Ubi primum (Benedict XIV.)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

With the first modern encyclical Ubi primum , Pope Benedict XIV (1740–1758) founded the tradition of encyclicals that continues to this day with the publication on December 3, 1740, shortly after taking office.

In Ubi primum he spoke about the duties of the bishops and their administration and was the first Pope to address the entire Catholic Church.

The duties of the bishops

You are the shepherd

In his greeting, Pope Benedict XIV expressly addresses his brothers, the patriarchs, the archbishops and bishops. (“Ubi Primum” ... “As soon as” ... it pleases God to raise us to an authority). He refers to the original task of the bishops, who are to be the shepherds of their flock. You should guide and protect them and be responsible for them, from which duties would arise.

On the importance of clergy (clergy)

Benedict points out in this encyclical that the importance of the clergy is of great importance. He reminds the bishops of their duty to act correctly as persons placed “higher in office”, and declares the bishop to be a kind of “head of office”.

The training of the priests

It was incumbent on the bishops to direct and oversee the formation of priests . The priests should learn everything necessary from them in the seminaries, the bishops should be trainers and at the same time role models for the young priests.

The selection of candidates for the priesthood

The bishops had a special duty and responsibility in the selection of candidates for the priesthood. You should define the training criteria and ensure that they are complied with. The bishops should not be administrators, rather it is "the language of the chief shepherd", which the young priests should follow.

Episcopal visitations

Benedict XIV describes the visitations (supervision trips) to the parishes as an important duty of the bishops . The bishops are asked by him to show themselves to their “flock” and at the same time to check compliance with religious and administrative regulations.

Exhortation

In the final exhortation the Pope encourages, exhorts and calls on the bishops to observe the assumption of duties and tasks and to take responsibility for his communities (flocks).

Web links