The Council of Trent as a basis for Church reformation in Malta

Abstract

The diocese of Malta and Gozo had its first resident Bishops with the coming of the Knights in 1530. The Council of Trent Sess. XXIV made it obligatory not only for the Bishops to reside within their diocese but also to hold regular convocations of Provincial and Diocesan Synods., By the same decree, Bishops were duty bound to conduct pastoral visitations at least once a year. The first pastoral visitation after the Council of' Trent was made by Rev. Antonio Bartolo in 1570 The first diocesan synod to be held in Malta after the promulgation of the Tridentine decrees was convoked by Bishop Martin Rojas in April 1575. Other synods were convoked later, at least one under Bishop Gargallo (1610) and as many as three under Bishop Cagliares. The Council of Trent's decrees, however, were not some magic formula. A great deal depended on the adequate preparation or otherwise of the priests who ministered in the various parishes. In Malta .the need for proper training facilities was very sorely [...].