Page:Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent Buckley.djvu/228

196 CHAPTER IX.

By whom Secular Churches, not belonging to any Diocese, ought to be visited.

Those things which have elsewhere been ordained by this same council, under Paul III., of happy memory, and lately under our most blessed lord Pius IV., touching the diligence to be employed by the ordinaries in the visiting of benefices, even though exempted, the same shall also be observed in regard to those secular churches which are said to be in no one's diocese; that they shall be visited by the bishop, as the delegate of the Apostolic See, whose cathedral church is the nearest, if it be possible; otherwise, by him who has been once for all selected by the prelate of the said place in the provincial council; any privileges and customs soever, even though immemorial, notwithstanding.

CHAPTER X.

The Performance of Visitation it not to be suspended by those subject.

Bishops, to the end that they may be the better able to keep the people whom they rule in duty and obedience, shall, in all those things which concern visitation and correction of manners, have the right and power, even as delegates of the Apostolic See, of ordaining, regulating, punishing, and executing, in accordance with the enactments of the canons, in those matters which, in their prudence, shall seem to them necessary for the amendment of their subjects, and for the advantage of their respective dioceses. Nor herein, when visitation, or correction of manners is concerned, shall exemption, or any inhibition, appeal, or complaint, even though interposed unto the Apostolic See, in any way hinder, or suspend the execution of those things which shall have been by them commanded, decreed, or adjudged.

CHAPTER XI.

Insomuch as the privileges and exemptions which, under various titles, are granted to very many persons, are clearly