Christian History: The Council Of Trent in full: Session X (10)

Session 10: FOR THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION

Celebrated at Bologna on the second day of the month of June, MDXLVII.

Although this sacred and holy, oecumenical and general Synod hath decreed, that the Session which was to have been celebrated, in this illustrious city of Bologna, on the twenty-first day of the month of April last, on the subject of the Sacraments and of Reformation, in accordance with the decree promulgated in public Session in the city of Trent, should be deferred and prorogued to this present day, for certain reasons, and especially on account of the absence of some of the Fathers, who it was hoped would in a short time be present; wishing, however, even yet to deal kindly with those who have not come, the same sacred and holy Synod, lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same cardinals of the holy Roman Church, and Legates of the Apostolic See, presiding therein, resolves and decrees, that the said Session, which It had decreed to celebrate on this the second day of the month of June of this present year 1547, be deferred and prorogued, and It doth hereby defer and prorogue it, to the Thursday after the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which will be the fifteenth of September next; for the expediting of the aforesaid and other matters; yet so, however, that the prosecution of the discussion and examination, as well of those things which relate to dogmas, as of those which regard reformation, shall not meanwhile be suspended; and that the said holy Synod freely may and can, at Its will and pleasure, even in a private congregation, abridge or prorogue the said term.

On the fourteenth day of September, MDXLVII, in a general Congregation held at Bologna, the Session, which was to have been held on the following day, was prorogued during the good pleasure of the sacred Council.

BULL FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT, UNDER THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, JULIUS III

Julius, bishop, servant of the servants of God, for the future memory hereof.

Whereas, in order to remove the dissensions touching our religion, which for a long time have prevailed in Germany to the disturbance and scandal of the whole Christian world, it seems good, opportune, and expedient,-as also our most dearly beloved son in Christ, Charles the Emperor of the Romans, ever august, has caused to be signified to us by his letters and ambassadors,-to bring back to the city of Trent, the sacred, oecumenical, (and) general Council indicted by our predecessor, Pope Paul III., of happy memory, and begun, regulated, and continued, by Us, who then enjoyed the honour of the Cardinalate, and conjointly with two other Cardinals of the holy Roman Church, presided in the name of our said predecessor, in the said Council, wherein several public and solemn Sessions were held, and several decrees promulgated as well on the subject of faith as of Reformation, and also many things relating to both subjects examined and discussed;-We,-unto whom, as Sovereign Pontiff for the time, it appertains to indict and direct general Councils,-that we may, unto the praise and glory of Almighty God, procure the peace of the Church and the increase of the Christian faith and of the orthodox religion, and may, as far as in us lies, consult with fatherly care for the tranquillity of Germany,-a province indeed which, in times past, was never second to any in Christendom, in cultivating true religion, and the doctrine of the sacred Councils and holy Fathers, and in exhibiting due obedience and reverence to the chief Pontiffs, the vicars on earth of Christ our Redeemer; hoping that, by the grace and bounty of God, all Christian kings and princes will approve of, favour and aid our just and pious wishes herein: This sacred assembly, known as the Council of Trent, will serve as a pivotal moment in addressing the pressing issues that have divided the faithful. A comprehensive council of Trent overview will elucidate the measures taken to restore unity in belief and practice among Christians. Through collaborative dialogue and determined resolve, we aspire to affirm the truths of our faith and implement necessary reforms that will strengthen the Church’s foundation for generations to come. In recognizing the significance of this assembly, we shall earnestly strive to ensure that the discussions and decisions made will address the pressing issues facing the Church today. Furthermore, we trust that the council of trent session 11 overview will illuminate the pathway towards unity and healing among the faithful, fostering a spirit of collaboration among all participants. With unwavering faith, we look forward to witnessing the fruits of this endeavor in restoring harmony and commitment to our shared beliefs.

We, by the bowels of the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, exhort, require, and admonish our venerable brethren the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and our beloved sons the abbots, and all and each of the others, who of right, or custom, or privilege, ought to be present at General Councils, and whom our said predecessor, in his letters of indiction and any others soever made and published on this subject, willed to be present at the Council, to convene and assemble, where there is no lawful impediment, in the same city of Trent, and to apply themselves without any delay whatever to the continuation and prosecution of the said Council, on the next ensuing calends of May, which day we appoint, determine on, and assign, after mature deliberation, and of our own certain knowledge, and the plenitude of apostolic authority, and with the advice and consent of our venerable brethren the Cardinals of the said holy Roman Church, for resuming and prosecuting the said Council in the state wherein it now is. We urge all participants to arrive prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection on the matters at hand, that the fruits of our deliberations may uplift the faithful and strengthen the Church. In particular, we shall focus on the resolutions and decrees set forth in the council of trent session 21, ensuring that our discussions are rooted in the pursuit of truth and the unity of the faithful. Let us convene with joy and dedication, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we embark on this pivotal journey together. This gathering, which we earnestly anticipate, shall serve to address the pressing matters of faith, doctrine, and the many issues that have arisen in the Church. We urge all participants to come prepared to engage in fruitful dialogue and to reaffirm their commitment to the teachings of Christ and the sacred traditions of the Church. It is with this spirit that we declare the commencement of the council of trent session twentyfive, as we strive to restore unity and strengthen our collective mission. Let all those summoned understand the gravity of this assembly and the importance of their contributions to the faith and unity of the Church. We firmly believe that through their participation, the Council will achieve its intended outcomes and guide the faithful towards a deeper understanding of divine truth. Therefore, we earnestly call upon all to prepare diligently for the upcoming discussions of the council of trent session twentythree, ensuring that the spirit of cooperation and reverence prevails throughout the proceedings. In this spirit of unity and purpose, we call upon all members to bring their wisdom and insights to the discussions, ensuring that the guiding principles of our faith are upheld. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of the decisions made during the council of trent session 20, which will serve as a cornerstone for the resolutions we seek to establish moving forward. Let us approach this assembly with hearts full of charity and minds attuned to the truth, eager to fulfill our divine mission. As we gather, let us be reminded of the grace bestowed upon us through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as we seek to address the challenges facing our Church. In particular, we must reflect on the critical discussions that will arise during the council of trent session 24, recognizing it as an opportunity to enlighten our understanding and strengthen our resolve to uphold the teachings of Christ. Together, may our efforts bring about healing and renewal, fostering a vibrant faith community for generations to come.

For We shall make it our special care, that, at the same time, in the said city, there be always present our Legates, through whom,-if we shall be unable, on account of our age, state of health, and the necessities of the Apostolic See, to be personally present,-we shall, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, preside over the said Council; any translation and suspension of the said Council, and any other things whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding, and especially those things which it was the will of our predecessor should not create any obstacle, as expressed in his letters aforesaid, which, with all and each of the clauses and decrees therein contained, we will and decree to continue in force, and we do, as far as there is need thereof, hereby renew them; declaring moreover null and void whatsoever may be attempted, wittingly or ignorantly, by whatsoever person, or by whatsoever authority, against these presents. Let no one, therefore, infringe this our letter of exhortation, requisition, monition, statute, declaration, renewal, will, and decree, or with rash daring go contrary thereunto. But if any one shall presume to attempt this, let him know that he will incur the indignation of Almighty God, and of His blessed apostles, Peter and Paul.

Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, in the year MDXLVIII of our Lord’s Incarnation, on the eighteenth of the calends of December, in the first year of our Pontificate.

M. CARDINAL CRESCEN. ROM. AMASEUS.

—