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THE MANUAL

OF

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

MASTERPIECES

OF

CHRISTIAN ART

Exact copies from the original paintings of

THE WORLD'S GREAT MASTERS

THE MOTHER OF SORROWS (Painting by Guido Reni.)
LEONARDO'S CHRIST (Painting by Leonardo da Vinci.)
THE ANGEL APPEARS TO THE SHEPHERDS (Painting by Plockhorst.)
THE HOLY FAMILY (Painting by Correggio.)
MADONNA of the Candelabra (Painting by Raphael.)
MADONNA (Painting by Carlo Dolci.)
MADONNA AND CHILD (Painting by Carlo Dolci.)
THE MADONNA Del Gran Duca (Painting by Raphael.)
THE HOLY FAMILY (Painting by Ittenbach.)
THE MADONNA ENTHRONED (Painting by Ittenbach.)
THE HOLY FAMILY (Painting by Van Dyck.)
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT (Painting by Adolph Bougereau.)
THE BOY CHRIST (Painting by Deschwanden.)
THE SAVIOR OF MANKIND (Painting by Ernest Deger.)
THE TRANSFIGURATION (Painting by Raphael.)

___________________________________________

THE MANUAL

OF

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

EMBRACING

THE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS

OF

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

SIMPLIFIED AND EXPLAINED IN THE FORM OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Containing Nearly Eight Hundred Instructions which Lead the Reader Step by Step from the Origin of Christianity, Into All the Truths of Religion, and which Explain in a Clear and Comprehensive manner Every Point of Our Holy Faith.

THE WHOLE SUPPORTED BY
FIFTEEN HUNDRED PROOFS FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURES

___________________________________________

The Whole Adapted from the Writings of His Eminence James, Cardinal Gibbons; Right Rev. Bishop Hay; Right Rev. Dr. Challoner; Rev. Arthur Devine, C.P.; Rev. Daniel O'Loan; Right Rev. Joseph Oswald Smith; Mother M. Loyola; Mother Mary Salome; Dom. Morrell, O.S.F.; Rev. D.V. Phalen; Rev. T. B. Scanneli, B. D.; Rev. T. F. Galwey; Rev. Joseph Wilhelm, D.D.; and other eminent authorities.

by
REV. JAMES J. McGOVERN, D.D.

___________________________________________

PUBLISHED WITH THE APPROBATION OF

THE MOST REV. JAMES EDWARD QUIGLEY, D.D.

ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO

___________________________________________

CATHOLIC ART AND PUBLICATION OFFICE, CHICAGO, ILL.

___________________________

COPYRIGHT, 1906
BY
JAMES J. MCGOVERN

___________________________

Imprimatur
Dedication
A STRONG TESTIMONIAL FROM ROME
Apostolic Delegation
PREFACE
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

___________________________________________

THE MANUAL

OF

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

FIRST PART.

THE HOLY BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS

___________________________________________

Imprimatur
ST. ANNE AND ST. JOACHIM WITH THE CHILD MARY
The Visit of the Wise Men of the East - Matt. 2:1-12
The Boy Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2:46
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
CHRIST BLESSING BREAD AND WINE
Christ and the Woman of Samaria "Jesus Saith Unto Her, Give Me to Drink" - John 4:7
The Sermon on the Mount - Matt. 5:1
JESUS ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Jesus in the Home of Mary and Martha - Luke 10:39
Driving the Buyers and Sellers from the Temple - John 2:15
THE LORD'S SUPPER
ST. ALOYSIUS OF GONZAGA
"He that Is Without Sin among You, Let Him First Cast a Stone at Her." - John 8:7
Raising of the Widow's Son - Luke 7:11
ST. THERESA

___________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENT

THE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS

OF

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

TABLE OF CONTENT

___________________

GOD THE CREATOR

CHAPTER I.

GOD THE CREATOR.

The Existence Of God Explained.
God's Infinite Wisdom.
God's Tender Compassion.
God is Truth Itself.
God is Self-Existent.
God is Unchangeable.
Figurative Expressions.

CHAPTER II.

ONE LIVING AND TRUE GOD,
THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST.

Explanation Of The Blessed Trinity.
The God Head.
Proof From The New Testament.
Personal Qualities Of The Trinity.
Not Three Distinct Gods.

CHAPTER III.

IN THE BEGINNING,
GOD CREATED HEAVEN AND EARTH.

Explanation Of The Creation.
For The Glory Of God.
Almighty God Rules All Creatures.
The Providence Of God.
The Evil Of Sin.
God Made Man From The Beginning And Left Him In The Hand Of His Own Counsel.
The Infinite Goodness Of God.
God Takes No Delight In Our Sufferings.
All Sufferings Of This Life Are Punishments Or Benefits.
Afflictions Of The Servants Of God.

CHAPTER IV.

THE ANGELS GIFTED,
WITH GOD'S GRACE AND BEAUTY.

Explanation Of The Creation And Fall Of The Angels.
The Angels Mighty In Strength.
Chief Of The Fallen Angels.
The Fall Of The Angels Described By St. John

CHAPTER V.

MAN CREATED TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD.

Explanation Of The Creation And Fall Of Man.
The First Of Mankind That God Created.
Grace.
The State Of Happiness.
The Garden Of Eden.
Thou Shalt Die The Death.
The Fallen Angels.
Consequences Of Disobedience.
Original Sin.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER.

CHAPTER VI.

THE COMING OF THE SAVIOR FORETOLD.

The Promise Of A Redeemer, And The State Of Mankind Explained.
The Redeemer.
God's Chosen People.
The Jews Divided Into Sects.
The Truths Of Eternity.
The Knowledge Of Divine Truth.
The Redemption Of Mankind.

CHAPTER VII.

THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

Jesus Christ, The Redeemer Explained.
The Divine And Human Nature Of Christ.
Jesus Christ True Man.
Pure Love And Mercy Of God.
Mary, The Mother Of God.
And The Angel Gabriel Was Sent From God.
The Two Natures.
The Union Of The Divine And Human Nature Never To Be Dissolved.

CHAPTER VIII.

REDEMPTION OF THE HUMAN RACE.
JESUS CHRIST, THE REDEEMER.

The Office And Dignities Of The Redeemer Explained.
The Birth Of Our Savior.
The Public Life Of Our Lord.
The Miracles As Proofs.
Passion And Death.
Purgatory.
The Resurrection Of Christ.
The Ascension Of Our Lord.
Christ, The Head Of The Church.
The Spirit Of Truth.
The Apostles And First Christians.
Jesus Christ The Supreme Judge.
General Judgment.
Resurrection.
The Separation Of The Just And Unjust.

CHAPTER IX.

FOR THE GLORY AND SERVICE
OF THE ETERNAL FATHER.

The Benefits Of Our Redemption Explained.
The Merits Of Christ.
Redemption By Christ.
Effects Of Redemption.
Spiritual Benediction And Graces.
Christ, The Mediator.

CHAPTER X.

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.

Explanation Of Our Faith In Jesus Christ.
Human Faith.
Divine Faith.
The Faith Of St. Peter.

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH.

CHAPTER XI.

THE TRUE GUIDE TO THE HOLY WAY.

Explanation Of The Rule Of Faith.
What Is The Rule Of Faith.
The Rule Of Faith As A Guide.
The Infallibility Of The Church.
The Traditions Of The Church.
The Doctrines Of The Church Unchangeable.
We Should Be Well Instructed in What Our Holy Faith Teaches.

CHAPTER XII.

THE ONE TRUE CHURCH.

The Church Of Christ Explained.
The Commission Of Teaching Committed To The Pastors.
The Spiritual Powers Of The Priesthood To Rule And Govern The Church.
The Visible Head Of The Church.
The Infallibility Of The Pope.
Out Of The Church Of Christ There Is No Salvation.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
THE ONLY CHURCH
PRESENTING THE SACRED TRUTHS OF FAITH.

Explanation Of The Marks Of The Church.
The Church Of Christ Is One.
The Church Of Christ Is Holy.
The Church Of Christ Is Catholic.
The Church Of Christ Is Apostolical.
The Roman Catholic Church Possesses The Glorious Character of Catholic.
The Roman Catholic Church Alone Perpetual.

THE LAW OF GOD.

CHAPTER XIV.

AS A GUIDE TO ETERNAL HAPPINESS.

Explanation Of The Law Of God In General.
The Ten Commandments.

CHAPTER XV.

THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH.

The Commands Of The Church Explained.
Explanation Of The First Commandment Of The Church.

Christian Holydays Appointed.
Obligation To Hear Mass On Sundays And holydays.
The Idea Of The First Precept Of The Church.

Explanation Of The Second Commandment Of The Church.

What Is Meant By Fasting?
Abstinence Observed in The Old Days.
Authority For Abstinence In The New Law.
Fasting And Abstinence Beneficial.
The Time And Manner Of Fasting Appointed By The Church.
Present Rule Of Fasting.
Regulations Prescribed By Pope Benedict XIV.
Those Exempt From Fasting.

Explanation Of The Third And Fourth Commandment Of The Church.

General Command For All To Receive Holy Communion.Easter Duty.

Explanation Of The Fifth Commandment Of The Church.

The Faithful Obliged To Supply The Temporal Necessities Of Pastors Of Souls.
Provision Made In The Old Law.
"They who Preach By The Gospel Should Live By The Gospel."

Explanation Of The Sixth Commandment Of The Church.

Why Does The Church Forbid Marriage Between Those Within Certain Degrees Of Kindred?
What Is Meant By Affinity From Lawful Marriage?
Marriages Null And Void.
Power Of Dispensation Belongs To The Head Of The Church.

THE SIN OF MAN.

CHAPTER XVI.

ORIGINAL AND ACTUAL SIN.

The Committing Of Sin Explained.
Mortal Sin Explained.
The Malice Of Mortal Sin.
God Is Our Creator, Who Gave Us Our Very Being; Our Souls And Bodies, And all Our Powers And Faculties.
The Sinner's Withdrawal Form God.
Punishment Of Mortal Sin In This World.
Ingratitude Of The Sinner.
To Procure For Us Everlasting Joy And Happiness.
Effects Of Sin On The Soul During This Life.
The Loss Of Heaven.
Explanation Of Venial Sin.
Distinction Between Venial And Mortal Sin.
Deliberate Venial Sin.
Venial Sins Lead Step By Step Towards Mortal Sin.
Disposition To Mortal Sin.
What Are The Proper Remedies Of Sin?

CHAPTER XVII.

THE CONVERSION OF THE HEART TO GOD.

Explanation Of Repentance.
The Principal Parts Of True Repentance.
Explanation Of The Sorrow Of Repentance
Supernatural Motives Which Our Faith Teaches.
The Essence Of True Repentance.
Two Kinds Of Sorrow.
The Purpose Of Not Sinning More.
The Renewal Of God's Friendship.
The Power Of Grace.
Explanation On Doing Penance For Sin.
Sin Never Goes Unpunished.
Punishment Of Sin In This Life.
Works Or Fruits Worthy Of Penance.
"God Now Declareth To Men, That All Should Everywhere Do Penance."
Corporal Punishment In This Life Due To Sin.
Sufferings Of Jesus Christ For The Sins Of Men.
"Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen."
The Mercy Of God In Its Strongest Light.
Advantage Of Doing Penance.
Instructions On The Spirit Of Penance.
"By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them."
Means By Which True Repentance Is Acquired.
Instructions On The Works Of Penance.
Penitential Works.
Punishment Due To Sins Classified.
God Reminds Us In This Life Of Penance Due To Sin.
The Remission Of Sin Explained.
Forgiveness Of Sin.

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL.

CHAPTER XVIII.

TRUE GRACE THE GIFT OF GOD.

Explanations On The Grace Of God.
Different Kinds Of Grace.
Explanations On Actual Grace.
No Salvation Without The Help Of God's Grace.
The Grace Of God Through Jesus Christ.
God Bestows His Grace Upon All Men.
God Does Not Command Impossibilities.
The Invitation To Repent Of Past Sins.
The Great Punishment In This Life.
The Tendency Of Grace.
God's Goodness To Men.
The Effects Of Pure Mercy.
External Helps To Salvation.
Grace, Justice And Charity.Passing From The State Of Sin To The State Of Grace.
The Soul Beautiful.
An Immense Treasure Of Spiritual Riches.
Can Justifying Grace Be Diminished And Lost From The Soul?
True Repentance Needed.
Other Conditions As Well As Faith Required To Deliver The Soul From Death.
The Firm Faith Of All Those Sacred Truths Which Christ Has Revealed And His Holy Church Teaches.
The Means By Which Justification Is Communicated To The Soul.

BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS - BOOK II.

THE CHANNELS OF GRACE.

THE SACRAMENTS AS SACRED SIGNS
AND MEANS OF GRACE.

Instructions On The Sacraments in General.
When Grace Enters The Soul.
The Disposition Needed .
The External Sensible Signs.
To Confirm Our Faith In His Promises.
To Unite All The Members Of His Church In One Body.
To Humble Our Pride And Teach Our Own Misery And Unworthiness.
Ministers Of Christ and Dispensers Of The Mysteries Of God.
Exactness In Administering The Sacraments.
What is Meant By Sacramental Grace?
The Imprint of the Soul.
The Seven Sacraments.
The Common Needs of All Christians.

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.

A CHILD OF GOD
OR THE REGENERATION OF THE SOUL.

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Baptism.
Is Baptism A True Sacrament.
Instructions on Effects of Baptism.
Cleansed From All Sin.
Baptism The First Door By Which We Enter The Fold Of Jesus Christ.
Instructions on Necessity of Baptism.
The Commission to Teach and Baptize.
Justification Without Baptism.

THE CONFIRMATION OF OUR FAITH.

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Confirmation.
The Outward Sensible Sign Used In Confirmation.
The Effects Of This Sacrament.
The Sacred Character Imprinted On The Soul By The Sacrament.
The Two Conditions Required for Confirmation.

THE FOUNTAIN AND SOURCE OF ALL GRACE.

Instructions On The Holy Eucharist.
Most Excellent Of All The Sacraments.
A Sign Of Grace.
The Real Presence A Divine Truth Revealed By God.

Instructions On The Real Presence.

The Literal, Plain, And Obvious Sense Of Christ's Words.
Our Lord Deserted By Many Disciples.
Last Supper. "Jesus Took Bread And Blessed, And Broke, And Gave To His Disciples."
The Truth of the Real Presence.
"Do This In Remembrance Of me."
"I Am The Vine, I Am The Door."
Our Savior Truly Present.
The Consecration Of The Bread And The Wine.

Instruction on Transubstantiation.

The Miracle Of The Marriage of Cana.
The Miracle Of The Loaves And Fishes.

THE SOUL MORE BEAUTIFUL IN THE EYES OF GOD.

Instructions On Holy Communion.
To Commemorate The Passion And Death Of Christ.
The Heavenly Graces Communicated to Our Souls.

Instructions On Communion Of One Kind.

THE MOST SUBLIME MYSTERY
OF OUR HOLY RELIGION.

The Sacrifice Of The Mass Explained.
The Supreme Dominion of God over all the Creatures.

Instructions On The Sacrifice Of The Old Law.

Bloody And Unbloody Sacrifices.
The Perfect Priesthood And Sacrifice Of Jesus Christ.
The Sacrifice Of The Cross And The Sacrifice Of The Altar.

Instructions on the Sacrifice of the New Law.

The Need Of The Sacrifice Of The Altar.
The Sacrifice Of The Mass Not Distinct From The Sacrifice Of The Cross.
What is the Sacrifice of the Mass?
Our Obligations And Duties.
Who Are Benefitted By The Sacrifice Of The Altar.
Sacred Proofs from the Epistles and Gospels.

Instructions On The Institution Of The Sacrifice Of The Mass.

Our Blessed Savior Offered Up This Holy Sacrifice With His Own Hands.

THE SOUL RESTORED TO THE FRIENDSHIP OF GOD.

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Penance.
Three Things Required For The Sacrament Of Penance.
The Pastors Of The Church To Act In The Name And Authority Of Christ.
The Sacrament Of Penance Necessary For Salvation.
Three Parts Of The Sacrament Of Penance.
The Disposition of the Soul to Receive Grace.

Instructions Regarding Contrition as Part Of The Sacrament Of Penance.

The Reconciliation of Sinners to God.

Instructions On Sacramental Confession as Part of the Sacrament of Penance.

No Forgiveness Without Confession.
Confessions To Authorized Priest Of the Church.
Sacramental Confession.
Be Not Ashamed To Say The Truth For Thy Soul.
Living In Mortal Sin Endangers The Soul.
First Steps In Making Confession.
God's Justice Demands Reparation.

Instructions On Satisfaction, as Part of the Sacrament of Penance.

Eternal Punishment Changed To Temporal Punishment.
It Is A Fixed Rule Of God's Justice Never To Let Sin Go Unpunished.
The Examples Of The Holy Servants Of God.
Forty Years Of Penance Demanded Of The People Of Israel By Divine Justice.
The Extent Of Punishment Known Only To God.

THE HOLY WAY OF THE CROSS.

ST. VERONICA AND THE HOLY FACE. (Picture)
The Holy Way Of The Cross.
First Station.
Second Station.
Third Station.
Fourth Station.
Fifth Station.
Sixth Station.
Seventh Station.
Eight Station.
Ninth Station.
Tenth Station.
Eleventh Station.
Twelfth Station.
Thirteenth Station.
Fourteenth Station.
THE AFFLICTED MOTHER. (Picture)

THE REMISSION OF TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT.

Instructions Regarding Indulgences.
Prayer And Good Works As A Means Of Grace.
There Are Two Kinds Of Indulgences.
Indulgences Always Granted On Certain Conditions.

THE SOUL IN PERFECT CHARITY WITH GOD.

Instructions On Purgatory.
Venial Sins Greatly Defile And Obscure The Purity Of The Soul.
The Practice Of Praying For The Soul Of The Dead More Ancient Than The Church Of Christ.
A Holy And Wholesome Thought to Pray For The Dead.
"When The Night Cometh No Man Can Work."
Blessed Are The Merciful For They Shall Find Mercy.
The Souls In Purgatory Shall At Last Be Saved.
We Must Discharge The Debt We Owe To Divine Justice.

THE SOUL ENDOWED AT THE LAST HOUR
WITH STRENGTH FROM ON HIGH.

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Extreme Unction.
Extreme Unction A True And Real Sacrament of the New Law.
Effects Produced By The Sacrament Of Extreme Unction.
Priests Of The Church To Administer This Sacrament.
The Great Happiness Of Being A Member Of The Church Of Christ

THE SACRED POWERS OF THE PRIESTHOOD.

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Holy Orders.
The Sacred Powers Of The Priesthood Not Of Human Institution
The Successors Of The Apostles Are Called Bishops.
The Priests, Successors Of The Seventy-Two Disciples.
Deacons And Sub-deacons.
Minor Orders. The Acolytes, Exorcist, Lectors and Door-Keeper.
Bishop Hold First Rank In The Sacred Hierarchy Of The Church.
Bishops Exercise Full Pastoral Authority.
Obedience And Respect For Episcopal Authority.
The Outward Sensible Sign Used In Ordination.
How Shall One Know If He Has A Vocation from God?
On What Grounds Does The Church Prohibit the Clergy To Enter Matrimony?
The Office Of The Priest Is Daily To Attend Unto The Lord.
Pastors Of The Flock Of Jesus Christ.
The Call To The Priesthood A Gift Of God.

THE SACRED BONDS OF MATRIMONY.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON
MIXED MARRIAGES

Instructions On The Sacrament Of Marriage.
Marriage As A Natural Contract.
Marriage As A Civil Contract.
Marriage As A Sacrament Of The New Law, To Preserve Mutual Love And Fidelity And To Bring Up Children In A Christian Manner.
The Marriage Of Christians A True Sacrament.
The Bonds Of Matrimony Cannot Be Dissolved By Any Human Power.
Husband And Wife A Mutual Help And Comfort To One Another.
Marriage Elevated To The Dignity Of A Sacrament By Jesus Christ.
The Indissolubility Of Marriage Established By The Law Of God.
Death Alone Can Dissolve The Board Of Marriage.
Scriptural Proofs Regarding Marriage.
Marriage Restored To Its Primitive state.
The Proper Conditions For The Celebration Of The Sacrament Of Marriage.

INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE MUST BE ANNOUNCED FROM THE ALTAR.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON
MIXED MARRIAGES

Intentions Of Marriage Must Be Announced From The Altar.
Authority Of Parents Concerning Marriage of Children.

Instructions Regarding the Consent of Parents.

In What Cases Parents Can Refuse Consent.
Secret Marriages Condemned by the Church.

Instructions Concerning The Presence Of The Pastor And Witnesses.

Marriages that are Contrary to the Laws.

Instructions Regarding Impediments Of Marriage.

There Are Two Kinds Of Impediments.
The Dangers of Mixed Marriages.

Further Instructions on the Sacrament of Marriage.

What Is To Become Of The Children?
Conditions Required By The Church Of Both Parties To A Mixed Marriage.
Matrimonial Dispensations.

Instructions Regarding Dispensations from Impediments.

Reasons For Which Dispensations Are Granted.
Instructions On The Laws Of The Church Concerning Double Marriage Ceremonies In Mixed Marriages.
The Attitude Of The Church.
Instructions To Catholics Desiring To Assist At Protestant Marriages.

A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH ON MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON
MIXED MARRIAGES

By His Eminence James, Cardinal Gibbons.
The Catholic Church And The Marriage Tie

Marriage - The Most Sacred Of All Contracts.

No Legislation Devised By Man Can Validly Dissolve It.
Testimony Of Scriptures.
Historic Divorces And The Church.
Social Life Reflex Of Family Life.
Woman And Marriage In Pagan Life.
A Mere Chattel, Marketable At Will.
The Mohammedan Bond.
Dissolved At Will.
The Mission Of Christianity.
Legitimate Cause For Separation; None For Absolute Divorce.
A Fearful Crevice.
Successive Polygamy.
Startling Statistics.
The Cancer Spreading - Heroic And Speedy Remedy Needed.
An Honest Application Of The Teachings Of The Gospel Cure.

RECENT ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGE LAWS WITH THEIR LATEST AUTHENTIC INTERPRETATIONS.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON
MIXED MARRIAGES

A Brief Summary Of The Legislation Of The Encyclical Ne Temere. Including All Recent Decisions That Have Been Given by The Sacred Congregations.

Engagements.
Valid Marriages.
Licit Marriages.

Necessary Witnesses Of A Marriage.

Main Index