On the Invocation, Veneration,
and Relics of Saints and on
Sacred Images.......part 2
Moreover, let the bishops diligently teach that by means of the stories
of the mysteries of our redemption portrayed in paintings and other
representations the people are instructed and confirmed in the articles of
faith, which ought to be borne in mind and constantly reflected upon; also
that great profit is derived from all holy images, not only because the
people are thereby reminded of the benefits and gifts bestowed on them by
Christ, but also because through the saints the miracles of God and salutary
examples are set before the eyes of the faithful, so that they may give God
thanks for those things, may fashion their own life and conduct in imitation
of the saints and be moved to adore and love God and cultivate piety.
But if anyone should teach or maintain anything contrary to these
decrees, let him be anathema. If any abuses shall have found their way into
these holy and salutary observances, the holy council desires earnestly that
they be completely removed, so that no representation of false doctrines and
such as might be the occasion of grave error to the uneducated be exhibited.
And if at times it happens, when this is beneficial to the illiterate, that
the stories and narratives of the Holy Scriptures are portrayed and
exhibited, the people should be instructed that not for that reason is the
divinity represented in picture as if it can be seen with bodily eyes or
expressed in colors or figures.
Furthermore, in the invocation of saints, the veneration of relics, and
the sacred use of images, all superstition shall be removed, all filthy
quest for gain eliminated, and all lasciviousness avoided, so that images
shall not be painted and adorned with seductive charm, or the celebration of
saints and the visitation of relics be perverted by the people into
boisterous festivities and drunkeness, as if the festivals of the saints are
to be celebrated with revelry and with no sense of decency.
Finally, such zeal and care should be exhibited by the bishops with
regard to these things that nothing may appear that is disorderly or
unbecoming and confusedly arranged, nothing that is profane, nothing
disrespectful, since holiness becometh the house of God.
That these things may be more faithfully observed, the holy council
decrees that no one is permitted to erect or cause to be erected in any
place or church, howsoever exempt, any unusual image unless it has been
approved by the bishop; also that no new miracles be accepted and no relics
recognized unless they have been investigated and approved by the same
bishop, who, as soon as he has obtained any knowledge of such matters,
shall, after consulting the theologians and other pious men, act thereon as
he shall judge consonant with truth and piety.
But if any doubtful or grave abuse is to be eradicated, or if indeed any
graver question concerning these matters should arise, the bishop, before he
settles the controversy, shall await the decision of the metropolitan and of
the bishops of the province in a provincial synod; so, however, that nothing
new or anything that has not hitherto been in use in the Church, shall be
decided upon without having first consulted the most holy Roman pontiff.
(Cf. c. ult., X, De reliq. et ven. sanct., 111, 45)
(C.2, D.111 de cons.)
(Ps. 92:5)
(Cf. c.1, X, De reliq. et ven. sanct., 111, 45)
(Cf. c. ult., X, h.t., De reliq.)
Taken from: The Canons & Decrees of the Council of Trent
(pp 216-217)
Translated by: Rev. H.J. Schroeder, O.P.
Imprimatur: Joannes J. Glennon, Archiepiscopus
Published by: www.TanBooks.com
Copyright: Original 1941
--
Jesse Gomez Jr
In Beautiful Norway
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