Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In our pastoral care for the salvation of the faithful and the growth of true piety in the Church, it is our joy and sacred duty to address you today on a matter of great spiritual importance.
At the request of the noble Lord Mattias van Valle of Liège, and after careful consideration and prayer, we have decided to admit this brotherhood into the Archconfraternity of the Most Holy Sacrament in Rome, which is established in the Basilica of the Prince of the Apostles — Saint Peter.
This admission has been made with the consent of the local bishop and on the basis of testimonies that attest to the Christian charity, piety and faith of the brothers and sisters of Antwerp. In obedience to the directives of our predecessor, Pope Clement VIII, we add them to the spiritual community of our Archconfraternity.
And so we determine, by the authority of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and trusting in God's infinite mercy:
We grant to all members of this brotherhood — both now and in the future — the same spiritual favours, indulgences and privileges that our Archconfraternity possesses. This means:
A plenary indulgence on the day of admission, when one is repentant, confesses one's sins, receives Holy Communion, and prays for the unity of the Church and the welfare of Christianity.
A plenary indulgence on Corpus Christi, the principal feast of the brotherhood, provided one is in the same state of grace and attends church.
An indulgence at the hour of death, if one shows contrition, has confessed one's sins or — if that is not possible — sincerely invokes the name of Jesus.
In addition, we grant partial indulgences to those who participate in pious works: visiting the chapel, accompanying the Blessed Sacrament, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, establishing peace, and praying for the deceased. These favours are given to uplift souls, strengthen faith, and honour works of mercy.
But we also warn with loving severity:
Those who transfer indulgences and spiritual favours must do so explicitly — not in general terms, not by analogy, but in obedience to the established forms of our holy Mother the Church. No brotherhood may be added without the written approval of the bishop of that place. No alms may be collected without his blessing. For what is given to the faithful must not be mixed with self-interest, but must be purely out of love for God.
We also decree that all previous additions, foundations and favours that have not been granted in accordance with these guidelines must be reconfirmed and corrected within one year in Europe and two years outside Europe — otherwise they are invalid and without force. Anyone who opposes these provisions acts not only against papal guidelines, but against the unity and purity of the Church.
Those who violate the rules lose their powers, their office and their spiritual authority.
Finally, I, Urbanus, successor of Peter, decree that these provisions are binding for all time. They are sealed, confirmed and authenticated with the seal of our Archconfraternity, and must be read aloud and proclaimed in cathedrals and churches where the people gather to worship God. May these decisions be a blessing for the Church.
May they lead to conversion, love and unity among the faithful.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
