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Handout #196 |
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Instruction from the Congregation of Propaganda on the practice of the Vicars Apostolic (1659 A.D.) |
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By creating vicars apostolic (bishops directly under Rome), the Propaganda
sought to engage in missionary action free of political implications. It
also gave good advice, even if this was not always easy to interpret on the
ground. We can see this in the dispute over rites.
Do not employ any zeal, do not advance any argument to convince these people to change their rites, their habits and their customs, unless they are manifestly contrary to religion and morality. "What is more absurd than to transport France, Spain, Italy or any other country of Europe to the Chinese? Do not introduce our countries to them but the faith, this faith which neither rejects nor blesses the rites and customs of any people, provided that the are not detestable, but on the contrary seeks to guard them and protect them. It is so to speak inscribed in the nature of all men to esteem, to love, to put above all the world traditions of their country and that country itself nor is there any more powerful cause of alienation and hatred than to make changes in the distinctive customs of a nation, particularly those which have been practiced for as long as anyone can remember. |
