[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]

Translation

=== Tournon - 1707 - [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que_page_001 ===

To Casolay Thomas Maitland de Tournon, by the Grace of God and Labour, Antiquity. Cefy Brother, Patriarch of Antioch—
Chenfis, Congregator and Vicar, Father with faculty over the See of Caere, Amy MD., and Brothers
Bishops, Sacred Ordinaries, Apostolic Vicars and Reverend Provincial Superiors, as well as Apostolic
Missionaries in these Chinese Kingdoms, greetings in the Lord, which are due to you.

Whereas it has come to our knowledge that certain matters concerning the instructions of the Holy See require clarification, particularly in regard to the propagation of the Gospel; and whereas the public profession of adherence to the Word of God entrusted to us has been openly declared and is now confirmed: so that we may remain united in the truth of faith, and offer our common assent, fulfilling the mandate of evangelisation with one voice and one heart, to the glory of God, who is not a God of confusion but of peace, according to the mind of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in accordance with the supreme law established by Our predecessor, His Holiness Pope Clement XI, whose recent sacred decree, issued under the title *Ex illa die*, has now been in force for several years—having been carefully examined through prolonged study and pastoral experience—we hereby declare, establish, and decree, as part of our duty, that the following provisions, set forth below, shall be observed strictly and universally by all missionaries engaged in this mission. We assign and impose this authority upon all Missionaries, both Regular and Secular, as well as upon the superiors and secretaries of the Order, commanding them to observe these directives absolutely within this Mission.

Should any individual be questioned regarding the terms *Prenoma*, *cofitus*, *Minibus*, or *connexedritibus* used among the Chinese—that is, their ancestral rites—whether these are permissible, whether they promise adherence to them, or whether they refuse to adopt or oppose them, or speak against them?
They shall respond that, in regard to those elements which conform to Christian doctrine, they may affirmatively approve, in accordance with Christian teaching and common life; but in regard to other matters, their response shall be negative.

Furthermore, if anyone is asked whether such practices currently exist in China which are not in conformity with the faith?
They shall respond negatively, stating clearly and explicitly that such practices are contrary to the example of holy men, and that prohibitions have already been issued concerning offerings made to *Svaribus*, to *Muntfapi*, or to *Si*, as well as to *Cfo*, Earth, Sun, Planets, Spirits, Inventors of Arts, and others—since true and complete worship, namely sacrifice, belongs exclusively to God alone, from whom all things originate and upon whom all depend.

The aforementioned interdictions extend also to *Santhicia Confessi* and *Inventor*; in such cases, responses must be given separately, declaring that we cannot perform nor permit such acts before the three classes of worshippers.

Likewise, a negative response is required regarding the veneration of tablets or ancestral records in the manner prescribed by Chinese custom.
Nor may one admit, under pretence of interpretation, that *Xanti* or *Tieni* are merely titles of the Supreme Deity.

They are further asked why they hold such views on ingratitude?
They respond because these practices do not accord with the worship of the True God, apart from the Holy Supreme Law and doctrine, which is the infallible rule for Christians in matters of faith.

Regarding the date of the promulgation: let it be known by all that it occurred on the twentieth day of November 1704.

Finally, should the question arise: How can we be certain of this?
We affirm that our certainty derives from the declaration made by the Superior Patriarch of Antioch, Notor, who possesses the authority of the Supreme Lord within himself by virtue of his office, and to whom we are bound to give credence.

=== Tournon - 1707 - [Edital tratando da confirmação dos princípios que_page_002 ===

By this commission, as set forth herein, authority is granted to Aptid., together with the faculty from the Legate of Cateve Conchy and Suyvillis, Bishop of Vizaj, Aptid. Cæs. Ordinary of Mythrensis, for Pogbriens both in secular and regular jurisdictions, as well as Ossenay Deu. professing within this district and existing among the faithful, we decree, command, and strictly enjoin, under pain of excommunication, that these games—Indas, Feli's, Tres—so reserved and specified, shall not be permitted under any pretext whatsoever; nor may Prelates, whether acting by authority of the Supreme Pontiff or his conscript fathers, including even the Secretaries of the Apostolic Penitentiary, absolve anyone from this excommunication, except in case of imminent danger of death; and then only for such purpose, and in no other circumstances. Furthermore, we declare and reaffirm that this privilege, so especially granted in this age, applies solely to those individuals to whom it has been individually extended and recalled; the power to commute the penalty being likewise withdrawn, unless otherwise provided by the Seventh Mandate issued by Devet. Alexander, of holy memory, Pope VII, in the year 1563, or in cases of grave and urgent peril. Indeed, even by special apostolic indult, no interpretation or declaration shall extend beyond what is here committed and entrusted to you, nor shall greater privileges be claimed henceforth by virtue of any decree or subsequent favour; rather, all must remain bound by this ordinance, or duly enter into it, under the penalty stated, holding, teaching, and observing it forthwith upon its promulgation, given the great benefit this confers upon religion and sacred matters, as well as the honour and reverence due to Divine Majesty, which the Inquisition diligently seeks to uphold, maintaining its authority without compromise.

The mandate was issued on the seventh day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seven, during the pontificate of Blessed Pius VI, Clement the Eighth, proceeding under the eleventh Pope, in the seventh year. It was published on the seventh day of February in the same year, 1707.

C.T.H. Patriarch of Antiod. Apostolic Visitor.

Andreas Candela, S. Vit. Solica Canon and R. Holica.

[ILLEGIBLE]

Translation (based on qwenmax transcription)

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[Page 206] [Main Text]
Casodus Thomas Mailland de Tournon, Patriarch of Antioch, by the grace of God and the Holy Mother Church, Congregated and Apostolic Vicar with authority to act in cause A.D. MD., and Brothers Bishops, Ordinaries, Apostolic Vicars, and Reverend Provincials, as well as Apostolic Missionaries in the Kingdoms of China: Greetings in the Lord, fraternal and united.

Whenever we have heard that labourers for the Gospel are summoned before the Sacred Rota concerning matters under examination, it has been our intention—so that the chosen ministers may discard even the slightest remnants of superstitious rites among the Nanchinese, and so that we may remain unanimous in the truth of Jesus Christ, loving and promoting evangelisation without scandal—that from the outset, with one voice and one heart, God may be glorified, who is not the defender of falsehood but of the mind bound to truth, as in Saint John. It now concerns us, and we require, that a new covenant be established by law among these kingdoms, from India to China across the Rhine, indeed throughout the entire Minima Dumbentha; this paternal instruction having been issued long ago, yet amendments having remained outstanding for many years in matters of doctrine and practice. Given the excessive danger involved in erecting this Mission without due examination, and for the sake of our proper duty, we hereby propose, declare, and decree certain fixed laws to be publicly observed by all. These regulations shall henceforth govern this Mission, as reported in the following articles, which shall determine its future conduct. Furthermore, we decree that this Mission shall exercise powers equivalent to those of Legates and other ecclesiastical authorities in proximity; and we command that these decrees be strictly observed by all duly appointed missionaries, whether Regular or Secular, of every Order, including Secretaries, within this Mission.

If questioned regarding *Srewna*, *cojitus*, *Mirbus*, or Chinese kinship ties—i.e., genealogy—whether converts must affirm them, promise adherence, refrain from opposing or obstructing them, or actively promote them, respondents shall answer as follows: with regard to those elements already confirmed as compatible with Christianity, they may give an affirmative response, provided such affirmation can be made with due praise and in accordance with common ecclesiastical practice. As for all other matters, the response shall be negative.

Should they be further asked whether certain customs exist in China, &c., which are known to them but not formally approved? They may respond, explaining clearly by way of example, stating only what comes to mind—such as matters concerning *Murtip*, or ideas about Heaven (*Tien*), Earth, Sun, Planets, Spirits, Stars, Inventors (Creators), and similar topics—yet always affirming that Christians attribute true wisdom and sanctification to God alone, and that they must abstain entirely from any rash or foreign philosophical opinions.

However, when interrogations pertain directly to faith, the sanctity of Confession, or the doctrine of the Creator, responses must be given separately and distinctly: “We cannot perform, nor permit, the worship of the idolatrous Emperor.” Likewise, a negative response is required regarding the veneration of ancestral tablets (*Tabellae Defensionis Superioris*) if it contradicts right reason according to Chinese tradition.

Nor did we deny—should they be questioned—whether *Xanti* or *Tieni* is the true God of the Hincfancators? And what do they believe concerning those who enter thus? They shall respond that such beings do not constitute the True God, who exists apart from and above the supreme law and doctrine of the Holy Church, which is the infallible rule for souls in the true Faith.

If inquiry arises concerning the time of promulgation: let it be known to all that this emanated from my authority under No. 2, dated 2704.

Finally, regarding Sicily: how do we know this to be certain? We know this from the declaration made on this matter by our Superior, the Patriarch of Antioch, who holds the authority of the Supreme Pontiff by virtue of his faculties; and we hold and believe accordingly.

[Margin Notes]
[Top right]: 208
[Bottom left corner]: 206

[Seals]
[Left side, vertically oriented]:
BIBLIOTECA ARQUIDIOCESANA DE RIO DE JANEIRO /
ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO DA INSTITUIÇÃO /
SÃO SEBASTIÃO - RIO DE JANEIRO

[Signatures]
[Beneath the final line of text]: (Illegible signature)

[Archival References]
[On left margin, superimposed over seal]: AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D.

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[Page 1] [Main Text]

By the authority of Our Episcopal Office, and with the faculty granted to Us—extending even to cases reserved universally to the Pope, as well as to the Supreme Ordinary of the Sacred Theology Order, and to Metropolitan Bishops—we hereby decree, command, and mandate, under pain of excommunication, that all ecclesiastics, both secular and regular, including those serving in Ovar within this diocese, whether holding benefices or otherwise instituted in trust, shall observe and reverence these present instructions with due respect. No exemption, however claimed, including any privilege whatsoever derived from the Supreme Pontiff or even from the D.P. Secretary, shall permit release from this excommunication, except solely in the case of imminent danger of death; for this purpose alone—and not in any other circumstances—may a special dispensation be granted to a layperson, provided necessity demands it and individuals are specifically bound and committed thereto, with all possibility of evasion expressly removed. Let no one interpret otherwise.

This Seventh Commandment was issued by Our own devotion on the seventh day of October in the year 1703, during the reign of King Luís I. Indeed, given the grave dangers involved, and by special apostolic indult formally interposed and declared concerning the matters entrusted to Us, it is necessary that this decree remain firmly in effect throughout this jurisdiction, so that none who enter may disregard it under the prescribed penalty. Upon violation, such persons are to be held liable, instructed, and restrained, since the greatest good of Religion and the Sacrament depends immediately upon maintaining due reverence and honour towards Divine Things, which the Holy Spirit bestows through devout invocation.

Given under Our hand on the seventh day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven.

Furthermore, by the Interdict of Saint Thomas, issued under the prudent authority of Our Lord Clement VIII, in the seventh year of his pontificate, on the seventh day of February in the same year 1707.

[C.T.H. Patriarch of Antioch, Apostolic Visitor]

[Margin Notes]
[None visible]

[Seals]
[Centre left] (Wax seal bearing arms, worn, ornamental shape with decorative borders, content illegible)
[Bottom right] (Illegible seal)

[Signatures]
Andreas Candela, S.P.M. Solica, Canon and Master

Summary old

This papal edict, issued on January 7, 1707, by Cardinal Charles-Thomas de Tournon, Patriarch of Antioch and Apostolic Visitor, was promulgated during the pontificate of Pope Clement XI (1700–1721). Acting under the authority of the Holy See, the document addresses the Chinese Rites Controversy by definitively condemning the practice of Confucian rituals and ancestral veneration within Catholic communities in China. Drawing upon earlier papal decrees, including those of Pope Alexander VII, the edict declares that rites honoring Confucius, deceased ancestors, or celestial bodies are incompatible with Catholic doctrine and constitute idolatry. It mandates strict compliance among all missionaries—regular and secular alike—prohibiting any accommodation of local customs that conflict with Roman Catholic orthodoxy. Violations are subject to excommunication, underscoring the gravity of adherence. The decree reaffirms the supreme authority of the papacy over missionary activity in China, explicitly forbidding special indulgences, privileges, or exemptions that could weaken its enforcement. Signed by Tournon and Andreas Candela, secretary of the Sacred Congregation, the document was officially published on February 7, 1707. As a formal ecclesiastical pronouncement, it represents a pivotal moment in the Vatican’s efforts to centralize doctrinal discipline across its global missions, particularly in response to the inculturated evangelization strategies advanced by Jesuit missionaries in China. The edict ultimately reflects broader tensions between cultural adaptation and doctrinal uniformity in early modern Catholic missionary expansion.

Summary Qwenmax

This 18th-century ecclesiastical decree, issued in 1703 and reaffirmed in 1777, originates from the Patriarchate of Antioch under the authority of Casodus Thomas Mailland de Tournon and Andreas Candela, Canon and Master. The document comprises two principal sections: a pastoral instruction addressed to bishops, apostolic vicars, missionaries, and ecclesiastics operating across the Chinese missions, extending from India through China to the Rhine and within the jurisdiction of Minima Dumbentha; and a subsequent canonical mandate enforced under penalty of excommunication. The text outlines doctrinal regulations concerning the accommodation of Chinese rites, specifying that converts may affirm only those kinship practices (*Srewna*, *cojitus*, *Mirbus*) and ancestral customs formally deemed compatible with Christian doctrine, while strictly prohibiting adherence to idolatrous worship, including veneration of the Emperor and ancestral tablets (*Tabellae Defensionis Superioris*). It further rejects the identification of *Xanti* or *Tieni* as the true God, affirming the supremacy of the Holy Church’s infallible teaching authority. Missionaries are instructed to distinguish between permissible cultural expressions—such as cosmological concepts related to *Tien*, spirits, or creation—and theological truths reserved solely for Christian revelation. The decree asserts the binding force of prior apostolic mandates, citing jurisdictional authority derived from the Supreme Pontiff and invoking interdicts promulgated under Pope Clement VIII in 1707. Endorsed by signatures and archival seals, and preserved in the Archivo Histórico da Instituição, Rio de Janeiro, with reference AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D, this document serves as a critical source for understanding Catholic missionary policy, ecclesiastical governance, and the contentious Sino-European religious encounter during the early modern period.

Transcription (qwenmax)

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[Page 206] [Texto Principal] Casodus Thomas Mailland de Tournon Dei et Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Patriarcha Antiochenus, Congregatus et Vicarius Apostolicus cum facultate agendi pro Causa A.D. MD. et Fratres Episcopi, Ordinarii, Vicarii Apostolici et Reverendi Provinciales, necnon Missionarii Apostolici in Regnis Sinarum Salutem in Domino Confraternam. Quotiescumque bene audierimus Evangelii Operarios accersiri ad Relationem Sanctam Rotam spectantibus Interrogandi. Ut selectum Minimam Verbi tamen a Naxijs superstitiosis ritibus quibuscunque abjicimus, utque simus unanimes veritatis Jesu, et amatores, atque sine scandalis evangelizationis in initio uno ore et corde Deum glorificentur, qui non est defensor falsi, sed innexae mentis S. Joannis. Attigit, et requirit fereas Novi contractus ab eis regnorum lege, atque a Indo usque ad Sinum Rhinum, immo tota Minima Dumbentha Paterna Vobis imo super emanata, facta emendanda tot annos Materia, et laboris in examine convenientiam, hanc Missionem erigendi exorbitantis periculum, et legem certam ab omnibus in publico observandam, pro Munere Nostris debito propone, declarare, et statuere decernimus, prout in subsequentibus reportis ab augusta, quae futurae sint faciendae, cum ea Missione, quod fungatur Potestas etiam Legatorum ac ceterorum proximitatis fratrum, et decernimus, et ad omnes rite Missionarios tam Regularibus quam Saecularibus singulis Ordinis, etiam Secretarios, vero, in hac Missione omnino observanda mandamus. Si interrogatur de Srewna, cojitus, Mirbus, seu connexuribus Sinensibus i.e. genealogia, an illi converti aut promittant illas, vel eas non impugnare, nec contra sedere, aut profitere? Respondere tenebuntur, quo ad ea, quae sunt confirmata Christiana, &c., et cum ea laude et vice communi potuerint affirmativae, quo ad alia, negativa. Si deinde interrogentur quaedam sint in China, &c., quae sibi sunt notiones, non tamen confirmata? Respondent, scilicet, et ad exempla, candor indicat, dicere poterunt pro dicto ea, quae sibi occurrant, de novis, de Murtip, seu si, quae sunt Cto, Terra, Sol, Planeta, Spiritus, Astrum, Inventoribus, et alia, cum soli Deo verum omnibus Sapienti dicat Christiani sanctificare; et ab eo protervis quacunque, et adventiciis sententiis abstinere. Sed secundum Interrogationes ad fidem, sed sanctitas Confessionis, et Inventoris Separatim respondebit: non possumus illa facere, nec permittere cultum Regis idololatris. Item negativa quo ad curam Tabellarum Defensionis Superioris recta manet sinicae. Non negavit, si interrogentur an Xanti, vel Tieni sint Hincfancatorum verus Deus? Et interrogentur quae de ingreditis ita sentiant? Respondent, quia non componunt secum Talis Veri Dei: extra a Sancta suprema lege et doctrina, quae est Regula infallibilis Animarum in vera Fidei. Si circa tempus bevionis? Omnibus sit notum illum emansisse de vigore meo No 2 veniab 2704. Si demum Sicilium, Quomodo nobis de hoc constat? Nobis constat ex declaratione de hac facto a Patriarcha Antiocheno Superiore Nostro, qui Oraculum Summi Pontificis in se habet vigore Suarum Facultatum, et tenemus Et credimus. [Anotações marginais] [No topo, à direita]: 208 [No canto inferior esquerdo]: 206 [Carimbos] [No lado esquerdo, verticalmente]: BIBLIOTECA ARQUIDIOCESANA DE RIO DE JANEIRO / ARCHIVO HISTÓRICO DA INSTITUIÇÃO / SÃO SEBASTIÃO - RIO DE JANEIRO [Assinaturas] [No final do texto, abaixo da última linha]: (Assinatura ilegível) [Referências arquivísticas] [Na margem esquerda, sobreposto ao carimbo]: AHU_CU_Índia, Cx. 14, D.

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Et ira ex commissis Notis, hoc imminentij. Auctorit. Episcop. etiam cum facult. Cepari de casu Omnibus, et Supremis Episcopi Magi. S. Th. Ordinarij, Mythronarys p. Posthore tam feudalibus, quam Regularibus, etiam Ovarii Deo. in hac Itria. Infi- sione existentibus, et in fiduciam institutaj, decernimus, praeceptum, et haurium man- damus sub pena Decommunicationis his honestis, Indus, sed & illis ita revereatur, et Notis, ut ne quidem sub pretextu cuiuslibet sumpti Privilegij a Summo Pontifice vel con- cipi etiam D.P. Secretarij seu ab hac excommunicatione posse fieri unquam absolviri / praeterquam in extremo morbi periculo; ad quem solam effectum, et non in alijs ca- sibus, et quatenus opus sit, quibusdam privilegium huic modo viro speciali saeculari, quia ad id singulimur jugendum, et redactum, sublata etiam facultate eludendi, qui aliter interpretentur, hoc Septimum Mandatum nob propria Devotione Alexandri Sancti. Octobris. Regis. Lupini edito anno 203. vel aliquis magna periculo, et enim ex speciali indulto Apostolicarum Capitularum Interposito, et declarato Notis ejus commissis: ne propter seditiones non obtinere hinc decreto, aut quacum- que gratia periculo ita ob omnia in hac Maffione permanere, vel in eam ingressi rec- tente bas sub prestita pena, quo facto incurrendos eos tenendum, docendum, et vet- tendum, cum maximum Religioni, et Sacramenti bonum proxime conflabit in Decore et honore Divino. Sacra, quam Spiritus acquiritur Invocante sua, et incogniti usque context- Datum Mandati die septima gravis Januarij anno Millimo Septingentesimo septimo. Interdicto autem sancti. Toni. Noster D. Clementis Octava Prudentiae Regis. Vindiciui. Anno Septimo. Edictatum die septima Februarij ejusdem anni 1707. [C.T.H. Patr. Antiod. Visi. Apost.] [Anotações marginais] [Nenhumas visíveis] [Carimbos] [No centro, à esquerda] (Selo de cera com armas, desgastado, forma ornamental com bordas decoradas, conteúdo ilegível) [Na parte inferior direita] (Selo ilegível) [Assinaturas] Andreas Candela, S. P. M. Solica can. et M.

Transcription (gemini25)

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**[Pagina 206]** **[Texto Principal]** Carolus Thomas Maillard de Tournon Dei, et Sanctæ Apostolicæ Sedis Gratia Patriarcha Antiochenus, Comissarius, et Visitator Apostolicus cum Facultate Legati de latere S.S.mi D.N. et Fratribus Episcopis, aliorum Ordinarijs, Vicarijs Apostolicis, et Reverendis Provicarijs, necnon Missionarijs Apostolicis in his Regnis Sinarum Salutem in Dno Sempiternam. Quandoquidem audiuimus Evangelicos Operarios accersiri de aliquibus ad Religionem Sanctam Nostram spectantibus Interrogandos: Ut selectum Divini Verbi semen á noxiis superstitionibus olevis publica Confessione purgare valeant, utque simul unanimes veritati Testes, et assertores, atque sine Scandalo errantium in unius ore, et corde Deum glorificemus, qui non est dissentionis Deus: inhærentes Mentis S. Sedis Apostolicæ, et Decisioni Regulæ Nobis constat ab eadem suprema Sede, atq; a Smo Dno Nro Clemente Divina Providentia Papa Undecimo nuper mandatæ, post emensa tot annorum Studia, et labores in examine Controversiarum hanc Missionem diu exagitantis, regulam, et Legem certam ab omnibus in posterum observandam, pro Muneris Nostri debito proponere, declarare, et statuere decrevimus, prout in subsequentibus responsis ad quæsita, quæ fieri possint, facienda, cum ea Maiori, qua fungimur Potestate etiam Legati de latere proposuimus, statuimus, et decernimus, et ab omnibus Missionarijs tam Secularibus, quam Regularibus cuiuscumque Ordinis, etiam Societatis Jesu, in hac Missione omnino observari mandamus. Q: Interrogentur de Doctrina, Legibus, Ritibus, seu consuetudinibus Sinicis in genere; an illis conveniant, an promittant eas, vel eas non impugnare, nec contra scribere, aut prædicare? Respondere tenebuntur: quoad ea, quæ sunt conformia Christianæ Legi, et cum ea bene componi possunt, affirmative; quoad alia, negative. Q: Deinde interrogatur: quænam sint in Divina Lege, quæ Sinarum Doctrinæ non sint conformia? Respondebunt plura, et ad exemplificandum adduci poterunt pro Cœlitis ea, quæ sibi occurrent, de sortibus, de Sacrificijs, seu quæ fiunt Cœlo, Terræ, Soli, Planetis, Spiritibus; Artium inventoribus, et alijs, cum soli Deo vero omnium Conditori liceat Christianis sacrificare; et ab Eo prospera quæque, et adversa sustineantur. Q: Descendunt Interrogationes: ad illa, vel talia Sacrificia Confucij, et Progenitorum? Negative respondebitur: non possumus illa facere, nec permittere Divinæ Legis cultoribus. Item negativè quo ad Tabellas Defunctorum propositas iuxta morem Sinicum. Item negativè si interrogarentur: an Xanti, vel Tien Tiu sint Christianorum verus Deus? Q: Interrogentur quare de præfatis ita sentiant? Respondebunt: quia non componunt cum Fidei Unicitate Dei, et ita a Sancta suprema Sede est definitum, quæ est Regula infallibilis Christianorum in rebus Fidei. Q: circa tempus Reuisionis. Omnibus sit notum illam emanasse die vigesima Novembris 1704. Q: Idemur scire: Quomodo nobis de hoc constat? Nobis constat ex declaratione de hoc facta a Patriarcha Antiocheno Superiore Nostro, qui Oraculum Summi Pontificis in se habet vigore suarum Facultatum, et tenemur Ei credere. **[Anotações marginais]** [No topo, à direita] 208 **[Carimbos]** [À esquerda, ao centro] Selo circular com o texto: "BIBLIOTHECA NACIONAL / SECÇÃO DE MANUSCRIPTOS / RIO DE JANEIRO".

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[Page 1] [Texto Principal] Et ita ex commissa Nobis, licet immeritis, Auctoritate Apostolica, etiam cum facultate Legati a Latere Omnipotenti, et singulis utriusque Sexus Episcopis, Vicariis Apostolicis, eorum Ordinariis, Missionariis, et Presbyteris tam Saecularibus, quam Regularibus, etiam Societatis Jesu, in hac Sinica Missione existentibus, et in futurum existituris, decernimus, præcipimus, et mandamus Sub pœna excommunicationis latae sententiae, Sanctae Sedis, et Nobis jure, et via reservatae, ut ne quidem sub prætextu cuiuscunque Privilegii à Summis Pontificibus concessi etiam P.P. Societati Jesu ab hac excommunicatione possit quis unquam absolvi præterquam in extremo mortis periculo; ad quem solum effectum, et non in aliis ca- sibus, et quatenus opus sit, quodcumque privilegium huiusmodi vigore specialis facultatis, quia ad id fungimur, suspendimus, et vetamus, ne quis audeat secus facere, seu aliter interpretari hoc Decretum Alexandri Sanctae Memoriae, Papae Septimi editi anno 1656, vel alicuius magni periculi, et nempe ex speciali indulto Apostolicarum Constitutionum Interpretatio, et Declaratio Nobis est commissa: ac propterea declaramus non obstante dicto Decreto, aut quocumque grave periculo, ita ab omnibus in hac Missione permanere, vel in eam ingredi ritus Lovanensis sub prædicta pœna ipso facto incurrenda esse tenendum, docendum, et res- pondendum, cum maximum Religionis, et maioris bonum praecipue consistat in decore, et honore Divinae Sponsae, quam Christus acquisivit Sanguine Suo, et inconsutili usque contexta. Datum Nankini die Vigesima Septima Januarii anno Millesimo Septingentesimo septimo. Pontificatus autem Sanctissimi in Christo Patris et Domini Nostri Domini Clementis Divina Providentia Papae Undecimi Anno Septimo: Publicatum die Septima Februarii eiusdem anni 1707. [Anotações marginais] [No canto inferior esquerdo] [UNCLEAR: q leg] [Selos] [Na margem esquerda, abaixo do texto principal] Selo de papel em relevo, circular, com brasão ao centro. Texto do selo ilegível. [Assinaturas] C. Th:is Patr:ae Antioch: et Visit:r Apost:icus Andreas Candela, S.

Translation ( based on gemini25 transcription)

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**[Page 206]** **[Main Text]**

Charles Thomas Maillard de Tournon, by the Grace of God and of the Holy Apostolic See Patriarch of Antioch, Apostolic Commissioner and Visitor with the faculties of a Legate *de latere* of His Holiness Our Lord and to the Bishops, other Ordinaries, Apostolic Vicars, Reverend Pro-Vicars, as well as Apostolic Missionaries in these Chinese Kingdoms, greetings eternal in the Lord.

Whereas we have heard that Evangelical Workers are being summoned concerning certain matters pertaining to our Holy Religion to be examined: so that the chosen seed of the Divine Word may be cleansed from harmful superstitions through public profession of faith; and so that, united in truth, we may all become one testimony and affirmation of the truth, glorifying God with one voice and one heart—He who is not a God of dissension—we, adhering fully to the mind of the Holy Apostolic See and to its authoritative decisions, declare that it is established beyond doubt by that supreme See, and by Our Most Holy Lord Clement, by divine Providence Pope the Eleventh, that after extensive studies and labours carried out over many years in examining the controversies long troubling this Mission, a clear rule and law has been laid down to be observed henceforth by all. Therefore, fulfilling our duty, we hereby propose, declare, and establish this regulation—just as we have already proposed, established, and decreed it with the greater authority vested in us as Legate *de latere*—and we command that it be strictly observed by all missionaries, both secular and regular, of whatever order, including even those of the Society of Jesus, throughout this Mission.

**Q:** Shall they be questioned regarding Chinese doctrine, laws, rites, or customs in general: whether they agree with them, promise to uphold them, or refrain from opposing, writing against, or preaching against them?

They shall be required to answer: affirmatively, insofar as such practices are consonant with Christian Law and can be reconciled therewith; negatively, in all other cases.

**Q:** Next, they shall be asked: which elements of Divine Law are incompatible with Chinese doctrines?

They shall respond at length, and for illustration may cite, according to their knowledge, matters relating to celestial worship—such as divination by lots, sacrifices offered either to Heaven, Earth, the Sun, the Planets, or Spirits, or to the inventors of the arts and others—since Christians may sacrifice only to the one true God, Creator of all things, and from Him alone must all prosperity and adversity be accepted.

**Q:** The questioning proceeds to specific instances: do these prohibitions extend to sacrifices offered to Confucius or to ancestors?

The response shall be negative: we cannot perform such acts, nor permit them among worshippers bound by Divine Law.

Likewise, a negative response shall be given concerning ancestral tablets set up according to Chinese custom.

Likewise, if questioned: “Are Xanti [Shangdi] or Tien Tiu [Heavenly Lord] the true God of Christians?”—the answer shall again be negative.

**Q:** They shall then be asked why they hold such views.

They shall reply: because these concepts are irreconcilable with the Christian doctrine of the unity of God, and thus have been defined by the Holy Supreme See, which is the infallible rule for Christians in matters of faith.

**Q:** Regarding the date of promulgation. Let it be known by all that this declaration was issued on the twenty-ninth day of November 1704.

**Q:** How do we know this to be certain?

We know this from the declaration made upon this matter by our Superior, the Patriarch of Antioch, who, by virtue of his faculties, bears the authority of the Supreme Pontiff, and to whom we are bound to give credence.

**[Marginal Notes]**
[Top right corner] 208

**[Stamps]**
[Centre left] Circular seal inscribed: "BIBLIOTHECA NACIONAL / SECÇÃO DE MANUSCRIPTOS / RIO DE JANEIRO"

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By virtue of the Apostolic Authority entrusted to Us, though unworthy, and with the faculty of Legate *a latere* from the Omnipotent, We hereby decree, command, and ordain for all Bishops, both male and female, Apostolic Vicars, their Ordinaries, Missionaries, and Priests—whether secular or regular, including members of the Society of Jesus—currently serving or who shall in future serve in this Chinese Mission: that under pain of automatic excommunication, reserved to the Holy See and to Us by right and by law, no person whatsoever may be absolved from this censure—even under pretext of any privilege granted by the Supreme Pontiffs, even those bestowed upon the Fathers of the Society of Jesus—except solely in danger of death. For this sole purpose, and not in any other case, and only as far as necessary, do We, exercising Our special authority in this matter, suspend any such privileges. We further prohibit anyone from acting otherwise or interpreting differently this Decree issued by Alexander, of holy memory, Pope VII, in the year 1656, or from invoking any grave danger, particularly through special indulgence, regarding the interpretation and declaration of Apostolic Constitutions, which has been entrusted to Us.

Therefore, We declare that, notwithstanding the said Decree or any other serious peril, the Lovanian Rite must be observed universally throughout this Mission, both by those already present and by those entering it in future, under the aforesaid penalty incurred ipso facto; and this is to be taught, upheld, and affirmed accordingly. This is especially required for the sake of religion and the greater good, which consist above all in the dignity and honour of the Divine Bride, whom Christ purchased with His own Blood and who remains indivisibly woven together.

Given at Nanking on the twenty-seventh day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seven, and in the seventh year of the Pontificate of Our Most Holy Father and Lord in Christ, Clement, by Divine Providence Pope Eleventh.

Published on the seventh day of February in the same year, 1707.

[Margin Notes]

[Bottom left corner]
[UNCLEAR: possibly "q leg" – illegible]

[Seals]

[On the left margin, below main text]
A raised circular paper seal bearing a coat of arms at its centre. The inscription on the seal is illegible.

[Signatures]
C. Th:is Patr:ae Antioch: et Visit:r Apost:icus
Andreas Candela, S.J.
(Apostolic Visitor and Titular Patriarch of Antioch)