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{{Short description|Catholic religious order}}
{{Short description|Catholic religious order}}
{{Redirect|Trinitarians||Trinitarian (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the Catholic religious order|other uses|Trinitarian (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Order of the Holy Trinity|the Ethiopian house order|Order of the Holy Trinity (Ethiopia)}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
⚫
| native name = {{lang-la|Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et Captivorum}}
| image = [[File:Trynitarze.svg|frameless|centre|150px]]
| logo = Trynitarze.svg
| motto = Gloria Tibi Trinitas et Captivis Libertas
| logo_size = 150px
⚫
| logo = Signumordinis.gif
| caption = Emblem of the Trinitarian Order
| logo_caption = Flag of the Trinitarians
⚫
| image = Signumordinis.gif
⚫
| formation = {{start date and age|17 December 1198}}
⚫
| image_size = 200px
| type = Clerical Religious Order ([[Institute of Consecrated Life]])
| caption = Mosaic of Jesus Christ used as the emblem of the Trinitarians
⚫
| purpose = The Glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the Redemption of Captives
⚫
| abbreviation = OSsT
| headquarters = Curia General: Via Massimi, 114/c, 00136 Roma, Italia
| nickname = Trinitarians
⚫
| leader_title = Ministro General
⚫
| formation = {{start date and age|17 December 1198}}
| leader_name = Fr. Joseph Narlaly
⚫
| full_name = Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives
| remarks =
| founders = [[John of Matha]] and [[Felix of Valois]]
| formerly =
| type = [[Mendicant order]]
| footnotes =
| purpose = To ransom Christian captives
⚫
| name = Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives
| headquarters = [[Rome]], [[Italy]]
⚫
| native_name = Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et Captivorum
| membership = 610 (415 priests)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gcatholic.org/orders/102.htm|title=Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives (O.SS.T.)|website=GCatholic}}</ref>
⚫
| image_size = 150px
⚫
| membership_year = 2018
⚫
| abbreviation = O.SS.T.
⚫
| leader_title = Minister General
| founder = Saint [[John of Matha]] (both Saints John and Felix are seen as the "fathers of the order")
| leader_name = Luigi Buccarello, OSsT
| membership = 585 (of whom 410 are priests)
| parent_organization = Catholic Church
⚫
| membership_year = 2015
| website = {{url|http://www.trinitari.org/}}
| website = {{url|trinitari.org}}
}}
}}


The '''Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives''' ({{lang-la|Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et captivorum}}), also known as the '''Trinitarian Order''' or the '''Trinitarians''', is a [[Catholic]] [[religious order]] founded in [[Brumetz|Cerfroid]], outside [[Paris]], in late 12th century. From the very outset, a special dedication to the mystery of the [[Holy Trinity]] has been a constitutive element of the order's life.
The '''Trinitarians''', formally known as the '''Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives''' ({{lang-la|Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et Captivorum}}; abbreviated '''OSsT'''), is a [[mendicant order]] of the [[Catholic Church]] for men founded in [[Brumetz|Cerfroid]], outside [[Paris]], in the late 12th century. From the very outset, a special dedication to the mystery of the [[Holy Trinity]] has been a constitutive element of the order's life.


Papal documents refer to the founder only as Brother John, but tradition identifies him as Saint [[John of Matha|John de Matha]], whose [[feast day]] is celebrated on 17 December. The founding-intention for the order was the [[ransom]] of Christians held captive by [[Muslims]], a consequence of crusading and of pirating along the [[Mediterranean]] coast of Europe.<ref name="trinitarians">{{Cite web|url=http://www.trinitarians.org/about/ourroots.html|title=About the Trinitarians: Our Roots|website=www.trinitarians.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref> The Order has the initials "O.SS.T." Its distinctive cross of red and blue can be traced to its beginnings.
Papal documents refer to the founder only as Brother John, but tradition identifies him as [[John of Matha|John de Matha]], whose [[feast day]] is celebrated on 17 December. The founding-intention for the order was the [[ransom]] of Christians held captive by [[Muslims]], a consequence of crusading and of piracy along the [[Mediterranean]] coast of Europe.<ref name="trinitarians">{{Cite web|url=https://trinitarians.org/pages/our-roots|title=About the Trinitarians: Our Roots|website=www.trinitarians.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
[[Image:St Roberts, Trinitarian window004.jpg|thumb|right|14th century Trinitarian cross at [[St Robert's Church, Pannal]]]]
[[Image:St Roberts, Trinitarian window004.jpg|thumb|250px|right|14th century Trinitarian cross at [[St Robert's Church, Pannal]]]]
Between the eighth and the fifteenth centuries medieval Europe was in a state of intermittent warfare between the Christian kingdoms of southern Europe and the Muslim polities of North Africa, Southern France, Sicily and portions of Spain. According to James W. Brodman, the threat of capture, whether by pirates or coastal raiders, or during one of the region's intermittent wars, was a continuous threat to residents of [[Catalonia]], [[Languedoc]], and the other coastal provinces of medieval Christian Europe.<ref name=brodman>[http://libro.uca.edu/rc/captives.htm Brodman, James William, ''Ransoming Captives in Crusader Spain:The Order of Merced on the Christian-Islamic Frontier]'', 1986</ref> Raids by militias, bands, and armies from both sides was an almost annual occurrence.<ref>Ibn Khaldun, Histoire des Berbères et des dynasties musulmanes de l'Afrique septentrionale, ed. Paul Casanova and Henri Pérès, trans. William MacGuckin, baron de Slane (Paris, 1925-56), 3: 116-17</ref>
Between the eighth and the fifteenth centuries medieval Europe was in a state of intermittent warfare between the Christian kingdoms of southern Europe and the Muslim polities of North Africa, Southern France, Sicily and portions of Spain. According to James W. Brodman, the threat of capture, whether by pirates or coastal raiders, or during one of the region's intermittent wars, was a continuous threat to residents of [[Catalonia]], [[Languedoc]], and the other coastal provinces of medieval Christian Europe.<ref name=brodman>{{cite web | last=Brodman | first=James William | title=''Ransoming Captives in Crusader Spain:The Order of Merced on the Christian-Islamic Frontier | website=The Library of Iberian Resources Online | url=http://libro.uca.edu/rc/captives.htm | access-date=2021-10-05}}</ref> Raids by militias, bands, and armies from both sides was an almost annual occurrence.<ref>Ibn Khaldun, Histoire des Berbères et des dynasties musulmanes de l'Afrique septentrionale, ed. Paul Casanova and Henri Pérès, trans. William MacGuckin, baron de Slane (Paris, 1925–56), 3: 116-17</ref>


The redemption of captives is listed among the corporal works of mercy. The period of the [[Crusades]], when so many Christians were in danger of falling into the hands of Muslims, witnessed the rise of religious orders vowed exclusively to this pious work.<ref name="moeller">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15045d.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Order of Trinitarians|website=www.newadvent.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>
The redemption of captives is listed among the corporal works of mercy. The period of the [[Crusades]], when so many Christians were in danger of falling into the hands of Muslims, witnessed the rise of religious orders vowed exclusively to this pious work.<ref name="moeller">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15045d.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Order of Trinitarians|website=www.newadvent.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Carreno-de-miranda Orden de los Trinitarios.jpg|thumb|[[Juan Carreño de Miranda]].'' Founding of Trinitarian Order (Mass of St John of Matha)'']]
[[File:Carreno-de-miranda Orden de los Trinitarios.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Juan Carreño de Miranda]].'' Founding of Trinitarian Order (Mass of St John of Matha)'']]
{{Main|John of Matha}}
{{Main|John of Matha}}
The Order of the Trinitarians (Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives) was founded by St. John de Matha after his vision of Christ with two captives around 1193.<ref>Henry Charles Lea, 2002, ''A History of Auricular Confession and Indulgences in the Latin Church'', Adamant Media Corp. {{ISBN|1-4021-6108-5}} page 497</ref><ref>The Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives: Andrew Witko 2008</ref> [[Pope Innocent III]] granted the order and its [[Monastic rule|rule]] approval with his letter ''Operante divine dispositionis clementia,'' issued on 17 December 1198.<ref name=trinitarians/> Soon after papal approbation, the Trinitarian ministry to Christian captives was incorporated into the Order's title: ''Order of the Holy Trinity and of Captives''. In addition to the Order's purpose of ransoming Christian captives, each local community of Trinitarians served the people of its area. And so, their [[Christian ministry|ministry]] included hospitality, care of the sick and poor, churches, education, etc.<ref name=trinitarians/> Eventually, the Trinitarians also assumed the work of [[evangelization]].
The Order of the Trinitarians (Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives) was founded by St. John de Matha after his vision of Christ with two captives around 1193.<ref>Henry Charles Lea, 2002, ''A History of Auricular Confession and Indulgences in the Latin Church'', Adamant Media Corp. {{ISBN|1-4021-6108-5}} page 497</ref><ref>The Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives: Andrew Witko 2008</ref> [[Pope Innocent III]] granted the order and its [[Monastic rule|rule]] approval with his letter ''Operante divine dispositionis clementia,'' issued on 17 December 1198.<ref name=trinitarians/> Soon after papal approbation, the Trinitarian ministry to Christian captives was incorporated into the Order's title: ''Order of the Holy Trinity and of Captives''. In addition to the Order's purpose of ransoming Christian captives, each local community of Trinitarians served the people of its area. And so, their [[Christian ministry|ministry]] included hospitality, care of the sick and poor, churches, education, etc.<ref name=trinitarians/> Eventually, the Trinitarians also assumed the work of [[evangelization]].


Brother John's founding intention expanded quickly beyond the three initial foundations (Cerfroid, Planels, [[Bourg-la-Reine]]) into a considerable network of houses committed to the ransom of Christian captives and the works of mercy conducted in their locales. Trinitarian tradition considers St. [[Felix of Valois]] co-founder of the Order and companion of John of Matha at Cerfroid, near Paris. In Cerfroid the first Trinitarian community was established and it is considered the mother house of the whole Order.<ref name=trinitari/>
Brother John's founding intention expanded quickly beyond the three initial foundations (Cerfroid, Planels, [[Bourg-la-Reine]]) into a considerable network of houses committed to the ransom of Christian captives and the works of mercy conducted in their locales. Trinitarian tradition considers St. [[Felix of Valois]] co-founder of the Order and companion of John of Matha at Cerfroid, near Paris. In Cerfroid the first Trinitarian community was established and it is considered the mother house of the whole Order.<ref name=trinitari/> Among the earliest recruits were some Englishmen, and the first to go on the special mission of the order were two English friars, who in 1200 went to [[Morocco]] and returned to France with 186 liberated Christian captives.{{sfn|Butler|1911}}


The first generation of Trinitarians could count some fifty foundations. In northern France, the Trinitarians were known as “Mathurins” because they were based in the church of Saint-Mathurin in Paris from 1228 onwards.<ref>Alban Butler, Paul Burns, ''Butler's Lives of the Saints'' (Continuum International Publishing Group, 2000), 5.</ref> Ransoming captives required economic resources. Fundraising and economic expertise constituted important aspects of the Order's life. The Rule's requirement of "the tertia pars", or setting aside one-third of all income for the ransom of Christian captives, became a noted characteristic of the Order.
The first generation of Trinitarians could count some fifty foundations. In northern France, the Trinitarians were known as "Mathurins" because they were based in the church of Saint-Mathurin in Paris from 1228 onwards.<ref>Alban Butler, Paul Burns, ''Butler's Lives of the Saints'' (Continuum International Publishing Group, 2000), 5.</ref> Ransoming captives required economic resources. Fundraising and economic expertise constituted important aspects of the Order's life. The Rule's requirement of "the tertia pars", or setting aside one-third of all income for the ransom of Christian captives, became a noted characteristic of the Order.


[[Louis IX]] installed a house of their order in his château of Fontainebleau. He chose Trinitarians as his chaplains, and was accompanied by them on his crusades.<ref name=moeller/> The Master of the Trinity was taken captive together with Saint Louis after the [[Battle of Al Mansurah]].<ref>Jean de Joinville ''Memoirs of Louis IX''</ref>
[[Louis IX]] installed a house of their order in his château of Fontainebleau. He chose Trinitarians as his chaplains, and was accompanied by them on his crusades.<ref name=moeller/> The Master of the Trinity was taken captive together with Louis IX after the [[Battle of Mansurah (1250)|Battle of Al Mansurah]].<ref>Jean de Joinville ''Memoirs of Louis IX''</ref>


Throughout the centuries, the Trinitarian Rule underwent several revisions,<ref name=moeller/> notably in 1267 and in 1631. It has been complemented by [[statutes]] and [[constitutions]]. The thirteenth century was a time of vitality, whereas the following centuries brought periods of difficulty and even decline in some areas. The [[Council of Trent]] (1545–1563) was a major turning-point in the life of the Church. Its twenty-fifth session dealt with [[regular clergy|regulars]] and [[nun]]s and the reform of [[religious order]]s. Reforming interests and energies manifested themselves among Trinitarians in [[Kingdom of France|France]] with the foundation at [[Pontoise]], north of Paris, during the last quarter of the sixteenth century. Reform-minded Trinitarians in [[Spain]] first established the movement known as the Recollection and then, under the leadership of St. John Baptist of the Conception,<ref name="trinitari">{{Cite web|url=http://www.trinitari.org/Home%20Inglese%20News.htm|title=Welcome into the Home Page of Trinitari.org|website=www.trinitari.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref> a movement at [[Valdepeñas]] (Ciudad Real) known as the Spanish Discalced Trinitarians at the very end of the sixteenth century. Far-reaching periods of growth and development followed this rebirth.
The rule initially was the [[Rule of Saint Augustine|Augustinian]], supplemented by regulations of an austere character. The habit was white, with the red and blue cross depicted above on the breast.{{sfn|Butler|1911}} Through the centuries, the Trinitarian Rule underwent several revisions,<ref name=moeller/> notably in 1267 and in 1631. It has been complemented by [[statutes]] and [[constitutions]]. The thirteenth century was a time of vitality, whereas the following centuries brought periods of difficulty and even decline in some areas. The [[Council of Trent]] (1545–1563) was a major turning-point in the life of the Catholic Church. Its twenty-fifth session dealt with [[regular clergy|regulars]] and [[nun]]s and the reform of [[religious order]]s. Reforming interests and energies manifested themselves among Trinitarians in [[Kingdom of France|France]] with the foundation at [[Pontoise]], north of Paris, during the last quarter of the sixteenth century. Reform-minded Trinitarians in [[Spain]] first established the movement known as the Recollection and then, under the leadership of St. John Baptist of the Conception,<ref name="trinitari">{{Cite web|url=http://www.trinitari.org/Home%20Inglese%20News.htm|title=Welcome into the Home Page of Trinitari.org|website=www.trinitari.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref> a movement at [[Valdepeñas]] (Ciudad Real) known as the Spanish Discalced Trinitarians at the very end of the sixteenth century. Far-reaching periods of growth and development followed this rebirth, and at the beginning of the 18th century there were still 250 houses.{{sfn|Butler|1911}}


[[File:Emblem Trinitarian Order Rome.jpg|thumb|right|Stone shield of the Trinitarian Order on the façade of [[San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane]] (1638-1641) in [[Rome]].]]
[[File:Emblem Trinitarian Order Rome.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Stone shield of the Trinitarian Order on the façade of [[San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane]] (1638–1641) in [[Rome]].]]
In succeeding centuries, [[History of Europe|European]] events such as revolution, government suppression and civil war had very serious consequences for the Trinitarian Order and it declined significantly. During the last decades of the nineteenth century, the Trinitarians began to grow slowly in [[Italy]] and Spain. Its members dedicated themselves to fostering and promoting devotion to the Holy Trinity, evangelising non-Christians, assisting [[immigrants]], educating the young, and to [[parishes|parish]] work.
In succeeding centuries, [[History of Europe|European]] events such as revolution, government suppression and civil war had very serious consequences for the Trinitarian Order and it declined significantly. During the last decades of the nineteenth century, the Trinitarians began to grow slowly in [[Italy]] and Spain. Its members dedicated themselves to fostering and promoting devotion to the Holy Trinity, evangelising non-Christians, assisting [[immigrants]], educating the young, and to [[parishes|parish]] work.


==The Trinitarian Family==
==The Trinitarian Family==
⚫
{{See also|List of Ministers General of the Trinitarian Order}}
⚫
Today the Trinitarian family is composed of priests, brothers, women (cloistered nuns and active sisters) as well as committed [[laity]]. Members of the Trinitarian family include the Trinitarian religious; the Trinitarian contemplative nuns; the [[Trinitarian Sisters of Valence]]; the [[Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity|Trinitarian Sisters of Rome]], Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, and Seville; the Oblates of the Most Holy Trinity; the Third Order Secular (tertiaries) and other Trinitarian laity.<ref name=trinitari/> All are distinguished by the [[cross]] of [[red]] and [[blue]] which dates from the origins of the Order. Trinitarians are found throughout [[Europe]] and in the [[the Americas|Americas]] as well as in [[Africa]], [[India]], [[Korea]] and the [[Philippines]].


⚫
Today the Trinitarian family is composed of priests, brothers, women (cloistered nuns and active sisters) as well as committed [[laity]]. Members of the Trinitarian family include the Trinitarian religious; the Trinitarian contemplative nuns; the [[Trinitarian Sisters of Valence]]; the [[Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity|Trinitarian Sisters of Rome]], Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, and Seville; the Oblates of the Most Holy Trinity; the Third Order Secular (tertiaries) and other Trinitarian laity.<ref name=trinitari/> All are distinguished by the [[cross]] of red and blue which dates from the origins of the Order. Trinitarians are found throughout [[Europe]] and in the [[the Americas|Americas]] as well as in [[Africa]], [[India]], [[Korea]] and the [[Philippines]].
⚫
In 2000 the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life approved “The Trinitarian Way” rule of life which would guide all the lay groups associated with the Trinitarians: the Third Order Secular, the Trinitarian Movement, Confraternities, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trinitari.org/Inglese/L'ordine/Progetto%20di%20vita%20-%20%20Progetto%20di%20vita.html|title=THE TRINITARIAN WAY|website=www.trinitari.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>


⚫
=== Third Order Secular of the Most Holy Trinity ===
Like the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuits]], Trinitarians also pledge not to seek promotion within the Church hierarchy. If promotion is offered, however, it is accepted.
⚫
In 2000 the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life approved "The Trinitarian Way" rule of life which would guide all the lay groups associated with the Trinitarians: the Third Order Secular, the Trinitarian Movement, Confraternities, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trinitari.org/Inglese/L'ordine/Progetto%20di%20vita%20-%20%20Progetto%20di%20vita.html|title=THE TRINITARIAN WAY|website=www.trinitari.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>

There have been ''tertiaries'' of the ''Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives'' since the beginnings of the Order though they were not known by that name. Lay ''confreres'' were admitted already in 1198 by the permission of [[Pope Innocent III]]. Statutes attributed to William the Scotsman, the third Minister General of the Order (1217–1222), give some idea of the primitive organization of the Trinitarian Fraternity. In the 1203 contract between the Bishop of Arles and St. John de Matha, reference is made to affiliates of the convent.<ref>[https://www.trinitari.org/en/trinitarian-sisters-and-laity/ "Trinitarian laity", Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives]</ref> There were Trinitarian Confraternities, of the Redemption, and of Our Lady of Remedy aggregated to the Order.

The first known ''Statutes of the Trinitarian Third Order'' were published in 1584, and were approved by the General of the Order, Father Bernard Dominici. The first ''Rule of Life'' for the Third Order attached to the Discalced Trinitarians was approved by Pope Leo XII on 6 June 1828.


==Charism==
==Charism==
The Glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the ransom of Christian Captives. Along with the Order’s mission of ransoming Christian captives, each Trinitarian Community served the people of its area by performing works of mercy; redemption and mercy are at the center of the Trinitarian charism.<ref name=trinitarians/>
The Glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the ransom of Christian Captives. Along with the Order's mission of ransoming Christian captives, each Trinitarian Community served the people of its area by performing works of mercy; redemption and mercy are at the center of the Trinitarian charism.<ref name=trinitarians/>


==Our Lady of Good Remedy==
==Our Lady of Good Remedy==
Line 75: Line 79:
* [[San Tommaso in Formis]], the Trinitarian church in Rome
* [[San Tommaso in Formis]], the Trinitarian church in Rome
* [[San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane]] in Rome
* [[San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane]] in Rome
⚫
* [[List of Ministers General of the Trinitarian Order]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 80: Line 85:


==Sources==
==Sources==
* {{EB1911|wstitle=Trinitarians|volume=27|page=286|first=Edward Cuthbert|last=Butler|author-link=Edward Cuthbert Butler}}
* Witko, Andrew. ''The Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives'', 2008
* Witko, Andrew. ''The Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives'', 2008


Line 88: Line 94:
* [http://www.trinitarians.org/ Trinitarian Order]
* [http://www.trinitarians.org/ Trinitarian Order]
* [http://irishantiquities.bravehost.com/limerick/adare/adare_trinitarian.html Adare Trinitarian church]
* [http://irishantiquities.bravehost.com/limerick/adare/adare_trinitarian.html Adare Trinitarian church]
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Trinitarians|short=x}}


{{Catholic religious orders}}
{{Catholic religious orders}}

Revision as of 11:47, 30 April 2024

This article is about the Catholic religious order. For other uses, see Trinitarian (disambiguation).
"Order of the Holy Trinity" redirects here. For the Ethiopian house order, see Order of the Holy Trinity (Ethiopia).
Trinitarians
Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives
Latin: Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et Captivorum
AbbreviationOSsT
NicknameTrinitarians
Formation17 December 1198; 825 years ago (17 December 1198)
FoundersJohn of Matha and Felix of Valois
TypeMendicant order
PurposeTo ransom Christian captives
HeadquartersRome, Italy
Membership (2018)
610 (415 priests)[1]
Minister General
Luigi Buccarello, OSsT
Parent organization
Catholic Church
Websitetrinitari.org

The Trinitarians, formally known as the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives (Latin: Ordo Sanctissimae Trinitatis et Captivorum; abbreviated OSsT), is a mendicant order of the Catholic Church for men founded in Cerfroid, outside Paris, in the late 12th century. From the very outset, a special dedication to the mystery of the Holy Trinity has been a constitutive element of the order's life.

Papal documents refer to the founder only as Brother John, but tradition identifies him as John de Matha, whose feast day is celebrated on 17 December. The founding-intention for the order was the ransom of Christians held captive by Muslims, a consequence of crusading and of piracy along the Mediterranean coast of Europe.[2]

Background

14th century Trinitarian cross at St Robert's Church, Pannal

Between the eighth and the fifteenth centuries medieval Europe was in a state of intermittent warfare between the Christian kingdoms of southern Europe and the Muslim polities of North Africa, Southern France, Sicily and portions of Spain. According to James W. Brodman, the threat of capture, whether by pirates or coastal raiders, or during one of the region's intermittent wars, was a continuous threat to residents of Catalonia, Languedoc, and the other coastal provinces of medieval Christian Europe.[3] Raids by militias, bands, and armies from both sides was an almost annual occurrence.[4]

The redemption of captives is listed among the corporal works of mercy. The period of the Crusades, when so many Christians were in danger of falling into the hands of Muslims, witnessed the rise of religious orders vowed exclusively to this pious work.[5]

History

Juan Carreño de Miranda. Founding of Trinitarian Order (Mass of St John of Matha)
Main article: John of Matha

The Order of the Trinitarians (Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives) was founded by St. John de Matha after his vision of Christ with two captives around 1193.[6][7] Pope Innocent III granted the order and its rule approval with his letter Operante divine dispositionis clementia, issued on 17 December 1198.[2] Soon after papal approbation, the Trinitarian ministry to Christian captives was incorporated into the Order's title: Order of the Holy Trinity and of Captives. In addition to the Order's purpose of ransoming Christian captives, each local community of Trinitarians served the people of its area. And so, their ministry included hospitality, care of the sick and poor, churches, education, etc.[2] Eventually, the Trinitarians also assumed the work of evangelization.

Brother John's founding intention expanded quickly beyond the three initial foundations (Cerfroid, Planels, Bourg-la-Reine) into a considerable network of houses committed to the ransom of Christian captives and the works of mercy conducted in their locales. Trinitarian tradition considers St. Felix of Valois co-founder of the Order and companion of John of Matha at Cerfroid, near Paris. In Cerfroid the first Trinitarian community was established and it is considered the mother house of the whole Order.[8] Among the earliest recruits were some Englishmen, and the first to go on the special mission of the order were two English friars, who in 1200 went to Morocco and returned to France with 186 liberated Christian captives.[9]

The first generation of Trinitarians could count some fifty foundations. In northern France, the Trinitarians were known as "Mathurins" because they were based in the church of Saint-Mathurin in Paris from 1228 onwards.[10] Ransoming captives required economic resources. Fundraising and economic expertise constituted important aspects of the Order's life. The Rule's requirement of "the tertia pars", or setting aside one-third of all income for the ransom of Christian captives, became a noted characteristic of the Order.

Louis IX installed a house of their order in his château of Fontainebleau. He chose Trinitarians as his chaplains, and was accompanied by them on his crusades.[5] The Master of the Trinity was taken captive together with Louis IX after the Battle of Al Mansurah.[11]

The rule initially was the Augustinian, supplemented by regulations of an austere character. The habit was white, with the red and blue cross depicted above on the breast.[9] Through the centuries, the Trinitarian Rule underwent several revisions,[5] notably in 1267 and in 1631. It has been complemented by statutes and constitutions. The thirteenth century was a time of vitality, whereas the following centuries brought periods of difficulty and even decline in some areas. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) was a major turning-point in the life of the Catholic Church. Its twenty-fifth session dealt with regulars and nuns and the reform of religious orders. Reforming interests and energies manifested themselves among Trinitarians in France with the foundation at Pontoise, north of Paris, during the last quarter of the sixteenth century. Reform-minded Trinitarians in Spain first established the movement known as the Recollection and then, under the leadership of St. John Baptist of the Conception,[8] a movement at Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real) known as the Spanish Discalced Trinitarians at the very end of the sixteenth century. Far-reaching periods of growth and development followed this rebirth, and at the beginning of the 18th century there were still 250 houses.[9]

Stone shield of the Trinitarian Order on the façade of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (1638–1641) in Rome.

In succeeding centuries, European events such as revolution, government suppression and civil war had very serious consequences for the Trinitarian Order and it declined significantly. During the last decades of the nineteenth century, the Trinitarians began to grow slowly in Italy and Spain. Its members dedicated themselves to fostering and promoting devotion to the Holy Trinity, evangelising non-Christians, assisting immigrants, educating the young, and to parish work.

The Trinitarian Family

Today the Trinitarian family is composed of priests, brothers, women (cloistered nuns and active sisters) as well as committed laity. Members of the Trinitarian family include the Trinitarian religious; the Trinitarian contemplative nuns; the Trinitarian Sisters of Valence; the Trinitarian Sisters of Rome, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, and Seville; the Oblates of the Most Holy Trinity; the Third Order Secular (tertiaries) and other Trinitarian laity.[8] All are distinguished by the cross of red and blue which dates from the origins of the Order. Trinitarians are found throughout Europe and in the Americas as well as in Africa, India, Korea and the Philippines.

Third Order Secular of the Most Holy Trinity

In 2000 the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life approved "The Trinitarian Way" rule of life which would guide all the lay groups associated with the Trinitarians: the Third Order Secular, the Trinitarian Movement, Confraternities, etc.[12]

There have been tertiaries of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives since the beginnings of the Order though they were not known by that name. Lay confreres were admitted already in 1198 by the permission of Pope Innocent III. Statutes attributed to William the Scotsman, the third Minister General of the Order (1217–1222), give some idea of the primitive organization of the Trinitarian Fraternity. In the 1203 contract between the Bishop of Arles and St. John de Matha, reference is made to affiliates of the convent.[13] There were Trinitarian Confraternities, of the Redemption, and of Our Lady of Remedy aggregated to the Order.

The first known Statutes of the Trinitarian Third Order were published in 1584, and were approved by the General of the Order, Father Bernard Dominici. The first Rule of Life for the Third Order attached to the Discalced Trinitarians was approved by Pope Leo XII on 6 June 1828.

Charism

The Glory of the Most Holy Trinity and the ransom of Christian Captives. Along with the Order's mission of ransoming Christian captives, each Trinitarian Community served the people of its area by performing works of mercy; redemption and mercy are at the center of the Trinitarian charism.[2]

Our Lady of Good Remedy

Our Lady of Good Remedy is the patroness of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. Devotion to Mary under this ancient title is widely known in Europe and Latin America. Her feast day is celebrated on 8 October.[14]

Scapular of the Most Blessed Trinity

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The Scapular of the Holy Trinity is a devotional scapular associated with the Confraternity of The Holy Trinity and the Third Order Secular of the Most Holy Trinity. It is a white scapular with a cross of which the transverse shaft is blue and the longitudinal shaft red.[15] It is worn by Tertiaries as well as members of the Confraternity of the Blessed Trinity (or other Trinitarian associations that make use of the scapular) after investment with this scapular. It is a sign of consecration to the Holy Trinity and of fraternity.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives (O.SS.T.)". GCatholic.
  2. ^ a b c d "About the Trinitarians: Our Roots". www.trinitarians.org. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  3. ^ Brodman, James William. "Ransoming Captives in Crusader Spain:The Order of Merced on the Christian-Islamic Frontier". The Library of Iberian Resources Online. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  4. ^ Ibn Khaldun, Histoire des Berbères et des dynasties musulmanes de l'Afrique septentrionale, ed. Paul Casanova and Henri Pérès, trans. William MacGuckin, baron de Slane (Paris, 1925–56), 3: 116-17
  5. ^ a b c "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Order of Trinitarians". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  6. ^ Henry Charles Lea, 2002, A History of Auricular Confession and Indulgences in the Latin Church, Adamant Media Corp. ISBN 1-4021-6108-5 page 497
  7. ^ The Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives: Andrew Witko 2008
  8. ^ a b c "Welcome into the Home Page of Trinitari.org". www.trinitari.org. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  9. ^ a b c Butler 1911.
  10. ^ Alban Butler, Paul Burns, Butler's Lives of the Saints (Continuum International Publishing Group, 2000), 5.
  11. ^ Jean de Joinville Memoirs of Louis IX
  12. ^ "THE TRINITARIAN WAY". www.trinitari.org. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  13. ^ "Trinitarian laity", Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives
  14. ^ "Our Lady Of Good Remedy". www.ewtn.com. Retrieved 2017-06-19.
  15. ^ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Scapular". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2017-06-19.

Sources

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