Cautela Confessarii
(The Confessors’ Reminder of the Sacred Court) – In the Latin language.
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A very rare edition of the Cautela Confessari Pro Foro Sacramentali or Instructions for Confessors of the Faith about the canon of the Catholic Church. Earliest edition from 1744.
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Venice, Nicolaum Pezzana, 1744.
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Pp: 490 + /32/ Size: 25 x 18 cm.
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Confessor of the Faith Main article
The oldest use of the Confessor of the Faith is to indicate a saint who has suffered persecution and torture for the faith but not to the point of death. The term is still used in this way in the East. In Latin Christianity, it has come to signify any saint, as well as those who have been declared blessed, who cannot be categorized by another title: martyr, apostle, evangelist, or virgin.
As Christianity emerged as the dominant religion in Europe, persecutions became rare, and the title was given to saints who lived a holy life and died in peace. Perhaps the most well-known example is the English king St. Edward the Confessor. Confession of sins During the Great Persecution, several Christians had, under torture or threat of torture, weakened in their profession of the faith.
Constantine the Great
When the persecutions ceased under Constantine the Great, they desired to be reunited with the Church. It became the practice of these penitents to go to the Confessors, those who had willingly suffered for the faith and survived, to plead their case and effect their restoration to communion. Thus, the word has come to denote any priest who has been granted the authority to hear confessions. This type of confessor may also be referred to as a “spiritual father.” In the case of a monarch, the confessor might also fill the role of confidential and disinterested advisor. In this sense of the term, it is standard practice for a religious community of women, either if enclosed or just very large, to have a priest, to serve as confessor to the community, serving their spiritual needs. It can also be used as the title of the head of a religious society.
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Binding: Original vellum binding. Sticker by the previous owner, pen inscriptions, and a small ink stain on the front panel. Minor signs of wear (visible on scans).
Condition: Uncut. Signs of renewing between Pp. 2 and Pp. and between Pp. 22 and Pp. 23. Stains on Pp. 47-50. Foxing on some pages. Minimal signs of use, illegible stamp on the half-title page and the front page.
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