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           ║  The Catechism of the Council of Trent  ║

           ║        (The Catechism of Pius V)        ║

           ║          (The Roman Catechism)          ║

           ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

     The recently published <Catechism of the Catholic Church> is directed, in the first instance, to all bishops. Before it came on the scene the Roman Catechism was the most complete and authoritative statement of what the Catholic Church taught and believed. Intended, in the first instance, for the use of priests in their preaching, it enjoyed a unique authority among manuals.

     It was issued by the express command of THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF TRENT, which also ordered that it be translated into the vernacular of different nations to be used as a standard source for preaching.

     GREGORY XIII so highly esteemed it that he desired even books of Canon Law to be written in accordance with its contents.

     In his Bull of June 14, 1761, CLEMENT XIII said that the Catechism contains a clear explanation of all that is necessary for salvation and useful for the faithful, that it was composed with great care and industry and has been highly praised by all, that by it in former times the faith was strengthened, and that no other catechism can be compared with it. He concluded then, that the Roman Pontiffs offered this work to pastors as a norm of Catholic teaching and discipline so that there might be uniformity and harmony in the instructions of all.

     Pope LEO XIII, in an Encyclical Letter of September 8, 1899, to the Bishops and clergy of France, recommended two books which all seminarians should possess and constantly read and study, namely, the <Summa Theologica> of St. Thomas and "that golden book," the <Catechismus ad Parochos>. Regarding the latter work he wrote: "This work is remarkable at once for the richness and exactness of its doctrine, and for the elegance of its style; it is a precious summary of all theology, both dogmatic and moral. He who understands it well, will have always at his service those aids by which a priest is enabled to preach with fruit, to acquit himself worthily of the important ministry of the confessional and of the direction of souls, and will be in a position to refute the objections of unbelievers."

     PIUS X in his Encyclical <Acerbo Nimis> of April 15, 1905, declared that adults, no less than children, need religious instruction, especially in these days. And hence he prescribed that pastors and all who have care of souls should give catechetical instruction to the faithful in simple language, and in a way suited to the capacity of their hearers, and that for this purpose they should use the <Catechism of the Council of Trent>.

     In particular, Cardinal Valerius, the friend of St. Charles Borromeo, wrote of the Catechism:  "This work contains all that is needful for the instruction of the faithful; and it is written with such order, clearness and majesty that through it we seem to hear holy Mother the Church herself, taught by the Holy Ghost, speaking to us.... It was composed by order of the Fathers of Trent under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and was published by the authority of the Vicar of Christ."

     Salmanticenses, the great Carmelite commentators on St. Thomas, paid the following high tribute to the Catechism: "The authority of this Catechism has always been of the greatest in the Church, because it was composed by the command of the Council of Trent, because its authors were men of highest learning, and because it was approved only after the severest scrutiny by Popes Pius V and Gregory XIII, and has been recommended in nearly all the Councils that have been held since the Council of Trent."

     Antonio Possevino, an illustrious Jesuit, and the preceptor of St. Francis de Sales, said: "The Catechism of the Council of Trent was inspired by the Holy Ghost." 

     In his immortal <Apologia> CARDINAL NEWMAN writes: "The Catechism of the Council of Trent was drawn up for the express purpose of providing preachers with subjects for their sermons; and, as my whole work has been a defense of myself, I may here say that I rarely preach a sermon but I go to this beautiful and complete Catechism to get both my matter and my doctrine."

This work scanned by St Michael's Depot.

The work presented here is variously known as The Catechism of the Council of Trent, the Roman Catechism, or the Catechism of Pius V.

This electronic version was produced using a scanner. It was spell-checked, but that's all.

The first editions of the Catechism were printed without headings of any kind, and with hardly any break in the text beyond an occasional paragraph. This arrangement, however, appeared unsatisfactory to Pius V who therefore ordered that in subsequent editions the book should be divided into parts, chapters, and paragraphs. The divisions and headings in this text of the Catechism form no part of the original work and were supplied by the translators.

This translation used as its basis the Manutian text as reflected in the Maredsous edition of 1902, the fourth Roman edition of 1907 and the Turin edition of 1914. The purpose in the present version has been to reproduce the sense of the original as exactly as possible in clear, dignified, modern English.

The translation and preface (minus spell-check list) are by John A. McHugh, O.P. and Charles J. Callan, O.P. (circa 1923)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

LIST OF WORDS NOT PASSED BY SPELL-CHECK PROGRAM

ORIGIN OF THE ROMAN CATECHISM

AUTHORITY AND EXCELLENCE OF THE ROMAN CATECHISM

CATECHISM OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT FOR PARISH PRIESTS

INTRODUCTORY

     The Necessity Of Religious Instruction

     Need of an Authoritative Catholic Catechism

     The Nature of this Work

     The Ends of Religious Instruction

     Knowledge Of Christ

     Observance Of The Commandments

     Love Of God

     The Means Required for Religious Instruction

     Instruction Should Be Accommodated To The Capacity Of The Hearer

     Zeal

     Study Of The Word Of God

     Division of this Catechism

     How This Work Is To Be Used

PART I : THE CREED

     Faith

     Necessity Of Faith

     Unity Of Faith

     The Creed

     Division Of The Creed

ARTICLE I : "I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH"

     Meaning Of This Article

     "I Believe"

     Faith Excludes Doubt

     Faith Excludes Curiosity

     Faith Requires Open Profession

     "In God"

     Knowledge Of God More Easily Obtained Through Faith Than Through Reason

     Knowledge Of God Obtained Through Faith Is Clearer

     Knowledge Of God Obtained Through Faith Is More Certain

     Knowledge Of God Obtained Through Faith Is More Ample And Exalted

     The Unity Of Nature In God

     The Trinity Of Persons In God

     "The Father"

     God Is Called Father Because He Is Creator And Ruler

     God Is Called Father Because He Adopts Christians Through Grace

     The Name Father Also Discloses The Plurality Of Persons In God

     The Doctrine Of The Trinity

     Practical Admonitions Concerning The Mystery Of The Trinity

    "Almighty"

     Meaning Of The Term Almighty"

     Why Omnipotence Alone Is Mentioned In The: Creed

     Advantages Of Faith In God's Omnipotence

     Not Three Almighties But One Almighty

    "Creator"

     "Of Heaven and Earth"

     Creation Of The World Of Spirits

     Formation Of The Universe

     Production Of Man

     "Of all Things Visible and Invisible"

     God Preserves, Rules And Moves All Created Things

     Creation Is The Work Of The Three Persons

ARTICLE II : "AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD"

     Advantages Of Faith In This Article

     Necessity Of Faith In This Article

    "Jesus"

    "Christ"

     "His Only Son"

     "Our Lord"

     Duties Owed To Christ Our Lord

ARTICLE III : "WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY GHOST, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY"

     Importance Of This Article

     First Part of this Article:

     "Who was Conceived,'

     "By the Holy Ghost"

     In The Incarnation Some Things Were Natural, Others Supernatural

     How To Profit By The Mystery Of The Incarnation

     Second Part Of This Article: "Born Of The Virgin Mary"

     The Nativity Of Christ Transcends The Order Of Nature

     Christ Compared to Adam" Mary to Eve

     Types and Prophecies of the Conception and Nativity

     Lessons which this Article Teaches

     Humility And Poverty Of Christ

     Elevation And Dignity Of Man

     Duty Of Spiritual Nativity

ARTICLE IV : "SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DEAD, AND BURIED'"

     Importance Of This Article

     First Part of this Article: '"Suffered Under Pontius Pilate, was Crucified,,

    "Suffered,"

     "Under Pontius Pilate"

     "Was Crucified"

     Importance Of The History Of The Passion

     Figures And Prophecies Of The Passion And Death Of The Saviour

     Second Part Of This Article: "Dead, And Buried"

     Christ Really Died

     Christ Died Freely

     The Thought Of Christ's Death Should Excite Our Love And Gratitude

     Christ Was Really Buried

     Circumstances Of Christ's Burial

     Useful Considerations on the Passion

     The Dignity Of The Sufferer

     Reasons Why Christ Suffered

     Christ Was Delivered Over To Death By The Father And By Himself

     The: Bitterness Of Christ's Passion

     Fruits Of Christ's Passion

     Christ's Passion, -- A Satisfaction, A Sacrifice, A Redemption An Example

     Admonition

ARTICLE V : "HE DESCENDED INTO HELL, THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD"

     Importance Of This Article

     First Part of this Article: "He Descended into Hell"

    "Hell"

     Different Abodes Called Hell"

     "He Descended"

     Why He Descended into Hell

     To Liberate The Just

     To Proclaim His Power

     Second Part of this Article: "The Third Day He arose again from the Dead"

     "He arose Again"

     "From the Dead"

     "The Third Day"

    "According to the Scriptures"

     Three Useful Considerations on this Article

     Necessity Of The Resurrection

     Ends Of The Resurrection

     Advantages Of The: Resurrection

     Signs Of Spiritual Resurrection

ARTICLE VI : "HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, SITTETH AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY"

     Importance Of This Article

     First Part of this Article: "He Ascended into Heaven"

     "Into Heaven"

     "He Ascended"

     Second Part of this Article: "Sitteth at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty"

     "At the Right Hand"

    "Sitteth"

     Reflections on the Ascension:

     Its History

     Greatness Of This Mystery

     Reasons Of The Ascension

     Results Of The Ascension

     Virtues Promoted By The Ascension.

     The Ascension Benefits The Church And The Individual

ARTICLE VII : "FROM THENCE HE SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD"

     Meaning Of This Article

     "From Thence He Shall Come"

     "To Judge the Living and the Dead"

     Two Judgments

     Reasons For General Judgment

     This Truth has Rightly been made an Article of the Creed

     Circumstances of the Judgment:

     The Judge

     Signs Of The General Judgment

     The Sentence Of The Just

     The Sentence Of The Wicked

     Importance of Instruction on this Article

ARTICLE VIII : "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST"

     Importance Of This Article

     "Holy Ghost"

     "I Believe in the Holy Ghost"

     The Holy Ghost Is Equal To The Father And The Son

     The Holy Ghost Is Distinct From The Father And The Son

     "The Lord"

    "Life-Giver"

     "Who Proceedeth from the Father and the Son"

     Certain Divine Works are Appropriated to the Holy Ghost

     Creation, Government, Life

     The Seven Gifts

     Justifying Grace

ARTICLE IX : "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLYCATHOLICCHURCH; THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS"

     The Importance Of This Article

     First Part Of This Article : "I Believe In The Holy Catholic Church

    "Church"

     Mysteries Which The WordChurch Comprises

     Other Names Given The Church In Scripture

     The Parts of the Church

     The Members Of The Church Militant

     Those Who Are Not Members Of The Church

     Other Uses of the Word"Church"

     The Marks Of The Church

     "One'

     Unity In Government

     Unity In Spirit, Hope And Faith

    "Holy"

    "Catholic"

     Apostolic

     Figures of the Church

     "I Believe the Holy Catholic Church"

     Second Part of this Article: "The Communion of Saints"

     Importance Of This Truth

     Meaning of "The Communion of Saints"

     Communion Of Sacraments

     Communion Of Good Works

     Those Who Share In This Communion

     Communion In Other Blessings

ARTICLE X : "THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"

     Importance Of This Article

     The Church Has the Power of Forgiving Sins

     Extent of this Power:

     All Sins That Precede Baptism

     All Sins Committed After Baptism

     Limitation of this Power:

     It Is Not Limited As To Sins, Persons, Or Time

     It Is Limited As To Its Ministers And Exercise

     Greatness of this Power

     Sin Can Be Forgiven Only By The Power Of God

     This Power Communicated To None Before Christ

     Sin Remitted Through The Blood Of Christ

     The Great Evil From Which Forgiveness Delivers Man

     Exhortation:

     This Remedy To Be Used

     Abuse To Be Guarded Against

ARTICLE XI : "THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY"

     Importance Of This Article

     "The Resurrection of the Body"

     The Fact of the Resurrection:

     Examples And Proofs Derived From Scripture

     Analogies From Nature

     Arguments Drawn From Reason

     All Shall Rise

     The Body Shall Rise Substantially the Same

     Restoration Of All That Pertains To The Nature And Adornment Of The Body

     Restoration Of All That Pertains To The Integrity Of The Body

     The Condition of the Risen Body Shall be Different

     Immortality

     The Qualities Of A Glorified Body

     Impassibility

     Brightness

     Agility

     Subtility

     Advantages of Deep Meditation on this Article

ARTICLE XII : "LIFE EVERLASTING"

     Importance Of This Article

     "Life Everlasting"

    "Everlasting"

     Life

     Negative and Positive Elements of Eternal Life

     The Negative

     The Positive

     Essential Happiness

     The Light Of Glory

     The Beatific Vision

     An Illustration Of This Truth

     Accessory Happiness

     Glory

     Honour

     Peace

     How to Arrive at the Enjoyment of this Happiness

PART II : THE SACRAMENTS

     Importance Of Instruction On The Sacraments

     The Word "Sacrament"

     Definition of a Sacrament

     "A Sacrament is a Sign"

     Proof From Reason

     Proof From Scripture

     "Sign of a Sacred Thing" : Kind of Sign Meant Here

     Natural Signs

     Signs Invented By Man,

     Signs Instituted By God

     Kind of Sacred Thing Meant Here

     Other Sacred Things Signified By The Sacraments

     All The Sacraments Signify Something Present, Something Past, Something Future:

     A Sacrament Sometimes Signifies The Presence Of More Than One Thing

     Why the Sacraments were Instituted

     Constituent Parts of the Sacraments

     Ceremonies Used in the Administration of the Sacraments

     The Number Of The Sacraments

     Comparisons among the Sacraments

     The Author of the Sacraments

     The Ministers of the Sacraments

     Unworthiness Of The Minister And Validity

     Lawfulness Of Administration

     Effects of the Sacraments

     First Effect: Justifying Grace

     Second Effect: Sacramental Character

     How to Make Instruction on the Sacraments Profitable

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

     Importance Of Instruction On Baptism

     Names of this Sacrament

     Definition Of Baptism

     Constituent Elements Of Baptism

     Matter of Baptism

     Testimony Of Scripture Concerning The Matter Of Baptism

     Figures

     Prophecies

     Fitness

     Chrism Added To Water For Solemn Baptism

     Form of Baptism

     Words Of The Form

     Essential And Non-Essential Words Of The Form

     Baptism In The Name Of Christ

     Administration of Baptism

     Institution Of Baptism

     Baptism Instituted At Christ's Baptism

     Baptism Made Obligatory After Christ's Resurrection

     Reflection

     The Ministers of Baptism

     Bishops And Priests The Ordinary Ministers

     Deacons Extraordinary Ministers Of Baptism

     Ministers In Case Of Necessity

     The Sponsors at Baptism

     Why Sponsors Are Required At Baptism

     Antiquity Of This Law

     Affinity Contracted By Sponsors

     Duties Of Sponsors

     Who May Not Be Sponsors

     Number Of Sponsors

     Necessity of Baptism

     Infant Baptism: It's Necessity

     Infants Receive The Graces Of Baptism

     Baptism Of Infants Should Not Be Delayed

     Baptism Of Adults

     They Should Not Delay Their Baptism Unduly

     Ordinarily They Are Not Baptised At Once

     In Case Of Necessity Adults May Be: Baptised At Once

     Dispositions for Baptism

     Intention

     Faith

     Repentance

     Advantages To Be Derived From These Reflections

     Effects of Baptism

     First Effect Of Baptism: Remission Of Sin

     Concupiscence Which Remains After Baptism Is No Sin

     Further Proof Of The First Effect Of Baptism

     The Second Effect Of Baptism: Remission Of All Punishment Due To Sin

     Baptism Does Not Exempt From Penalties Of The Civil Law

     Baptism Remits The Punishment Due To Original Sin After Death

     Baptism Does Not Free Us From The Miseries Of Life

     Baptism A Source Of Happiness To The Christian Even In This Life

     Third Effect Of Baptism: Grace Of Regeneration

     Fourth Effect Of Baptism: Infused Virtues And Incorporation With Christ

     Why The Practice Of Virtue Is Difficult Even After Baptism

     Fifth Effect Of Baptism: Character Of Christian

     Baptism Not To Be Repeated

     In Conditional Baptism The Sacrament Is Not Repeated

     Sixth Effect Of Baptism: Opening The Gates Of Heaven

     Effects Of Baptism Foreshadowed In The Baptism Of Christ

     Measure In Which Those Effects Are Obtained

     Ceremonies of Baptism

     Their Importance

     Three Classes Of Ceremonies In Baptism

     Ceremonies That Are Observed Before Coming To The Font: Consecration Of Baptismal Water

     The Person To Be Baptised Stands At The Church Door

     Catechetical Instruction

     The Exorcism

     The Salt

     The Sign Of The Cross

     The Saliva

     The Ceremonies Observed After Coming To The Font

     The Renunciation Of Satan

     The Profession Of Faith

     The Wish To Be Baptised

     The Ceremonies That Follow Baptism: Chrism

     The White Garment

     The Lighted Candle

     The Name Given In Baptism

     Recapitulation

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

     Importance Of Instruction On Confirmation

     Name of this Sacrament

     Confirmation is a Sacrament

     Confirmation is Distinct from Baptism

     Institution of Confirmation

     Component Parts of Confirmation

     The Matter

     The Remote Matter Of Confirmation Is Chrism

     The Appropriateness Of Chrism

     Chrism To Be Consecrated By The Bishop

     The Form Of Confirmation

     Minister of Confirmation

     Sponsors at Confirmation

     The Subject of Confirmation

     All Should Be Confirmed

     The Proper Age For Confirmation

     Dispositions For Receiving Confirmation

     The Effects of Confirmation

     The Grace Of Strength

     Increase In Grace

     Character Of Soldier Of Christ

     Ceremonies Of Confirmation

     The Anointing Of The Forehead

     The Sign Of The Cross

     Time When Confirmation Should Be Conferred

     The Slap On The Cheek

     The Pax

     Admonition

THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

     Importance Of Instruction On The Eucharist

     Institution of the Eucharist

     Meaning of the Word "Eucharist"

     Other Names Of This Sacrament

     The Eucharist Is a Sacrament Properly So Called

     In What Respect The Eucharist Is A Sacrament

     How The Eucharist Differs From All The Other Sacraments

     The Eucharist Is But One Sacrament

     The Eucharist Signifies Three Things

     Constituent Parts of the Eucharist

     The Matter

     The First Element Of The Eucharist Is Bread

     The Sacramental Bread Must Be Wheaten

     The Sacramental Bread Should Be Unleavened

     Unleavened Bread Not Essential

     Quantity Of The Bread

     The Second Element Of The Eucharist Is Wine

     Water Should Be Mixed With The Wine

     No Other Elements Pertain To This Sacrament

     Peculiar Fitness Of Bread And Wine

     Form Of The Eucharist

     Form To Be Used In The Consecration Of The Bread

     Not All The Words Used Are Essential

     Form To Be Used In The Consecration Of The Wine

     Explanation Of The Form Used In The Consecration Of The Wine

     Three Mysteries Of The Eucharist

     The Mystery of the Real Presence

     Proof From Scripture

     Proof From The Teaching Of The Church

     Testimony Of The Fathers

     Teaching Of The Councils

     Two Great Benefits Of Proving The Real Presence

     Faith Is Strengthened

     The Soul Is Gladdened

     Meaning of the Real Presence

     Christ Whole And Entire Is Present In The Eucharist

     Presence In Virtue Of The Sacrament And In Virtue Of Concomitance

     Christ Whole And Entire Present Under Each Species

     Christ Whole And Entire Present In Every Part Of Each Species

     The Mystery of Transubstantiation

     Proof From The Dogma Of The Real Presence

     Proof From The Councils

     Proof From Scripture

     Proof From The Fathers

     Why The Eucharist Is Called Bread After Consecration

     The Meaning of Transubstantiation

    Transubstantiation A Total Conversion

     A Consequence Of Transubstantiation

     The Mystery of the Accidents without a Subject

     Proof From The Preceding Dogmas

     Proof From The Teaching Of The Church

     Advantages Of This Mystery

     The Effects of the Eucharist

     The Eucharist Contains Christ And Is The Food Of The Soul

     The Eucharist Gives Grace

     The Grace Of The Eucharist Sustains

     The Grace Of The Eucharist Invigorates And Delights

     The Eucharist Remits Venial Sins

     The Eucharist Strengthens Against Temptation

     The Eucharist Facilitates The Attainment Of Eternal Life

     How The Effects Of The Eucharist May Be Developed And Illustrated

     Recipient of the Eucharist

     Threefold Manner Of Communicating

     Necessity Of Previous Preparation For Communion

     Preparation Of Soul

     Preparation Of Body

     The Obligation of Communion

     How Often Must Communion Be Received?

     The Church Desires The Faithful To Communicate Daily

     The Church Commands; The Faithful To Communicate Once A Year

     Who Are Obliged By The Law Of Communion

     The Rite of Administering Communion

     Why The Celebrant Alone Receives Under Both Species

     The Minister of the Eucharist

     Only Priests Have Power To Consecrate And Administer The Eucharist

     The Laity Prohibited To Touch The Sacred Vessels

     The Unworthiness Of The Minister Does Not Invalidate The Sacrament

     The Eucharist as a Sacrifice

     Importance Of Instruction On The Mass

     Distinction of Sacrament and Sacrifice

     The Mass Is a True Sacrifice

     Proof From The Council Of Trent

     Proof From Scripture

     Excellence of the Mass

     The Mass Is The Same Sacrifice As That Of The Cross

     The Mass A Sacrifice Of Praise, Thanksgiving And Propitiation

     The Mass Profits Both The Living And The Dead

     The Rites and ceremonies of the Mass

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

     Importance Of Instruction On This Sacrament

     Different Meanings of the Word "Penance"

     The Virtue of Penance

     Meaning Of Penance

     Penance Proved To Be A Virtue

     The Steps Which Lead Up To This Virtue

     Fruits Of This Virtue

     Penance as a Sacrament

     Why Christ Instituted This Sacrament

     Penance Is a Sacrament

     This Sacrament May Be Repeated

     The Constituent Parts of Penance

     The Matter

     The Form Of Penance

     The Rites Observed in the Sacrament of Penance

     Effects of the Sacrament of Penance

     The Necessity of the Sacrament of Penance

     The Three Integral Parts of Penance

     Their Existence

     Their Nature

     Necessity Of These Integral Parts

     The First Part of Penance

     Contrition

     The Meaning Of Contrition

     Contrition Is A Detestation Of Sin

     Contrition Produces Sorrow

     Names Of Sorrow For Sin

     Qualities of Sorrow for Sin

     It Should Be Supreme

     Sorrow For Sin Should Be Intense

     Sorrow For Sin Should Be Universal

     Conditions Required for Contrition

     Detestation Of Sin

     Intention Of Confession And Satisfaction

     Purpose Of Amendment

     Reasons For These Conditions

     Forgiveness Of Injuries

     The Effects of Contrition

     Means of Arousing True Contrition

     The Second Part of Penance

     Confession

     Necessity Of Confession

     Advantages Of Confession

     Definition Of Confession

     Confession Instituted By Christ

     Rites Added By The Church

     The Law of Confession

     Proof Of The Obligation

     The Age At Which The Law Of Confession Obliges

     At What Time The Law Of Confession Obliges

     The Qualities of Confession

     Confession Should Be Entire

     Sins Concealed

     Sins Forgotten

     Confession Should Be Plain, Simple, Sincere

     Confession Should Be Prudent, Modest, Brief

     Confession Should Be Made Privately And Often

     The Minister of the Sacrament of Penance

     The Usual Minister

     The Minister In Danger Of Death

     Qualifications Of The Minister

     The Confessor Must Observe The Seal Of Confession

     Duties of the Confessor towards Various Classes of Penitents

     The Well Disposed Should Be Exhorted To Thanksgiving And Perseverance

     The Indisposed Should Be Helped

     Those Who Seek To Excuse Their Sins Should Be Corrected

     Those Who Are Ashamed To Confess Their Sins Should Be Instructed

     The Careless Should Be Rebuked

     The Unprepared Should Be Dismissed Or Led To Good Disposition

     The Pastor Should Show The Wrong Of Human Respect

     The Third Part of Penance

     Satisfaction

     General Meaning Of The Word "Satisfaction,"

     Various Kinds Of Satisfaction To God

     Elements Of Sacramental Satisfaction

     Necessity Of Satisfaction

     Advantages of Satisfaction

     It Is Required By God's Justice And Mercy

     Satisfaction Atones To The Church

     Satisfaction Deters Others From Sin

     By Satisfaction We Are Made Like Unto Christ

     Satisfaction Heals The Wounds Of Sin

     Satisfaction Disarms The Divine Vengeance

     Source of the Efficacy of Satisfactory Works

     Conditions for Satisfaction

     Works Of Satisfaction Are Of Three Kinds

     One Can Satisfy For Another

     Duties of the Confessor as Regards Satisfaction

     Restitution Must Be Insisted On

     Quantity And Quality Of Penances Should Be Reasonable

     Voluntary Works Of Penance Should Be Recommended

     Admonition

THE SACRAMENT OF EXTREME UNCTION

     Importance Of Instruction On Extreme Unction

     Names of this Sacrament

     Extreme Unction Is a True Sacrament

     Extreme Unction Is But One Sacrament

     Essential Parts of Extreme Unction

     The Matter Of Extreme Unction

     The Form Of Extreme Unction

     The Ceremonies Of Extreme Unction

     Institution of Extreme Unction

     The Subject of Extreme Unction

     The Subject Must Be In Danger Of Death

     The Danger Must Arise From Sickness

     The Person Anointed Must Have Attained The Use Of Reason

     Administration of Extreme Unction

     Dispositions for the Reception of Extreme Unction

     The Minister of Extreme Unction

     The Effects of Extreme Unction

     Admonition

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

     Importance Of Instruction On This Sacrament

     Dignity of this Sacrament

     Requirements in Candidates for Orders

     Holiness, Knowledge, Prudence

     Divine Call

     Right Intention

     The Twofold Power Conferred by this Sacrament

     The Power Of Orders

     Greatness Of This Power

     Names of this Sacrament

     Holy Orders Is a Sacrament

     Number of Orders

     Tonsure

     The Name "Cleric"

     Origin And Meaning Of Tonsure

     The Minor Orders

     Porter

     Reader

     Exorcist

     Acolyte

     The Major Orders

     Subdeacon

     Deacon

     Priest

     Twofold Priesthood

     The Internal Priesthood

     The External Priesthood

     Functions of the Priesthood

     Degrees of the Priesthood

     Priests

     Bishops

     Archbishops

     Patriarchs

     The Pope

     The Minister of Holy Orders

     The Recipient of Holy Orders

     Qualifications for the Priesthood

     Holiness Of Life

     Competent Knowledge

     Canonical Fitness

     Effects of Holy Orders

     Admonition

THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY

     Importance Of Instruction On This Sacrament

     Nature and Meaning of Marriage

     Names Of This Sacrament

     Definition Of Matrimony

     Essence And Cause Of Marriage

     The Kind of Consent Required in Matrimony

     Mutual

     External

     Present

     The Essence of Marriage Constituted by the Consent

     Twofold Consideration of Marriage

     Marriage As A Natural Contract

     Instituted By God

     Marriage Is Indissoluble By Divine Law

     Marriage Not Obligatory On All

     The Motives And Ends Of Marriage

     Marriage Considered as a Sacrament

     Marriage Is A Sacrament

     Marriage before Christ

     It Was Not A Sacrament

     Before Christ Marriage Had Fallen From Its Primitive Unity And Indissolubility

     Christ Restored to Marriage its Primitive Qualities

     Unity Of Marriage

    Indissolubility Of Marriage

     Advantages Of Indissolubility

     The Three Blessings of Marriage

     Offspring

     Fidelity

     Sacrament

     The Duties of Married People

     Duties Of A Husband

     Duties Of A Wife

     The Law of the Church on Marriage

     The Rite To Be Observed

     The Impediments Of Marriage

     The Recipient of Matrimony

     Dispositions With Which The Sacrament Is To Be Approached

     Consent Of Parents

     The Use Of Marriage

PART III : THE DECALOGUE

     Importance Of Instruction On The Commandments

     Motives for Observing the Commandments

     God Is The Giver Of The Commandments

     The Commandments Were Proclaimed With Great Solemnity

     The Observance Of The Commandments Is Not Difficult

     The Observance Of The Commandments Is Necessary

     The Observance Of The Commandments Is Attended By Many Blessings

     God's Goodness Invites Us To Keep His Commandments

     The Promulgation of the Law

     The People To Whom The Law Was Given

     Epitome Of Jewish History

     Lessons To Be Drawn From Jewish History

     The Time And Place In Which The Law Was Promulgated

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT : "I am the lord thy god, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not adore them, nor serve them. I am the lord thy god, mighty, jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

     "I am the Lord thy God"

     "Who Brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the House of Bondage"

     "Thou shalt not have Strange Gods before Me"

     The Above Words Contain A Command And A Prohibition

     What They Command

     What They Forbid

     Importance Of This Commandment

     Sins Against This Commandment

     Veneration And Invocation Of Angels And Saints Not Forbidden By This Commandment

     It Is Lawful To Honour And Invoke The Angels

     It Is Lawful To Honour And Invoke The Saints

     Objections Answered

     The Honour And Invocation Of Saints Is Approved By Miracles

     The Above Words Do Not Forbid All Images

     They Forbid Idols And Representations Of The Deity

     They Do Not Forbid Representations Of The Divine Persons And Angels

     They Do Not Forbid Images Of Christ And The Saints

     Usefulness Of Sacred Images

     How The Sanction Contained In The Above Words Should Be Proposed

     Mighty

     Jealous

     Zeal In The Service Of God

     "Visiting The Iniquity," Etc.

     "And Showing Mercy, Etc.

     "Of Them That Hate Me"

     Of Them That Love Me

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT : "Thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vain"

     Why This Commandment Is Distinct From The First

     Importance Of Instruction On This Commandment

     Positive Part of this Commandment

     Various Ways Of Honouring God's Name

     Public Profession Of Faith

     Respect For The Word Of God

     Praise And Thanksgiving

     Prayer

     Oaths

     Meaning Of An Oath

     Oaths Are Affirmatory And Promissory

     Conditions Of A Lawful Oath

     First Condition: Truth

     Second Condition: Judgment

     Third Condition: Justice

     Lawfulness Of Oaths

     An Objection Against Oaths

     Negative Part of this Commandment

     Various Ways In Which Cod's Name Is Dishonoured: False Oaths

     Unjust Oaths

     Rash Oaths

     Oaths By False Gods

     Irreverent Speech

     Neglect Of Prayer

     Blasphemy

     Sanction of this Commandment

THIRD COMMANDMENT : "Remember that thou keep holy the sabbath day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy works; but on the seventh day is the sabbath of the lord thy god; thou shalt do no work on it, neither thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy beast, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the lord blessed the seventh day and sanctified it."

     Reasons For This Commandment

     Importance Of Instruction On This Commandment

     How The Third Differs From The Other Commandments

     How The Third Is Like The Other Commandments

     The Jewish Sabbath Changed To Sunday By The Apostles

     Four Parts Of This Commandment

     First Part of this Commandment

    "Remember"

     Sabbath

     "Keep Holy"

     Second Part of this Commandment

     "The Seventh Day Is The Sabbath Of The Lord Thy God"

     Other Festivals Observed By The Jews

     The Sabbath, Why Changed To Sunday

     Other Festivals Observed By The Church

     "Six Days Shalt Thou Labour And Do All Thy Work"

     Third Part of this Commandment

     Works Forbidden

     Works Permitted

     Why Animals Are Not To Be Employed On The Sabbath

     Works Commanded Or Recommended

     Motives for the Observance of this Commandment

     Reasonableness Of This Duty

     The Observance Of This Commandment Brings Many Blessings

     Neglect Of This Commandment A Great Crime

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT : "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be long lived upon the land which the lord thy god will give thee."

     Relative Importance Of The Preceding And The Following Commandments

     Importance Of Instruction On The Fourth Commandment

     The Two Tables Of The Law

     Explanation of the Fourth Commandment: "Honour"

     "Thy Father"

     Why Parents Should Be Honoured

     "And Thy Mother"

     Manner Of Honouring Parents

     Manner Of Honouring Other Superiors

     The Honour Due To Bishops And Priests

     The Honour Due To Civil Rulers

     'That Thou Mayest be Long-lived," etc.

     Reward Promised For Observance Of This Commandment

     Why This Reward Is Not Always Conferred On Dutiful Children

     Punishment For Violation Of This Commandment

     Duties of Parents Towards their Children

     Three Things To Be Avoided By Parents

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT : "Thou shalt not kill"

     Importance Of Instruction On This Commandment

     Two Parts Of This Commandment

     The Prohibitory Part of this Commandment

     Exceptions: The Killing Of Animals

     Execution Of Criminals

     Killing In A Just War

     Killing By Accident

     Killing In Self-Defence

     Negative Part Of This Commandment Forbids Murder And Suicide

     Sinful Anger Is Also Forbidden By The Fifth Commandment

     Remedies Against The Violation Of This Commandment

     Positive Part of this commandment

     Love Of Neighbour Inculcated

     Charity To All Commanded

     Patience, Beneficence And Mildness Commanded

     Forgiveness Of Injuries Commanded

     How to Persuade Men to Forgive Injuries

     All We Have To Endure Comes From God

     Advantages Of Forgiveness

     Disadvantages Of Revenge

     Remedies Against Hatred

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT : "Thou shalt not commit adultery"

     The Position Of This Commandment In The Decalogue Is Most Suitable

     Importance Of Careful Instruction On This Commandment

     Two Parts Of This Commandment

     What this Commandment Prohibits

     Adultery Forbidden

     Other Sins Against Chastity Are Forbidden

     Why Adultery Is Expressly Mentioned

     What this Commandment Prescribes

     Purity Enjoined

     Reflections which Help one to Practice Purity

     Impurity Excludes From Heaven

     Impurity Is A Filthy Sin

     Adultery Is A Grave Injustice

     Adultery Is Disgraceful

     Impurity Severely Punished

     Impurity Blinds The Mind And Hardens The Heart

     means of practicing purity

     Avoidance Of Idleness

     Temperance

     Custody Of The Eyes

     Avoidance Of Immodest Dress

     Avoidance Of Impure Conversation, Reading, Pictures

     Frequentation Of The Sacraments

     Mortification

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT : "Thou shalt not steal"

     Importance Of Instruction On This Commandment

     This Commandment A Proof Of The Love Of God Towards Us And A Claim On Our Gratitude

     Two Parts Of This Commandment

     Negative Part of this Commandment

     Stealing Forbidden

     Theft And Robbery Forbidden

     Various Names Given To Stealing

     Desire Of Stealing Forbidden

     Gravity Of The Sin Of Stealing

     The Chief Kinds Of Stealing

     Various Forms Of Theft

     Various Forms Of Robbery

     Positive Part of this Commandment

     Restitution Enjoined

     Who Are Held To Restitution

     Almsdeeds Enjoined

     Inducements To Practice Almsgiving

     Ways Of Giving Alms

     Frugality Is Enjoined

     Sanction Of This Commandment

     The Punishment Of Its Violation

     The Reward Of Observing This Commandment

     Excuses for Stealing Refuted

     The Plea Of Rank And Position

     The Plea Of Greater Ease And Elegance

     The Plea Of The Other's Wealth

     The Plea Of Force Of Habit

     The Plea Of Favourable Opportunity

     The Plea Of Revenge

     The Plea Of Financial Embarrassment

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT : "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"

     Importance Of Instruction On This Commandment

     This Commandment Should Call Forth Our Gratitude

     Two Parts Of This Commandment

     Negative Part Of This Commandment

     "Against Thy Neighbour"

     False Testimony In Favour Of A Neighbour Is Also Forbidden

     "Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness"

     All Falsehoods In Lawsuits Are Forbidden

     False Testimony Out Of Court Is Forbidden

     This Commandment Forbids Detraction

     Various Kinds Of Detraction

     This Commandment Forbids Flattery

     This Commandment Forbids Lies Of All Kinds

     This Commandment Forbids Hypocrisy

     Positive Part of this Commandment

     Judges Must Pass Sentence According To Law And Justice

     Witnesses Must Give Testimony Truthfully

     Lawyers And Plaintiffs Must Be Guided By Love Of Justice

     All Must Speak Truthfully And With Charity

     Inducements To Truthfulness

     How To Avoid Lying

     Excuses for Lying Refuted

     The Plea Of Prudence

     The Plea Of Revenge

     The Pleas Of Frailty, Habit, And Bad. Example

     The Pleas Of Convenience, Amusement, And Advantage

THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS : "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house: neither shalt thou desire his wife, nor his servant, nor his hand-maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is his."

     Importance Of Instruction On These Two Commandments

     Why These Two Commandments Are Explained Here Together

     Necessity Of Promulgating These Two Commandments

     These Two Commandments Teach God's Love For Us And Our Need Of Him

     Two Parts Of These Commandments

     Negative Part

     "Thou Shalt Not Covet"

     What Sort Of Concupiscence Is Not Forbidden

     What Sort Of Concupiscence Is Here Prohibited

     Two Kinds Of Sinful Concupiscence

     The Various Objects We Are Forbidden To Covet

     Thy Neighbour's House

     "Nor His Ox, Nor His Ass'

     "Nor His Servant

     "Thy Neighbour's"

     Goods For Sale Not Included Under This Prohibition

     "His Wife"

     Positive Part

     Detachment From Riches Enjoined

     The Desire Of Heavenly And Spiritual Things Enjoined

     Thoughts which Help one to Keep these Commandments

     Chief Ways in which These two Commandments are Violated

PART IV : THE LORD'S PRAYER

PRAYER

     Importance Of Instruction On Prayer

     Necessity of Prayer

     The Fruits of Prayer

     Prayer Honours God

     Prayer Obtains What We Request

     Proof

     Unwise And Indevout Prayers Unheard

     To Devout Prayer And Dispositions God Grants More Than Is Asked

     Prayer Exercises And Increases Faith

     Prayer Strengthens Our Hope In God

     Prayer Increases Charity

     Prayer Disposes The Soul For Divine Blessings

     Prayer Makes Us Realise Our Own Needfulness

     Prayer Is A Protection Against The Devil

     Prayer Promotes A Virtuous Life

     Prayer Disarms The Divine Vengeance

     The Parts Of Prayer

     The Two Chief Parts Of Prayer Petition And Thanksgiving

     Degrees Of Petition And Thanksgiving

     The Highest Degree Of Prayer: The Prayer Of The Just

     The Second Degree Of Prayer: The Prayer Of Sinners

     The Third Degree Of Prayer: The Prayer Of Unbelievers

     The Lowest Degree Of Prayer: The Prayer Of The Impenitent

     What We Should Pray For

     Spiritual Goods

     External Goods And Goods Of Body

     Goods Of The Mind

     For Whom We Ought to Pray

     The Prayer Of Petition Should Be Offered For All

     Those For Whom We Should Especially Offer Our Petitions: Pastors

     Rulers Of Our Country

     The Just

     Enemies And Those Outside The Church

     The Dead

     Sinners

     The Prayer Of Thanksgiving Should Be Offered For All

     Our Thanksgiving Should Especially Be Offered: For The Saints

     For The Blessed Virgin Mary

     To Whom We Should Pray

     To God

     To The Saints

     God And The Saints Addressed Differently

     Preparation for Prayer

     Humility

     Sorrow For Sin

     Freedom From Violence, Anger, Hatred And Inhumanity

     Freedom From Pride And Contempt Of God's Word

     Faith And Confidence

     Motives Of Confidence In Prayer

     Correspondence With God's Will

     Fraternal Charity

     How to Pray Well

     We Must Pray In Spirit And In Truth

     Mental Prayer

     Vocal Prayer

     Private And Public Prayer

     Those Who Do Nor Pray In Spirit

     Those Who Do Not Pray In Truth

     We Must Pray With Perseverance

     We Must Pray In The Name Of Jesus Christ

     We Must Pray With Fervour, Uniting Petition To Thanksgiving

     Fasting And Almsdeeds Should Be Joined To Prayer

OPENING WORDS OF THE LORD'S PRAYER

     Importance Of Instruction On These Words

    "Father"

     God Is Called Father Because He Created Us

     God Is Called Father Because He Provides For Us

     God's Care For Us Is Seen In The Appointment Of Guardian Angels

     How We Are Helped By The Angels

     God's Care For Us Seen In The Love He Has Ever Shown To Man

     God Is Called Father Because He Has Granted Us Redemption

     Duties We Owe Our Heavenly Father

    "Our"

     Dispositions That Should Accompany The Words, "Our Father": Fraternal Regard

     Filial Confidence And Piety

     "Who art in Heaven"

     Meaning Of These Words

     Lessons Taught By The Words, "Who Art In Heaven"

THE FIRST PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "HALLOWED BE THY NAME"

     Why This Petition Is Placed First

     Object Of The First Three Petitions

     Hallowed Be Thy Name

     On Earth As It Is In Heaven"

     What Sanctification of God's Name we should Pray For

     That The Faithful May Glorify Him

     That Unbelievers May Be Converted

     That Sinners May Be Converted

     That God May Be Thanked For His Favours

     That The Church May Be Recognised By All

     What Sanctification Of God's Name We Should Practice

THE SECOND PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "THY KINGDOM COME"

     Importance Of Instruction On This Petition

     Greatness Of This Petition

     Necessity Of Rightly Making This Petition

     Motives For Adopting The Necessary Means

     "Thy Kingdom"

     The Kingdom Of Nature

     The Kingdom Of Grace

     The Kingdom Of Glory

    "Come"

     We Pray For The Propagation Of The Church

     For The Conversion Of Sinners

     That Christ May Reign Over All

     Dispositions That Should Accompany This Petition

     We Should Prize God's Kingdom Above All Things

     We Must Realise That We Are Exiles

     We Must Labor To Obtain God's Kingdom

     Recapitulation

THE THIRD PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "THY WILL BE DONE"

     The Relation Of This Petition To The Previous One

     Necessity Of This Petition

     Man's Proneness To Act Against God's Will

     Man's Blindness Concerning God's Will

     Man's Weakness In Fulfilling God's Will

     Remedy For These Evils

     Man's Passions Rebel Against God's Will

     "Thy Will"

     "Be Done"

     We Ask That We May Fulfil What God Desires Of Us

     We Ask That We May Not Yield To Our Own Inordinate Desires

     We Ask That Our Mistaken Requests Be Not Granted

     We Ask That Even Our Good Requests Be Granted Only When They Are According To God's Will

     We Ask That God May Perfect In Us What His Grace Has Begun

     We Ask That All May Know God's Will

     "On Earth as it is in Heaven"

     This Petition Contains an Act of Thanksgiving

     The Dispositions that should Accompany this Petition

     A Sense Of Our Own Weakness Of Will

     Appreciation Of The Dignity Of Doing God's Will

     Resignation To God's Will

THE FOURTH PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD"

     The Relation Of The Following Petitions To Those That Preceded

     How To Pray For Temporal Blessings

     Means Of Ascertaining Purity Of Intention In Offering This Petition

     Necessity of the Fourth Petition

     Man Needs Many Things For His Bodily Life

     To Supply His Bodily Wants Man Must Labor

     Without God's Help Man's Labor Is Vain

     Inducements to Use this Petition

    "Bread"

     We Ask For Temporal Blessings

     It Is Lawful To Pray For Temporal Blessings

     The Wants, Not The Luxuries Of This Life Are Meant By The Word "Bread"

    "Our"

    "Daily"

    "Give"

     "us"

     "This Day"

     The Spiritual Bread Asked for in this Petition

     The Word Of God Is Our Spiritual Bread

     Christ Is Our Spiritual Bread, Especially In The Holy Eucharist

     Why The Holy Eucharist Is Called Our "Daily" Bread

     Exhortations

THE FIFTH PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS"

     The Importance Of Explaining This Petition

     Difference Between This And The Preceding Petitions

     Dispositions with which this petition should be Offered

     Acknowledgment Of Sin

     Sorrow For Sin

     Motives For Sorrow Over Sin: The Baseness Of Sin

     The Consequences Of Sin

     Confidence In God's Mercy

    "Debts"

    "Our"

     "Forgive Us"

     "As we Forgive our Debtors"

     Necessity Of Forgiveness

     Reasons For Forgiveness

     This Petition Should Not be Neglected

     Those Unable To Forget Injuries

     Those Who Do Not Love Their Enemies

     How to Make this Petition Fruitful

     Penitential Dispositions

     Avoidance Of Dangers Of Sin

     Imitation Of Fervent Penitents

     Frequent Use Of The Sacraments

     Almsdeeds

     The Spirit Of Forgiveness

THE SIXTH PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION."

     Importance Of Instruction On This Petition

     Necessity of the Sixth Petition

     Human Frailty

     The Assaults Of The Flesh

     The Temptations Of The Devil

     Audacity Of The Demons

     Number Of The Demons

     Malignity And Power Of The Demons

     Prayer Protects Man's Weakness Against The Enemies Of His Soul

    "Temptation"

     "Lead us not into Temptation"

     Objects of the Sixth Petition

     What We Do Not Pray For

     What We Pray For In This Petition

     Dispositions which should Accompany this Petition

     Distrust Of Self And Confidence In God

     Remembrance Of The Victory Of Christ And His Saints

     Watchfulness

     The Author of victory over Temptation

     The Rewards of Victories over temptation

THE SEVENTH PETITION OF THE LORD'S PRAYER : "BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL"

     The Importance Of Instruction On This Petition

     Necessity Of This Petition

     How this Petition should be Made

     Our Chief Hope Of Deliverance Should Be In God

     We Must Confidently Expect His Help

     "From Evil"

     What We Do Not Pray For

     What We Do Pray For

     "Deliver Us"

     Deliverance From Satan Especially Asked For

     Patience and Joy under Continued Affliction

THE SEAL OF THE LORD'S PRAYER

     Necessity Of Explaining The Conclusion Of The Lord's Prayer

     fruits that Come at the Conclusion of Prayer

     Assurance That We Have Been Heard

     Fervour And Illumination

     Sweetness

     Confidence And Gratitude

     Illustrations From The Psalms

     Meaning of the Word "Amen"

     First Explanation

     Other Explanations Of The Word "Amen"

     Advantages of Terminating our Prayer with this Word

LIST OF WORDS NOT PASSED BY SPELL-CHECK PROGRAMAbel, Abimelech, Abraham, Absalom, Achan, Affirmatory, Agde, Almighties, Alphonsus, Amaltheus, Aman, Ambrose, Ambrose's, Amos, Anacletus, Ananias, Anaxagoras, Antioch, Antiochus, Antonianus, Aquila, Areopagite, Aristotle, Assuerus, Augustine, Benjamites, Berengarius, Bethlehem, Bethsabee, Bethsaida, Caesarea, Calini, Callan, Candace, Capys, Carthage, Chrysostom, Chrysostom's, Colossians, Concilii, Constantinople, Contreras, Corinth, Cornelius, Corozain, Cosmas, Crescentius, Damasus, Damiani, Deuteronomy, Dishonored, Dominicans, Donatist, Donatists, Donovan, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus, Egidio, Eglon, Elias, Eliseus, Empedocles, Ephesians, Ephesus, Eucharistic, Eusebius, Eustachius, Ezechias, Ezechiel, Ferdinand, Fernandez, Foreiro, Foscarari, Francesco, Franciscan, Gabriel, Galatia, Galatians, Galesini, Gangra, Giulio, Godhead, Granada, Habacuc, Heli, Herba, Herod, Honorius, Horeb, Hyginus, Hymeneus, II, III, IV, IX, Ignatius, Indevout, Irenaeus, Isaias, Jeremias, Jerome, Joel, Jona, Jonas, Josedech, Josias, Josue, Jovinian, Juda, Judah, Judas, Judea, Justin, Lanciano, Laodiceans, Lateran, Latins, Lazarus, Leander, Leonardo, Levi, Leviticus, Lia, Locatelli, Luke, McHugh, Macedonius, Machabees, Malachias, Malachy, Manasses, Mani, Manriquez, Manutian, Manutius, Mardochaeus, Maredsous, Marini, Mediatorship, Melchiades, Melchisedech, Merob, Micheas, Milevi, Moab, Moabites, Modena, Montanus, Moses, Muzio, Naaman, Nabuchodonosor, Nazianzen, Nicene, Ninivites, Noah, Novatians, Novatus, Oceanus, Omnis, Optatus, Ormanetus, Osee, Ozias, Paleotti, Paulus, Petilian, Pharaoh, Pharisee, Pharisees, Pharoah, Philemon, Philetus, Philippians, Pietro, Pii, Pilate, Pius, Plato, Pogiani, Pont, Pontius, Portugese, Priscilla, Proba, Raca, Rahab, Raphael, Rechabites, Sabeans, Sadducees, Samaria, Samaritan, Samaritans, Samuel, Sanctotisio, Saul, Scythians, Semei, Seripandi, Sichem, Sichemites, Sichimites, Sidon, Siloe, Silvius, Simon, Sion, Sirlet, Socrates, Statius, Subtility, Syrian, Thessalonians, Tiberius, Titus, Tobias, Trent, Trent's, Tridentini, Turin, Urias, VII, VIII, Vercelli, Vigilantius, XII, Xenophanes, Zachary, Zara

abideth, affirmatory, afflicteth, almighties, almsdeeds, anointings, artfully, articuli, asketh, baptizeth, baptizo, begetteth, behooved, blotteth, boasteth, brilliancy, bringeth, buyeth, chaseth, chastiseth, cherisheth, christs, comest, cometh, commandest, commandeth, committeth, concupiscences, confoundeth, conjugium, continueth, crieth, cureth, curseth, deceiveth, decreto, defense, defilements, delighteth, deprecative, despiseth, detesteth, deviseth, dieth, differeth, dissensions, draweth, drinketh, dwelleth, eateth, ecclesiam, editus, endureth, engraven, entereth, episcopal, exagoreusis, exomologesis, extortioners, fainteth, falleth, fillest, fleeth, foreswear, fornications, gathereth, gavest, gehenna, givest, giveth, goeth, groanings, hadst, hangeth, hateth, heapeth, heaven.l, hideth, highminded, holydays, honoureth, humbleth, incorruption, ingrafted, jussu, keepeth, killeth, kindleth, knowest, knoweth, lendeth, litigations, liveth, longeth, loveth, maketh, ministereth, mocketh, murmurings, needeth, nourisheth, offerest, ordereth, oughtest, outstep, outstepping, overcometh, pasch, passest, passeth, planteth, pleasest, preachest, preeminently, proceedeth, prohibitory, proyer, purgeth, questionings, raineth, receiveth, reenter, refraineth, reigneth, remaineth, rememberest, resisteth, ruleth, sabaoth, sabbath, sacramenta, sacramentum, satisfactions, scourgeth, seeketh, seeth, selleth, serveth, sextary, sexus, shew, showeth, sinnest, sinneth, sitten, sitteth, sleepest, sowest, soweth, speaketh, spiration, standeth, stealest, stoppeth, striketh, striveth, subdeaconship, subtility, suffereth, suffrages, sweareth, takest, taketh, teachest, teacheth, tempteth, thanksgivings, threatenest, tranquilize, turneth, unchangeableness, uncleanness, upholdeth, utriusque, uttereth, walketh, watereth, wavereth, wiIt, willest, worketh, woundeth

ORIGIN OF THE ROMAN CATECHISM

The Church at the Council of Trent, assembled December 13, 1545, seeing the need of a uniform and comprehensive manual which would supply parish priests with an official book of instruction for the faithful, ordered the preparation of the work which has ever since been variously known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent, the Catechism for Parish Priests, the Roman Catechism, or the Catechism of Pius V. It was some months, however, after the opening of the Council before mention was made of any kind of catechism. This was during the fourth session, on April 5, 1546. Eight days later the draft of a decree was read proposing that there be published in Latin and in the vernacular a catechism to be compiled by capable persons for children and uninstructed adults, "who are in need of milk rather than solid food." The purpose of such a manual was to afford instruction for beginners in the primary duties of a Christian life and to prepare them for further and higher religious education. The idea met with general approval, but as the Council was occupied with matters more pressing, we hear nothing further about it until sixteen years later, in 1562. According to some the question of the Catechism was brought up by St. Charles Borromeo during the eighteenth session and a commission actually appointed on February 26, 1562. What is certain is that the Papal Legates, after a protracted discussion, had named a committee before the end of that year; for on January 3, 1563, they informed the procurators of Charles IX and of Ferdinand I of the existence of such a committee and assured them that work on the Catechism was already under way. The principal members of this committee, besides its president, Cardinal Seripandi, O. S. A., were Leonardo Marini, O. P., Archbishop of Lanciano, Egidio Foscarari, O. P., Bishop of Modena, Muzio Calini, Bishop of Zara, and Francesco Foreiro, O.P. There were many other collaborators, chief among whom were Michael Medina, a Franciscan, and Christopher Sanctotisio, O. S. A., who assisted with the fourth and ninth Articles of the Creed respectively; four French theologians to whom were assigned the first four Commandments; the Dominicans, John de Luderna, Benedict Herba, Eliseus Capys, and the Franciscan, Alphonsus Contreras, to whom were given respectively the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth Commandments; a theologian of Granada was entrusted with the last two Commandments of the Decalogue. The following appear to have collaborated on the Sacraments: three Flemish theologians, on Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist; Nicholas Ormanetus, on the Sacrament of Penance; Peter Fernandez, O. P., on Matrimony; Cosmas Damiani, Abbot of the Augustinian Canons Regular, on Orders; Arias Montanus, on Extreme Unction. All those who had part in the work of the Catechism were instructed to avoid in its composition the particular opinions of individuals and schools, and to express the doctrine of the universal Church, keeping especially in mind the decrees of the Council of Trent.

During the twenty-fourth session, the work on the Catechism was brought to the attention of the Council itself, at a meeting on September II, 1563. After various discussions a new plan was adopted. Instead of a manual for children and uninstructed adults, it was decided to prepare a much more extensive and more thorough work to be used by parish priests in their instruction of the faithful. A final decree regarding such a catechism was passed in a general meeting of November 2nd, of the same year, wherein it was enjoined on all Bishops to see that the Catechism should be faithfully translated into the vulgar tongue and expounded to the people by all parish priests.

As the Council was about to close, the Catechism committee, as it appears, were ordered to submit to the assembled Fathers the work they had so far accomplished. This was done at the general meetings between the 22nd and the 25th of November, and as the work was not finished the Holy Father was requested to take charge of it and to see that the Catechism was brought to completion and published. The manuscript was, therefore, carried to Rome, and the work was continued with little delay. Meanwhile Cardinal Seripandi died, and St. Charles Borromeo was appointed to succeed him as president of the Catechism committee. On December 21, 1564, Bishop Foscarari also died. To complete the work the new president enlisted the services of several more theologians, such as Gabriel Paleotti and the Portugese Statius.

In order that the literary style of the Catechism might be in keeping with the sublimity of its doctrine, St. Charles called to its service the greatest masters of the Latin tongue of that age. These were Paulus Manutius, Giulio Pogiani, Cornelius Amaltheus, Silvius Antonianus, and Pietro Galesini. When the work was finished a first revision of the style was undertaken. The polishing of the first two parts was done by Calini, who had already been engaged in the composition of the Catechism. The third part was attended to by Galesini, and the fourth by Pogiani. This revision seems to have been completed by the end of the year 1564. Early in the following year, by order of St. Charles, who desired to secure absolute uniformity in the style, a second literary revision of the entire work was made by Pogiani.

Meanwhile Pius IV died and was succeeded on January 17, 1566, by Pius V. One of the first acts of the new Pontiff was to appoint a number of expert theological revisers to examine every statement in the Catechism from the viewpoint of doctrine. Chief among these revisers were Cardinal Sirlet and the two Dominicans, Thomas Manriquez and Eustachius Locatelli. By July of that year the work on the Catechism was finished. But it was not until the close of the year that it appeared under the title, Catechismus ex decreto Concilii Tridentini ad Parochos Pii V Pont. Max. jussu editus.

AUTHORITY AND EXCELLENCE OF THE ROMAN CATECHISM

The Roman Catechism is unlike any other summary of Christian doctrine, not only because it is intended for the use of priests in their preaching, but also because it enjoys a unique authority among manuals. In the first place, as already explained, it was issued by the express command of the Ecumenical Council of Trent, which also ordered that it be translated into the vernacular of different nations to be used as a standard source for preaching. Moreover it subsequently received the unqualified approval of many Sovereign Pontiffs. Not to speak of Pius IV who did so much to bring the work to completion, and of St. Pius V under whom it was finished, published and repeatedly commended, Gregory XIII, as Possevino testifies, so highly esteemed it that he desired even books of Canon Law to be written in accordance with its contents. In his Bull of June 14, 1761, Clement XIII said that the Catechism contains a clear explanation of all that is necessary for salvation and useful for the faithful, that it was composed with great care and industry and has been highly praised by all, that by it in former times the faith was strengthened, and that no other catechism can be compared with it. He concluded then, that the Roman Pontiffs offered this work to pastors as a norm of Catholic teaching and discipline so that there might be uniformity and harmony in the instructions of all. Nor have the Sovereign Pontiffs in our own days been less laudatory of the Catechism. Pope Leo XIII, in an Encyclical Letter of September 8, 1899, to the Bishops and clergy of France, recommended two books which all seminarians should possess and constantly read and study, namely, the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas and "that golden book," the Catechismus ad Parochos. Regarding the latter work he wrote: "This work is remarkable at once for the richness and exactness of its doctrine, and for the elegance of its style; it is a precious summary of all theology, both dogmatic and moral. He who understands it well, will have always at his service those aids by which a priest is enabled to preach with fruit, to acquit himself worthily of the important ministry of the confessional and of the direction of souls, and will be in a position to refute the objections of unbelievers."

Likewise Pius X in his Encyclical Acerbo nimis of April 15, 1905, declared that adults, no less than children, need religious instruction, especially in these days. And hence he prescribed that pastors and all who have care of souls should give catechetical instruction to the faithful in simple language, and in a way suited to the capacity of their hearers, and that for this purpose they should use the Catechism of the Council of Trent Still more recently, on February 14, 1921, speaking in the name of Benedict XV, Cardinal Gasparri, Papal Secretary of State, thus wrote to the Archbishop of New York relative to the latter's Program for A Parochial Course of Doctrinal Instructions, based on the Catechism: "It is superfluous to add that the value of the work is enhanced by the fact that it has been planned and executed in perfect harmony with the admirable Catechism of the Council of Trent."

Besides the Supreme Pontiffs who have extolled and recommended the Catechism, so many Councils have enjoined its use that it would be impossible here to enumerate them all. Within a few years after its first appearance great numbers of provincial and diocesan synods had already made its use obligatory. Of these the Preface to the Paris edition of 1893 mentions eighteen held before the year 1595. In five different Councils convened at Milan St. Charles Borromeo ordered that the Catechism should be studied in seminaries, discussed in the conferences of the clergy, and explained by pastors to their people on occasion of the administration of the Sacraments. In short, synods repeatedly prescribed that the clergy should make such frequent use of the Catechism as not only to be thoroughly familiar with its contents, but almost have it by heart.

In addition to Popes, and Councils, many Cardinals, Bishops and other ecclesiastics, distinguished for their learning and sanctity, vied with one another in eulogizing the Catechism of Trent. Among other things they have said that not since the days of the Apostles has there been produced in a single volume so complete and practical a summary of Christian doctrine as this Catechism, and that, after the Sacred Scriptures, there is no work that can be read with greater safety and profit.

In particular, Cardinal Valerius, the friend of St. Charles Borromeo, wrote of the Catechism: "This work contains all that is needful for the instruction of the faithful; and it is written with such order, clearness and majesty that through it we seem to hear holy Mother the Church herself, taught by the Holy Ghost, speaking to us.... It was composed by order of the Fathers of Trent under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and was published by the authority of the Vicar of Christ."

Salmanticenses, the great Carmelite commentators on St. Thomas, paid the following high tribute to the Catechism: "The authority of this Catechism has always been of the greatest in the Church, because it was composed by the command of the Council of Trent, because its authors were men of highest learning, and because it was approved only after the severest scrutiny by Popes Pius V and Gregory XIII, and has been recommended in nearly all the Councils that have been held since the Council of Trent."

Antonio Possevino, an illustrious Jesuit, and the preceptor of St. Francis de Sales, said: "The Catechism of the Council of Trent was inspired by the Holy Ghost."

In his immortal Apologia Cardinal Newman writes: "The Catechism of the Council of Trent was drawn up for the express purpose of providing preachers with subjects for their sermons; and, as my whole work has been a defense of myself, I may here say that I rarely preach a sermon but I go to this beautiful and complete Catechism to get both my matter and my doctrine."

"Its merits," says Dr. Donovan, "have been recognized by the universal Church. The first rank which has been awarded the Imitation among spiritual books, has been unanimously given to the Roman Catechism as a compendium of Catholic theology. It was the result of the aggregate labors of the most distinguished of the Fathers of Trent, . . . and is therefore stamped with the impress of superior worth."

Doctor John Hogan, the present Rector of the IrishCollege in Rome, writes thus: "The Roman Catechism is a work of exceptional authority. At the very least it has the same authority as a dogmatic Encyclical, -- it is an authoritative exposition of Catholic doctrine given forth, and guaranteed to be orthodox by the Catholic Church and her supreme head on earth. The compilation of it was the work of various individuals; but the result of their combined labors was accepted by the Church as a precious abridgment of dogmatic and moral theology. Official documents have occasionally been issued by Popes to explain certain points of Catholic teaching to individuals, or to local Christian communities; whereas the Roman Catechism comprises practically the whole body of Christian doctrine, and is addressed to the whole Church. Its teaching is not infallible; but it holds a place between approved catechisms and what is de tide."

We are enabled to realize from the foregoing testimonies how invaluable is the treasure we possess in the Tridentine Catechism. It is a Vade Mecum for every priest and ecclesiastical student. In it the latter will find a recapitulation of all the more important and necessary doctrines he has learned throughout his theological course; while to the priest it is not only a review of his former studies, but an ever-present and reliable guide in his work as pastor, preacher, counselor, and spiritual director of souls. Moreover, to the educated layman, whether Catholic or non-Catholic, who desires to study an authoritative statement of Catholic doctrine, no better book could be recommended than this official manual; for in its pages will be found the whole substance of Catholic doctrine and practice, arranged in order, expounded with perspicuity, and sustained by argument at once convincing and persuasive.

Finally, it can be said without fear of exaggeration that there is no single-volume work which so combines solidity of doctrine and practical usefulness with unction of treatment as does this truly marvelous Catechism. From beginning to end it not only reflects the light of faith, but it also radiates, to an unwonted degree, the warmth of devotion and piety. In its exposition of the Creed and the Sacraments, while dealing with the profoundest mysteries, it is full of thoughts and reflections the most fervent and inspiring. The part on the Decalogue, which might well be called a treatise on ascetical theology, teaches us in words burning with zeal both what we are to avoid and what we are to do to keep the Commandments of God. In the fourth, and last part o this beautiful work we have what is doubtless the most sublime and heavenly exposition of the doctrine of prayer ever written.

The Roman Catechism is, therefore, a handbook of dogmatic and moral theology, a confessor's guide, a book of exposition for the preacher, and a choice directory of the spiritual life for pastor and flock alike. With a view, consequently, to make it more readily available for these high purposes among English-speaking peoples this new translation has been prepared and is herewith respectfully submitted to its readers.

JOHN A. MCHUGH, O. P.

CHARLES J. CALLAN, O. P.