THE VISIBLE CHURCH HER.GOVERNMENT- CEREMONIES SACRAMENTALS FESTIVALS AND DEVOTIONS A TEXT BOOKL FOR, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS THE VISIBLE CHURCH HER GOVERNMENT, CEREMONIES, SACRAMENTALS, FESTIVALS AND DEVOTIONS A COMPENDIUM OF "THE EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH" BY Rev. JOHN F. .S.ULLIVAN WITH 120 ILLUSTRATIONS FEOM PEN DRAWINGS BY TEE AUTHOR A TEXT-BOOK FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Second Edition, Revised NEW YORK P. J. KENEDY & SONS PUBLISHERS to the holt apostolic see NIHIL OBSTAT: IMPRIMATUR : Arthurus J. Scanlan, S.T.D. Censor Librorwm Patritius J. Hayes, D.D. Archiepiscopus Neo-Eboracensis Neo-Eboracidie 5, Aprilis 1921. Copyright, 1920, 1922, by P. J. Kenedy & Sons, New York Printed in U. 8. A. CONTENTS PART I.— THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH. PAGE Lesson i. The Pope i Lesson 2. The Cardinals and the Roman Court 6 Lesson 3. Bishops. — I 10 Lesson 4. Bishops. — II 13 Lesson 5. Monsignors and Diocesan Clergy . 16 Lesson 6. Lesson 7- Lesson 8. Lesson 9- Lesson 10. Lesson 11. Lesson 12. Lesson 13- Lesson H- Lesson 15- Lesson 16. Lesson 17. Lesson 18. Lesson 19. Lesson 20. Lesson 21. PART II.— THE RELIGIOUS STATE. Religious Communities. — I ... 22 Religious Communities. — II ... 26 Religious Life for Women. — I . 31 Religious Life for Women. — II . . 35 PART III.— THE SACRAMENTS. The Ceremonies of Baptism ... 39 The Sponsors in Baptism .... 44 The Ceremonies of Confirmation . 47 Thf, Confession of Sins .... 51 The Ceremonies of Extreme Unction 55 The Ceremonies of Holy Orders. — I. The Tonsure and Minor Orders . 59 The Ceremonies of Holy Orders. — II. Subdeaconship and Deaconship . 63 The Ceremonies of Holy Orders. — III. The Priesthood 67 The Ceremonies of Matrimony . . 70 The Marriage Laws. — I. .... 74 The Marriage Laws. — II. .... 78 The Marriage Laws. — III. ,., . . 83 iii IV CONTENTS PART IF.— THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS. PAGE Lesson 22. The Mass. — 1 86 Lesson 23. The Mass. — II 90 Lesson 24. The Growth of the Mass. — I. From the Beginning to the Gloria} 92 Lesson 25. The Growth of the Mass. — II. From the Collects to the Creed . 95 Lesson 26. The Growth of the Mass. — III. From the Offertory to the Hanc Igitur , 100 Lesson 27. The Growth of the Mass. — IV. From the Consecration to the Pater Noster 1 103 Lesson 28. The Growth of the Mass. — V. From the Agnus Dei to the End . 107 Lesson 29. The Requisites for the Mass. — I. . no Lesson 30. The Requisites for the Mass. — II. . 115 PART V.— THE SACRAMENTALS. Lesson 31. The Sign of the Cross . . . . 119 Lesson 32. The Cross and the Crucifix . . . 121 Lesson 33. Holy Water 125 Lesson 34. Vestments — I 129 Lesson 35. Vestments. — II . 132 Lesson 36. Vestments. — III 136 Lesson 37. The Way of the Cross .... 139 Lesson 38. The Rosary 142 Lesson 39. Scapulars. — 1 148 Lesson 40. Scapulars. — II. The Scapular Medal 152 Lesson 41. The Holy Oils 155 Lesson 42. Candles 159 Lesson 43. Church Bells — The Angelus and the Regina Cceli 162 CONTENTS v PAGE Lesson 44. The Agnus Dei, Religious Medals, Blessed Cords 166 Lesson 45. Ashes, Palms, Incense 170 PART VI.— THE ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR. Lesson 46. The Church's Calendar. — I . Lesson 47. The Church's Calendar. — II Festivals of the Year . Lesson 48. The Church's Calendar. — III Festivals of the Year, continued Lesson 49. Lent and Holy Week .... 174177180184 PART VII— THE CHURCH'S BOOKS. Lesson 50. The Catholic Bible xgx Lesson 51. The Missal, The Breviary, The Ritual I94 PART VIII.— SERVICES AND DEVOTIONS. Lesson 52. Devotions in Honor of the Blessed Sacrament 198 Lesson 53. Devotions in Honor of the Sacred Heart 202 Lesson 54. Services for the Dead 205 Lesson 55. Our Daily Prayers 209 Lesson 56. Litanies. — 1 213 Lesson 57. Litanies. — II 217 Lesson 58. The Churching of Women . . . 219 Lesson 59. Church Music 221 Lesson 60. Psalms, Canticles and Hymns . . 225 part ix.— art and architecture Lesson 61. Christian Symbols. — 1 231 Lesson 62. Christian Symbols. — II 234 vi CONTENTS PAGE Lesson 63. Christian Symbols. — III 237 Lesson 64. Church Buildings and Their Parts. — 1 242 Lesson 65. Church Buildings and Their Parts. —II 245 PART X.— MISCELLANEOUS. Lesson 66. Religious Societies 250 Lesson 67. Fasting and Abstinence .... 254 Lesson 68. The Invocation and Canonization of Saints 257 Lesson 69. Images, Relics, Pilgrimages, Indul gences. Jubilees 260 Lesson 70. Rites Used in Catholic Worship . 265 PREFACE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH is a Visible Church — a society existing among men and instituted by God, and worshipping Him with external observ ances which have been developed into a complex ritual. Her liturgy is a grand and harmonious mani festation of man's homage to his Creator. Its ceremonies and devotions are the growth of centu ries. The essentials of our Church's worship have been embellished with a wealth of ritual practices, of which each detail is symbolic of the purpose for which that worship is offered. In the training of our Catholic youth, up to the present time, little attempt has been made to impart instruction as to the history and meaning of the practices which have been embodied in the Church's majestic ritual. The doctrinal part of Catholicism has been, as a rule, well taught in our Catholic schools. There are several excellent catechisms of Christian doctrine, arranged serially from the sim ple elementary text-book for the small child to the advanced manual for high-school classes. But there has been a long-felt need of a book which would be a supplement to these doctrinal catechisms — a book which would give, in a form adapted to the class room, a thorough explanation of the external prac tices of our Church ; that is, her government, clergy, religious communities, sacramentals, ceremonies, festivals and devotions. The present work is intended to supply this need. vii viii PREFACE It is a re-arrangement of "The Externals of the Catholic Church," by the same author. It is more than a mere elementary treatise. It embodies a fairly complete and detailed explanation and history of all that makes our Church a Visible Church. As will be seen by consulting its pages, it is not intended for the use of beginners. It is a manual for advanced classes. It has been arranged to pro vide abundant matter for a half-year academic course (seventy lessons, sufficient for a term of four teen weeks), for a full year if classes are held three times a week, or for a two-year course in a Sunday school. It may be used advantageously after the completion of a course in any higher catechism. The typography has been carefully planned to aid both the student and the teacher. Important facts are emphasized by large type, italics, etc.; explanatory matter and minor details are in smaller type. The pronunciation of all foreign words is given in foot-notes, and adequate illustrations are provided. To each lesson numbered questions are appended, and these are so worded as to call usually for very short answers. It is the hope of the Author that this work may be an instrument for the imparting of knowledge as to the history and details of the externals of our Church. How little is known, even by fairly well- informed Catholics, concerning the meaning and the development of the practices which have been em bodied in the Church's ritual! They assist at her services, they receive her sacraments, they use her sacramentals ; but they are usually unable to explain why her services are as they are, and when they were introduced — why the sacraments are admin istered with certain ceremonies, and when these PREFACE ix came into use — why the Church sanctifies this thing or that and calls it a sacramental, and when she began to do so. This book is intended to teach the why and the when. This, the second edition of The Visible Church, has been entirely re-set, and has been improved in many details. Numerous minor changes have been made, tending towards greater accuracy and com pleteness, and new matter has been added in several places. It is hoped that these alterations will ren der The Visible Church more useful than ever for our schools and for the diffusion of knowledge con cerning the practices of our Church. John F. Sullivan. Central Falls, R. I. THE VISIBLE CHURCH PART I THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH Lesson 1 THE POPE The Hierarchy. The Catholic Church is a society instituted by Jesus Christ to teach God's truth to men. Like other societies, it has a govern ment. This is known as the hierarchy, from the Greek, meaning priestly rule. All the grades of the hierarchy form the clergy, mean ing "the chosen ones." Through the sacrament of Holy Orders the hierarchy receives its power of offering public worship, of adminis tering most of the sacraments, and of instructing the faithful; and it is therefore known as the Hierarchy of Order. It possesses also the power of making laws and of ruling the faithful; and it is therefore known as the Hierarchy of Jurisdiction. Two parts of the Church's government were instituted by our Lord — the papacy (the office of Pope) and the episcopacy (the office of bishop). A bishop is one who has received all the powers of the priesthood. A priest is one who has received these powers incompletely; for some religious acts, such as ordination, can be performed only by a bishop. The rank of priest, as distinguished from that of bishop, was established by the Church in very 1 2 THE VISIBLE CHURCH early times. All the other grades of the hierarchy were likewise instituted by the Church. The Pope. The supreme ruler of the Church on earth is the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter in that see. He has author ity over all Catholics. None of his power is derived from any one but God, and he is responsible to no human being. The Pope's Powers. 1. He may make laws for the whole Church and for any part of it. 2. He can inflict censures (such as excommunication) on any one. 3. He can reserve to himself the power of absolving from sins. 4. He alone can make, sup press and divide dioceses, and approve new religious orders. 5. He can dispense from any vow. His Infallibility. The Pope is infallible in matters of faith and morals ; that is, when he defines a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the whole Church, he speaks without error or the possi bility of error. The Pope is preserved from error only when he is acting as teacher and lawgiver for the whole Church, for then he is infallibly guided by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth, Who abides with the Church forever. His Election. The papacy is an elective mon archy. If a Pope dies or resigns his office, his suc cessor is chosen by vote of the cardinals. A Pope cannot nominate his successor. The election by the cardinals was decreed by Pope Nicholas II, in 1059; in earlier times the Popes were chosen by the clergy and people of Rome. The meeting of the cardinals for the THE POPE 3 election is called a conclave (Latin, cum clavi,1 with a key) because they are locked in until the election is over. This practice goes back to the twelfth century. Until recently, certain governments, especially Austria and Spain, were allowed to protest against the election of some proposed candidates. This was known as the Power of Veto.2 It is no longer permitted. A two-thirds vote is required. When a candidate has received this and has manifested his willingness to accept the office, he thereby becomes Pope at once, needing no consecration. If he were not already a bishop, he would be afterwards consecrated like other bishops, but he is Pope from the moment of his election. Strictly speaking, any male Catholic who has come to the age of reason may be elected Pope — even a married layman. But for more than five hundred years the choice has fallen in every instance, upon a cardinal. The coronation of the Pope takes place soon after his election. At this ceremony he receives his tiara 3 or papal crown. The Pope resides in the Vatican palace, in Rome. The Pope exercised temporal sovereignty (that is, was an actual king) over a part of Italy, from the eighth cen tury down to the year 1870; and the right to this sovereignty is still claimed by the Holy See. His Titles. The Pope takes that name from the Latin papa, a childish word for father. He is often called the Sovereign Pontiff (from the Latin pontifex, bridge-builder, because in pagan times the Roman pontiffs or high-priests had charge of the bridges over the Tiber. He is usually mentioned as Our Holy Father, and is addressed as Tour Holi ness (in Latin, Beatissime Pater* Most Blessed Father). He speaks of himself as Servus Servorum i clavi. clah'-vee. 2 From the Latin, meaning "I forbid." s tiara, tie-ah'-rah. * Beatissime Pater. Bay-ah-tiss'-e-may Pah'-tair. 4 THE VISIBLE CHURCH Dei,1 Servant of the Servants of God. His govern ment at Rome is known as the Holy See (Latin, sedes? a seat). At his election the Pope chooses a new name, usually that of some preceding Pope whose life he admires or whose works he intends to imitate. This custom is traced back to Pope John II, in the year 533. Tiara. His Costume. The Pope's ordinary garb is white. Although he is a bishop, he does not use the crosier, or bishop's staff. He wears a pallium (Lesson 3) and a triple crown called a tiara, signifying his| threefold office as teacher, law-f giver and judge. He receives at his coronation a "Fisherman's seal-ring known as the Fisherman's Ring, bearing a representation of St. Peter fishing. for the sealing of documents. Ring." This is used Peterspence. The expenses of the Holy See are largely defrayed by Peterspence, a yearly con tribution by the faithful in various countries. This began in England in the reign of King Offa, in 787. It ceased at the time of the Protestant Reformation, and was reestablished by Pius IX. The line of Sovereign Pontiffs from St. Peter to Pius XI includes 261 Popes. QUESTIONS. 1. By whom and for what purpose was the Church instituted? 2. What is the governing body of the Church called? 3. What is the meaning of the word i Servus Servorum Dei. Ser'-vuss Ser-vo'-rum Day'-ee. 2 sedes. say'-days. THE POPE 5 i? 4. What is the meaning of the word clergy? 5. What powers are possessed by the Hierarchy of Order, and through what sacrament does it obtain these powers? 6. What powers are exercised by the Hierarchy of Juris diction? 7. What parts of the Church's government were established by our Lord? 8. What is the difference between a bishop and a priest ? 9. When was the rank of priest established? 10. What can you say of the institution of the other grades of the hierarchy? 11. Who is the supreme ruler of the Church? 12. What can you say of his authority? 13. What are his principal powers? 14. What do we mean when we say that the Pope is infallible ? 15. What kind of government is the papacy? 16. By whom is the Pope chosen ? 17. Can the Pope nominate his successor ? 18. How ancient is the election by the cardinals ? 19. What is the meeting of the cardinals called, and why? 20. What was the Power of Veto? 21. What vote is required for the election of a Pope ? 22. Who may be elected Pope ? 23. How long has the practice prevailed of electing a car dinal ? 24. What does the Pope receive at his coronation ? 25. Where does he reside? 26. What can you say of the temporal power of the Pope ? 27. What is the meaning of the word pope? 28. Of pontiff? 29. What title is usually employed in speaking of the Pope? 30. How would you address him, in Latin and in English? 31. How does he speak of himself? 32. What is the Holy See, and what is the meaning of the word see? 33. Why does a Pope take a new name? 34. How old is this practice ? 35. What is the color of the Pope's ordinary garb? 36. Does he use a crosier? 37. Describe the Pope's crown. 38. What is its meaning? 39. What ring does he wear? 40. Describe it. 41 For what purpose is it used ? 42. What is Peterspence? 43. Tell its history. 44. How many Popes have ruled the Church? 6 THE VISIBLE CHURCH Lesson 2 THE CARDINALS AND THE ROMAN COURT The Cardinals rank next to the Pope in the Church's hierarchy. They are the electors and the counsellors of the Sovereign Pontiff, and some of them are members of committees known as congre gations and tribunals. The word cardinal is from the Latin cardo, a hinge. This name was given in early times to priests who were permanently attached to certain churches: they were said to be incardinated — that is, brought in through the door, and hence were called cardinal priests. The first mention of them is in the time of Pope Marcellus, in the fourth century. Cardinal deacons, who cared for fourteen dis tricts in Rome, go back to even an earlier date ; but cardinal bishops were first heard of about the tenth century. The office of cardinal is a dignity only; the person who holds it has not received any new order. Cardinals are considered equal in rank to princes, and are often spoken of as Princes of the Church. They are appointed solely by the Pope, and can be deposed by him alone. The cardinals, considered as a body, are known as the Sacred College, or the College of Cardinals. They may not exceed seventy in number, and usually there are several vacancies. Italians are generally in a majority in the Sacred College. The Grades of Cardinals.. These are three : 1, cardinal bishops, six in number, being the bishops of certain sees near Rome ; 2, cardinal priests, who are nearly always bishops, and may number fifty; 3, cardinal deacons, of whom there are fourteen; these are priests, or may be merely in minor orders. CARDINALS AND THE ROMAN COURT 7 The garb of cardinals is scarlet, with a biretta (Lesson 35) and a skull-cap of the same color ; but if a member of a religious order is raised to this dignity he continues to wear a cassock of the color of his religious habit. A large low-crowned red hat is a part Cardinal'B Hat- of a cardinal's regalia; it is not worn, but is carried behind him at certain religious ceremonies, and is represented in his coat-of-arms. He wears a ring containing a sapphire. A cardinal is usually addressed as Your Eminence. The Roman Congregations. The Pope is assisted in the governing of the Church by certain committees called congregations and tribunals, composed mostly of cardinals. These committees, considered as a body, are called the Roman Curia1 or Court. The most important of the congregations are : 1. The Sacred Consistory (or Consistorial Congregation), which considers the forming of dioceses, the choosing of bishops, and other important matters. 2. The Congregation of the Inquisition (or the Holy Office), which judges heresies, has charge of certain classes of indulgences, and examines books. 3. The Congregation of Sacred Bites, which regulates the details of religious ceremonies and the canonizing of saints. 4. The Congregation of the Council, which attends to matters of discipline and some matrimonial cases. 5. The Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (often called the Propaganda), which supervises the spreading of the Faith in missionary countries. The Roman Tribunals are courts for judging certain cases and crimes and for giving absolution from certain censures. 1 curia, coo'-ree-ah. 8 THE VISIBLE CHURCH These are three in number : 1. The Rota, meaning "the wheel," because its twelve members are seated in a circle and in turn examine the matters submitted to it. 2. The Sacred Penitentiary, which gives absolution from sins and censures reserved to it, grants dispensations from vows, and supervises certain classes of indulgences. 3. The Signature, which considers certain appeals and petitions. Apostolic Legates. A legate is a person sent by the Pope as his representative to a government or to the bishops and faithful of a country. The classes of legates are : 1. Legates properly so-called, who are resident am bassadors of the Holy See in capitals where the papal government is recognized. 2. Nuncios,1 whose duties resemble those of legates. 3. Apostolic delegates, of whom one of the most im portant is the Pope's representative in the United States. These have the power of judging and deciding ma^y things that would ordinarily be referred to the Holy Father. 4. Apostolic vicars and ablegates, sent for special pur poses to various parts of the world. Councils of the Church. These are assem blies of bishops, at which Church laws are made. They may be: 1. General councils, to which, at long intervals, the bishops of the world are summoned by the Pope. At these, laws are made for the whole Church and her doctrines are defined, subject to approval by the Pope. Twenty general eounoils have been held. The most important were the 1 nuncio, nun'-she-o. CARDINALS AND THE ROMAN COURT 9 Council of Nice,1 or Nicaea2 (325), the Fourth Lateran Council, held at Rome in 1215, the Council of Trent (1545- 1563), and the Vatican Council, begun at Rome in 1870. 2. Plenary councils (sometimes known as national or patriarchal councils), which are assemblies of the bishops of a certain country or territory, making laws for that region, subject to the approval of the Holy See. In the United States there have been three plenary councils, all held at Baltimore (1852, 1866 and 1884). 3. Provincial councils, in which the bishops of a province meet to make local laws. An assembly of the priests of a diocese for the same purpose (subject to the bishop's approval) is known as a diocesan synod. QUESTIONS. 1. What are cardinals? 2. From what word is the name derived ? 3. What is the meaning of the word incardmated? 4. When do we find the first mention of cardinal priests? 5. What was originally the duty of cardinal deacons? 6. How old is the dignity of cardinal bishop? 7. Does this dignity imply that a new order has been given ? 8. What can you say of the rank of cardinals ? 9. Who may appoint or depose them? 10. What names are given to the cardinals as a body? 11. How many cardinals may there be ? 12. Name the grades of cardinals. 13. Who hold the rank of cardinal bishops? 14. What is their number? 15. Are cardinal priests merely priests? 16. What is their number? 17. How many cardinal dea cons may there be ? 18. What is their rank by ordination ? 19. What color is worn by cardinals? 20. Describe a cardinal's hat. 21. What kind of ring does he wear? 22. How is a cardinal addressed ? 23. What is the purpose of the Roman congregations? 24. What name is given to the congregation -, and tribunals as a body ? 25. Name the most important congregations. 26. What matters are considered by the Sacred Consistory? i Nice. Neece. 2 Nicaea. Nee-say'-ah. 10 THE VISIBLE CHURCH 27. What are the duties of the Congregation of the Inqui sition? 28. Of the Congregation of Sacred Rites? 29. Of the Congregation of the Council? 30. Of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith ? 31. What are the Roman tribunals ? 32. Name them. 33. Why is the Rota so-called ? 34. What are the duties of the Sacred Penitentiary? 35. Of the Signature? 36. What is a legate? 37. Who are legates, properly so-called? 38. What can you say of the duties of a nuncio? 39. Of an apostolic delegate? 40. What are apostolic vicars and ablegates ? 41. What are councils of the church? 42. Name the classes of councils. 43. Who attend general councils? 44. Who summons them ? 45. What is done at these councils ? 46. How many general councils have been held ? 47. Give the names and dates of the four most important general councils. 48. By what other names are plenary councils sometimes known? 49. Who are present at them, and what is done? 50. When and where were plenary councils held in this country ? 51. What are provincial councils ? 52. What is a diocesan synod? Lesson 3 BISHOPS— I The Episcopacy. The territory of any coun try in which the Church has a government (except certain missionary lands) is divided into regions called dioceses, each of which is governed by a bishop. The bishops form the episcopacy of our Church. Their authority comes from our Lord Himself, for He instituted not only the papacy but the episcopacy. The word diocese is from the Greek dioikesis,1 signify- 1 dioikesis. dee-oy-kay'-sis. BISHOPS 11 ing management, government or a governed territory. When a diocese is ruled by an archbishop, it is known as an archdiocese. The word bishop is derived from the Greek episkopos,1 an overseer. The episcopacy is made up of two classes, arch bishops and bishops. Archbishops. These are of several grades: 1. Greater patriarchs, who are four in number — the archbishops of Jerusalem, Constantinople, Anti- och and Alexandria. 2. Patriarchs, a title given to certain archbish ops, such as those of Venice and Lisbon. 3. Primates, now an honorary title only; they formerly exercised authority over the dioceses of various countries. 4. Metropolitans, who rule archdioceses and have certain rights and jurisdiction over the dioceses of their provinces. A province is a territory made up of a number of dio ceses, each governed by its own bishop. They are all under a metropolitan, who is the archbishop of the most important see in the province. 5. Titular archbishops, who merely hold the title of some archdiocese but have no jurisdiction over it. All these grades add nothing to the orders which the holders have received. They are bishops, whatever their rank or title. The distinguishing feature of an arch bishop's vestments is the pallium, a band of white wool, with pendant ribbons, worn on the shoulders. i episkopos. ep-isk'-op-oss. Pallium. 12 THE VISIBLE CHURCH An archbishop is spoken of as Most Reverend and is ad dressed as Your Grace. Bishops. These are of two classes : 1. Diocesan bishops, each of whom governs the diocese of which he holds the title. If a diocese does not form part of a province, the bishop thereof is sometimes called an exempt bishop, because he is exempted from the jurisdiction of a metropolitan. If the diocese forms part of a province, the bishop is called a suffragan bishop. 2. Titular bishops, who bear the title of a diocese but have no jurisdiction over it. These latter may be commissioned as auxiliary bishops or coadjutor bishops, to assist the bishop of a diocese. A coadjutor bishop usually means one who has the right to succeed the bishop whom he aids, while an auxiliary bishop has no such right. Titular archbishops and bishops, in many cases, receive their titles from ancient sees in regions not now Catholic ; for this reason they were formerly known as archbishops and bishops in partibus infidelium1 — that is, in infidel lands. In missionary countries where dioceses have not been established, a vicar apostolic or a prefect apostolic is often appointed. The former is usually a bishop, the latter is usually not. The Election of a Bishop. The method of choosing a bishop is now as follows : The bishop of each diocese obtains secretly from each of the consultors and permanent rectors (Lesson 5) of his diocese the name of a priest who is deemed worthy of the episcopal dignity. These names are sent to the archbishop of the province. Later the bishops are summoned by the archbishop to a private meeting, where the names are voted i infidelium. in-fid-ay'-lee-um. BISHOPS 13 on. The result is sent to the apostolic delegate (Lesson 2), and by him to Rome ; and thus, when a vacancy occurs in any diocese, the names of suitable candidates can be pre sented promptly to the Holy Father. QUESTIONS. 1. What is a diocese? 2. What is the governor of a diocese called ? 3. Whence do bishops derive their authority? 4. What is the derivation of the word diocese? 5. What is an archbishop's diocese called? 6. What is the meaning of the word bishop? 7. Which are the two classes of the episcopacy ? 8. Name the grades of archbishops. 9. What sees are ruled by greater patriarchs? 10. Name two sees ruled by patriarchs. 11. What are primates? 12. What are metropolitans? 13. What is a province? 14. What are titular archbishops? 15. Do the holders of these ranks differ in orders? 16. Describe a pallium. 17. How is an archbishop spoken of, and how is he addressed ? 18. What are the two classes of bishops ? 19. What is a diocesan bishop ? 20. When is a diocesan bishop called an exempt bishop ? 21. When is he called a suffragan bishop ? 22. What is a titular bishop ? 23. What are auxiliary and coadjutor bishops? 24. How do they differ? 25. Whence do titular archbishops and bishops get their titles? 26. By what name were they formerly known? 27. How is the Church usually governed in countries that have no dioceses ? 28. Describe the method of choosing bishops. Lesson 4 BISHOPS— II The Vestments of a Bishop. At religious services a bishop wears a garb which is largely sym bolical of his office and duties as ruler of part of the flock of Christ. The various parts of his garb are : 14 THE VISIBLE CHURCH Mitre. over the rochet diocese. 4. The 1. The mitre, a tall double-pointed cap, of Eastern origin, used in very early times as a head-dress for kings. It came into use as an ecclesiastical vestment, in the Roman Church, about the tenth century. Its two points, or horns, symbolize the Old and New Testaments. 2. The rochet, a vestment like a sleeved surplice, made of white linen, usually ornamented with lace. 3. The mantelletta (short mantle), a sleeveless short cloak of silk or woolen ma terial with openings for the arms, worn A bishop uses it only outside of his own Rochet. with the dalmatic and the tunic. When a bishop is celebrating a Pontifical Mass (Lesson 23), he wears these three vestments — the chasuble of the priest, the dalmatic of the deacon and the tunic of the subdeacon, to show that his episco pal office is the perfection of the various Sacred Orders. The dalmatic and the tunic are made of thin material. (For a description of these vestments see Lesson 36.) 5. The cappa magna (great cape), a long vestment like a cope, with a cape of silk or fur, worn at solemn functions. 6. Gloves, made of knitted silk, ornament ed on the backs with crosses. 7. Stockings, of woven silk. 8. Sandals, low flat-heeled shoes. The gloves, stockings, and sandals vary in color according to the Mass, but are not used atj Requiem Masses. 9. The gremiale,1 a kind of apron, which] is laid upon the lap of the bishop when he* i gremiale. gray-me-ah'-lay. Cappa Magna. Bishop's Glove and Sandal. Gremiale. BISHOPS 15 is seated during a Mass or is conferring Sacred Orders. A bishop wears a cassock that varies in color according to the season and the service — black with purple trimmings on penitential days; purple with crimson trimmings and a train in other seasons at the solemn functions (this is called a choir cassock); and black with red trimmings, without a train, on other oc casions. Over his cassock he wears a short cape, called by the Italian name of mozzetta,1 provided with a small hood. He wears a purple biretta or cap (Lesson 35), and may Mozzetta. also wear a small skull cap, or zucchetto,2 of the same color. A bishop has a pastoral staff, or crosier, resembling a shepherd's crook, and symbolizing his office as shepherd of the flock. Its use goes back to the fifth century. He wears a pectoral cross (Latin Crosier, pectus, the breast), suspended from a chain which is worn around his neck. This is an emblem of the Christian faith. It came into use about the twelfth century. On the third finger of his right hand is a large ring. Its use dates back to the sixth cen tury. It was originally a signet-ring, for the impressing of the bishop 's seal on documents. It signifies fidelity and close union with the Church. Pectoral Cross. -A- bishop is spoken of as Right Reverend, Bishop's Ring, and is addressed in European countries as My Lord; in the United States simply as Bishop. i mozzetta. mod-zet'-tah. 2 zucchetto. zuk-ket'-toe. Zucchetto. 16 THE VISIBLE CHURCH The Visit Ad lamina.1 Every archbishop and bishop in charge of a diocese is obliged at certain intervals to visit Rome and make a report to the Pope. This is known as the visit ad limina — that is, to the threshold. It is made every three years by bishops who live near Rome; every four years by other Europeans; and every five years by those who rule more distant sees. QUESTIONS. 1. Of what are a bishop '& vestments sym bolical? 2. Describe a mitre. 3. Tell its history. 4. What is its symbolism? 5. What is a rochet? 6. What is a mantelletta? 7. What three vestments does a bishop wear at a Pontifical Mass, and why ? 8. What is a cappa magna? 9. Describe a bishop's gloves, stockings and sandals. 10. What is a gremiale, and when is it used? 11. What are the rules regarding the color of a bishop's cassock? 12. What is a mozzetta ? 13. What is a biretta, and what is the color of that worn by a bishop ? 14. What is the name of his skull-cap? 15. Name and describe the bishop's staff. 16. What does it symbolize? 17. How ancient is its use? 18. How is a pectoral cross worn? 19. Whence is its name derived, and what is its symbolism ? 20. When did it come into use? 21. What can you say of a bishop's ring? 22. How is a bishop addressed? 23. What is the visit ad limina? 24. How often is it made? 25. What is the mean ing of the words ? Lesson 5 MONSIGNORS AND DIOCESAN CLERGY Monsignors. This title denotes the rank of protonotaries 2 apostolic, who are prelates of a lower rank than bishops. The word prelate is properly applied to the Pope, the i limina. lim'-in-ah. « Accent on the second syllable — pro-ton'-o-ta-ries. MONSIGNORS AND DIOCESAN CLERGY 17 cardinals, archbishops, bishops and abbots; but certain others, having been raised by the Pope to a special dignity, are known as domestic prelates or monsignors^ and these are of three grades. The name of monsignor is also given to a fourth grade of protonotaries who are not domestic prelates. Members of the first three grades (the domestic prelates) have the right to use some of the vestments, etc., of bishops, and are addressed as Right Reverend. Those of the fourth class wear black, without any red or purple, and are en titled Very Reverend. Protonotaries of all grades are called monsignor s. The Officers of a Diocese. The chief assist ant of a bishop in the government of a diocese is the vicar general. He is often called the "other self" of the bishop, and his official acts have the same force as those of the bishop. Thus the latter cannot receive an appeal from a decision of his vicar general ; it must be made to the higher tribunal of the metropolitan, the archbishop of the province. A vicar general is a monsignor, and is so addressed; and he is designated, according to his rank as protonotary, by the title of Right Reverend or Very Reverend. Each diocese has a chancellor, through whose office nearly all diocesan business is transacted. There is a diocesan tribunal, of which the presiding judge is called an official, with synodal judges and examiners (from four to twelve in number), a referee (who writes reports), an auditor (who sum mons witnesses and prepares cases), and notaries (who draw up documents). A diocesan attorney (called promotor justitiae,2 promoter of justice — formerly known as the procurator fiscalis3) is i monsignors. mon-seen'-yorz. 2 promotor justitiae. pro-mo'-tor yuss-tit'-see-ay. s procurator fiscalis. pro-coo-rah'-tor fiss-cah'-liss. 18 THE VISIBLE CHURCH the bishop's legal advocate and the prosecutor in ecclesi astical trials. There is a defensor vinculi1 (defender of the tie), who takes part in cases concerning the marriage bond and Holy Orders. In the dioceses of some countries there is at the cathedral a chapter of canons, priests who advise and aid the bishop. In the United States this work is done by diocesan con- suitors, usually six in number. There is a hoard of examiners for the clergy and one for schools. A censor of hooks examines publications dealing with faith or morals. A committee of vigilance guards against the teaching of error. A bishop's secretary attends to the bishop 's correspondence. There may be rural deans, each having supervision over a district of the diocese. In some dioceses there is a board of deans, each member of which has supervision over a number of parishes; a director of the Priests' Eucharistic League, and of other devotional societies; and various other officials and com mittees. Priests. The word priest is from the Greek presbuteros,2 and signifies an elder. Priests who are not members of a religious order are known as secular priests. (Latin, saeculum,3 the world, because they live therein). Those who belong to religious orders are called regular priests (Latin, regula,* a rule, because they are bound by monastic laws). The Clergy of Parishes. Over each parish is a pastor or rector. Each parish has a certain designated territory, and the pastor is responsible for the care of souls and usually for the financial management. i defensor vinculi. day-f en'-sor vin'-cdo-lee. 2 presbuteros. prez-boo'-ter-oss. 3 saeculum. say'-coo-lum. * regula. reg'-oo-lah. MONSIGNORS AND DIOCESAN CLERGY 19 The word pastor signifies shepherd; the word rector means ruler. Each parish, legally considered, is generally a corpora tion, of which, in some States, the bishop is the president and the pastor, the treasurer; the vicar general and two lay members known as trustees form the rest of the cor poration. In the dioceses of the United States some par ishes have irremovable or permanent rectors. A vacancy in the rectorship is filled through a concur- sus or competitive examination. Hereafter all new parishes will be of this kind. The assistant clergy, who help the pastor in his work, are known as curates — a word meaning care takers. A priest who has the spiritual care of soldiers or sailors, or who officiates in a hospital or other insti tution, is called a chaplain — that is, one who has charge of a chapel. The Catholic Church in the United States. The following are some details concerning the government of the Church and its condition in this country in 1922. (This section is given as a model, which can be used year after year by insert ing the newest names and numbers as taken from the Official Catholic Directory.) The present head of the Church is Pius XI (formerly Achille Ratti,1 Cardinal Archbishop of Milan), elected Feb ruary 6, 1922, succeeding Benedict XV. The apostolic delegate in the United States is the Most Rev. John Bonzano,2 D.D., residing in Washington. In the United States there are two cardinals: William i Achille Ratti. Ah-kill'-ay Raht'-tee. 2 Bonzano. Bon-zah'-no. 20 THE VISIBLE CHURCH Cardinal O'Connell, Archbishop of Boston, and Dennis Cardinal Dougherty, Archbishop of Philadelphia. In the United States (excluding insular possessions, etc.) there are 14 archdioceses, 86 dioceses, and one vicariate apostolic (North Carolina). The metropolitan of this province is Archbishop ,* residing in , * The bishop of this diocese is Bishop * residing in * There are more than 16,000 secular priests, over 6,000 regular priests, nearly 11,000 churches with resident pas tors, nearly 6,000 other churches, and a Catholic population of more than 18,000,000. The religious communities of women engaged in chari table and educational work have a membership of more than 90,000. In the communities of men there are more than 10,000 who are not priests. QUESTIONS. 1. What is a monsignor? 2. To whom la the word prelate properly applied? 3. By whom is the title of domestic prelate given? 4. How many are the grades of domestic prelates? 5. What other persons are known as monsignors? 6. What can you say concerning the garb of domestic prelates ? 7. How are they addressed? 8. What is the garb of the fourth grade of protonotaries, and how are they addressed ? 9. What is a vicar general ? 10. What can you say of his authority? 11. How is he addressed? 12. What officer cares for most of the business of a diocese ? 13. What is the title of the presiding judge of the diocesan tribunal ? 14. What are the other judges called, and what may their number be? 15. What is done by the referee? 16. By the auditor ? 17. By the notaries ? 18. What is the Latin title of the diocesan attorney, and its meaning? 19. By what name was he formerly known? * To be supplied by the teacher. MONSIGNORS AND DIOCESAN CLERGY 21 20. What are his duties? 21. What is meant by defensor vinculi? 22. What are the duties of this official? 23. What is a chapter of canons? 24. Who advise and aid the bishop in our country ? 25. What is their number ? 26. Name two boards of examiners. 27. What is done by the censor of books? 28. By the committee of vigilance? 29. By the bishop's secretary? 30. Name other officials found in some dioceses. 31. What is the derivation of the word priest? 32. What are secular priests, and why are they so-called ? 33. What are regular priests, and why are they so-called ? 34. Who rules a parish? 35. What is the meaning of pastor and of rector? 36. Describe a parish corporation. 37. How is a permanent rector chosen? 38. What is a curate, and what does the word mean ? 39. What is a chaplain, and what does the word mean? 40. Who is the present head of the Catholic Church? 41. What was his former name and office? 42. When was he elected, and whom did he succeed ? 43. Who is the apostolic delegate in the United States? 44. Name the American cardinals. 45. How many archdioceses and dioceses are there in the United States? 46. Who is the metropolitan of this province ? 47. Who is our bishop ? 48. How many secular and regular priests are there in this country? 49. How many churches? 50. What is the Catholic population ? 51. How many members in religious communities of women ? 52. How many male religious who are not priests? part n THE RELIGIOUS STATE Lesson 6 RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES— I Religious Communities are societies ap proved by the Church, whose members dwell to gether under defined codes of rules, and ordinarily, take the three vows of poverty, chastity and obe dience. An approved society of which the members are bound by solemn vows is known as a religious order. If the vows are only simple, the society is called a religious congrega tion. If the simple vows are not perpetual, the society is often called a pious congregation or pious society. The superior of a religious community of men is known by different names in different societies! — a superior-general, father-general, etc. The ruler of an abbey is called an abbot (from a Hebrew word meaning father). In mon asteries the local superior is often entitled a prior. The head of a religious society of women is usually known as a mother superior or mother-general. THE HISTORY OF THE RELIGIOUS LIFE. Before the beginning of Christianity there were, among both Jews and pagans, communities observing strict rules of morti fication. About the year 250 A. D. there were found among Christians devout persons who retired into the desert and lived in solitude. They were known as anchorites or hermits. The first of them is said to have been St. Paul of the Desert, and after him came St. Anthony the Hermit. The first monastic house in which the religious dwelt 22 RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES 23 together was established about the year 315 by St. Pacho- mius,1 in Egypt. Founders of other houses were St. Hil- arion in Palestine, St. Basil in Greece, and St. Benedict, the "Father of the Monastic Life," in Italy. As the Gos pel was carried into the countries of Europe, religious houses were established in great numbers. They afforded a retreat for the devout, formed missionary centers for the conversion of pagan tribes, and promoted art, architecture, agriculture and literature. The members of male religious communities are usually termed monks, from the Greek monachos,2 solitary, because in early times, as stated, those desiring religious perfection lived in solitude. Religious Communities of Men. The fol lowing are brief histories of some of the great religious societies of men. THE AUGUSTINIANS. (0. S. A.— Order of St. Augus tine). They are among the oldest of the monastic orders. Their rule is said by some to have been written by St. Augustine. Their history goes back to about the year 800. They were put into their present form by St. Peter Damian in 1063. The Augustinians have about 35 houses in the United States. THE BENEDICTINES. (0. S. B.— Order of St. Bene dict). This is the oldest order that has a consecutive his tory. It was founded by St. Benedict at Subiaco,3 in Italy, in 529 ; and somewhat later the great monastery of Monte Cassino 4 was established, which is to-day the center of gov ernment of the order. It has done great missionary work throughout the world. St. Augustine of Canterbury, the Apostle of England, was one of its members. It has given 24 Popes to the Church. i Pachomius. Pack-o'-mius. 2 monachos. mon'-ah-koss. s Subiaco. Sub-e-ah'-co. * Monte Cassino. Mon'-tay Cas-see'-na 24 THE VISIBLE CHURCH It was reformed in zeal by St. Benedict of Aniano1 in the ninth century, and by Peter the Venerable, at Cluny, in France, in the twelfth. In the United States it has 16 large abbeys, besides other houses, and many parishes. THE FRANCISCANS. There are several religious bodies following the rule of St. Francis of Assisi.2 Among them are the Franciscan Fathers (0. F. M. — Order of Friars Minor), the Capuchin Friars Minor (0. M. Cap. — Order of Minor Capuchins, or 0. S. F. C. — Order of St. Francis, Capuchins), the Minor Conventuals (0. M. C), the Franciscan Brothers (0. S. F.), and the Fathers of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis (T. 0. R.). This great founder established his first community in 1209. The rule is very austere. The order has done great missionary work throughout the world, and has given five Popes to the Church. THE DOMINICANS, or THE ORDER OF PREACH ERS (0. P.) were founded by St. Dominic, a Spaniard, in the thirteenth century. Their great work is the preach ing of the word of God. St. Thomas Aquinas, the great est of theologians, was a member of this order, and four Popes have been chosen from its membership. In the United States it has about 300 priests. THE REDEMPTORISTS (C. SS. K.—Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris,3 Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) were founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori4 in 1732. They devote themselves mainly to the preaching of missions. In the United States they have more than 700 members, of whom about 400 are priests. THE CISTERCIANS, or TRAPPISTS (0. C. R.— Ordo Cisterciensium Reformatorum,5 Order of Reformed Cister cians). This is the strictest of the religious orders at the 1 Aniano. An-e-ah'-no. 2 Assisi. Ass-see'-see. s Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris. Con-gray-gaht'-see-o Sank- tiss'-im-ee Ray-demp-toe'-riss. * Liguori. Lee-goo-o'-ree. 6 Cisterciensium Reformatorum. Siss-ter-see-en'-see-um Ray-for- mah-toe'-rum. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES 25 present day. It is an offshoot of the Benedictine order, and was founded by St. Robert at Citeaux x (Latin, Cis- tercium 2), in France in 1098. They had become somewhat relaxed in discipline and a new branch was established in 1662 at the Abbey of La Trappe,3 by Armand de Ranee.4 The Trappists rise at two in the morning ; they take only one full meal, at noon, with a light collation in the after noon ; they use no meat ; and they observe rigorous silence — not speaking except to the superior. They have three abbeys in the United States. QUESTIONS. 1. What are religious communities? 2. What is a religious order? 3. A religious congregation? 4. A pious congregation or pious society? 5. Mention some of the titles given to superiors. 6. What can you say of religious communities before the Christian era ? 7. When did the practice begin of retiring into solitude ? 8. What names were given to these dwellers in the desert ? 9. Who were the earliest of them ? 10. Who established the first monastic house; when and where? 11. Mention some other founders. 12. Describe some of the work done by religious communities in past ages. 13. What is the derivation of the world monk? 14. What letters denote an Augustinian ? 15. What can you say of the origin of the Augustinian rule ? 16. How far back does the order go ? 17. Who put it in its present form, and when ? 18. How many houses have the Augustinians in the United States? 19. What letters denote a Benedictine ? 20. Who founded the order; when, and where? 21. What great monastery belongs to it? 22. What celebrated missionary was a member? 23. How many Popes were Benedictines? 24. What two men reformed this order, and when ? 25. What can you say of this order in the United States ? 1 Citeaux. See'-toe. 2 Cistercium. Siss-ter'-see-um. *La Trappe. Lah Trap. 4 Armand de Ranee. Ar'mahnd duh Rahn'-say. 26 THE VISIBLE CHURCH 26. Name some branches of the Franciscans, and give the letters designating the members of each. 27. Who founded the Franciscans and when? 28. What is their work? 29. How many Popes were Franciscans? 30. What is the other title of the Dominicans, and what letters designate them ? 31. Who founded them, and when ? 32. What is their special work? 33. What great theologian was a member? 34. How many Popes were Dominicans? 35. What can you say of this order in the United States ? 36. What letters denote a Redemptorist ? 37. Who founded them, and when? 38. What is their chief work? 39. How numerous are they in the United States? 40. What other title have the Cistercians? 41. What letters denote a Cistercian ? 42. From what order did they spring? 43. Who founded them; where, and when? 44. Who established a new branch ; where, and when ? 45. Give some details of their mode of life. 46. How many abbeys have they in the United States ? Lesson 7 RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES— II THE PASSIONISTS, or CONGREGATION OF THE PASSION (C. P.) were founded in 1720 by St. Paul of the Cross. Their rule is severe, resembling that of the Trappists, but without the obligation of silence. They are engaged mostly in the giving of missions and retreats. Their garb is a plain black gown, on the breast of which is a heart-shaped badge with the inscription "XPI Passio" —the Passion of Christ (the letters XPI being Greek, equivalent to CH-R-I, an abbreviation of "Christ"). Open sandals are worn instead of shoes. In the United States the order numbers over 300, of whom over one-half are priests. THE JESUITS, or THE SOCIETY OF JESUS (S. J.), were founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius Loyola, a Spaniard. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES 27 They are perhaps the most active of all the religious orders — engaged in charitable work, foreign missionary work, teaching, giving missions and retreats, etc. They are the principal promoters of the League of the Sacred Heart (Lesson 66). Their course of study is long and thorough, and they have produced a host of eminent theologians, scientists and defenders of Catholic truth. The Society of Jesus was suppressed in 1773 by Clement XIV. It was reorganized under Pius VII in 1814. In the United States the Jesuits have five provinces, with more than 1,400 priests, 1,300 scholastics (advanced students) and 500 lay-brothers; they have 34 colleges and about an equal number of high schools; they are also engaged in parish work and in the giving of missions and retreats. THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (F. S. C. — Fratres Scholarum Christianarum1) , or CHRIS TIAN BROTHERS, a body of laymen living in com munity, were founded in France in 1684 by St. John Baptist de la Salle, a priest. They have been, throughout all their history, an important factor in the education of Catholic youth. Their total membership is about 18,000, and throughout the world they teach more than 350,000 pupils, of whom nearly 30,000 are in the United States. THE PAULISTS (C. S. P.— Congregation of St. Paul), an American community, were founded in 1853 by Rev. Isaac T. Hecker. Besides parochial work, they are engaged in the giving of missions to Catholics and non-Catholics, and in literary labor. CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION (C. M.), also known as LAZARISTS or VINCENTIANS, was founded by St. Vincent de Paul in 1624, its first house being the College of St. Lazare 2 at Paris. In the United States it is prominent in the work of giving missions. CARMELITES are divided into two branches — the "Calced" (shod) and the "Discalced" (unshod); the i Fratres Scholarum Christianarum. Frah'-trays Sko-lah'-rum Cris-tee-an-ah'-rum. 2 Lazare. Laz-ahr'. 28 THE VISIBLE CHURCH former wear shoes, the latter sandals. They are designated respectively by the letters 0. C. C. and 0. C. D. This order was founded at Mt. Carmel, in Asia, about 1156, by an Italian priest named Berthold. Its rule is very severe. It has a few houses in the United States. Monk's Sandal SULPICIANS (S. S.— Society of St. Sulpice) are a pious society of priests devoted to the training of aspirants to the priesthood in colleges and seminaries. They are so named from the Church of St. Sulpice,1 in Paris, where they were founded by the Rev. Jean- Jacques Olier,2 in 1642. THE FATHERS OF THE HOLY GHOST (C. S. Sp.— Congregatio Sancti Spiritus 3) is a union of two older insti tutes ; one founded at Paris in 1703 by Claude Desplaces,4 and the other in 1841 by the Venerable Francis Libermann, a convert from the Jewish faith. They were united in 1848. This congregation, in its American province, is engaged in missionary and parish work, and has about 250 members, of whom nearly one-half are priests. THE OBLATE FATHERS OF MARY IMMACU LATE (0. M. I.) were founded at Marseilles in 1815 by the Rev. Charles de Mazenod.5 They are engaged in missionary and parish work, and, in the United States, number about 250, of whom nearly one-half are priests. THE MARISTS (S. M.— Societas Mariae* the Society of Mary) were founded at Lyons, France, about 1823 by the Rev. Jean-Claude-Marie Colin.7 They have devoted themselves to missionary work in many parts of the world, particularly in the islands of the Pacific. They have about 200 members in the United States. i Sulpice. Sul-peece'. 2 Jean- Jacques Olier. Zhon-Zhak Ole'-yay. 3 Congregatio Sancti Spiritus. Con-gray-gaht'-see-o Sank'-tee Spee'-ree-tuss. * Desplaces. Day-plahss'. 5 Mazenod. Mah'-zen-o. « Societas Mariae. So-see'-ay-tass Mah-ree'-ay. 7 Jean-Claude-Marie Colin. Zhon-Clode-Marie Co'-lan. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES 29 THE SOCIETY OF MARY OF PARIS (S. M.— Socie tas Marianistarum, Society of the Marianists), or Brothers of Mary, a teaching community of priests and lay brothers, was founded at Bordeaux,1 France, in 1817, by Father Chaminade.2 It has about 500 members in the United States. THE CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (C. S. C. — Congregatio a Sancta Cruce *•) was formed by the union of two French societies, about 1840, by the Rev. Basile-Antoine Moreau.4 The congregation conducts col leges, gives missions, and is engaged in foreign missionary work, especially in India. Its chief institution in the United States is the University of Notre Dame,6 in Indiana. QUESTIONS. 1. What letters denote the Passionists? 2. When and by whom were they founded? 3. What can you say of their rule ? 4. What is their work ? 5. Describe their garb, their badge, and the meaning thereof. 6. How numerous are they in the United States ? 7. What letters denote a Jesuit? 8. Who founded the Society of Jesus, and when? 9. In what kinds of work are they engaged ? 10. What religious society is promoted by them? 11. What can you say of their course of study and its results? 12. When and by whom were they sup pressed? 13. Under what Pope were they reorganized? 14. What can you say of the Jesuits in the United States ? 15. What letters designate the Christian Brothers? 16. Who founded them, and when? 17. What is their work? 18. What is their membership, and how many pupils are in their care ? 19. What letters denote the Paulists ? 20. Who founded them, and when? 21. What is their work? i Bordeaux. Bor-doe'. 2 Chaminade. Sham-in-ahd'. s Cruce. Croo'-say. * Basile-Antoine Moreau. Bas-eel'-Ant-wahn' Mo'-ro. s Notre Dame. Nothr Dahm. 30 THE VISIBLE CHURCH 22. What letters denote the Congregation of the Mis sion? 23. By what other names is it known? 24. Who founded it, and when? 25. Which was its first house? 26. What is its work ? 27. Which are the two branches of the Carmelites ? 28. What letters designate each branch ? 29. Where, when and by whom were they founded? 30. What is the nature of their work? 31. What letters designate a Sulpician ? 32. What is the nature of this society's work? 33. When, where and by whom were they founded ? 34. What letters designate the Congregation of the Holy Ghost? 35. Who founded the first of the two institutes which were united to form this congregation, and when? 36. Who founded the other, and when? 37. When were they united? 38. What is their work and their member ship in America ? 39. What letters denote the Oblates of Mary Immaculate? 40. When, where and by whom were they founded? 41. What is their work ? 42. What is their membership in the United States? 43. What letters denote the Marist Fathers? 44. Where, when and by whom were they founded ? 45. What is their work and their membership? 46. When, where and by whom was the Society of Mary founded? 47. What is its membership in the United States ? 48. What letters denote the Congregation of the Holy Cross? 49. How was it formed ? 50. When and by whom ? 51. What is the work of this congregation? 52. What is its chief institution in the United States ? Lesson 8 RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN— 1 Its Early History. The religious state for women is probably as ancient as that for men. In the Catholic Church women have always been en couraged not only to aspire to perfection but to engage in many forms of charitable labor. St. Paul speaks of the holy state of widowhood, in which elderly women devoted themselves to works of charity, and he extols the state of virginity as more blessed than the married state. During the first centuries there were deaconesses, work ing for the poor; canonesses, who assisted at burials; and virgins, who consecrated themselves to God in the unmar ried state. About the fourth century communities of women were established. St. Augustine founded one in northern Africa, and in the sixth century St. Scholastica (the sister of St. Benedict) governed a religious house for women in Italy under the Benedictine rule. The Three Vows. Religious women are bound by solemn or simple vows of poverty, of chastity and of obedience. A few communities are cloistered (Latin, clausura,1 an enclosed space) ; that is, they may not leave the limits of their convent without a legitimate cause approved by the bishop, and out siders may not enter these limits. Communities of Women. These are so numerous that it would be impossible to include all of them in this work, and it has been found neces sary to mention only a few of the largest and best- known sisterhoods of the United States. (Any com- 1 clausura. clow-shu'-rah. 31 32 THE VISIBLE CHURCH munity omitted may easily insert its history for the benefit of its pupils.) THE SISTERS OF MERCY were founded at Dublin in 1827 by Catherine McAuley. They were introduced into the United States at Pittsburgh in 1843. They are engaged in teaching and many forms of charitable work, and are to be found in nearly every diocese. In each diocese their organization is distinct or self-governed. They have 57 mother-houses, and about 7,000 members. THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION B. V. M. were established at Cork in 1777 by Nano Nagle, and approved by the Holy See in 1783. Their first American house was in San Francisco, 1854. Throughout the country the membership is now about 700, engaged in teaching. THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR, devoted to the care of the aged, were founded at Saint-Servan, in Brittany, in 1840, by Father Le Pailleur1 and four women. They follow the rule of St. Augustine, and depend upon charity for the support of their institutions. They were introduced into the United States, at Brooklyn, in 1868, and now number about 800 in this country. THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME OF NAMUR are a teaching body, with many academies and schools, including Trinity College, for women, at Washington. They were founded at Amiens, France, in 1803, by Blessed Julie Bil- liart.2 In this country they number about 2,500. THE SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME were founded in France in 1597 by St. Peter Fourier,3 an Augus tinian. Having been totally destroyed during the French Revolution, the community was re-established in 1833 by Bishop Wittmann of Ratisbon and Father Francis Job. It was brought to the United States in 1847, and its member ship here is now about 4,600. i Le Pailleur. Luh Py'-yurr. 2 Julie Billiart. Zhoo'-lee Bee'-yarr. s Fourier. Foo'-ree-eh. RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN 33 THE RELIGIOUS OF THE SACRED HEART were founded at Amiens in 1800 by the Venerable Madeleine- Sophie Barat,1 and were introduced into the" United States at New Orleans in 1818. They are engaged in teaching, mostly in academies for girls. Throughout the world they number nearly 7,000, of whom about 1,200 are in this country. THE URSULINE NUNS were founded by St. Angela Merici,2 in Italy, in 1535; their rule was written by St. Charles Borromeo,3 and they were approved by the Holy See in 1612. They came to Canada in 1639, and to Louis iana (then French) in 1727. They are cloistered, and devote themselves to the education of girls. In our country they number about 2,000. THE VISITATION NUNS, a cloistered community devoted to contemplation and the education of girls, was founded in Savoy by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, in 1610. Each house is independent. The first house in this country was opened at Washington in 1813 by Mother Alice Lalor. The order now numbers about 850 in the United States. THE SISTERS OF ST. BENEDICT are said to have been founded by St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict, in the sixth century. They were introduced into England in the year 630. They began their work in the United States in 1852, and now number about 2,200. THE SISTERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD devote themselves to the work of reforming women. They were founded in France in 1835 by the Venerable Mary Euphra sia Pelletier,4 being a branch of the Religious of Our Lady of Refuge, established in 1641 by Blessed John Eudes.5 They have six provinces in the United States, with more than one thousand members, who care for about 6,500 women and girls. i Barat. Bah'-rah. 2 Merici. May-ree'-chee. s Borromeo. Bor-ro-may'-p. * Pelletier. Pel'-tse-ay. s Eudes. Eudh. 34 THE VISIBLE CHURCH QUESTIONS. 1. When were communities for women first established in our Church? 2. What religious states for women are mentioned by St. Paul? 3. Mention three kinds of religious women of the first centuries. 4. Name some early founders of female communities. 5. Which are the three vows ? 6. What is the derivation and meaning of cloistered? 7. Who founded the Sisters of Mercy ; when, and where ? 8. When were they brought to the United States ? 9. What is their work, the number of their mother-houses, and their membership ? 10. Who founded the Order of the Presentation; when, and where ? 11. Where was its first American house estab lished, and when? 12. What is its work and its member ship? 13. What is the special work of the Little Sisters of the Poor ? 14. Who founded them ; when and where, and what rule do they follow? 15. When did they come to this country, and what is their membership here? 16. What is the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur? 17. Where, when and by whom were they founded? 18. What is their membership in this country? 19. Who founded the School Sisters of Notre Dame; where and when ? 20. Who reestablished them, and when ? 21. When was this community brought to the United States, and what is its present membership ? 22. Who founded the Religious of the Sacred Heart; where, and when ? 23. When did they begin their work in the United States, and what is their membership ? 24. Who founded the Ursuline Nuns ; when, and where ? 25. Who wrote their rule, and when were they approved? 26. When did they come to this continent ? 27. What can you say of their mode of life and their occupation? 28. What is their American membership ? 29. What kind of community is the Visitation Order? 30. Who founded it ; when, and where ? 31. What was its RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN 35 beginning in America? 32. What is its present member ship? 33. Who is said to have founded the Sisters of St. Bene dict? 34. When were they introduced into England? 35. When did they come to the United States, and what is their membership here? 36. What is the special work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd? 37. Who established them, and when? 38. Of what community were they a branch, and who founded it? 39. What can you say of this community in the United States ? Lesson 9 RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN— II THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET are a teaching community widely spread throughout the United States, having four provinces, sixteen independent mother-houses, and about 7^500 members. They were founded at Puy,1 France, in 1650 by Rev. John Paul Medaille,2 but were totally destroyed in the French Revolu tion. They were reorganized in 1807 by Mother St. John Fontbonne.3 Their first American house was at Carondelet, Missouri, in 1836. SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS. In this country there are 27 distinct Franciscan sisterhoods. Several of these use the title, "Third Order of St. Francis"; of these, the largest are: 1. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, founded at Philadelphia in 1855 by Blessed John Neumann,4 Bishop of that city, and having a membership of more than 3,200. 2. The Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, founded in 1851 by Rev. F. J. Rudolf, and numbering about 1,100. i Puy. Pwee. 2 Medaille. May-dye'. 3 Fontbonne. Font'-bon. * Neumann. Noi'-man. 36 THE VISIBLE CHURCH THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, devoted to charitable labors among the poor and to educational work, were founded by St. Vincent in 1633. In the United States a community was established in 1809 by Elizabeth Ann Seton, at Emmitsburg, Maryland; this was afterwards united to the French society, and is now entitled the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Before this, however, several houses of the American com munity had separated themselves from Mother Seton's institute, and are now distinct bodies with somewhat similar names. The Daughters of Charity now number about 2,000 in this country, and the Sisters of Charity nearly 4,500. THE SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC. This general title refers to a number of communities of sisters who claim spiritual relationship with St. Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. The Sisters of St. Dominic, Second Order, are cloistered orders, and in the United States they have about a dozen monasteries. The Third Order includes the active sisters who teach and serve the poor. They have at present 22 mother-houses, with a membership of about 6,000. THE SISTERS OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, devoted to educational and charitable work, were founded in Switzerland in 1833 by the Venerable Maria Anna Brun- ner. They were brought to America in 1843 by her son, a priest, and now number about 1,300 members. THE SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE. There are several societies bearing this title. The best-known is that which was founded in France by Father Dujarie1 in 1806. It was brought to America by Bishop Hallandiere,2 of Vincennes, Indiana, in 1840, and now numbers about 1,800 members. THE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. This name also is common to several institutes. The best-known was founded in Lorraine in 1662 by the Venerable Jean- Martin Moye.8 Brought to the United States in 1889, it i Dujarie. Dyu-zhah'-ree-ay. 2 Hallandiere. Hal-lan'-dee-air. s Jean-Martin Moye. Zhon-Mar'-tan Moy. RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN 37 has its mother-house at Melbourne, Kentucky, and has increased to more than 1,100 members. THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS were founded by Father Moreau1 (see Lesson 7) in 1841, and the new congregation was brought to Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1843. It now numbers nearly 1,200. THE SISTERS SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, engaged in parochial and high school work, were founded in 1845, at Monroe, Michigan, by the Rev. Louis Gilet,2 a Redemptorist. They have now a mem bership of about 1,800. QUESTIONS. 1. What can you say of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States ? 2. Where, when and by whom was this sisterhood founded? 3. What can you say of its subsequent history ? 4. How many Franciscan sisterhoods are in the United States? 5. What can you say of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis ? 6. Of the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis ? 7. What is the work of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul? 8. When were they founded? 9. Who established an American community; when, and where? 10. Tell the further history of the American branch. 11. What is the membership of the Daughters of Charity and of the Sisters of Charity ? 12. Name the different kinds of Dominican sisters. 13. What is the membership of the Third Order in the United States? 14. Who founded the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood ; when, and where ? 15. Who brought them to America, and when ? 16. What is their membership ? 17. Who founded the best-known society entitled the Sisters of Providence; when, and where? 18. When were i Moreau. Mo'-ro. 2 Gilet. Zhee'-lay. 38 THE VISIBLE CHURCH they brought to America, and by whom ? 19. What is their membership ? 20. Who founded the best-known institute called the Sisters of Divine Providence ; when, and where ? 21. When was it brought to America, where is its mother-house, and what is its membership ? 22. Who founded the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and when? 23. When were they brought to America, and what is their present condition ? 24. What is the work of the Sisters Servants of the Im maculate Heart of Mary? 25. Who founded them; when, and where ? 26. What is their present membership ? PART III THE SACRAMENTS Lesson 10 THE CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM Baptism is a sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, and makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. In the administration of all the sacraments, except the sacrament of Penance, the Church uses certain solemn and symbolic ceremonies, which are mostly of very ancient origin. They are intended to denote mystically the gifts and graces bestowed on the soul through the sacrament which is conferred. The Ceremonies of Baptism remind us of the original sin in which we were born, the trials that await us in this world, and the immortal heri tage to which we are destined. In early times Baptism was given publicly to adults on Holy Saturday only, and this is still indicated in the Church's ritual by the blessing of baptismal water on that day. The sacrament was usually given by immersion — by putting the person entirely under water ; but this was never considered essential. It was generally practised until about the ninth century. After the baptized person had been anointed with holy oil and clothed in a white garment, he immediately received the sacrament of Confirmation, assisted at Mass, and usually received Holy Communion. Many of the ceremonies of those early days are preserved in the present ritual of the Church. 39 40 THE VISIBLE CHURCH The Principal Ceremonies at the Baptism of an infant are as follows : 1. The sponsors present the child at the font. The priest wears a surplice and a purple stole. He inquires: "N , what dost thou ask of the Church of God?" The sponsors answer for the child, "Faith." ' ' What does faith bring thee to ? " " Life everlasting. ' ' 2. The priest breathes on the face of the child. This ceremony is always symbolical of the imparting of the Spirit of God. 3. He makes the sign of the cross on the forehead and breast of the child. This signifies that holiness must exist both in mind and heart. 4. He places his hand on the head of the child. This is symbolical of the giving of strength and knowl edge. It is done twice during the ceremonies. 5. A small quantity of salt is put into the mouth of the child. Salt denotes wisdom, purification and preservation from corruption. 6. The exorcisms are read, to free the child from the dominion of Satan. These prayers are pronounced in the name of the Three Persons of the Trinity. The Evil One has great power over the souls of the unbaptized. The sign of the cross is again traced on the forehead of the child, as a shield against the attacks of evil spirits. 7. The priest 's stole is laid on the infant. This reminds us of the ceremonies of ancient days, when the catechumens (those instructed for Baptism) were thus led in procession into the church. THE CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM 41 8. The profession of faith, that is, the Apostles' Creed, is recited by the sponsors and the priest. This is a very ancient practice. From the earliest times a declaration of belief was made publicly by the person who received Baptism, to manifest his knowledge of the faith and his acceptance of the Church's doctrines. 9. The priest administers the Ephpheta.1 The priest moistens his finger with saliva from his own mouth and touches the ears and nostrils of the child, saying: "Ephpheta, which is: Be thou opened, in the odor of sweetness," etc. The touching of the ears signifies the opening of the understanding to the Word of God; the touching of the nostrils denotes the sweetness of the spiritual life. The use of saliva reminds us of the cure of the dumb man, as recorded in the Gospel of St. Mark. 10. The vows or baptismal promises are made. The priest asks the child: "N , dost thou renounce Satan?" The sponsors answer: "I do renounce him." ' ' And all his works ? " " I do renounce them. " " And all his pomps ? " " I do renounce them. ' ' 11. The infant is anointed with the oil of catechumens (Lesson 41) in the form of a cross, on the breast and on the back between the shoulders. The cross on the breast means that our holy faith is a shield against temptation; that on the back means that we must bear patiently the burdens of this life, carrying T j • j tt- Baptismal Shell. our cross as our Lord earned Mis. 0? Is and galt 12. The priest puts the interrogations, which, with the answers, form a second profession of faith. i Ephpheta. Ei '-f ay-tah. 42 THE VISIBLE CHURCH The priest, who has put on a white stole, asks: "N , dost thou believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?" The sponsors answer: "I do believe." "Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born and suffered?" "I do be lieve." "Dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church," etc. "I do believe." The priest then asks : "N , wilt thou be baptized ? ' ' The sponsors answer: "I will." 13. The Baptism. The sponsors hold the child over the font, and the priest pours the baptismal water on its head three times in the form of a cross, say ing at the same time: "N , I bap tize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Baptismal 14. An anointing is made with holy Font- chrism (Lesson 41) on the top of the child's head, in the form of a cross. This denotes that he has been made a Christian, and that he is thereby consecrated to the service of Him who died on the Cross. 15. A white cloth is draped over the child's head. This signifies innocence, and is a survival of the ancient practice of attiring the newly baptized person in a white robe. 16. A lighted candle is placed in the hands of the sponsors. This symbolizes the light of faith and the flame of charity. The ceremonies are conducted with the words : "N go in peace, and the Lord be with thee. ' ' At the Baptism of an adult the ceremonies are different in some details, and include a more solemn profession of THE CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM 43 faith and an abjuration of error, made by the person baptized. The name of a saint is usually given in Baptism, that the person baptized may have that saint as his intercessor and model. This practice is recommended by the Church, although it is not a strict obligation. QUESTIONS. 1. What do the ceremonies of the sacra ments denote? 2. What is Baptism? 3. Of what do the ceremonies of Baptism remind us? 4. On what day was Baptism given to adults in early times? 5. How was it administered ? 6. How long was this practised ? 7. What was done in those days after a Baptism ? 8. How is the priest vested at a Baptism ? 9. What are the first inquiries and their answers? 10. What is sym bolized by breathing on the child's face? 11. What is meant by the sign of the cross on the child's forehead and breast ? 12. What is symbolized by the placing of the priest's hand on the child's head? 13. What is the meaning of salt in Baptism ? 14. What are exorcisms ? 15. Why is the stole laid on the child ? 16. What prayer is used as a profession of faith? 17. Describe the ceremony of the Ephpheta. 18. What does it signify? 19. What promises are made? 20. What holy oil is used at the first anointing at Baptism ? 21. On what parts of the body is this anointing made? 22. What does it mean? 23. What change does the priest make in his vestments? 24. What interrogations are made? 25. Describe the administration of the sacrament. 26. What anointing is then made, and with what holy oil? 27. What does it denote? 28. Why is a white cloth draped over the child's head? 29. What is symbolized by the lighted candle ? 30. What are the concluding words ? 31. What features are included in the Baptism of an adult? 32. Why is the name of a saint usually given in Baptism? 33. Is this obligatory? 44 THE VISIBLE CHURCH Lesson 11 THE SPONSORS IN BAPTISM Sponsors are persons who take part in the cere monies at the administration of the sacrament of Baptism, whether of an infant or an adult. In the case of an infant, they offer it at the font and answer for it, making profession of the Christian faith in its name, and receive it from the hands of the priest after it has been baptized. At the Baptism of an adult they act as witnesses. From these various duties they were formerly called, in the Latin of the Ritual, sponsor es1 (promisers), fide jus- sores2 (attestors of faith), offerentes3 (offerers), or suscep- tores* (receivers). They are now usually called, in Latin, patrini" (taking the place of parents). In English they are known as god fathers and god-mothers, or, collectively, god-parents — which names denote the spiritual relationship which they acquire. The Duties of Sponsors. The principal duty is this : If for any reason the natural guardians of a child are unable or unwilling to attend to its religious training, this must be done by the god parents. This obligation is most serious, binding under pain of mortal sin. At the Baptism the sponsor holds the child or touches it while the sacrament is being administered, or at least receives it from the priest's hands immediately after it has 1 sponsores. spon-so'-rays. 2 fidejussors, fee-day-yuss-oh'-rays. 3 offerentes. offer-en'-tays. * susoeptores. sus-sep-toe'-rays. 8 patrini. pat-ree'-nee. THE SPONSORS IN BAPTISM 45 been baptized. The custom among us is for the sponsors to hold the child while the water is being poured. It is allowed in certain cases for a person to become a sponsor "by proxy" — that is, to assume the office and obligation without being actually present at the Baptism, by having an agent take his place. In this case the proxy or agent contracts no obligation or impediment whatever. Not more than two sponsors are allowed at a Baptism, and only one is strictly required. The Impediment from Sponsorship. A spiritual relationship is contracted by the sponsor with the person baptized, and this relationship is a diriment impediment to marriage between them, un less a dispensation, is obtained. A diriment impediment (Lesson 20) is one that renders a marriage entirely nulL Therefore, without a dispensa tion, a god-parent cannot marry his or her god-child. Formerly this impediment extended to the parents of the person baptized; but this was abolished by the new code of Church law (in effect at Pentecost, 1918). The sponsors at a Baptism contract no impediment what ever in regard to each other. The Qualifications of Sponsors. The Church has made the following regulations concern ing sponsors at Baptism : 1. If there are two, they must be of different sexes. When there is only one, it is advisable (but not neccessary) to select one of the same sex as the child — f or thereby it is made certain that there will never be any question of mar riage between the sponsor and the god-child. 2. Parents are not allowed to be sponsors for their own children; for it is not deemed proper that one person should be both a natural and a spiritual parent of the same child. 46 THE VISIBLE CHURCH 3. At a private Baptism a sponsor should be provided when possible, and he contracts a spiritual relationship and impediment. This is the case also with the person who administers the sacrament. If there was no sponsor at the private Baptism, one should be on hand at the subsequent supplying of the ceremonies; but this person contracts no impediment, as he is not a sponsor at the Baptism, but merely assists at the ceremonies. 4. If a doubtful Baptism is repeated conditionally (to remedy some supposed defect in its original administra tion), the same sponsor who acted before should be em ployed again; and the impediment then comes into force. But if this sponsor cannot be present at the second cere mony, no other is required (though one may be used), and no impediment is contracted. 5. A member of a religious community may act as a sponsor only in case of necessity and by permission. A priest or other cleric may not be a sponsor without the express sanction of his bishop. 6. Sponsors should be fourteen years or more of age. 7. Non-Catholics cannot be sponsors at a Catholic Bap tism, for the spiritual training of children should not be entrusted to those who are themselves in error. QUESTIONS. 1. What are sponsors? 2. What are their duties at the Baptism of an infant? 3. At the Bap tism of an adult ? 4. What Latin names were used formerly in the Ritual, and what are their meanings? 5. By what Latin name are sponsors now called, and what does it mean ? o. What names are used in English, and what do they denote? 7. What is the principal duty of a sponsor? 8. What does he do at the Baptism? 9. What is a sponsor by proxy? 10. How many sponsors are allowed, and how many are required ? 11. What can you say of the impedi ment arising from sponsorship? 12. What is a diriment impediment? 13. Who were formerly included in this im- THE SPONSORS IN BAPTISM 47 pediment? 14. When was this abolished? 15. Do spon sors contract any impediment in regard to each other ? 16. What can you say of the sex of sponsors ? 17. Why cannot parents be sponsors for their own children ? 18. Is a sponsor required at a private Baptism? 19. Does he contract an impediment? 20. Who else contracts an im pediment at a private Baptism ? 21. Is a sponsor required at the supplying of the ceremonies after a private Baptism ? 22. Why does he contract no impediment? 23. State the rule for a doubtful Baptism repeated conditionally. 24. May a religious become a sponsor? 25. May a priest or cleric become a sponsor? 26. What age is required in sponsors ? 27. Why cannot a non-Catholic be a sponsor for a Catholic? Lesson 12 THE CEREMONIES OF CONFIRMATION Confirmation is a sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost, to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Through this sacrament grace is conferred on baptized persons, strengthening them for the duty of professing the Christian faith. The Institution of the Sacrament. Like all the sacraments, Confirmation was given to us by our Blessed Lord, but the account of when and where it was instituted is not given in the Scriptures. The conferring of this sacrament is alluded to in the Acts of the Apostles, wherein we read that Sts. Peter and John went to Samaria to certain converts of Philip the Deacon, and "prayed for them . . . and laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Also, St. Paul, coming to Ephesus, baptized some who had pre viously received the baptism of St. John the Baptist ; and 48 THE VISIBLE CHURCH "when he had imposed his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them." There is no mention of anoint ing on these occasions, but it was undoubtedly done, as chrism and unction are referred to elsewhere in the New Testament. The Minister of Confirmation. The min ister of a sacrament is the person who confers it. The minister of Confirmation is ordinarily a bishop. In our part of the world — in fact, in the whole of the Western Church — this is always the case except under certain conditions. For example, if a missionary were going into the middle of Africa or to the remoter parts of China, far from any bishop, he might receive permission from the Holy See to carry the holy chrism and to give the sacrament of Confirmation to his converts. In the Churches of Eastern rite Confirmation has been given by priests for many centuries; and in the Churches of that region which are united to Rome this custom is tacitly permitted. Bishops are required to provide for the administration of Confirmation in every part of their dioceses at least once in five years. The Matter of Confirmation. This con sists in anointing with the kind of consecrated oil which is called holy chrism (Lesson 41). This must be olive oil, and must have balm or balsam mixed with it. Balm is a kind of perfumed resin, obtained from the terebinth tree and other Oriental and tropical plants. Its use in the chrism began about the sixth century. In some Eastern Churches other spices and perfumes are mixed with the sacred oil. The oil is symbolic of strength, because athletes in ancient times used it as an ointment, to promote bodily vigor; of THE CEREMONIES OF CONFIRMATION 49 light, because it can be burned in lamps; and of health, because it is a food and a medicine. The balm denotes freedom from corruption and the sweet odor of virtue. The chrism is blessed on Holy Thursday in every cathe dral church — a custom which began before the year 500. (Lesson 41 ) . The Form of Confirmation, or the words used in administering it, are not the same in all parts of the world. In our Latin ceremonial the words are: "I sign thee with the sign of the cross and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Among the Greeks the form is: "The seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost." The person confirmed is usually, among us, about twelve or thirteen years of age, so that the sacrament may be received "with knowledge and "free will;" but this is not an aneient or a universal custom. In the Eastern Churches it is usually conferred immediately after Baptism, and this was the rule in all parts of the world until about the thirteenth century. A sponsor is required at Confirmation, just as at Bap tism. The person chosen must be a Catholic, and must have received Confirmation. Since Pentecost, 1918, there is no matrimonial impediment resulting from this sponsorship. It is usual to have one sponsor only, of the same sex as the person confirmed. In many parts of the world each candi date has his or her own sponsor ; but in our churches, gen erally, one man acts as sponsor for all the males and one woman for all the females. The Ceremonies. These consist of a prayer asking that the Holy Ghost may come upon those who are to be confirmed; the extending of the bish- 50 THE VISIBLE CHURCH op's hands over them, with another prayer invoking the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit ; the anointing of the forehead of each with holy chrism in the form of a cross, while the form given above is spoken; and the blow on the cheek, with the words, Pax tecum 1 (Peace be with thee). The slight blow on the cheek signifies the persecutions to which we may possibly be exposed on account of our faith. When the bishop says the words of Confirmation he uses the Christian name of the person, with a middle name if one be taken on that occasion. The taking of the middle name is usual, but not necessary. It is to be recommended, because it gives another patron and intercessor in heaven. After the bishop has washed his hands, he recites certain verses and a prayer, gives a solemn blessing to those con firmed, and directs them to say (as a kind of penance) the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father and the Hail Mary. QUESTIONS. 1. What is Confirmation? 2. Who may receive it, and what is the effect of the grace given through it? 3. Who instituted this sacrament ? 4. What references to it are found in the Scriptures? 5. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation? 6. What exceptions may there be to this rule, in the Western Church? 7. In Churches of Eastern rite ? 8. How often must Confirmation be con ferred in our dioceses ? 9. Describe the matter of Confirmation. 10. What is balm? 11. What else is used in some Eastern rites? 12. Explain the symbolism of the oil and of the balm. 13. When and where is the holy chrism blessed ? 14. How old is this custom ? 15. What is the form of Confirmation, in the Latin rite ? 16. In the Greek rite? 17. At what age is Confirmation usually administered among us, and why ? 18. In Eastern Churches, and formerly throughout the world ? 1 Pax teoum. Pax tay'-cum. THE CONFESSION OF SINS 51 19. What two conditions are required for sponsorship at Confirmation? 20. Is there any impediment? 21. How many sponsors are usually employed ? 22. What prayer is offered? 23. What does the bishop invoke ? 24. What anointing is made ? 25. What is the meaning of the blow on the cheek ? 26. Is it necessary to take a new name at Confirmation? 27. Why is it generally done ? 28. What penance is said by those confirmed? Lesson 13 THE CONFESSION OF SINS The Sacrament of Penance is a sacrament through which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. Jurisdiction. All priests have the power of forgiving sins, but they must have special permis sion to use that power. It is given to a priest at his ordination, but its exercise depends upon authoriza tion by the Church. A priest thus authorized is said to have jurisdiction. No priest can hear confessions unless he has received permission (known as faculties) from the bishop of the diocese in which the confessions are to be heard. He must be, in the words of the Catechism, "a duly authorized priest. ' ' The power of absolving from certain very grave sins is often reserved to the bishop or to the Pope. Such sins are known as reserved cases, and a priest, unless by special per mission, cannot give absolution validly in such cases. The Confessional. The sacrament of Penance is the only one that is always administered in secret. 52 THE VISIBLE CHURCH The other six sacraments are given ordinarily in a solemn manner, in the presence of witnesses or oth ers, with lights and prayers. The sacrament of Penance concerns no one but the penitent and the priest; and hence it is usually administered in a confessional, and always without pomp or ceremony. A confessional is the seat which the priest uses, or the enclosure within which the confession is ordinarily made. In our churches it consists usually of a central box in which the confessor is seated, and side alcoves, fitted with doors or curtains, in which the penitents kneel. The partitions have open ings provided with gratings or screens, sepa rating the penitent from the priest, and these may be closed by sliding shutters. The Ritual , demands that the confessional be located in a : conspicuous place in the church, and it is Confessional, recommended that in the part where the peni tent kneels there shall be a crucifix or a picture of our Lord, to inspire devotion and contrition in the sinner. The present form of confessional is of somewhat recent origin. In ancient times confessions were heard in the open church, the penitent kneeling before the priest or seated by his side. The division of the confessional into compartments came into general use about the sixteenth century. The priest, when hearing confessions, wears a purple stole. The stole symbolizes authority, and the purple color is emblematic of penance. According to the requirements of the Ritual, the confessor should also wear a surplice, but this is often dispensed with. Why We Tell Our Sins. Our Blessed Saviour gave His Apostles and the priests of His Church the power "to bind and to loose" — a discretionary and judicial power. They are judges, advisers and THE CONFESSION OF SINS 53 physicians of souls — not merely absolvers. To ful fill these offices, the priest must have a clear knowl edge of the sins of the penitent, especially of his mortal sins. Therefore "we are bound to confess our mortal sins, and it is well also to confess our venial sins." According to the form of confession used generally in our churches, the penitent asks the blessing of the priest : "Bless me, Father." The priest makes the sign of the cross over him, with a short form of prayer asking that God may be in his heart and on his lips, so that he may worthily confess his sins. The Confiteor may then be said, but for the sake of brevity, it is customary merely to begin it: "I confess to Almighty God and to you, Father, that I have sinned." The penitent then states how long ago his last confession was, and whether he then received absolution and Holy Communion. He then accuses himself of his sins. The confessor may, and generally does, give advice or a short instruction, and imposes a penance, which means certain prayers to be said or good works to be done after the confession. Then, while the penitent says the Act of Contrition, the priest (after reciting the last two sentences of the Con fiteor) pronounces, in Latin, the form of absolution. In English it would be as follows : "May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve thee, and I by His authority do absolve thee from every bond of excommuni cation and interdict, as far as I can and thou needest it. "And so I absolve thee from thy sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. "May the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin and of all the Saints, whatever thou hast done and whatever evil thou hast borne, be to thee unto the remission of sins, the increase of grace, and the reward of everlasting life. Amen." The first part of this form is the absolution from cen- 54 THE VISIBLE CHURCH sures, if any have been incurred. Censures are of three kinds: excommunication, or separation from communion with the Church; interdict, or being debarred from the sacraments, etc.; and suspension from the exercise of the Sacred Orders. In an absolution given to a priest the form is: " excommunication, suspension and inter dict." The second part contains the absolution from sins, and the essential word of the form is : "Absolvo" — I absolve. The third part is a prayer offered through the Passion of our Lord and the merits of the Saints, that our good works and sufferings may avail us for forgiveness, grace and glory. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the sacrament of Penance? 2. Can all priests hear confessions? 3. What do we mean by jurisdiction in the sacrament of Penance? 4. What is the permission to hear confessions called, and who grants it? 5. What are reserved cases? 6. How does the sacra ment of Penance, in the manner of its administration, differ from the other sacraments, and why ? 7. Describe a confessional. 8. How were confessions heard in early times? 9. When did the present form of the confessional come into use? 10. What does the con fessor wear, and what is its symbolism? 11. What other vestment may he wear ? 12. Why do we tell our sins? 13. Give the usual form of beginning a confession, up to the telling of the sins. 14. What is a penance? 15. What is the first part of the form of absolution? 16. Name and define the three kinds of censures. 17. What word is inserted when absolution is given to a priest ? 18. What is the second part of the form ? 19. What is the essential word? 20. What is the third part? UhlBEMONIES OF EXTREME UNCTION 55 Lesson 14 THE CEREMONIES OF EXTREME UNCTION Extreme Unction is a sacrament which, through the anointing and prayer of the priest, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sick ness. The name Extreme Unction signifies the last anointing. The word last is used because every Catholic has been pre viously anointed in a sacrament or a sacramental ceremony. At Baptism his breast and shoulders were anointed with the oil of catechumens, and his head with chrism. At Con firmation he was marked on the forehead with chrism. If he has been raised to the priesthood, he has received on his hands another anointing in the reception of that Sacred Order. And so, when he is about to die, his various senses receive a last anointing in the sacrament of Extreme Unction. Extreme Unction, like all the other sacraments, was instituted by our Blessed Saviour, but there is no mention of it in the Gospels. We find the first account of it in the Epistle of St. James the Apostle (Chap. V) : "Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man : and the Lord shall raise him up : and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." The Matter of the Sacrament. The anoint ings are made with the oleum infirmorum1 the -oil of the sick. (Lesson 41.) This sacrament should be administered, if possible, when the patient is able to realize its importance. It should not i oleum infirmorum. oh'-lay-um in-f eer-mo'-rum. 56 THE VISIBLE CHURCH be deferred until he is deprived of his senses and at the point of death. When it can be done, the Holy Eucharist in the form of Viaticum is given to the sick person before Extreme Unction. In the Sick-Room. The following prepara tions should be made for the administration of the sacrament to the sick : 1. Provide a table, or firm stand, entirely covered with a clean white cloth. 2. Place on it a standing crucifix and two blessed can dles, which should be lighted when the priest is expected. 3. Provide a vessel containing holy water, and a sprinkler, if possible. 4. Have at hand a glass of fresh water; a spoon; a plate with small crumbs of <^/ bread, for the cleansing of the oil from the iii \' yP"est's hands; a towel; a napkin, to be | j used as a Communion-cloth; and seven small balls of clean cotton, to wipe away Sick-Room Table, the anointings. No other articles of any kind should be placed on the table. The face, hands and feet of the sick person should be washed before the priest arrives. When the priest is known to be carrying the Blessed Sacrament, it is a laudable custom for one of the family to meet him at the street-door with a lighted candle ; and all the others should kneel when he enters. The Ceremonies with which the sacrament of Extreme Unction are administered are as follows: As the priest comes into the sick-room he says, in Latin : "Peace be unto this house and all who dwell therein." After sprinkling with holy water the sick person, the room and other persons present, he hears the patient 's confession if it has not been previously heard, and gives the Holy Viaticum if it is to be given. CEREMONIES OF EXTREME UNCTION 57 He then recites three prayers asking God 's protection on the house and its inmates. The Confiteor is then recited. It may be said in English (or any other language) by the sick person or by those present. The two concluding sentences are said in Latin by the priest. He then recites a prayer of exorcism — that, in the name of the Three Persons of the Trinity and by the intercession of the Angels and Saints the power of the Evil( One may be extinguished in the sick person. The priest has brought the oil of the sick ou-StockT in a small gold-plated box known as an oil- and Its Case. stock, which is enclosed in a leather case. The holy oil is usually soaked into cotton to avoid leakage. The Anointing. The priest dips his thumb into the oil and makes the sign of the cross with it on several parts of the sick person's body, as fol lows: First on the eyes, with the words, in Latin: "By this holy unction and His most loving mercy may the Lord pardon thee whatever thou hast sinned by sight." Then on the ears, mentioning the hear ing; the nose, mentioning the sense of smell; the lips, for taste and speech ; the palms of the hands, for the sense of touch; and the feet, for sins com mitted by walking. The last-mentioned unction may be omitted if it cannot be done conveniently. Each unction is wiped away with cotton. When a priest receives Extreme Unction, his hands are anointed not on the palms but on the back— because his palms have been previously consecrated with oil at his ordination. . After the anointing the priest prays, "Kyrie eleison, jKyrie eleison. Kyrr'-e-ay ay-lay'-e-son. 58 THE VISIBLE CHURCH etc. ("Lord, have mercy") — after which the Our Father is said (secretly, except the concluding words), followed by several verses and three prayers for the sick person, asking for forgiveness and restoration to health. The Apostolic Blessing. Immediately after the administration of Extreme Unction it is usual to impart the Last Blessing or Apostolic Blessing, which gives a plenary indulgence. This is also called the blessing in articulo mortis1 (at the moment of death), because the indulgence is not ob tained when the prayers are read, but in the last moments of life. This blessing consists of a prayer, the Confiteor and the formula by which the indulgence is granted. QUESTIONS. 1. What is Extreme Unction? 2. What does the name signify? 3. What other anointings may a Catholic have received during his life ? 4. Who instituted this sacrament? 5. What mention of it is made in the Scriptures ? 6. What is the matter of this sacrament? 7. When should it be given? 8. What sacrament is usually given before Extreme Unction ? 9. Name the articles to be prepared in a sick-room when the sacraments are to be administered. 10. What kind of candle is used ? 11. Why are bread-crumbs provided ? 12. How should the body of the sick person be prepared for the sacrament of Extreme Unction? 13. What is done when the priest is carrying the Blessed Sacrament ? 14. What words does the priest use when he enters the sick-room? 15. How many prayers does he read before the anointings, and for what does he pray? 16. What prayer may be said by the sick person or others? 17. What is the nature of the prayer of exorcism ? i in articulo mortis, in ar-tick'-u-lo mor'-tiss. CEREMONIES OF EXTREME UNCTION 59 18. How is the oil of the sick brought by the priest? 19. Name the parts of the body anointed, and the sense, etc., signified by each. 20. Give the formula of words used at the anointing of the eyes. 21. What anointing may be omitted if inconvenient? 22. What difference is there be tween Extreme Unction as given to a priest and as given to any other person? 23. What is the nature of the final prayers? 24. What blessing is usually imparted immedi ately after Extreme Unction? 25. What indulgence is given by it? 26. What is its Latin name? 27. Why is it so called ? 28. Of what does this blessing consist ? Lesson 15 THE CEREMONIES OF HOLY ORDERS— I THE TONSUBE AND THE MINOR OBDEKS Holy Orders is a sacrament by which bishops, priests and other ministers of the Church are or dained, and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. The "other ministers of the Church" are those who receive orders lower than priesthood; namely, deaconship, subdeaconship, and the minor orders. The Tonsure. This is not an order. It is merely a ceremony, signifying that the person receiving it is taken from the world, ceases to be a layman, and is made a member of the clergy. It consists in the cutting off of some of the hair from the candidate 's head. In our part of the world it has never become a custom to "wear the tonsure"— that is, to keep a portion of the head shaven ; but in Catholic countries it is an obligation 60 THE VISIBLE CHURCH upon all clerics. Where it is worn, the tonsure consists of a smoothly shaven circular spot, about three inches in diameter, on the top of the head towards the rear. In some orders of monks it is much larger — merely a fringe of hair being left around the head, like a wreath. The giving of the tonsure signifies the putting away of useless things and orna ments — the separating of one's self from vanity and worldliness. It is also a sym bol of the crown of thorns worn during His Passion by our Blessed Lord. Two kinds'oif The tonsure may not be given to a stu- Tonsure.