Development of Mariolatory3
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARIOLATORY : M. M. NINAN<br />
dismissing it with a critical distaste (Juniper Carol, O.F.M.<br />
ed., Mariology, Vol. l (Milwaukee: Bruce, 1957), p. 150).<br />
When it was originated the Church regarded Transitus<br />
teaching as heresy. In 494 to 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius<br />
issued a decree entitled Decretum de Libris Canonicis<br />
Ecclesiasticis et Apocryphis. (New Testament<br />
Apocrypha, Wilhelm Schneemelcher, ed. (Cambridge:<br />
James Clarke, 1991), p. 38). He gives a list <strong>of</strong> apocryphal<br />
writings “which are apocryphal and to be rejected” which<br />
included Transitus specifically inconnection with the<br />
Assumption <strong>of</strong> Mary. “Liber qui apellatur Transitus, id est<br />
Assumptio Sanctae Mariae, Apocryphus (Pope Gelasius<br />
1, Epistle 42, Migne Series, M.P.L. vol. 59, Col. 162.<br />
Transitus have been condemned forever under the<br />
indissoluble bond <strong>of</strong> anathema under infallible declaratin<br />
<strong>of</strong> faith. (Henry Denzinger, The Sources <strong>of</strong> Catholic<br />
Dogma (London: Herder, 1954), pp. 69-70). This was<br />
again reaffirmed by Pope Hormisdas in the sixth century<br />
around A.D. 520. This reaffirmation has never been<br />
questioned even by the Mariologists. They only avoid it.<br />
(Migne Vol. 62. Col. 537-542). Evidently this was<br />
initiated by the proliferate Gnostic writings <strong>of</strong> the third<br />
century. Whereas an early papal decree anathematized<br />
those who believed the teaching <strong>of</strong> an apocryphal Gospel,<br />
now papal decrees condemn those who disbelieve it.<br />
82
Change language