CHAPTER XV.
No one shall hear Confessions unless approved by the Ordinary.
Although priests in their ordination receive the power of absolving from sins; nevertheless, the holy snoyd decrees, that no one, even a regular, is able to hear the confessions of seculars, not even of priests, and that he is not to be reputed fit thereunto, unless he either holds a parochial benefice, or is, by the bishops, through an examination, if they shall think it necessary, or in some other manner, judged competent; and has obtained their approval, which shall be granted gratuitously; any privileges, and custom soever, though immemorial, notwithstanding.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Uselees and the Vagrant are hindered from the Orders of the Church.
Whereas no one ought to be ordained, who, in the judgment of his own bishop, is not useful or necessary for his churches, the holy synod, adhering to the footsteps of the sixth canon of the Council of Chalcedon, ordains, that no one shall hereafter be ordained, unless he be attached to that church, or pious place, for the need, or utility whereof he is promoted; there to discharge his duties, and not wander about without any certain abode. And if he shall quit that place without consulting the bishop, he shall be interdicted the exercise of sacred [orders]. Furthermore, no clerk, who is a stranger, shall, without letters commendatory from his own ordinary, be admitted by any bishop to celebrate divine service, and to administer the sacraments.
CHAPTER XVII.
In what Manner the Exercise of the Minor Orders is to be restored.
That the functions of holy orders, from the deacon to the door-keeper, which have been laudably received in the Church from the times of the apostles, and which have been for some time interrupted in many places, may again be brought into use according to the sacred canons; and that they may not be traduced by heretics as idle; the holy
