgnum opus ullateuus deferere "volens y sed illud majori ,. qua potfl, amimi comtemtiome, ac fludio , nque potifguum | difhiduss ; quibus imibi Chriffiaue Fidei seges peli [pims fuffocatur » prorfus ! fubmotis , ard egi Jenper y t$ enixius promovere cupieus 5 congruam [uper pramilis , alifque ad ea pertimentibus instruéionem confici y lamque diéfo D. Cardinali EF gs. iatenus adhuc in illis peu dus comumoretur y fto minus ila y qui ejus - loco deputatus fuerit y necuon Epiftopts y e$ Ficarüs Apostoheis earumdem — partium | trap[unitti mandavit , qua mom mimus debite Apostolicorum Decretorum executiom y quam Milfonariorum concordia , Evangel- E pradicatiou y: atque auuimarum salutis opportumd coufulazur .-—— — | Demum , ut mume Wh de bis-yebus firibendi. liceutie » que mom fime Fidelium B ne : ftandalo. uter Partes dimturuá comtemtiogg iesus exa[peratas. Vavaluiz modus imponatur s : Sanifitas Sua. diflricfó pracepit, omnibus y e$ fingulis cupuf'vis Ordinis , Congregatiogis y loffuturi » 9 Societatis ,, etiam de neceffetate exprimenda , Regularibus , aliifque quibu[cumque facularibus Perfousstam Ecclefiaflicis quàm. Lawis y. cujufcusmque tandem [flatus y gradus , conditionis , «9. dr gitans exiflant , ut im pofieywm mom aWdeant [ub quovis quajüto colore , "vel pra-. tex Wprimeres "vel quoquo qmodo im lucem : c T edere Vétat publi — cati Ícriptà —

25 PONT. DLLERILUM 4 9I

26 A. II. edere Libros , Libellos , Relationes , Thefet , Folia , fe fcripta quacumque s 1n quibus ex profeffo y "vel incidenter de Ritibus Simicis buju[modt y. vel de contro verf. is defiger y. [eu illoruza occaftome exortis quommos dolibet traétezur y frue expreffa s e$ [pectat licentia à Santfitate Sua , feu pro tempore exiflente Romano Poptifrce. 44 Congregatione fipradicta Sanide , o "Upiver(alis Ipquifitionis obtinenda . "Ut autem. ejufn modi probibitio inviolabiliter ob[er'vetur , eadem f.1o, CLEMENTIS PAPE XI. ANNO Praeceptum fuper ommimoda y ab[oluta y. in» venor conf6gr4 y e9 imviolabili obférvatione €ortm , que Aliàs. à Santlitate Sua in Caufa Ripun, feu Cevemoniarum Sigenfium decreta. fuerunt s eum vejetfione quarumcumque vapomum y [eu excu [atiomm ad ejufmodi De« cretorum. executionem. declinandam allaza- YHP S 4C prefcriptione Formule Turamenuti per. Miffonartos illarum parium prefentes, .€8 futuros bac ia ve prasandi . ftitutionis s

HOO A PIE.

27 Santlitas Sua voluit 4 e» declaravit , COZ- CLEMENS PAPA XI, Ad futuges ; Pontifici traeuientes quofcumque excommumicatio. — vAW» vel demoriam. Ex illa die, qua.» filium. di- ' rimendi cóuis ate fententia ; Regulares vero etiam zullo licet meritorum: moffrorum fu [n [4810 cxovesfias privationis vocis aéitya , co pn Vve pauas ipfo f tfo. abf2ue alia declaratione i "UtHyrere 5 €6 mbilominus alizs etiam pas S4n-. &irans fe y &$. Succefforum [uorum Romasorum Pontificum arbitrio infligendis Jab- , iblieia facere. Libros porro ,. Libellos ; Relatiogero pro h ibes, fib pa 2/70. 5 Thefes » Folia , ac Seripta quacumque, 5s &e.

28 di altri editori approvazione; su cui opportunamente si provvederà), per espresso divieto. Avere voluto, senza altra dichiarazione, non pains, e censure contenute nelle Regole dei Libri proibiti. Stampatori. Per scritti stampati, se stampati, perdita della stampa e di altri, e altri castighi corporali secondo la gravità. Tenere ordinato contro coloro che facessero il contrario, chiunque essi fossero. — Joseph Bartolus della Santa Romana, Notaio dell'Inquisizione Universale. Questo. — Se però, né il Decreto di questo stesso fosse avvenuto contro il tenore del presente divieto (poiché alcuna cosa sotto l'ampiezza gravissima, e dei tempi iniquità molestissima, Dio disponendo, abbiamo ricevuto, con Noi mano al chiodo adducenti. Antichità fu, che le Contese — Impero della Cina. tra quattro piani. Missioni Esotiche, e sempre più giorni prevalenti, tanto circa alcune voci Siniche, al suono, e ineffabile Nome di Dio esprimendo in usurpate quanto circa alcuni loro riti di quelle genti, come superstiziosi. da alcuni da Missionari Sinesi, già Apostolici Governacoli della Chiesa Cattolica, questo è, di quelle varie parti predetti riprovati; da altri però, come civili soltanto portanti permessi; Giudizio Apostolico censura opportunamente dirimere: affinché, tolte le discordie, Religione Cristiana e Fede Cattolica propagandosi, Tutti finalmente dicessero nello stesso senso; e minore ordine. È, che Cristo:

29 Questo consta da quella risposta, che Ad vantaggio In questo fine. D ntasXicpeee ie - approvò. Riti siffatti a difficili animi soggiogare varie questioni su cose di questo genere. Posizioni edite, di cui Coinue. lit. Così Clemente stesso Papa XI, esaminate, previo diuturno esame già, su cui sopra. Quando li frenasse finalmente alquanto, Costituzione nell'anno 1715 pubblicò; con la quale solennemente di nuovo le predette risposte della Sacra Inquisizione, e quelle esattamente e ad amussim osservare ordinò, preclusi tutti quegli espedienti, con i quali uomini contumaci la loro perfetta osservanza in qualche modo evitare avessero potuto; e è del tenore che segue:

30 cioè al tempo del fel. ricord. Innocenzo Papa XII. Predecessore nostro iniziato; e quindi per ordine nostro per molti anni continuato, e ascoltate ambedue le Parti nelle loro ragioni, e sentenze di molti Teologi e Qualificatori dalla Congregazione dei Venerabili Fratri nostri Santi della Romana Chiesa Cardinali in tutta la Repubblica Cristiana Generali Inquisitori contro l'eretica pravità e autorità Apostolica data sono, il giorno 26 No-

ANNO: 1742. Breve di Benedetto XIV Pontefice

31 1742. 20. Novembre 1704. con la medesima autorità confermammo, e approvammo. — Ecco — (Ora però, che nelle risposte di questa nostra risposta, —

32 di decreti. furono, sono che seguono: E poiché Dio Ottimo Massimo convenientemente presso i Cinesi con vocaboli Europei esprimere non possa, per significare lo stesso vero Dio; il vocabolo Tien Chi, cioè, Signore del Cielo; che dai Cinesi Missionari e Fedeli, lungo e provato uso ricevuto essere, si riconosce; ammettendosi: i nomi però Tien, Cielo, e Xang Ti, Supremo Imperatore, interamente rigettandosi. Perciò le Tavole con iscrizione Sinica Kizg Tien, Cielo colito; nelle Chiese dei Cristiani appendersi, o già appese in seguito ivi ritenersi permesso non essere.

33 br d, Supremo Imperatore, interamente rigettandosi. Perciò le Tavole con iscrizione Sinica Kizg Tien, Cielo colito; nelle Chiese dei Cristiani appendersi, o già appese in seguito ivi ritenersi permesso non essere. — Di ciò, — A questo in nessun modo, e nulla di Confucio.

34 causa permesso essere ai Cristiani fedeli, che presiedano, ministrino; o intervengano ai solenni Sacrifici o Oblazioni; che dai Cinesi in ambedue gli equinozi di qualunque anno a Confucio, e ai Progenitori defunti

35 farsi sogliono, come imbuiti di superstizione. Similmente, né essere permesso, che nelle Dimore di Confucio; che col nome Sinico Mao si chiamano; i medesimi Cristiani fedeli esercitino, e compiano Cerimonie, Riti, e Oblazioni, che in onore dello stesso Confucio si fanno tanto singoli mesi nella Novilunio; e Plenilunio dai Mandarini o primari Magistrati, e altri Ufficiali; e Letterati; tanto dagli stessi Mandarini, o Governatori, e Magistrati; prima che la dignità conseguano; o almeno dopo la sua possessione conseguita; tanto finalmente dai Letterati, che dopo che ai gradi sono ammessi, subito al Tempio, o alla Dimora di Confucio si recano. — Inoltre non essere permesso ai Cristiani, nei Templi, o Dimore ai Progenitori dedicate Oblazioni, meno solenni agli stessi fare, né in quelle ministrare; o in qualunque modo in-

36 » p -altrimenti odi, &s inimicizie evitati non ?5 contratti ; iscrizione, designati vi- [50] servire . o altri Riti ; & Ceremo- — AJT. nie compiere .- - tem, né essere permesso pra- Et indi sufficienti Cristiani , Oblazioni ; Riti j pidjs & Ceremonie di questo genere davanti ai Proc3 genitori Tavole, nelle case private , sia nelle loro stesse Tavole dei Progenitori Sepolcri ; sia prima che i defunti siano consegnati alla sepoltura , nel loro onore fatte secondo l'uso , insieme con i Gentili , . o separatamente da essi compiere ; e ad essi ministrare , o assistere ; anzi tutte le predette cose, come quelle che pesate da ambo i lati dedotte ,; nonché diligentemente e maturely discusse tutte, così compiere si trovano ; che dalla superstizione separati non possono , Cristiani Legge cultori nemmeno permesse essere ; premessa pubblica ; o segreta. protestazione ; se , non religioso ;. ma civile, e politico soltanto culto verso » i defunti essi prestare , né da essi » nulla chiedere o sperare. —— » Tuttavia per queste non deve censurarsi — «twi materiale 7» essere dannata quella ;. o sos ám ; assistenza. meramente materiale ;. che vaga a » con Gentili superstiziosa compieransi 1n que bus &c, tibus, senza alcuna sia espressa , sia tacita gestorum approvazione y. e qualsiasi ministerio totalmente escluso dagli stessi atti superstiziosi talvolta evitarsi accada a. Cristiani, cim offunt: facoltà tuttavia prima ,' se comodamente farsi potrà, Fede protestazione, e cessante pericolo sovversione —» Infine permesso non essere? 57 Cristiani fedeli Tavole defunti evi Progenitori nelle loro case private e ritenere ,. Secondo quelle parti uso , cioè con iscrizione Sinrca qua Trono , o Sede Spirito; o Anima N. significarsi; anzi nemmeno con altra, qua Sede, o "Trono; e quindi stesso come primo, benché più darsi. Quanto veró alle Tavole solo defunto nome iscritte ; tollerare potersi il loro uso ; purché in esse confezionandosi omettansi tutte, qua; : » su-

37 [52] Acl. .

38 [53] Pp) ipietatis officia non superstiziosa gieutiqnam proibetur « 33 2»

39 [54] E») Loro esame Visitatore Apostolico, Vescovi, & Vicari Apost.

40 [55] zelinquitur. 22 2?

41 [56] RefesturDe-

42 [57] D-UrL5rzA-EIUAEL [58] odore di superstizione; e, escluso lo scandalo, cioè: purché coloro che non sono cristiani non possano ritenere che Tabulette di questo genere siano conservate dai cristiani con la medesima intenzione con cui le conservano essi, e inoltre aggiunta una dichiarazione da porsi al lato delle medesime Tabulette; mediante la quale sia enunciato quale sia la fede dei cristiani verso i defunti, e quale debba essere la pietà dei Figli e dei Nipoti verso i Progenitori. Tuttavia per quanto precede, non è vietato che verso i defunti possano compiersi altre cerimonie, se ve ne siano, che siano solite compiersi da quelle genti, che veramente non siano superstiziose, né presentino l'aspetto di superstizione; ma si contengano entro i limiti dei Riti civili e politici. Ora quali siano questi, e con quali cautele possano tollerarsi, è stato rimesso al giudizio tanto del Commissario e del Visitatore Generale Apostolico allora esistente, o di colui che ne esercita le veci nell'Impero della Cina; quanto dei Vescovi e dei Vicari Apostolici di quelle parti: tuttavia nel frattempo dovranno con tutto lo studio e la diligenza che potranno curare che, completamente abolite le cerimonie dei Gentili, quei Riti che la Chiesa Cattolica ha prescritto per i defunti siano gradualmente accolti da e per i cristiani in questa materia. Dopo di ciò poi, trascorso quasi un sessennio, cioè il 25 settembre 1710, ascoltati di nuovo i detti Cardinali, che la cosa maturamente e diligentissimamente discussero, con i loro voti, le medesime risposte, nonché il Mandato e il Decreto, che ad esse espressamente aderendo, dal pio ricordo Carlo Tommaso, mentre visse, del medesimo della Santa Chiesa Romana Cardinale detto di Tournon, allora Patriarca di Antiochia, Commissario e Visitatore Apostolico Generale del predetto Impero della Cina, il 25 gennaio 1707 furono emanati, da tutti e da ciascuno a cui spettava, in modo inconcusso e inviolabile, sotto le censure e le pene espresse nel Mandato e nel Decreto di questo genere, abbiamo decretato e dichiarato che dovessero osservarsi, essendo completamente escluso ogni pretesto e colore di contravvenzione; e soprattutto non ostante qualsiasi appello interposto da qualsiasi Vescovo a Noi e alla Sede Apostolica, che per questo motivo abbiamo decretato similmente che dovesse essere completamente rigettato, e l'abbiamo rigettato, come nel Decreto emanato in questa materia è contenuto più ampiamente. E tutte queste cose dovevano pienamente e abbondantemente bastare affinché la zizzania che il nemico aveva seminato fosse completamente strappata da quel campo, e tutti i Fedeli nostri e di questa Santa Sede osservassero i mandati con quella umiltà e obbedienza che era conveniente: specialmente poiché in calce alle risposte predette da Noi, come si prevede, confermate e approvate, era stata pronunciata con parole aperte e perspicue la Causa già conclusa. Tuttavia, poiché, come dalle medesime parti non senza nostro dolore è pervenuto all'udito del nostro Apostolato, l'esecuzione così energicamente da Noi prescritta di queste risposte è stata male e da molti, sia con vano e falso pretesto che fossero state da Noi sospese, o meno legittimamente promulgate, sia per le condizioni, come erroneamente si sostiene, nella loro osservanza con vari espedienti ritardata, e che dovevano essere verificate prima dell'esecuzione stessa, e i fatti su cui erano emanate non fossero stati giustificati, sia per il colore di ulteriori dichiarazioni da Noi in questa materia da emanarsi, sia per il timore di gravi pericoli che potessero derivare tanto ai Missionari quanto alla Missione stessa dall'esecuzione ordinata, sia infine per il pretesto del Decreto già emanato, cioè il 23 marzo 1656, dal nostro Predecessore di pio ricordo Papa Alessandro VII approvato, non senza grave ingiuria della nostra autorità Pontificia, scandalo dei cristiani fedeli e danno della salvezza delle Anime, sia stato per lungo tempo e molto eluso, o almeno grandemente ritardato

43 [60] la sua osservanza con vari espedienti ritardata, e che dovevano essere verificate prima dell'esecuzione stessa, e i fatti su cui erano emanate non fossero stati giustificati, sia per il colore di ulteriori dichiarazioni da Noi in questa materia da emanarsi, sia per il timore di gravi pericoli che potessero derivare tanto ai Missionari quanto alla Missione stessa dall'esecuzione ordinata, sia infine per il pretesto del Decreto già emanato, cioè il 23 marzo 1656, dal nostro Predecessore di pio ricordo Papa Alessandro VII approvato, non senza grave ingiuria della nostra autorità Pontificia, scandalo dei cristiani fedeli e danno della salvezza delle Anime, sia stato per lungo tempo e molto eluso, o almeno grandemente ritardato

44 [62] BUWA: d : Quindi accade, che Noi, per l'incarico a Noi divinamente affidato dal servizio apostolico, le difficoltà, le tergiversazioni, i sotterfugi e i pretesti di questo genere completamente, e con ogni tedio togliamo, e ripetiamo inoltre Cristo stesso di tali Riti, o Cerimonie simili emanati dalla prefata Congregazione di Cardinali. Precetto severissimo, sotto censure, e pene, per l'esecuzione del medesimo Decreto, a vantaggio della quiete dei fedeli e della salute delle anime. Di cui omissione successori nel plenitudine della potestà, desiderando provvedere, quanto a Noi dall'alto è concesso, del consiglio dei medesimi Cardinali, e anche motu proprio; e da certa scienza, e matura deliberazione nostra, e dalla pienezza della potestà apostolica, a tutti e singoli gli Arcivescovi, e Vescovi del suddetto Impero dei Sini, e a quelli a esso conterminanti, o adiacenti Regni e Province ora, e per il tempo avvenire comunque esistenti, sotto sospensione dall'esercizio dei Pontificali, e Interdetto dall'ingresso della Chiesa, ai loro Officiali però, e Vicari nelle cose Spirituali Generali; e agli altri Ordinari di quei luoghi, e anche ai Vicari Apostolici, che non siano Vescovi, e ai loro Provicari, nonché ai Missionari, tanto dei Chierici quanto di qualunque Ordine, Congregazione, Istituto, e Società anche di Gesù, ai Regolari, sotto sentenza di scomunica latae sententiae, da cui nessuno da chiunque, se non da Noi, o dal Romano Pontefice pro tempore esistente, se non nell'articolo della morte, può essere assolto, e quanto ai Regolari, anche privazione della voce attiva e passiva pene per i contravventori incorrendo ipso facto senza altra dichiarazione, per il tenore dei presenti. Ordiniamo, e in virtù di santa obbedienza comandiamo, che le risposte predette e tutte, e singole le cose in esse contenute, esattamente, integralmente, assolutamente, inviolabilmente, e irrevocabilmente osservino; e da coloro, la cui cura ad essi spetta, seriamente osservate, quanto in essi è, curino e facciano: né ad essi, o a qualcuno dei suddetti espressi, o a altro qualunque titolo, e 1554, e occasione, colore, o pretesto, contravvenire in alcun modo osino, o presumano. Inoltre motu, scienza, deliberazione nostra, sotto le medesime censure di scomunica riservate, e privazione della voce attiva e passiva pene, ordiniamo, che tutti, e singoli gli Ecclesiastici tanto Secolari, quanto dei predetti Ordini, Congregazioni, Istituti, e Società, anche di Gesù, Regolari, ai Sini, o altri prefati Regni, e Province; o da questa Santa Sede, o anche dai loro Superiori inviati, e comunque in futuro da inviarsi, di qualunque titolo, o vigore di facoltà ivi esistano, o in futuro in queste Lettere loro impartite; non possano però, antequam ibidem alcun ufficio di Missionario esercitare incomincino; giuramento dovuto prestino, cioè, subito e fedelmente, integralmente, e inviolabilmente osservando di tal guisa il Precetto, e Mandato nostro giuramento. Formula nella forma annotanda nel margine delle presenti Lettere, nelle mani del Commissario, e Visitatore Apostolico nel prefato Impero dei Sini pro tempore esistente, o di altro da lui deputato, o, esso mancando, nelle mani dei Vescovi o Vicari Apostolici di dette parti, nella cui rispettiva giurisdizione dimorano, o dimoraranno, o di altri da essi deputati, i Regolari però nelle mani inoltre dei Superiori della loro Religione, o da essi deputati nelle medesime parti esistenti, prestare in ogni modo debbono, e sono tenuti: così che antecedentemente alla prestazione del Giuramento di tal guisa, e sottoscrizione sotto la medesima formula da ciascuno, che il giuramento in esso prestino, propria mano facendo; nessun ufficio di Missionario continua esecuzione abbiano, anzi neppure come deputati dai Vescovi, o Ordinari dei Luoghi, o come semplici o della Religione Presbiteri, o altro qualunque titolo, causa, o privilegio, di cui espressa, e specialissima fosse da farsi menzione, i Cristiani fedeli Confessioni udire, conciliare, o Sacramenti in qualunque modo amministrare: in alcun modo valgano, nulle in ogni facoltà, o a loro speciale, o ai loro rispettivi Ordini, Congregazioni, Istituti, e Società, anche di Gesù, di tal guisa generalmente dalla Sede prefata concesse possano; ma quanto a essi, oltre e oltre le suddette espresse pene, tutte e singole le facoltà predette completamente cessino, e nessun vigore abbiano, e essere censurentur. Tutti però i Giuramenti di tal guisa per qualunque Missionari tanto Secolari, quanto Regolari, nei memorati o Comuni, autentici esempi al medesimo trasmessi, e Visitatore Apostolico pro tempore esistente, o dei Vescovi, o Vicari Apostolici mani, come premesso si, muniti siano stati, o almeno autentici loro esempi, per il medesimo Commissario, e Visitatore Apostolico pro tempore esistente, Vescovi; e Vicari Apostolici, alla prefata Congregazione di Cardinali, quanto più celermente potrà farsi: rimangono però, Superiori Regolari di qualunque Ordine, Congregazione, Istituto, e Società, di Gesù, anche di esso ora, e pro tempore esistenti, sotto le medesime pene, tenuti non solamente il medesimo Giuramento nei prefati, o Commissario, e Visitatore Apostolico pro tempore esistente, o Vescovi, o Vicari Apostolici mani, secondo il modo sopra prescritto, prestino, e della cui formula sottoscrivano; ma anche la sua prestazione dai loro rispettivi Sudditi esigano, e autentici su ciò documenti quanto prima trasmettano ai loro rispettivi Superiori Generali, che alla memorata Congregazione di Cardinali: subito tradere debbono. Decernenti, le medesime presenti Lettere, e in esse contenute qualunque, anche in qualunque modo: pretendenti, di qualunque stato, grado, Ordine, preminenza e dignità esistano, se non altrimenti Specifiche, e individuale menzione; e espressione degna, essi non consentissero, né ad esse vocati e Attaccati; e cause per le quali presenti emanassero, se sufficientemente addotta, verificata; e giustificate non fossero, o da altra qualunque, anche quantunque giuridica e privilegiata causa; colore, pretesto, e capo, anche nel corpo del Diritto chiuso, anche enorme, enormissima, e totale lesione; nulla mai volta di subreptione, o obreptione, o nullità vizio, o intenzione nostra, o interesse aventi. Con senso, o altro qualunque, anche quantunque grande, e sostanziale, e inescogitato e inescogitabile, individuale espressione richiedente dossetto, notarsi, impugnarsi, infrangersi, invalidarsi, ritrattarsi, in controversia vocarsi, o ai termini del diritto ridursi, o contro esse apertura dell'Oris;

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48 » cioè: Io N. Missionario » in Cina, oppure nel Regno N., oppure nella » Provincia N. dalla Sede Apostolica o » dai miei Superiori, secondo le facoltà » loro dalla Sede Apostolica concesse, » inviato, o destinato, dal Precetto e » Mandato apostolico sui Riti e sulle Cerimonie Cinesi nella Costituzione del Santissimo Nostro Signore il Signore Clemente per Divina Provvidenza Papa XI. su questo argomento emanata, nella quale è prescritta la formula del presente Giuramento, consapevole e a me per la lettura integrale della medesima Costituzione perfettamente noto, pienamente e fedelmente obbedirò, e la osserverò esattamente, assolutamente e inviolabilmente, e senza alcuna evasione l'adempirò. Se però (che Dio allontani) in qualche modo contravvenissi, tutte le volte che ciò accadesse riconosco me stesso sottoposto alle pene imposte dalla predetta Costituzione, e lo giuro sui Santi Vangeli di Dio; prometto, voto, e giuro. Così mi aiuti Dio, e questi Santi Vangeli di Dio. Io N. di mia propria mano.

49 Del resto, affinché: espressamente non sia.

50 Alle quali abbiamo dato Lettere, affinché le medesime presenti Lettere, o i loro esemplari, anche stampati, notifichino, trasmettano, e.

51 si muniscano di mezzi, e i singoli dei memorati Ordini e Congregazioni; degli Istituti e Società, anche di Gesù; ai Superiori Generali e ai Procuratori Generali, affinché tanto loro quanto dei predetti loro rispettivi Sudditi o inferiori, moniti, le medesime Lettere fedelmente eseguiscano e osservino; e tuttavia con sollecitudine; modo; 14 scritti reddatti; e gli esemplari predetti a più riprese quanto più celermente sarà possibile trasmettano ai medesimi loro Sudditi, o Superiori in Cina, e negli altri Regni e Province suddetti dimoranti, affinché con questi precetti le medesime lettere, e in esse i contenuti, qualunque pienamente; e veramente; e pienamente; realmente, e con effetto in tutti, e per tutto similmente eseguendo, e osservando. Poiché però difficile fosse, e Esemplari di questo genere originali ovunque trovarsi, e pubblicarsi, vogliamo parimenti e decerniamo, che l'autorità delle Lettere trascritte, o esemplari, anche stampati, sottoscritti di mano di qualche Notaio pubblico, e sigillati da Persona costituita in dignità Ecclesiastica, abbiano, la medesima affatto di valore in Giudizio, quanto fuori; ovunque nei luoghi si abbiano come abbiano. ll. rotto, ubique locorum haberi qua habeA. ll. retur ipses presenti, ff fossero esibite; o offese.

52 Dato a Roma presso Santa Maria Maggiore, sotto l'Anello del Pescatore il 19 marzo 1715. Anno del Nostro Pontificato.

Machine translation, not reviewed. The original text is authoritative.