CHARLES E. MCDONNELL, Bishop of Brooklyn, THOMAS M. A. BURKE, Bishop of Albany, JAMES A. MCFAUL, Bishop of Trenton, CHARLES H. COLTON, Bishop of Buffalo, THOMAS F. HICKEY, Cco-adjutor of Rochester, THOMAS F. CUSACK, Auxiliary Bishop of New York. ven at New York, the thirty-first day of August, 1907. account of its value to those who are interested in clerical studies, nt to our readers the letter of Cardinal Ferrata to the Bishops of scribing a uniform course of studies in the seminaries of that version and synopsis are taken from the Ecclesiastical Review. rregation of Bishops and Regulars commissioned by the Holy Father the Seminaries of Italy has deemed it advisable to submit a common idies whereby to unify and improve the instruction imparted in our the order of studies it has been decided to take as a basis the division hich has been already introduced into nearly all the seminaries, im, Lyceum, and Theologicum. 's which make up the courses in the Gymnasium and Lyceum, tion, it was necessary to adopt, with some necessary modifi. in general use in Italy, not because these are perfect, but prinng reasons: n use represents in public estimation that culture which is he efficiency of the clergy who have been educated according whilst a lack of these demands will create, at least in the on that priests are inferior to laymen as regards true cul NOTES. THE EPISCOPATE OF NEW YORK ON THE SYLLABUS. Most Holy Father, The recent publication of the Syllabus of Modern Errors calls for some fitting expression of our sentiments of filial devotion, and especially of our most profound gratitude for this exceptional evidence of Apostolic care and solicitude, which all those entrusted with the salvation of souls as well as all the faithful embrace with the deepest appreciation. The paternal heart of Your Holiness is ineffably grieved over the pernicious persecution that is still raging against the Church of Christ, and this sorrow is all the more insufferable because this insidious attack is being nurtured not only by those outside the fold, but even by sons and brethren who have been carried away by the gravest errors. In view of these facts, We, too, cannot but feel, with Your Holiness, the burden of intense sorrow. This tender solicitude of Your Holiness commands universal admiration and praise, for though worn out by so many and so great labors and tribulations, you keep a most constant watch over the Universal Church to preserve intact the integrity of the faith and ward off all dangers that menace the deposit of doctrine given to us froin Heaven. The decree recently promulgated is a inagnificent monument to the office of the Supreme Teacher and evokes from our humble hearts feelings of the liveliest joy and gratitude, first towards the Divine Founder of the Church and then towards His most worthy Vicar on earth. These same sentiments are unanimously shared by the faithful of the Province of New York who are united to the See of Peter by the closest ties of obedience reverence and affection. While none among us, as far as We know, is imbued with these disastrous errors nevertheless, We and all those committed to us, both clergy and laity, hasten to assure Your Holiness of our immediate and steadfast adhesion to this most opportune decree. We condemn and proscribe all and each of the propositions condemned and proscribed by Your Holiness, and, moreover, We have taken effective measures to preserve the doctrine and discipline of our Churches, Schools, and Seminaries, from the dangers indicated in the new decree. The Professors in all the Faculties of our Seminaries subscribe to these provisions with full, explicit, and nominal assent. Peter has spoken once more and though the evils that now threaten Holy Church are numerous and grave, still it is our firm hope that the promise made to Peter and his Successors will triumph: gates of Hell shall not prevail. the Prostrate at the feet of Your Holiness, We most humbly implore the Apostolic Benediction for ourselves, for our most devoted clergy and for our beloved and faithful flocks. Your Holiness': Most obedient sons, JOHN M. FARLEY, Archbishop of New York, HENRY GABRIELS, Bishop of Ogdensburg, CHARLES E. MCDONNELL, Bishop of Brooklyn, THOMAS M. A. BURKE, Bishop of Albany, JAMES A. MCFAUL, Bishop of Trenton, CHARLES H. COLTON, Bishop of Buffalo, THOMAS F. HICKEY, Cco-adjutor of Rochester, THOMAS F. CUSACK, Auxiliary Bishop of New York. Given at New York, the thirty-first day of August, 1907. On account of its value to those who are interested in clerical studies, we present to our readers the letter of Cardinal Ferrata to the Bishops of Italy prescribing a uniform course of studies in the seminaries of that land. The version and synopsis are taken from the Ecclesiastical Review. The Congregation of Bishops and Regulars commissioned by the Holy Father to reorganize the Seminaries of Italy has deemed it advisable to submit a common Program of Studies whereby to unify and improve the instruction imparted in our Seminaries. In outlining the order of studies it has been decided to take as a basis the division of the courses which has been already introduced into nearly all the seminaries, namely, Gymnasium, Lyceum, and Theologicum. For the subjects which make up the courses in the Gymnasium and Lyceum, and for their distribution, it was necessary to adopt, with some necessary modifi· cations, the programs in general use in Italy, not because these are perfect, but principally for the following reasons: 1. The program in use represents in public estimation that culture which is required to-day; hence the efficiency of the clergy who have been educated according to them will be increased, whilst a lack of these demands will create, at least in the eyes of many, the impression that priests are inferior to laymen as regards true cul ture. 2. It is also to be considered that candidates, as a rule, cannot definitely decide upon their having a vocation to the ecclesiastical state before they have reached a certain age; hence it is advisable to regulate their studies in such a way that they may obtain recognized certificates of fitness, which will be useful to thein in case they should adopt some other state of life. It is needless to say that such certificates are also likely to prove of advantage to those whom God may be pleased to call to the priesthood. A wise and judicious superintendence will easily prevent, or will at the least greatly lessen, the abuses arising from the fact that students may remain in the seminaries after the Gymnasium course, for the mere purpose of obtaining the licentiate of the Lyceum course. Moreover, the program of studies in the Lyceum accords with that which should form part of the Philosophy course in the seminaries, with the addition only of the department of Letters and History, quite necessary for students of the sanctuary who should be instructi ad omne opus bonum. It has also been deemed advisable to prefix to the Theology course a year of Propedeutics, so as to complete the course of Philosophy, and to treat of certain subjects which cannot easily be included in the course of Theology. This additional year may be dispensed with, if it can be shown that during the Lyceum course adequate preparation has been given for that of Theology. Rules for the theological course are given so as to render it complete and easily compassed within four years. Finally, a time-table is added, to serve as a guide to Prefects of Studies. By the authority of the Holy Father, I have the honor to communicate this program to you with the request that you see it put in force in your seminary for the course of the next scholastic year. You are also requested to report to this Sacred Congregation the rules governing the studies in your seminary and to forward the list of professors and of textbooks used by them. I trust that, under the assiduous care of Your Lordship, the exact observance of the program will be ensured whereby you will contribute efficaciously to the higher education of the clergy and enable them, with greater advantage to souls, to fulfil their noble mission. D. Card. FERRATA, Prefect. F. GIUSTINI, Secretary. THE COURSE OF STUDIES. The course of studies in all the Seminaries of Italy is divided into the departments of the Gymnasium, Lyceum, and Theologicum. 1. GYMNASIUM. 1. No student shall be admitted to the classes of the Gymnasium unless he present a certificate of fitness, showing that he has regularly completed the preceding classes, and pass the entrance examination. 2. The course of the Gymnasium shall be one of five years, divided into five classes, during which shall be taught the matters of the programs in general use, and the same time-table shall be followed, but in such a way as to give a certain preference to Latin in all the classes while at the same time qualifying the students to pass the examination of the Gymnasial licentiate. 3. At least one hour a week shall be assigned in every class for catechetical instruction. II. LYCEUM. 1. No student shall be admitted to the Lyceum unless he have regularly gone through the classes of the Gymnasium and passed the examinations. 2. The Lyceum shall be divided into three classes, corresponding with the three years of the course, and these classes shall correspond both with regard to the subjects and to the time-tables with the programs in general use, in such a way that the students shall be prepared to pass the Lyceal licentiate and at the same time a more ample development be given to sound philosophy. (See IV, 2 and 3.) 3. At least one hour a week shall be assigned for religious instruction. III. PROPEDEUTICS. 1. In this course the students, besides acquiring a more profound knowledge of philosophy, shall study other matters, which may be those indicated in the timetable appended. 2. In the Seminaries where this year of Propedeutics shall be established the study of philosophy in the three years of the Lyceum shall embrace psychology, logic, general metaphysics, ethics. 3. Where a dispensation for this year has been obtained, clerics aspiring to the priesthood shall during the three years of the Lyceum, in addition to the matters contained in the program, have assigned to them at least two hours a week, if neces sary even on Thursdays, for the completion of the study of philosophy, and especially of those parts of philosohpy which are necessary for an adeqpate preparation for theological studies. IV. THEOLOGY. 1. The course of Theology shall be one of four years, divided into four classes, with a regular time table of four hours a day of teaching. 2. It shall embrace the following matters: Loci theologici, General and Particular Introduction to the Sacred Scripture, Biblical Exegesis, Dogmatic Theology and the Sacraments, Moral and Pastoral Theology, Institutions of Canon Law, Ecclesiastical History, Hebrew, Greek, Sacred Archeology and Art, Sacred Eloquence and Patrology, Liturgy. V. GENERAL REGULATIONS. 1. In order that this program may be properly carried out every Seminary shall have a Prefect of Studies, who is to be elected by the Bishop. 2. To the Prefect, always under the superintendence of the Bishop, shall appertain the preparation of the course of lectures for the Professors, the compilation of the Calendar and of the scholastic time-tables. 3. After having consulted with the Professors, whom he is to assemble in council every month, and more frequently should he judge it necessary, the Prefect of Studies shall apply, or even modify, the program in general use, arrange the hours of teaching according to these programs in such a way as to observe the substance of them and leave them adequate for the examinations of the licentiate, while at the same time allowing more time for matters of greater importance for the scope of the Seminaries, as has been above observed for Latin in the Gymnasium and Philosophy in the Lyceum. 4. The scholastic year shall last for not less than nine months. 5. The Prefect of Studies with the Board of Professors shall arrange that at the end of the year searching examinations be held regularly in all the matters, for promotion to the higher classes, and decide on the number of votes required for a pass. 6. A session for supplementary examinations shall be established for those who have failed to pass in the first examinations. 7. The different matters in the Lyceal and Theological courses shall be entrusted to good Professors, who may also, by way of exception, be charged with teaching some branch kindred to their own. But in all cases care must be taken that no Professor be burdened with too many hours of teaching, to the evident loss of the students. 8. Each Professor in treating his subject shall employ a text-book, which he shall explain in such a way as to complete the annual course marked out in the Prograin. 9. For the Gymnasium and the Lyceum, as the programs in general use are to be followed, the text-books shall be selected in conformity with these programs, due regard of course being paid to the nature and scope of the Seminaries. 10. For Philosophy and Theology the text-book shall be proposed by the Board of Professors, and submitted for the approval of the Bishop. NOTE. In the central and interdiocesan seminaries the rights of the Ordinary belong to the body of Bishops interested. Seen and approved, with the earnest recommendation that Our Venerable Brothers the Bishops faithfully observe the above. Feast of St. Pius V. 5 May, 1907. PIUS X POPE. |