In our society, which we wish to be called by the name
Jesus, let
whoever desires to fight under the sacred banner of the Cross, and
to serve only God and the Roman pontiff, His vicar on earth, after a
solemn vow of perpetual chastity,-let him keep in mind that he is
part of a society, instituted for the purpose of perfecting souls in
life and in Christian doctrine, for the propagation of the faith
through public preaching, ministering the word of God, spiritual
macerations, works of charity, and especially through the teaching
of the young and uninstructed in the Christian precepts; and lastly
for giving consolation to believers in hearing their confessions.
Let him think first of God, then of the rule of this order, which is
the way to Him; and let him follow after the end proposed by God
with all his strength. Let each one, nevertheless, rest in the grace
given him by the Holy Spirit, and in the proper grade of his
calling, and lest anyone use zeal but not discretion, let the
deciding of the grade of each, of the offices, and whole arrangement
be in the hands of the general or prelate selected through us, in
order that the harmony so necessary in all well-governed
institutions may be preserved.
Let this general, with the council of his associates, have the power
in council to draw up rules suitable for the end proposed, the
majority of all voters of the society always having the right of
deciding. Let it be understood that there be consultation in regard
to the more important or permanent questions, the majority of the
whole society, that can conveniently be convoked; in the case of
less important or transient matters, all those that are present
where the general lives. The right of carrying out laws, however,
belongs only to the general.
Let all members know, and let it be not only at the beginning of
their profession, but let them think over it daily as long as they
live, that the society as a whole, and each of them, owes obedience
to our most holy lord, the pope, and the other Roman pontiffs, his
successors, and to fight with faithful obedience for God. And
however much he may be learned in the Gospel, and however we may be
taught in the orthodox faith, let all Christians profess themselves
under the Roman pontiff as leader, and vicar of Jesus Christ. For
the greater humility of our society, and toward the complete
self-mortification of each one, and in order to aid the abnegation
of our own wills to the greatest extent, let each one, besides that
common obligation, be devoted to this by special vow. So that
whatever the present or other Roman pontiffs order that concerns the
saving of souls and the spread of the faith, and to whatever
provinces he shall wish to send us, this let us strive to accomplish
as far as in us lies, without any turning back or excuse; whether he
shall send us to the Turks, or to any other infidels, even those
living in the lands that are called the Indies; or to any heretics
or schismatics, or believers, whatever. Wherefore let those that are
about to join us consider long and well, before they put their
shoulders to this task, whether they have enough grace for good deeds
to mount this citadel at the command of their superiors; that is,
whether the Holy Spirit that urges them promises to them enough
grace to enable them with God’s help to bear the weight of this
calling. And after they have given their name, at the inspiration of
the Lord, to the service of Jesus Christ, having thus girded up
their loins, they will be prompt to fulfill this grand vow.
Lest in some way there arise ambition or jealousy in regard to such
missions or provinces, let all agree never either directly or
indirectly to interfere with the Roman pontiff in this regard, but
let them leave all such concern to God, and to the pontiff himself,
His vicar, and to the general of the society. And let the general
himself promise the same as the others, not to take upon himself a
mission in any direction unless by the council of the society, with
the agreement of the pontiff.
Let each vow to be obedient to the general of the society in all
things that concern the fulfillment of these our regulations.
Let him command what he knows to be opportune for the advancement of
the ends proposed by God and the society. In issuing these commands,
he shall always keep the memory of the kindness, gentleness, and
love of Christ, Peter, and Paul, before him, whose example in this
rule let the council carefully follow.
Let them have charge especially over the education of children and
of the heathen in the Christian doctrine of the ten commandments,
and like rudiments, whatever seems suitable to the circumstances of
the individuals, and of time and place. It is in fact very necessary
in providing this, that the general and council look to it sharply,
since it is not possible in the first place to rear an edifice
without a foundation of faith, and there may be the danger that as
one may be more learned than another, such a one may perchance
abandon some province that seems at first sight not promising enough
for him, when really no district would be more fruitful, either for
instruction, or for training in charity and humility at the same
time as our duties. Briefly, then, for the sake of the never enough
praised exercise of humility, let them always be held to the
obedience of the rule in all things concerning the institution of
the society, and let them see Christ in the general as if present,
and let them venerate him as is proper.
Since we know by experience that no life is happier, purer, or more
apt to aid its fellow than the one most removed from all contagion
of avarice, and close to holy poverty, and since we know that our
Lord Jesus Christ provides necessary food and clothing for his
servants seeking the kingdom of God, let each and all vow eternal
poverty, and not to acquire any civil right, either personally, or
for the maintenance or use of the society to any property, wherever
situated, or to its income, but to be content with the use only of
what is given them for meeting their own necessities.
Let them have the power, however, to have a college or colleges at
the Universities, having census returns, revenues, or possessions,
to be applied to the use and necessities of the students; the thing
held to be under control of the general, and the society in
accordance with the common government, including the superintendence
of these colleges, and students, the method of the choice of
governor, or governors, or students, or their admission, dismissal,
recall, or expulsion; the introduction of rules for the instruction
of the students, or their correction, or punishment, their clothing,
and all other government, regulation and management. Nor can the
students misuse the estates, nor the society turn them to its own
use, but they must be used for the necessary expenses of the
students. The students may, however, be admitted to the society
after enough training in spirit and in letters, and a sufficient
probation.
12. All members whatsoever in holy orders, even if they do not
possess church benefices or the revenues of such, are to be bound
each of them privately and individually, that is, not in common with
others, to repeat the services according to the rites of the church.
13. These are the rules which we have drawn up concerning our
profession as a model for the approval of our aforesaid master Paul,
and the Apostolic See; this we have done that by this writing we
might briefly inform on the one hand those who ask concerning the
nature of the life we have instituted, and on the other the future
imitators of our example, if by the will of God, there should be any
so disposed, how we have intended this life to be lived, since we
have learned by experience how many and how great difficulties are
attached thereto. No one should be admitted to this society until he
has been tried and proved for a long time and very carefully. Then
only may he be admitted to the service of Christ, when he has shown
himself wise in the wisdom of Christ and his doctrine, and pure in
Christian life; and may Christ deign to favor our weak beginnings to
the glory of God the father, to whom alone be glory and honor
forever in all ages. Amen.
(Papal Confirmation.)
14. But since there is nothing in the above that is not pious and
holy, and since those members who have humbly petitioned us in this
matter will be more zealous for a holy life if they know that they
are held in the special grace of the Apostolic See, and if they see
that the above rules are approved by us, we therefore from our
certain knowledge approve, confirm and bless by our apostolic rules,
all and singly, as being apt for the spiritual progress both of the
said members and of the whole Christian flock, and we receive the
same members into our special protection and that of the Holy
Apostolic See, granting to them the right to establish freely and
with full warrant such particular institutions among themselves as
they may judge to be suited to the ends of the society, to the glory
of Jesus Christ our Lord, and to the advantage of all.
15. The constitutions of the general council, and of our predecessor
Pope Gregory X, of blessed memory, and all other apostolic
constitutions, and ordinations to the contrary notwithstanding.
16. We will, however, that in each society of this kind persons
desirous of living by this rule of life to the number of sixty, and
not more, may be admitted and added to the said society.
(Warning) Let no one, etc. And if anyone, etc.
Given at Rome at St. Mark’s, in the year of Incarnation of our Lord
1540, the fifth before the Kalends of October, in the sixth year of
our pontificate.
BULL OF OCT. 18, 1549.
Paul, bishop, servant of the servants of God.
Although we are ever attentive and well-inclined toward our duty as
shepherd to all who follow the regular life, that they may be
continued and encouraged in their discipline and praiseworthy life,
yet, like a loving father, directing our eyes especially toward the
Society of Jesus, instituted and approved by us, which by word and
deed among the Christian people has brought and brings now daily,
like a fertile field, so many and so rich fruits to the Lord for the
glory of the Most High King and for the increase of the faith, we
have thought it proper to show especial favor to this society and to
its members, who serve the Most High in the odor of sweetness, and
therefore to grant them special privileges by which the society may
be ruled usefully and guided profitably, and may progress in the
Lord for the preservation of souls.
1. Hence it is that we have yielded to the supplications of our
beloved sons the recently chosen general prepositus, and the other
members of that order, and have granted to the said general
prepositus who holds the position at this time, since he has been
elected according to the constitutions of that society, that he is
to be and is to be considered the true general prepositus of that
religion, with full, general, and complete care and administration
of all and every thing looking and pertaining to the happy rule and
prosperous direction of said society, and that he is to begin to
exercise his office in all things and to have full jurisdiction over
all the members of this society and over all persons living in its
obedience, wherever they may dwell, whatever exemptions they may
claim, whatever property they may have.
2. The said prepositus may be and ought to be removed in certain
cases in accordance with the rules of the society, by persons
receiving the authority for this from the society and appointed for
this, and another may and ought to be substituted in his place by
the same or other persons as may seem most advantageous in the Lord
to the aforesaid persons.
3. And the said prepositus has full power and warrant to go himself
or to send his followers to any place whatsoever, even among the
heathen, and to recall them, whenever he shall judge it expedient in
the Lord, and to transfer them without fixed limit of time to other
places when this shall seem to be expedient for the glory of God and
the salvation of souls.
4. And we determine, decree, and ordain that neither the prepositus
without the consent and permission of the society, nor any of the
members without the consent and permission of the prepositus may be
capable of consenting to or accepting any election or provision from
anyone in the dignity of bishop or archbishop or in any dignity
whatsoever, through the authority of any prince or of any decree or
of any persons having authority to confer such; or to receive an
advancement or office in the society itself, if he is seen to be
actuated by open or secret ambition for himself.
5. No appeal may be taken from the correction made by a rule which
has been instituted according to the constitutions of the society
(in order that the vigor of discipline may be maintained), nor can
any appeal be taken to any judge, or any absolution from the duties
of the society be obtained in this way.
6. The general prepositus and the inferior prepositi of this society
are not bound to delegate the members or brothers of the said
society to perform any service for patriarchs, archbishops, bishops
or other ecclesiastical dignitaries, except by the authority of
apostolic letters making specific mention of that society and of the
service in question, and if any such members be delegated they are
to remain under the discipline of the order and to be recalled when
it may seem expedient to the society to do so.
7. Ignatius and his successors as general prepositi of the said
society holding the office at the time are to have full and free
power to remove or recall those among the brothers who have been
delegated to the preaching of the cross or to the inquisition into
private heresy, or similar offices, and to make null what these have
done in excess of their authority, and to substitute others in the
place of them whenever it shall seem expedient.
8. And we grant to the said Ignatius and the general propositi in
office at the time the right to absolve by their own authority or by
that of those to whom they may delegate such authority, all and each
of the members of the said society and all persons living in
obedience to it, from all and each of their sins, committed either
before or after their entrance into the society, and from all
sentences of excommunication, suspension or interdict, and from all
other ecclesiastical or secular sentences, censures, and penalties,
imposed or promulgated by law or by men in any way whatsoever.
10. Also it is decreed that every member of the society ought to
confess his sins to his own prepositus or to one or more delegated
for that by his prepositus and designated by the rules of the aid
society, unless he has been given the right of his prepositus to
choose his own confessor.
12. The general prepositus and the inferior prepositi have full and
free power to excommunicate, seize and imprison, or otherwise
subject to their discipline by themselves or through others those
who have left the society or have become apostates or have even been
insolent in any way, or who seem in general to have merited such
punishment, in whatever situation they may be found, and the right
also to call upon the aid of the secular arms, when it may be
necessary.
13. We exempt and absolve this society and all its members and
persons and all their possessions, from any superiority,
jurisdiction, or correction of any order whatsoever, and we take
them under the protection of the Apostolic See.
14. It is also permitted to the general prepositus and by his
authority to all the members or brothers of the society of the rank
of presbyters, in the places where they live or where they chance to
be stopping, to have oratories and to celebrate in them or in any
honorable and fitting place, masses and other divine offices even in
times of interdict imposed by apostolic authority, with closed
doors, in subdued voices, all excommunicated and interdicted being
excluded; and to receive ecclesiastical sacraments and to administer
them to others.
18. And also any Christians of whatever condition who are present in
the meetings of the word of God or at the preaching of the brothers
and members of this society, or in churches where they are meeting,
may on those days hear masses and other divine services and receive
the ecclesiastical sacraments; nor are they bound to attend their
own parish churches at these times.
20. And since these members are suffering great poverty in the name
of Christ and by their pious zeal of exhortation are directing good
men to better things and striving to recall the erring to the way of
rectitude, we grant to them the right to dwell freely in the lands
of excommunicated, heretics, schismatics, and heathen, and to
converse with them (with the permission of the prepositus), and to
ask and receive from such persons the necessaries of life whenever
they find it expedient to pass through their lands.
21. And of our especial grace we grant by our said authority and of
these presents that they are not to be bound to receive correction,
visitation, or inquisition in respect to their monasteries or
churches or persons, or to admit the cognition of cases or the
citations of parties, or pronunciation of sentences of interdict or
excommunication or to be under the supervision provided for monks
and other religious persons by general apostolic letters or to be
provided in the future, unless such letters make specific mention of
the case and of this society.
28. Moreover, since we have learned that the people of cities, lands
and districts among whom the members have had their dwelling or
where they are sojourning, flock to them gladly to be confessed and
to receive the holy communion from their hands, in order that they
may be able to satisfy those who thus crowd to hear them, we grant
to all faithful Christians the right to confess to any member of
this society, without first obtaining the permission of their
regular rector, and they are not to be bound to confess again those
sins which they have confessed and for which they have received
absolution from a member of this society.
32. And it is granted to the general prepositus of the society that
he may appoint anyone of his members whom he regards as suited to
the office the power to teach theology and other branches of
learning, no further authorization being required.
38. And considering how great advantage the professors of this
society have brought and are bringing to the exaltation of the
Christian faith and of the true gospel, we approve, grant and
confirm all and every one of the favors, concessions, privileges and
graces which have been conceded by us in any way to the aforesaid
society, its members and person.
41. And whatever favors, concessions and graces have been conceded
by us to the general prepositi of the society at the time in office
may be freely and with full warrant exercised by their vicars or
other persons considered by the prepositi to be suitable and
delegated for the time, especially in the remote parts of India and
other such regions.
45. And we command the said society and each of its members in the
Lord to our beloved sons in Christ, the illustrious and noble
princes and temporal lords, and to our venerable brothers, the
ecclesiastical prelates of whatever rank; and we exhort and command
them in the Lord not only to see to it that these members are not
disturbed or their privileges violated, but also to receive them in
kindness and love as is fitting.
46. And we command by this apostolic writing to all and each of our
venerable brothers, archbishops, bishops, and to our beloved sons,
the abbots, and priors, and to other persons placed in
ecclesiastical dignity, and also to all the canons of metropolitan
or other cathedral churches, and to the vicars-general and other
officials of these archbishops and bishops, wherever constituted,
that they themselves or through their delegates solemnly publish
these letters and their contents whenever necessary and as often as
they are to do so by the said members or any one of them, and that
they aid the aforesaid members in the matter of these privileges
herein mentioned with efficacious assistance and defense, and they
cause these members to enjoy peacefully the privileges granted in
these letters by our authority, not permitting them or any one of
them to be molested unduly, in respect to the aforesaid privileges
or for any other cause by the local authorities or by any persons
whatsoever, but giving them complete justice in all cases as against
any persons of any condition or rank, of any dignity or authority,
patriarchal, archiepiscopal, episcopal, or mundane. Let all these
authorities cause to be earned out whatever is ordered by this
society and let them declare and cause to be excommunicated and
interdicted those who have incurred the censures and penalties of
the society.
47. The constitutions and ordinances, etc. . . . notwithstanding.
Given at Rome at St. Mark’s in the year of the Incarnation of our
Lord 1549, fifteenth of the Kalends of November, in the fifteenth
year of our pontificate.
