Trent (1545)

19th Ecumenical Council (Catholic reckoning) · Trent · A.D. 1545–1563

The nineteenth ecumenical council and the definitive council of the Catholic Counter-Reformation: over twenty-five sessions under three popes it defined the Catholic doctrines of Scripture and tradition, original sin, justification, and the seven sacraments in answer to the Reformation, and enacted a sweeping programme of church reform.

Translated by J. Waterworth, The Canons and Decrees of the Sacred and Oecumenical Council of Trent (London: C. Dolman, 1848). Source: Hanover Historical Texts Project. Public domain. Waterworth’s bracketed page numbers have been removed and his prefatory essay is not included; the conciliar text is given in full.

Documents

1. Session I — Opening of the council.
2. Session II — The manner of living and other matters to be observed during the council.
3. Session III — Decree on the Nicene Creed (the symbol of faith).
4. Session IV — The canonical Scriptures; the edition and use of the sacred books.
5. Session V — Original sin; reform (lectures on Scripture and preaching).
6. Session VI — Justification; reform (the residence of bishops).
7. Session VII — The sacraments in general, baptism, and confirmation; reform.
8. Session VIII — Decree for the translation of the council to Bologna.
9. Session IX — Decree for the prorogation of the session.
10. Session X — Decree for the prorogation of the session.
11. Session XI — Decree for resuming the council under Julius III.
12. Session XII — Decree for the prorogation of the session.
13. Session XIII — The most holy Eucharist (transubstantiation and the real presence); reform.
14. Session XIV — The sacraments of penance and extreme unction; reform.
15. Session XV — Decree for the prorogation of the session; safe-conduct.
16. Session XVI — Decree for the suspension of the council.
17. Session XVII — Decree for resuming the council under Pius IV.
18. Session XVIII — Decree on the choice of books; safe-conduct.
19. Session XIX — Decree for the prorogation of the session.
20. Session XX — Decree for the prorogation of the session.
21. Session XXI — Communion under both kinds and the communion of infants; reform.
22. Session XXII — The sacrifice of the Mass; reform.
23. Session XXIII — The sacrament of order (holy orders); reform.
24. Session XXIV — The sacrament of matrimony; reform.
25. Session XXV — Purgatory; the invocation of saints, relics, and sacred images; regulars and nuns; general reform; indulgences; and the close of the council.

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