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CONGREGATION FOR THE CLERGY
The Congregation for the Clergy is the new title given by Paul VI to the
"Sacred Congregation of the Council", in the Apostolic
Constitution Regimini Ecclesiae Universae dated August 15, 1967.
The history of this Congregation goes back to the Sacra Congregatio
Cardinalium Concilii Tridentini interpretum, instituted by Pius IV in
the Apostolic Constitution Alias Nos dated Aug. 2, 1564, to ensure
a correct interpretation and the practical observance of the norms issued
by the Council of Trent. Gregory XIII increased its functions and Sixtus V
entrusted to it the revision of the acts of provincial councils and, in
general, the task of promoting the implementation of the reforms
established by the Council of Trent. With the passage of time, the task of
interpreting the canons of the Council of Trent ceased and the vast
competence of this Dicastery was gradually transferred to other
Congregations which had been created in the meantime. However, the
Dicastery has kept its historical name of "Sacred Congregation of
the Council" until December 31, 1967. Before being given its new
title and role, which were established by Paul VI in the above-mentioned
Apostolic Constitution, the tasks of the Congregation were enumerated in
can. 250 of the Code of Canon Law. The competence of the Congregation for the Clergy is now indicated in
ns. 93-98 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus and is these
are divided among three Offices: 1) The Office for the Clergy collects, suggests and
promotes initiatives with regard to the sanctity and the intellectual and
pastoral updating of the Clergy (Diocesan Priests and Deacons), as well as
their ongoing formation; it oversees Cathedral Chapters, Pastoral
Councils, Presbyteral Councils, Parishes, Parish Priests and all clerics
with regard to whatever pertains to their pastoral ministry etc.; the
matters of Mass offerings, Pious Foundations, Legacies, Oratories,
Churches, Shrines, ecclesiastical archives and libraries; it also seeks to
promote a more adequate distribution of the Clergy all over the world. 2) The Catechetical Office provides for the religious
formation of the faithful of all ages and states of life; it issues
appropriate norms so that catechetical teaching is imparted in a suitable
fashion; it ensures that catechetical formation is properly executed; it
grants the prescribed approvals for national Catechisms and Directories;
it assists catechetical offices and follows initiatives regarding
religious formation and international events dealing with such issues; it
coordinates activities and offers their help if necessary. 3) The Third Office is competent in matters of the
regulation and administration of ecclesiastical goods belonging to public
juridic persons; it also grants the necessary permissions for the
juridical negotiations mentioned in canons 1292 and 1295. Moreover it
supervises matters pertaining to the adequate income and social
necessities of the Clergy such as disablement, old age and medical care
etc. Associated Institutes 1. Attached to the Congregation for the Clergy is the old Studio
Pio, formally instituted by Benedict XV on Oct. 28, 1919, to help
young priests to improve their skill in the normal and regular dispatch of
ecclesiastical affairs and especially in the application of Canon Law in
administrative matters. 2. In a Letter, dated June 7, 1973, Paul VI provided that the
International Council for Catechesis would be attached to this Dicastery.
This Council has the task of promoting an exchange of experiences, of
studying the more important catechetical issues, and is an organ at the
service of the Apostolic See and of Episcopal Conferences, with the
purpose of making suggestions and proposals in these areas. 3. Beginning with the Academic Year 1994-1995 the Institute, "Sacrum
Ministerium", has also been attached to the Congregation. Its purpose
is to provide for the formation of those responsible for the ongoing
formation of priests. 4. The biennial review edited by the Congregation, "Sacrum
Ministerium", was also begun at the same time. This review is
presented as an aid to Ordinaries, Presbyterates, individual priests as an
instrument for ongoing formation in the vast arena of pastoral ministry. The Superiors are: Prefect: His Em. Cardinal Beniamino Stella Secretary: His Excellency, Archbishop Joël Mercier Undersecretary: Msgr. Antonio
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