Christian History: The Council Of Trent in full: Session II

Session 2: ON MATTERS TO BE OBSERVED DURING THE COUNCIL

Celebrated on the seventh day of the month of January,1546.

The sacred and holy Synod of Trent–lawfully assembled in the Holy Ghost, the same three legates of the Apostolic See presiding therein–recognising, with the blessed apostle James, that Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights, who, to those who ask of him wisdom, giveth to all abundantly, and upbraideth them not; and knowing withal that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, hath ordained and decreed, that all and each of the faithful of Christ, assembled in the city of Trent, be exhorted, as they are hereby exhorted, to amend themselves of their evils and sins heretofore committed, and to walk henceforth in the fear of the Lord; not to fulfil the lusts of the flesh; to be instant in prayer; to confess more frequently; to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist; to visit churches; to fulfil, in fine, as far as each one shall be able, the commandments of the Lord; and, furthermore, to pray daily in private for peace between Christian princes, and for the unity of the Church: and as regards the bishops, and all others soever constituted in the priestly order, who are celebrating together an ecumenical council in this city, that they give heed to apply themselves assiduously to the praises of God; to offer up victims, praises, and prayers; to celebrate the sacrifice of the mass on each Sunday at least, the day whereon God made the light, rose again from the dead, and poured forth the Holy Ghost upon the disciples; making, as the same Holy Ghost enjoins by the apostle, supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgiving, for our most holy lord the Pope, for the emperor, for kings, and others who are placed in high stations, and for all men, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, may enjoy peace, and see an increase of faith. Furthermore, it is urged that all faithful diligently foster a spirit of charity and humility, recognizing that these virtues not only strengthen the individual soul but also the entire body of the Church. In this regard, the council of trent session 23 shall serve as a vital reminder of the commitment required to uphold the tenets of faith and foster unity amongst all believers. Let every Christian aspire to live in accordance with these decrees, elevating their devotion and contributing to the sanctity of their community. In addition, it has been decreed that the faithful should engage in acts of charity and promote the teachings of Christ through their lives, serving as examples to one another in love and unity. Acknowledging the importance of these efforts, the council of trent session twentyone calls upon all members of the Church to foster a spirit of reconciliation and to work diligently towards the salvation of souls, thereby fulfilling their divine mission. Let all be mindful of their responsibilities to one another and to the Church, strengthening bonds of fellowship as they strive for holiness. Moreover, it is decreed that each faithful member of Christ’s body strive for holiness and unity, remembering the teachings imparted during the council of trent session 24. This solemn gathering calls upon the faithful to renew their commitment to the Gospel, ensuring that their lives reflect the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness. Let all clergy and laity alike devote themselves to mutual support in faith, encouraging one another to uphold the truth and spread the message of salvation. In light of these exhortations, the faithful are reminded of their responsibilities not only to themselves but also to the broader community of believers. The council of trent session xx overview serves to reinforce the principles of faith and practice that unite all Christians in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, it is through diligent adherence to these tenets that the Church may continue to flourish and fulfill its divine mission. Furthermore, the Synod has resolved to reinforce the teachings of the Church by addressing the prevalent disputes and errors of the time, ensuring that the faithful are guided in their understanding of the holy scriptures. In light of the council of trent session highlights, an emphasis will also be placed on the importance of a well-formed conscience, leading the believers to not only know their faith but to live it out with fervor and dedication. This dedication is seen as essential for the renewal of both individual lives and the Church as a whole.

Furthermore, it exhorts that they fast at least on every Friday, in memory of the passion of the Lord, and give alms to the poor: further, on every Thursday there shall be celebrated, in the cathedral church, the mass of the Holy Ghost, with the litanies and other prayers appointed for this end; and on the same day there shall be said, in the other churches, at least the litanies and prayers; and during the time that the sacred services are being performed, let there be no talking or conversing together, but with mouth and mind association with the celebrant. And forasmuch as It behoveth bishops to be blameless, sober, chaste, ruling well their own household, (the Council) exhorts also that, above all, each observe sobriety at table, and moderation in diet; further, that, whereas idle conversations are often wont to arise there, the reading of the divine Scriptures be introduced, even at the tables of bishops; and let each teach and charge his servants not to be quarrelsome, given to wine, immodest, covetous, proud, blasphemous, and lovers of pleasures; in fine, let them shun vice and follow after virtue, and in dress, demeanour, and in all their actions show forth modesty, as becomes the servants of the servants of God.

Moreover, whereas it is the chief care, solicitude, and intention of this sacred and holy council, that, the darkness of heresies, which during so many years has covered the earth, being dispelled, the light, brightness, and purity of Catholic truth may, by the assistance of Jesus Christ, who is the true light, shine forth; and that those things which need reformation may be reformed; the said Synod exhorts all Catholics here assembled, and to be assembled, and especially those skilled in sacred letters, that by sedulous meditation they ponder diligently within themselves, by what ways and means the intention of the Synod may be best carried out and obtain the desired effect; that, in the most prompt and prudent manner, the things to be condemned, may be condemned; and those to be approved of be approved; that so, throughout the whole world, all may, with one mouth, and with the same confession of faith, glorify God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And in delivering their sentiments, when the priests of the Lord are sitting together in the place of benediction, no one–agreeably to the statute of the council of Toledo–ought either to be boisterous by immoderate outcries, or to cause disturbance by tumult; none to be contentious with false, vain, or obstinate disputation; but let whatsoever is said be so tempered by the mildest utterance of the words spoken, that neither the hearers may be offended, nor the rectitude of a correct judgment be warped by the mind being troubled.

Furthermore, this sacred Synod has ordained and decreed, that if it should chance to happen that any do not sit in their due places, and (thus) deliver their sentiments, even under the word Placet, (It pleaseth us,) are present at the Congregations, and take part in any other act whatsoever during the council, none shall thereby be prejudiced, none acquire a new right.

INDICTION OF THE NEXT SESSION

After this, the next Session was indicted for Thursday, the fourth of the ensuing February.

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