manner suited to the capacity of the recipients, the effect and use of those [sacraments], but shall endeavour that the same conduct be observed piously and prudently by every parish priest; and this even in the vulgar tongue, if need be, and it can conveniently be done, according to the form to be prescribed for each of the sacraments, by the holy synod, in a catechism which the bishops shall take care to have faithfully translated into the vulgar tongue, and to have expounded to the people by all parish priests; as also that, during the solemnization of mass, or the celebration of the divine offices, they explain, in the said vulgar tongue, on all festivals, or solemnities, the sacred oracles, and the maxims of salvation; and that, setting aside oil unprofitable questions, they endeavour to insinuate them into the hearts of all, and to instruct them in the law of the Lord.
CHAPTER VIII.
Public Sinners shall do Penance publicly, unless the Bishop shall determine otherwise. A Penitentiary to be instituted in Cathedral Churches.
The apostle admonishes that those who sin publicly are to be rebuked openly.[1] When therefore any one has committed a crime, publicly and in the sight of many, whereby there is no doubt that others have been offended and disturbed by a scandal; upon him there must needs be publicly imposed a penance fitting the measure of his guilt; that so those whom, by his example, he has allured to evil manners, he may bring back to an upright life by the testimony of his amendment. The bishop, however, may, when he shall judge it to be more expedient, commute this kind of public penance into one that is secret. Likewise, in all cathedral churches, where it can conveniently be done, a penitentiary shall be appointed by the bishop, with the prebend that shall next become vacant annexed, which penitentiary shall be a master, or doctor, or licentiate in theology, or in canon law, and forty years of age, or another who shall be found more suitable considering the character of the place; who, whilst hearing confessions in the church, shall meanwhile be reputed as present in choir.
- ↑ 1 Tim. V. 20.
