History of the Church: Clergy, Benefices, and Notable Figures
The Church and its Clergy
Medieval Priests
The clergy were those who worked in charge of a parish church for weeks, especially those who administered divine services and the sacraments. In Massanet, the parish was governed by two priests until 1490. From this date, the church was guided by a governing priest, appointed by competition, to govern a parish.
Way of Life
The portrait of the medieval priest corresponds mainly to a poor man, with standard instruction in morality, and sometimes not very high. Even in the fourteenth century, dominated by a general climate of violence, some priests were prosecuted. But in close contact with their parishioners, and in many ways feeling like them, they could often exert considerable influence in a society that lived in the shade of the church.
From the Seventeenth Century Onward
From the seventeenth century onward, the cultural prestige and morality of the rectors improved. Clerical life was extended, with new compulsory subjects, and competitions for parish positions became a must. This ensured observance of diocesan rules and pastoral guidance.
Historical Origin of Ecclesiastical Law
The Ecclesiastical Law of the State as we know it emerged after the Protestant Reformation, which created a distinction between canon law and ecclesiastical law. However, a complete study requires understanding the evolution of relations between Church and State in the first centuries.
Initially, there was a period of tolerance after the emergence of Christianity. The Roman Empire viewed Christianity with indifference, even confusing it with Judaism. This attitude changed, and the Empire became a society that persecuted Christians. These persecutions ended with the Edict of Milan.
Definitions
Church Benefit
Some priests held positions called benefices; rewarded with their own income. They took care of an altar or chapel, and received an income based on the value of the benefit. Before his death, the founder appointed attorneys to handle capital and income.
Economy
A parish priest governs a vacant position.
Sexton
A priest who was in charge of the government and the sacristy of the church.
Tonsure
The action of cutting or shaving a portion of hair at the crown of the head, leaving it hairless. This is a symbol of the clerical character, and the tonsure ceremony is the first by which the bishop gives the first degree of the priesthood.
Notable Figures
Andrew Parents (1620-1627)
Andrew Pares, Rector, son of Perpignan, was the beneficiary of the church of St. James from August 19 until 1620. He had a brother, Gabriel Pares, who was also a priest. In 1622, the vicar general gave him license to sell three candles to raise money for the bell. He was graduated in law and served as apostolic notary. In 1625, he faced the Cathedral of Girona to issue the payment of tithing, but it was a daring decision. He fled to Rome where he led the cause without success and appears to have died there.
John and Espriu Collell (1939-1946)
John and Espriu Collell, Rector, born in Sta. Coloma de Farners and ordained in 1924, was rector of Valley-Llobregat until 1939. He continued with the reconstruction of churches in the parish. In July 1941, the Virgen de Las Salinas was returned to her chapel after being hidden during the war. In 1942, retreats were organized by Father Isidro Griful in Salinas with 70 attendees.
Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza
Born in Guadalajara in May 1428 and died in Guadalajara on 11 January 1495. He was a Spanish political and ecclesiastical figure, one of the best examples of the transition from the medieval to the modern world in the fifteenth century. He was ordained to the clerical life since birth.