Was 30 the canonical age for Catholic priesthood in the 1700s?
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I understand that the current canonical age for Catholic ordination is 25 years . Was the minimum previously 30 years?
The documentation of a priest's ordination in 1775 shows that the diocese spent some time examining the age of the applicant. At issue was whether he, a "cleric of minor orders", was old enough to join "the Order of the Presbyter". A note up front on the document reads "older than 30 years". In letters, the applicant declared that he was 31 years of age, while one official noted that he appeared more like 24. In the end he was ordained. The example is from the historic archives of Durango, RGHC AHAD-120, p. 561.
Asked by user33987
Sep 20, 2019, 05:30 PM
Last activity: Sep 20, 2019, 06:56 PM
Last activity: Sep 20, 2019, 06:56 PM