Course 3, Chapter 43

Christianity preserved and propagated. — Council of Constance. — St. Vincent Ferrier. — Founding of the Order of the Voluntary Poor. — Fifteenth Century.

1. What were the assaults sustained by the church during the fifteenth century?

The assaults sustained by the church during the fifteenth century were those made upon her by heresies and scandals. Wickliff, John Huss, Jerome of Prague, spread every where the most dangerous errors; attacked the authority of the church, the sacraments, and the most holy practices; meantime the great schism of the west continued.

2. What defenders did God give to the church?

The principal defenders whom God gave to the church were the clergy of England, the fathers of the council of Constance, and especially St. Vincent Ferrier.

3. Who was he?

St. Vincent Ferrier was a Spaniard, and a Dominican religious; so holy, so eloquent, that the sovereign pontiff appointed him apostolic preacher. During forty years he traversed Spain, France, Piedmont, Germany and England; roused all Europe, and converted a large number of Jews, Mahometans, heretics and sinners.

4. Who put an end to the great schism of the west?

The Council of Constance, held in 1414, put an end to the great schism of the west; and for very wise reasons suppressed the communion of the cup.

5. In what manner did God come to the further aid of the church?

God came to the further aid of the church by the establishment of thirty-seven congregations or religious orders, destined tooppose the true virtues of Christians to the false virtues of heretics; such particularly was the order of the voluntary poor.

6. How did they live t

They gave away all their property, labored much, receiving no compensation for their work, but preferring to trust to Providence for their support, and live by alms. They were also devoted to the care of the sick.

7. Who were the Black Penitents?

The Black Penitents or Penitents of Mercy, de' voted themselves to the consolation of criminals com demned to death, and prepared them to die well. Thus religion overlooks none of the conditions of human misery. Following the example of Rome, where these confraternities were first established, other parts ci Christendom formed similar associations.

326 CATECHISM Of PERSEVERANCE.