The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-16

for Qualification.
A Searching Examination.
Unless by special papaI dispensation.
this commission is never issued until at
least ten years after the acts have been
transmitted to the secretary of the con-
gregation. The appointment by the con-
gregation of a delegation of three
bishops or other high functionaries 70
deal with the case systematically and
examine with regard to the reputed vir-
tues and miracles is the next step. The
report of THIS delegation is examined
by the congregation and arguments
heard from the postulators in favor of
the beatiicandus and from the pro-
moter hdei against him. II the result
is favorable a second and still more
searching inquiry into the real and in
most nature of all that has been de-
posed regarding him is then made by a
new delegation. The case is then finally
considered by the congregation and the
virtues and miracles are separately the
subject of debate in three successive
assemblies, at the last of which the
Pope IS present.
secretary OF the congregation of his
Judgment. In case of a favorable de-
cision the ceremony of Qualification
takes place in the Vatican.
Index of Prohibited Books.
The Pope selects the members OF the
Congregation of Prohibited Books from
among the College of Cardinals. The
present precept is Cardinal Steinhuber,
s. 7.
The following is a paragraph taken
from the instructions given by Benedict
XIV in 1853 as to the principles and
methods to be observed by the congrega-
ton in examining land judging books:
Let them know that they must Judge
of the various opinions and sentiments
in any book that comes before them,
with minds absolutely free from preju-
dice. Let them. therefore, dismiss patri-
otto leanings, family affections. the pre-
objections of schools. the esprit de corDs
OF an institute; let them simply keep
before their eyes the decisions of holy
church and the common doctrine OF
Catholics. which is contained in the de-
crees of general councils; the constitu-
.tions of the Roman Pontiffs and the con-
sent of orthodox fathers and doctors,
bearing this in mind, however, that there
are not few opinions which appear 10
one school. institute or nation, yet
nevertheless are rejected and impugned.
and their contradictions maintained by
other Catholics. without harm to faith
and religion-all this being with the
knowledge and permission of the Apos-
tolic See. which leaves every particular
opinion of this kind to its own degree
! Of probability"
The results of the findings of this
congregation are published in pamphlet
form and issued to Catholics the world
over.
Other Important Congregations.
The Congregation of the Fabric has
charge OF the preservation OF the Vati-
can basilicas, of which there are thir-
teen in Rome, including ST. Peters and
St. John Lateran.
The Congregation Of the Council was
constituted by Plus V for the purpose of
interpreting such degrees of the Council
of Trent as relate to discipline The
DEGREES concerning faith were reserved
for Interpretation by himself and his
successors The project of the congre-
cation is Cardinal Yannutelli.
The Congregation of the Holy Office of
the inquisition established by Paul III
| in 1872 and remodeled by Sixtus V IS
composed OF twelve cardinals. commits
sary, counselor. consultors, quaIifiea-
tions, an advocate and other officials.
The functions of the commissary are
those OF judge in ordinary and the
consultors are selected by the Pope from
among the most learned theologians and
canonists The qualificators give opin-
ions on questions submitted to them and
the advocates defend the accused per-
son. The principal meetings of the con-
gregation are held under the immediate
presidency of the Pope.
The Congregation of Bishops and Regu-
lars takes charge of and settles the diff
| ferences which arises between bishops
and the regular communities within their
dioceses in regard to exemptions from
episcopal Jurisdiction, visitations and
other matters. The regular commune
ties are the religious orders Of either
sex observing a common rule of life and
bound by views of religion. This is an
other of the congregations. founded by
Sixtus V. The project is Cardinal Angelo
Di Pietro.
MonaStic Communities.
The Congregation OF Discipline is in
charge of the discipline in monasteries
and was instituted by Clement XII.
The Congregation of Induigences. and
Relics was established by Clement TX.
II has charge of the examination of
relics and certifies TO their authenticity.
1t also superintends the granting of in
dulgences and is required to check any
abuses connected Herewith. Cardinal
Perrata is the project of the congrega-
ton.
The Congregation OF Immunities takes
cognizance of all matter relating to &c
clesiastical jurisdiction where il comes
IN contact with civil power All matters
connected with clerical immunities come
under the control of this congregation,