[Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã]
This is a formal ecclesiastical decree promulgated in 1704 and reaffirmed in 1707 by Charles Thomas Mallare, Patriarch of Antioch and Apostolic Vicar with *legatus a latere* faculties, alongside Brother Beda, Bishop and Most Reverend Provincial of the Neocor Missionaries Apostolic in China and Siam,...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Manuscripts |
| Language: | pt-PT |
| Published: |
07-02-1707
|
| Subjects: |
Ancestral Sacrifices
;
Ancestral Tablets
;
Apostolic Commissioner
;
Bishops and Priests
;
Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon
;
Chinese Rites Controversy
;
Christian Monotheism
;
Doctrinal Compatibility
;
Ecclesiastical Decree
;
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
;
Excommunication Clause
;
Holy See Directives
;
Legate de latere
;
Liturgical Regulations
;
Missionaries in China
;
Nanking
;
Official Document
;
Papal Directive
;
Rejection of Syncretism
;
Secular and Regular Clergy
;
Shangdi
;
Society of Jesus
;
Tianzhu
;
Titular Patriarch of Antioch
;
Veneration of Confucius
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/P4MF64P4/viewer_P4MF64P4.html |
| _version_ | 1877197588363476992 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | 25,1,008 n.208 - Manuscritos |
| author | Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 |
| author_autocomplete | Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 |
| author_browse | Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 |
| author_facet | Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 |
| author_sort | Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 |
| building | Brasil. Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro |
| collection | Brasil. Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro |
| description | This is a formal ecclesiastical decree promulgated in 1704 and reaffirmed in 1707 by Charles Thomas Mallare, Patriarch of Antioch and Apostolic Vicar with *legatus a latere* faculties, alongside Brother Beda, Bishop and Most Reverend Provincial of the Neocor Missionaries Apostolic in China and Siam, and later endorsed by Lazarus Carneiro and Francis, Apostolic Vicars of Cambodia. Issued on 7 December 1704 and formally published on 7 February 1707 at Matani Nankiri, the document establishes binding canonical regulations for all missionaries—secular and regular, including Jesuits—serving in the missions of China, Siam, and Cambodia. It addresses five critical questions concerning the compatibility of Chinese and Southeast Asian ritual practices with Catholic doctrine, specifically delineating permissible civil veneration (*veneratio civilis*) of ancestors and cultural rites under strict conditions, while explicitly prohibiting participation in or endorsement of the ‘Sacrifice to Heaven’ (*Conchaji*), state cults (*Dovenis*), veneration of the ‘Tablet of the Ruler of Heaven’ (*T’ien-chu P’ai*), and local folk rituals (*geghili*). The decree invokes papal authority—including decrees of Urban VIII and Clement XI—and imposes automatic excommunication for non-compliance, reserving absolution solely to the Holy See or, in cases of imminent death, to the Society of Jesus under narrowly defined conditions. It constitutes a foundational regulatory text for the Chinese Rites Controversy within the early modern Catholic missionary enterprise. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-22T02:08:27Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
**[Pagina 206]**
**[Texto Principal]**
Carolus Thomas Mallare de Tounon Wei et Sancte Follie Seji vata Patriarcha Antiochenus Confessorius, et Vicarius Apostolicus cum facultate Legati de Latere Anno 1703. & Frater Bed Episcopus Sacrorum Ordinum, Vicarii Apostolici et Neuerendij Provincialis neocor Missionarios Apostolis in his Regnis Sinaram Taborem in And Semputernam.
Quaequequem auditoribus Evangelicos Operatos accerir de dilectibus ad Religione Sanctam Catham spectantibus interrogantes: Ut selectam Miniri Vebri semen a noxii superstitionis olevibus publica confessione grave valeant, utque simus unanimes universi feres et adversario, atque sine scandalo evitanti in iniuc uno ore et corde Deum glorificemus qui non est divisionis Dei, inferentes Mem. I. Doi Tim. et beuirifice sua Nobi con stat de eaft supremo Sobe aliq; a Pino And Dit Pine Memento Divina Providentia Papa Vrbetemo nuper emanante, post emens tot annos studia, et labores in examine Canonez siatum, hane Missionem bre exstantium regulam, et leges certam ab omnibus in pretendi observandam, pro Muney Roter belbito proponeve, bedavare, et Statuere bevevinus prout in subsequentby versurgis ad guelta, que fotor ure fuienta, cum ea Maiori, qua fin sinur Prestare eiam Ledah de Calere procurhinus, featinus, et beeminus, et ob om nufus Missionaris tam regularibus, qua Regularibus cujuscung: Obvius, etas Societatis Iesu, in hac Missione omnia offeruntur mandamus.
Si interdovenher de Poetima, legibus, litibus, seu consequendribus Simias ingeneve, an illy convertant, an promittant illas, vel illas non ingenuave, nec contra scribave, aut injotobave? Respondebunt, quod ad ea, quod fuerit conformis Christiani, legi, et cum ea Line et vite concurs polunt affirmative: quo ad dia, negabive.
Si deinde interpositiviter eugenam sint in Dilina Lege, que Rhano Notrine, non lute conforme Respondebunt filira: et ad exemplar earum inbuti, dieve poterunt pro littera ea, que ith occurent, de sentibus, de Mentigi, sei gi, que Fruct Ole, Terre, Soli, Plantis, Serviz tibus, Animalium Inuentoribus et alior, cum soli Med verum onarie Judicio licet Xerarig sacrificare, et ab Co propera queque, et absenta Sorchantur.
Subsecundante Interrogationes de Li, sed Sacrificio Conchaji, et Dovenis, Negativie respondebunt non poterimus illa facere, nee permittive ibiung, quis culturibus.
Item negabive que ad cuam Tabellarin Rohinen A repetitor ivsta novem niicum Alienengyatie si interventur an Xanti, ad Tier virt Chutianorum revis Deus.
Si interposanter opere de greghili ita Sentiant Respondebunt, qua non componunt cum Cultu Vehi Dei etta a Sancta Suprema Sobe et bofristhe, que est Regula infallibilis Christianorum in veys Videi.
Si uide tempus Heisiouj. Emnely sit notum illam emanabe die vigerna No z uembry 1704.
Ad benem friabru Quemobo ubij be hot constat? Nobij constat ex bedelatione de hoc facto a Patriarcha Antiochenis Sygnerire Notro, qui Oraculum Summa Crufuri in se habet vigore Suarem faultatum, et venetur ei credebe.
**[Anotações marginais]**
- [No topo, à direita]: 208
**[Selos]**
- [No canto superior esquerdo]: (Selo ilegível)
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
- [No canto inferior esquerdo]: 206
{{PAGE:2}}
**[Texto Principal]** Et iva ex commissa Nobis, licet immensae, Authoritatis, etiam cum facultate Legati Dei Lazari Carneiro, et Francisci Episcopi Vicarii Apostolici, &c. Ordinarii, Missionarii &c. Provinciae Cambodgensis, quam Regulam habebat, etiam caetera jure, in hac linea Praescriptione expetenda et in februum extremum, devenimus, praecipiendo, et Heri anno Domini damus sub poena excommunicationis hujus sententiae, tantae scitis ipsa reservatae, et Nobis, ut ne ruat sub praedicta cuicunque privilegio a Summo Pontifice vel concesso. Item D.D. Societati jure ab hac excommunicatione potuit fieri rescriptum vel deles preferendum in extremo mortis periculo, ad quem solum effectus, et non in alia casibus, est gustandum opus sit, quodammodo; propter hoc huic modo viget specialis facultas, qua de id fungimus suggerendi, et revocandi, nullata etiam facultate illibera, qui data erit interpretandum juxta Forum Mandato debet praedicta Decreti tibi an bin Sancte Membris. Page Septimi editi anno 1654. Ulterius magri generis reguli, et erim ex speciali jubilo Apostolicarum Constitutione interpretando, et declaravi Nobis et commissis: ac propter ea bellavamus non obstante bis decreto, aut quacumque praelationis, statu ab omnibus in hac Missione germanae, vel in eam ingressuri tenentur sub praedicta poena uno facto incursa, obedirendum, et recitandum cum maximo studio, et injurion bonum praejudicat in beove, et honore Divino, Sacro, quam caritas acquirit languide leo, et inculpo uye contexte Matani Nankiri die vicesima quarta Januarii anno millesimo septingentesimo septimo. Pontificatus autem Sancti Nostri B. Clementis XI Anno Septimo. Publicatione die septima Februarii ejusdem anni 1707. **[Assinaturas]** C.Th. Patr. Antioch. Visit. Apost. Andreas Candela, S.Victor Polica Can. et Miss. Apost. **[Selos]** (Selo ilegível) [No centro da página] **[Anotações marginais]** R.
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
**[Page 206]**
**[Main Text]**
Charles Thomas Mallare, of Tounon Wei and Sainte-Foy-Séjus, Patriarch of Antioch, Confessor, and Apostolic Vicar with the faculties of a Legate *a latere*, in the year 1703; and Brother Beda, Bishop of Sacred Orders, Apostolic Vicar and Most Reverend Provincial of the Neocor Missionaries Apostolic in these kingdoms of China and Siam.
To all hearers of the Gospel, especially those devoted to the Holy Catholic Faith, we address the following: that they may, by public confession, be enabled to separate clearly the good seed of faith from the noxious weeds of superstition; and that we may all be united in one mind and one heart against the adversary, glorifying God without scandal—‘for God is not the author of confusion’ (1 Corinthians 14:33). In this regard, we recall the memorable passage from 1 Timothy 1:18–19 and the exhortation addressed to us by our most holy Father, Pope Urban VIII, whose recent decree—issued by Divine Providence—after many years of careful study and laborious examination of canonical matters, establishes for this Mission a definitive set of regulations and statutes, binding upon all. These are hereby formally proposed, promulgated, and enacted, as set forth in the subsequent articles below, which shall henceforth govern the conduct of all missionaries—whether secular or regular, including members of the Society of Jesus—in this Mission.
*Question I*: With respect to ancestral rites, laws, liturgies, or customary observances—such as those performed for deceased relatives—do the missionaries affirm whether such practices may be undertaken, promised, or permitted; or whether they must be rejected outright, neither written nor spoken in their favour?
*Answer*: They shall affirmatively respond only to those elements demonstrably conformable to Christian doctrine and compatible with the moral law and evangelical life; all other matters shall be denied.
*Question II*: If, however, certain practices fall under the ‘Ritual Law’ (*Li*)—that is, the civil and ceremonial code of the Chinese literati—and are found not to accord with Christian teaching, they shall respond in the negative. Moreover, having been instructed according to the approved exemplars, they may observe, *in letter and in spirit*, those prescriptions concerning rites for ancestors, spirits, and deities—including those pertaining to land, soil, crops, trees, domestic service, animals, inventors, and others—*provided that* such observances involve no true act of worship (*sacrificium*), but only civil veneration (*veneratio civilis*), and are conducted without any participation in idolatrous rites, nor in the presence of idols or sacred images associated with false worship.
*Question III*: Subsequent interrogation concerns the sacrificial rite known as *Conchaji* (i.e., the ‘Sacrifice to Heaven’), and other state cults (*Dovenis*). To these, the missionaries shall respond negatively: such rites may neither be performed nor permitted, as they constitute forms of religious worship incompatible with the Catholic faith.
*Question IV*: Likewise, they shall deny that the ‘Tablet of the Ruler of Heaven’ (*T’ien-chu P’ai*), or any similar tablet bearing the inscription ‘Supreme Sovereign of Heaven’, may be erected or venerated—even if such an object appears to be devoid of overtly idolatrous connotation—as it implicitly attributes divine sovereignty to a created being, contrary to the exclusive lordship of the one true God.
*Question V*: Should any further question arise regarding popular folk practices (*geghili*, i.e., local village rituals), they shall answer negatively: such observances are incompatible with the worship of the True God and with the Holy, Supreme Sovereign (*Shang-ti*), and with the infallible Rule of Faith established by the Church—the sole norm of Christian belief and practice.
*Date of promulgation*: This decree was issued on the vigils of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 7 December 1704.
*Authentication clause*: To confirm its authenticity, this document bears the attestation of the Most Reverend Patriarch of Antioch, whose authority derives from the supreme oracle of the Holy See, vested with full apostolic power and entitled to our unreserved credence.
**[Marginal Annotations]**
- [Top right]: 208
**[Seals]**
- [Upper left corner]: (Illegible seal)
**[Archival References]**
- [Lower left corner]: 206
{{PAGE:2}}
**[Main Text]**
And we, having been entrusted—though with authority of immense weight—with the mission of the Apostolic Vicariate of Cambodia, acting also with the faculties granted to us as Legates of God, namely Lazarus Carneiro and Francis, Bishop and Apostolic Vicar, &c., Ordinary and Missionary &c. of the Province of Cambodia (which was then governed under a specific regulatory framework), proceeded likewise, by virtue of this mandate and in accordance with the principle of prescription, to assert all other rights appertaining thereto; and we arrived at the final stage of February. By this decree, issued yesterday, in the year of Our Lord 1654, we enjoin—under pain of excommunication—the observance of the present sentence, which is reserved *in specie* to the Holy See and to ourselves, so that no one may presume to act contrary to it under any privilege whatsoever, whether granted by the Supreme Pontiff or otherwise.
Furthermore, the aforementioned Society [i.e., the Society of Jesus] possesses, by right, the faculty to obtain a rescript releasing an individual from this censure, but such release applies *only* in the case of imminent danger of death; its effect is strictly limited to that singular circumstance and does not extend to any other situation. Hence, a special faculty is hereby confirmed, whereby we are empowered both to advise and to revoke—without prejudice to the validity of any prior, unrestricted faculty—which must, however, be interpreted strictly in accordance with the terms of the mandate and the provisions of the cited decree, addressed to you, venerable members of the Sacred Congregation. This decree appears on page seven of the edition published in the year 1654.
Moreover, by virtue of a further general regulation, and in accordance with a special Apostolic Constitution authorising interpretation and clarification, we have declared and confirmed these provisions to ourselves and to those to whom they have been committed. Consequently, notwithstanding the aforementioned decree—or any other provision emanating from ecclesiastical prelacy or jurisdiction—all missionaries currently serving in this Mission, as well as those about to enter it, are bound, under the stated penalty incurred *ipso facto*, to obey and recite the prescribed form with the utmost diligence; for failure so to do would constitute a grave injury to the common good, to divine honour, and to the sacred liturgy—charity itself being thereby weakened, and spiritual life impaired. This was formally promulgated at Matani Nankiri on the twenty-fourth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seven, in the seventh year of the pontificate of our most Holy Lord Pope Clement XI. The decree was officially published on the seventh day of February in the same year, 1707.
**[Signatures]**
C. Th., Patriarch of Antioch, Apostolic Visitor
Andreas Candela, S.Victor Polica, Canon and Apostolic Missionary
**[Seals]**
(Illegible seal)
[Centred on the page]
**[Marginal Annotations]**
R. |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
**[Pagina 206]**
**[Texto Principal]**
Carolus Thomas Mallare de Tounon Wei et Sancte Follie Seji vata Patriarcha Antiochenus Confessorius, et Vicarius Apostolicus cum facultate Legati de Latere Anno 1703. & Frater Bed Episcopus Sacrorum Ordinum, Vicarii Apostolici et Neuerendij Provincialis neocor Missionarios Apostolis in his Regnis Sinaram Taborem in And Semputernam.
Quaequequem auditoribus Evangelicos Operatos accerir de dilectibus ad Religione Sanctam Catham spectantibus interrogantes: Ut selectam Miniri Vebri semen a noxii superstitionis olevibus publica confessione grave valeant, utque simus unanimes universi feres et adversario, atque sine scandalo evitanti in iniuc uno ore et corde Deum glorificemus qui non est divisionis Dei, inferentes Mem. I. Doi Tim. et beuirifice sua Nobi con stat de eaft supremo Sobe aliq; a Pino And Dit Pine Memento Divina Providentia Papa Vrbetemo nuper emanante, post emens tot annos studia, et labores in examine Canonez siatum, hane Missionem bre exstantium regulam, et leges certam ab omnibus in pretendi observandam, pro Muney Roter belbito proponeve, bedavare, et Statuere bevevinus prout in subsequentby versurgis ad guelta, que fotor ure fuienta, cum ea Maiori, qua fin sinur Prestare eiam Ledah de Calere procurhinus, featinus, et beeminus, et ob om nufus Missionaris tam regularibus, qua Regularibus cujuscung: Obvius, etas Societatis Iesu, in hac Missione omnia offeruntur mandamus.
Si interdovenher de Poetima, legibus, litibus, seu consequendribus Simias ingeneve, an illy convertant, an promittant illas, vel illas non ingenuave, nec contra scribave, aut injotobave? Respondebunt, quod ad ea, quod fuerit conformis Christiani, legi, et cum ea Line et vite concurs polunt affirmative: quo ad dia, negabive.
Si deinde interpositiviter eugenam sint in Dilina Lege, que Rhano Notrine, non lute conforme Respondebunt filira: et ad exemplar earum inbuti, dieve poterunt pro littera ea, que ith occurent, de sentibus, de Mentigi, sei gi, que Fruct Ole, Terre, Soli, Plantis, Serviz tibus, Animalium Inuentoribus et alior, cum soli Med verum onarie Judicio licet Xerarig sacrificare, et ab Co propera queque, et absenta Sorchantur.
Subsecundante Interrogationes de Li, sed Sacrificio Conchaji, et Dovenis, Negativie respondebunt non poterimus illa facere, nee permittive ibiung, quis culturibus.
Item negabive que ad cuam Tabellarin Rohinen A repetitor ivsta novem niicum Alienengyatie si interventur an Xanti, ad Tier virt Chutianorum revis Deus.
Si interposanter opere de greghili ita Sentiant Respondebunt, qua non componunt cum Cultu Vehi Dei etta a Sancta Suprema Sobe et bofristhe, que est Regula infallibilis Christianorum in veys Videi.
Si uide tempus Heisiouj. Emnely sit notum illam emanabe die vigerna No z uembry 1704.
Ad benem friabru Quemobo ubij be hot constat? Nobij constat ex bedelatione de hoc facto a Patriarcha Antiochenis Sygnerire Notro, qui Oraculum Summa Crufuri in se habet vigore Suarem faultatum, et venetur ei credebe.
**[Anotações marginais]**
- [No topo, à direita]: 208
**[Selos]**
- [No canto superior esquerdo]: (Selo ilegível)
**[Referências arquivísticas]**
- [No canto inferior esquerdo]: 206
{{PAGE:2}}
**[Texto Principal]** Et iva ex commissa Nobis, licet immensae, Authoritatis, etiam cum facultate Legati Dei Lazari Carneiro, et Francisci Episcopi Vicarii Apostolici, &c. Ordinarii, Missionarii &c. Provinciae Cambodgensis, quam Regulam habebat, etiam caetera jure, in hac linea Praescriptione expetenda et in februum extremum, devenimus, praecipiendo, et Heri anno Domini damus sub poena excommunicationis hujus sententiae, tantae scitis ipsa reservatae, et Nobis, ut ne ruat sub praedicta cuicunque privilegio a Summo Pontifice vel concesso. Item D.D. Societati jure ab hac excommunicatione potuit fieri rescriptum vel deles preferendum in extremo mortis periculo, ad quem solum effectus, et non in alia casibus, est gustandum opus sit, quodammodo; propter hoc huic modo viget specialis facultas, qua de id fungimus suggerendi, et revocandi, nullata etiam facultate illibera, qui data erit interpretandum juxta Forum Mandato debet praedicta Decreti tibi an bin Sancte Membris. Page Septimi editi anno 1654. Ulterius magri generis reguli, et erim ex speciali jubilo Apostolicarum Constitutione interpretando, et declaravi Nobis et commissis: ac propter ea bellavamus non obstante bis decreto, aut quacumque praelationis, statu ab omnibus in hac Missione germanae, vel in eam ingressuri tenentur sub praedicta poena uno facto incursa, obedirendum, et recitandum cum maximo studio, et injurion bonum praejudicat in beove, et honore Divino, Sacro, quam caritas acquirit languide leo, et inculpo uye contexte Matani Nankiri die vicesima quarta Januarii anno millesimo septingentesimo septimo. Pontificatus autem Sancti Nostri B. Clementis XI Anno Septimo. Publicatione die septima Februarii ejusdem anni 1707. **[Assinaturas]** C.Th. Patr. Antioch. Visit. Apost. Andreas Candela, S.Victor Polica Can. et Miss. Apost. **[Selos]** (Selo ilegível) [No centro da página] **[Anotações marginais]** R. |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
**[Page 206]**
**[Main Text]**
Charles Thomas Mallare, of Tounon Wei and Sainte-Foy-Séjus, Patriarch of Antioch, Confessor, and Apostolic Vicar with the faculties of a Legate *a latere*, in the year 1703; and Brother Beda, Bishop of Sacred Orders, Apostolic Vicar and Most Reverend Provincial of the Neocor Missionaries Apostolic in these kingdoms of China and Siam.
To all hearers of the Gospel, especially those devoted to the Holy Catholic Faith, we address the following: that they may, by public confession, be enabled to separate clearly the good seed of faith from the noxious weeds of superstition; and that we may all be united in one mind and one heart against the adversary, glorifying God without scandal—‘for God is not the author of confusion’ (1 Corinthians 14:33). In this regard, we recall the memorable passage from 1 Timothy 1:18–19 and the exhortation addressed to us by our most holy Father, Pope Urban VIII, whose recent decree—issued by Divine Providence—after many years of careful study and laborious examination of canonical matters, establishes for this Mission a definitive set of regulations and statutes, binding upon all. These are hereby formally proposed, promulgated, and enacted, as set forth in the subsequent articles below, which shall henceforth govern the conduct of all missionaries—whether secular or regular, including members of the Society of Jesus—in this Mission.
*Question I*: With respect to ancestral rites, laws, liturgies, or customary observances—such as those performed for deceased relatives—do the missionaries affirm whether such practices may be undertaken, promised, or permitted; or whether they must be rejected outright, neither written nor spoken in their favour?
*Answer*: They shall affirmatively respond only to those elements demonstrably conformable to Christian doctrine and compatible with the moral law and evangelical life; all other matters shall be denied.
*Question II*: If, however, certain practices fall under the ‘Ritual Law’ (*Li*)—that is, the civil and ceremonial code of the Chinese literati—and are found not to accord with Christian teaching, they shall respond in the negative. Moreover, having been instructed according to the approved exemplars, they may observe, *in letter and in spirit*, those prescriptions concerning rites for ancestors, spirits, and deities—including those pertaining to land, soil, crops, trees, domestic service, animals, inventors, and others—*provided that* such observances involve no true act of worship (*sacrificium*), but only civil veneration (*veneratio civilis*), and are conducted without any participation in idolatrous rites, nor in the presence of idols or sacred images associated with false worship.
*Question III*: Subsequent interrogation concerns the sacrificial rite known as *Conchaji* (i.e., the ‘Sacrifice to Heaven’), and other state cults (*Dovenis*). To these, the missionaries shall respond negatively: such rites may neither be performed nor permitted, as they constitute forms of religious worship incompatible with the Catholic faith.
*Question IV*: Likewise, they shall deny that the ‘Tablet of the Ruler of Heaven’ (*T’ien-chu P’ai*), or any similar tablet bearing the inscription ‘Supreme Sovereign of Heaven’, may be erected or venerated—even if such an object appears to be devoid of overtly idolatrous connotation—as it implicitly attributes divine sovereignty to a created being, contrary to the exclusive lordship of the one true God.
*Question V*: Should any further question arise regarding popular folk practices (*geghili*, i.e., local village rituals), they shall answer negatively: such observances are incompatible with the worship of the True God and with the Holy, Supreme Sovereign (*Shang-ti*), and with the infallible Rule of Faith established by the Church—the sole norm of Christian belief and practice.
*Date of promulgation*: This decree was issued on the vigils of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 7 December 1704.
*Authentication clause*: To confirm its authenticity, this document bears the attestation of the Most Reverend Patriarch of Antioch, whose authority derives from the supreme oracle of the Holy See, vested with full apostolic power and entitled to our unreserved credence.
**[Marginal Annotations]**
- [Top right]: 208
**[Seals]**
- [Upper left corner]: (Illegible seal)
**[Archival References]**
- [Lower left corner]: 206
{{PAGE:2}}
**[Main Text]**
And we, having been entrusted—though with authority of immense weight—with the mission of the Apostolic Vicariate of Cambodia, acting also with the faculties granted to us as Legates of God, namely Lazarus Carneiro and Francis, Bishop and Apostolic Vicar, &c., Ordinary and Missionary &c. of the Province of Cambodia (which was then governed under a specific regulatory framework), proceeded likewise, by virtue of this mandate and in accordance with the principle of prescription, to assert all other rights appertaining thereto; and we arrived at the final stage of February. By this decree, issued yesterday, in the year of Our Lord 1654, we enjoin—under pain of excommunication—the observance of the present sentence, which is reserved *in specie* to the Holy See and to ourselves, so that no one may presume to act contrary to it under any privilege whatsoever, whether granted by the Supreme Pontiff or otherwise.
Furthermore, the aforementioned Society [i.e., the Society of Jesus] possesses, by right, the faculty to obtain a rescript releasing an individual from this censure, but such release applies *only* in the case of imminent danger of death; its effect is strictly limited to that singular circumstance and does not extend to any other situation. Hence, a special faculty is hereby confirmed, whereby we are empowered both to advise and to revoke—without prejudice to the validity of any prior, unrestricted faculty—which must, however, be interpreted strictly in accordance with the terms of the mandate and the provisions of the cited decree, addressed to you, venerable members of the Sacred Congregation. This decree appears on page seven of the edition published in the year 1654.
Moreover, by virtue of a further general regulation, and in accordance with a special Apostolic Constitution authorising interpretation and clarification, we have declared and confirmed these provisions to ourselves and to those to whom they have been committed. Consequently, notwithstanding the aforementioned decree—or any other provision emanating from ecclesiastical prelacy or jurisdiction—all missionaries currently serving in this Mission, as well as those about to enter it, are bound, under the stated penalty incurred *ipso facto*, to obey and recite the prescribed form with the utmost diligence; for failure so to do would constitute a grave injury to the common good, to divine honour, and to the sacred liturgy—charity itself being thereby weakened, and spiritual life impaired. This was formally promulgated at Matani Nankiri on the twenty-fourth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seven, in the seventh year of the pontificate of our most Holy Lord Pope Clement XI. The decree was officially published on the seventh day of February in the same year, 1707.
**[Signatures]**
C. Th., Patriarch of Antioch, Apostolic Visitor
Andreas Candela, S.Victor Polica, Canon and Apostolic Missionary
**[Seals]**
(Illegible seal)
[Centred on the page]
**[Marginal Annotations]**
R. |
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| hierarchy_parent_title | Inquisition (Goa, Macau) Full-text online Transcriptions Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro _To_Resolve? |
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| hierarchy_top_id | zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD zotero-coll-WX87PJHD |
| hierarchy_top_title | News News News News News |
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| id | zotero-P4MF64P4 |
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| language | pt-PT |
| last_indexed | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| latest_content_date | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
| physical | 1f. pages |
| publishDate | 07-02-1707 |
| publishDateRange | 1707 |
| publishDateSort | 1707 |
| publishPlace | Macau |
| record_format | zotero |
| spelling | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] This is a formal ecclesiastical decree promulgated in 1704 and reaffirmed in 1707 by Charles Thomas Mallare, Patriarch of Antioch and Apostolic Vicar with *legatus a latere* faculties, alongside Brother Beda, Bishop and Most Reverend Provincial of the Neocor Missionaries Apostolic in China and Siam, and later endorsed by Lazarus Carneiro and Francis, Apostolic Vicars of Cambodia. Issued on 7 December 1704 and formally published on 7 February 1707 at Matani Nankiri, the document establishes binding canonical regulations for all missionaries—secular and regular, including Jesuits—serving in the missions of China, Siam, and Cambodia. It addresses five critical questions concerning the compatibility of Chinese and Southeast Asian ritual practices with Catholic doctrine, specifically delineating permissible civil veneration (*veneratio civilis*) of ancestors and cultural rites under strict conditions, while explicitly prohibiting participation in or endorsement of the ‘Sacrifice to Heaven’ (*Conchaji*), state cults (*Dovenis*), veneration of the ‘Tablet of the Ruler of Heaven’ (*T’ien-chu P’ai*), and local folk rituals (*geghili*). The decree invokes papal authority—including decrees of Urban VIII and Clement XI—and imposes automatic excommunication for non-compliance, reserving absolution solely to the Holy See or, in cases of imminent death, to the Society of Jesus under narrowly defined conditions. It constitutes a foundational regulatory text for the Chinese Rites Controversy within the early modern Catholic missionary enterprise. Macau Manuscripts Brasil. Biblioteca Nacional do Rio de Janeiro 25,1,008 n.208 - Manuscritos 07-02-1707 Ancestral Sacrifices Ancestral Tablets Apostolic Commissioner Bishops and Priests Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon Chinese Rites Controversy Christian Monotheism Doctrinal Compatibility Ecclesiastical Decree Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Excommunication Clause Holy See Directives Legate de latere Liturgical Regulations Missionaries in China Nanking Official Document Papal Directive Rejection of Syncretism Secular and Regular Clergy Shangdi Society of Jesus Tianzhu Titular Patriarch of Antioch Veneration of Confucius Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 {{PAGE:1}} **[Pagina 206]** **[Texto Principal]** Carolus Thomas Mallare de Tounon Wei et Sancte Follie Seji vata Patriarcha Antiochenus Confessorius, et Vicarius Apostolicus cum facultate Legati de Latere Anno 1703. & Frater Bed Episcopus Sacrorum Ordinum, Vicarii Apostolici et Neuerendij Provincialis neocor Missionarios Apostolis in his Regnis Sinaram Taborem in And Semputernam. Quaequequem auditoribus Evangelicos Operatos accerir de dilectibus ad Religione Sanctam Catham spectantibus interrogantes: Ut selectam Miniri Vebri semen a noxii superstitionis olevibus publica confessione grave valeant, utque simus unanimes universi feres et adversario, atque sine scandalo evitanti in iniuc uno ore et corde Deum glorificemus qui non est divisionis Dei, inferentes Mem. I. Doi Tim. et beuirifice sua Nobi con stat de eaft supremo Sobe aliq; a Pino And Dit Pine Memento Divina Providentia Papa Vrbetemo nuper emanante, post emens tot annos studia, et labores in examine Canonez siatum, hane Missionem bre exstantium regulam, et leges certam ab omnibus in pretendi observandam, pro Muney Roter belbito proponeve, bedavare, et Statuere bevevinus prout in subsequentby versurgis ad guelta, que fotor ure fuienta, cum ea Maiori, qua fin sinur Prestare eiam Ledah de Calere procurhinus, featinus, et beeminus, et ob om nufus Missionaris tam regularibus, qua Regularibus cujuscung: Obvius, etas Societatis Iesu, in hac Missione omnia offeruntur mandamus. Si interdovenher de Poetima, legibus, litibus, seu consequendribus Simias ingeneve, an illy convertant, an promittant illas, vel illas non ingenuave, nec contra scribave, aut injotobave? Respondebunt, quod ad ea, quod fuerit conformis Christiani, legi, et cum ea Line et vite concurs polunt affirmative: quo ad dia, negabive. Si deinde interpositiviter eugenam sint in Dilina Lege, que Rhano Notrine, non lute conforme Respondebunt filira: et ad exemplar earum inbuti, dieve poterunt pro littera ea, que ith occurent, de sentibus, de Mentigi, sei gi, que Fruct Ole, Terre, Soli, Plantis, Serviz tibus, Animalium Inuentoribus et alior, cum soli Med verum onarie Judicio licet Xerarig sacrificare, et ab Co propera queque, et absenta Sorchantur. Subsecundante Interrogationes de Li, sed Sacrificio Conchaji, et Dovenis, Negativie respondebunt non poterimus illa facere, nee permittive ibiung, quis culturibus. Item negabive que ad cuam Tabellarin Rohinen A repetitor ivsta novem niicum Alienengyatie si interventur an Xanti, ad Tier virt Chutianorum revis Deus. Si interposanter opere de greghili ita Sentiant Respondebunt, qua non componunt cum Cultu Vehi Dei etta a Sancta Suprema Sobe et bofristhe, que est Regula infallibilis Christianorum in veys Videi. Si uide tempus Heisiouj. Emnely sit notum illam emanabe die vigerna No z uembry 1704. Ad benem friabru Quemobo ubij be hot constat? Nobij constat ex bedelatione de hoc facto a Patriarcha Antiochenis Sygnerire Notro, qui Oraculum Summa Crufuri in se habet vigore Suarem faultatum, et venetur ei credebe. **[Anotações marginais]** - [No topo, à direita]: 208 **[Selos]** - [No canto superior esquerdo]: (Selo ilegível) **[Referências arquivísticas]** - [No canto inferior esquerdo]: 206 {{PAGE:2}} **[Texto Principal]** Et iva ex commissa Nobis, licet immensae, Authoritatis, etiam cum facultate Legati Dei Lazari Carneiro, et Francisci Episcopi Vicarii Apostolici, &c. Ordinarii, Missionarii &c. Provinciae Cambodgensis, quam Regulam habebat, etiam caetera jure, in hac linea Praescriptione expetenda et in februum extremum, devenimus, praecipiendo, et Heri anno Domini damus sub poena excommunicationis hujus sententiae, tantae scitis ipsa reservatae, et Nobis, ut ne ruat sub praedicta cuicunque privilegio a Summo Pontifice vel concesso. Item D.D. Societati jure ab hac excommunicatione potuit fieri rescriptum vel deles preferendum in extremo mortis periculo, ad quem solum effectus, et non in alia casibus, est gustandum opus sit, quodammodo; propter hoc huic modo viget specialis facultas, qua de id fungimus suggerendi, et revocandi, nullata etiam facultate illibera, qui data erit interpretandum juxta Forum Mandato debet praedicta Decreti tibi an bin Sancte Membris. Page Septimi editi anno 1654. Ulterius magri generis reguli, et erim ex speciali jubilo Apostolicarum Constitutione interpretando, et declaravi Nobis et commissis: ac propter ea bellavamus non obstante bis decreto, aut quacumque praelationis, statu ab omnibus in hac Missione germanae, vel in eam ingressuri tenentur sub praedicta poena uno facto incursa, obedirendum, et recitandum cum maximo studio, et injurion bonum praejudicat in beove, et honore Divino, Sacro, quam caritas acquirit languide leo, et inculpo uye contexte Matani Nankiri die vicesima quarta Januarii anno millesimo septingentesimo septimo. Pontificatus autem Sancti Nostri B. Clementis XI Anno Septimo. Publicatione die septima Februarii ejusdem anni 1707. **[Assinaturas]** C.Th. Patr. Antioch. Visit. Apost. Andreas Candela, S.Vict |
| spellingShingle | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] Tournon, Charles-Thomas Maillard de, 1668-1710 Ancestral Sacrifices Ancestral Tablets Apostolic Commissioner Bishops and Priests Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon Chinese Rites Controversy Christian Monotheism Doctrinal Compatibility Ecclesiastical Decree Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Excommunication Clause Holy See Directives Legate de latere Liturgical Regulations Missionaries in China Nanking Official Document Papal Directive Rejection of Syncretism Secular and Regular Clergy Shangdi Society of Jesus Tianzhu Titular Patriarch of Antioch Veneration of Confucius |
| title | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_autocomplete | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_full | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_fullStr | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_full_unstemmed | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_short | [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em Wankin (China), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| title_sort | [edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que serviam de base à catequese cristã, elogiando os sacrifícios dos missionários residentes em wankin (china), e enfatizando a necessidade de aplicação de excomunhão para aqueles que fizessem propaganda de doutrinas contrárias à fé cristã] |
| topic | Ancestral Sacrifices Ancestral Tablets Apostolic Commissioner Bishops and Priests Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon Chinese Rites Controversy Christian Monotheism Doctrinal Compatibility Ecclesiastical Decree Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Excommunication Clause Holy See Directives Legate de latere Liturgical Regulations Missionaries in China Nanking Official Document Papal Directive Rejection of Syncretism Secular and Regular Clergy Shangdi Society of Jesus Tianzhu Titular Patriarch of Antioch Veneration of Confucius |
| topic_autocomplete | Ancestral Sacrifices Ancestral Tablets Apostolic Commissioner Bishops and Priests Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon Chinese Rites Controversy Christian Monotheism Doctrinal Compatibility Ecclesiastical Decree Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Excommunication Clause Holy See Directives Legate de latere Liturgical Regulations Missionaries in China Nanking Official Document Papal Directive Rejection of Syncretism Secular and Regular Clergy Shangdi Society of Jesus Tianzhu Titular Patriarch of Antioch Veneration of Confucius |
| topic_facet | Ancestral Sacrifices Ancestral Tablets Apostolic Commissioner Bishops and Priests Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon Chinese Rites Controversy Christian Monotheism Doctrinal Compatibility Ecclesiastical Decree Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Excommunication Clause Holy See Directives Legate de latere Liturgical Regulations Missionaries in China Nanking Official Document Papal Directive Rejection of Syncretism Secular and Regular Clergy Shangdi Society of Jesus Tianzhu Titular Patriarch of Antioch Veneration of Confucius |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/P4MF64P4/viewer_P4MF64P4.html |
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