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Osservatore Romano 13th March 1989, page 3
Official Introduction
The faithful called to exercise an office in the
Church’s name are bound to make a profession of faith, according to the
form approved by the Apostolic Sea (see Canon 833). In addition, the obligation
of especial oath of fidelity concerning particular duties inherent in the
office to be assumed, previously prescribed solely for bishops, has been
extended to the categories mentioned in Canon 833, 5-8. Therefore it became
necessary to prepare suitable texts for the purpose of updating them as regards
style and contents to bring them more into line with the teaching of the Second
Vatican Council and subsequent documents
For the formula of the profession of faith, the first part
is taken in full from the preceding text in force since 1969, and containing
the Nicene -Constantinopolitan Creed (see AS 59 1967, p. 1058). The second part
has been modified and sub-divided in three paragraphs in order to distinguish
better the type of truth and the relative assent required.
The formula of the oath of fidelity on taking up an office
to be exercised in the Church’s name is intended to compliment the
profession of faith. It is prescribed for the categories of the faithful listed
in Canon 833,5-8. It is a new composition; in it certain variations of
paragraph four and five are envisaged for its use by major superiors of
institutes of consecrated life and of societies of apostolic life ( see canon
833,8).
The text of the new profession of faith and the oath of
fidelity come into force from the 1 March 1989.
The Profession of Faith
(This is the formula which will now need to be used in
cases in which it has been prescribed by law to make the profession of
faith).
‘ I,...., with firm faith believe and profess
everything collectively and individually which is contained in the Symbol of
Faith, namely:
I believe in the one God and almighty Father, maker of
heaven and earth, of all that is visible and invisible, and in the one Lord
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who was born from the Father before
all ages, God from god, Life from life, true God from true God, born not made,
consubstantial with the father through whom all has been made. Who because of
us human beings and of our salvation descended from heaven and was made flesh
through the Holy Spirit from the virgin Mary and became a human being; he was
crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, died and was buried. He rose again on
the third day according to the scriptures and ascended into heaven, and is
seated at the right hand of the father and he will come again in glory to judge
the living and the dead and his reign will have no end. I also believe in the
Holy Spirit the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the father and the
son, who with the father and the son is adored and glorified, who has spoken to
the prophets. And I believe in the one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I
confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and expect the resurrection of
the dead and the life of the world to come amen.
I also believe with firm faith all those things which are
contained in God’s written word or in tradition and which have been
proposed by the Church in a solemn judgment, in either the ordinary or
universal magisterium as Divinely revealed and to be believed.
I also firmly embrace and keep everything collectively and
individually which with regard to the doctrine of faith and morals is
definitively proposed by the same authority.
I also adhere with a religious obedience of will and mind
the doctrines which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops
pronounce when they exercise the authentic magisterium even though they do not
intend to proclaim them in a definitive act.
The Oath of Fidelity to be taken when undertaking an
Office in the name of the Church
I....in taking up this office promise to always maintain
communion with the Catholic Church either in words that i will speak or in my
way of acting.
With great diligence and fidelity I will fulfil the tasks
which I hold the duties which I have with regard to the Church, whether it is
the universal church or the particular church in which I have been called to
exercise my service according to the prescripts of the law.
In the fulfilment of my task which has been committed to
me in the name of the church, I will keep the deposit of faith undiminished, I
will hand it on faithfully and defend them. I will avoid whatever doctrines are
contrary to them.
I will follow the common discipline of the whole church and
I will promote the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially of those
which are contained in the code of canon law. With Christian obedience I will
fulfil whatever the sacred pastors, as the authentic doctors of faith and
teachers declare or which the governors of the church state and I will give
faithful service to the diocesan bishops in order that the apostolic action in
the name and the mandate of the Church to the exercise will be fulfilled in
communion with that church.
May so God help me and his holy Gospel which I now touch
with my hands.
Important Question
Are bishops, parish priests, theologians, etc. still bound by the
‘oath of fidelity’ if they come to realise that the arguments against
ordaining women are invalid?
See also;
Version published in
1998
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