要理問答中英對照

Part III - 七件聖事

聖寵 Grace:

  1. 問: 我們單靠自己我力量,就能救靈魂麼?

    Q: Can we save our souls relying on our own strength alone?

    答: 不能,必須依靠天主的聖寵。 (若 15:1-5)

    A: No, we must also have the aid of God's grace. (Jn 15:1-5)

  2. 問: 聖寵是什麼?

    Q: What is grace?

    答: 是天主看耶穌的功勞,賞給我們的超性之恩。 (若 1:16-17)

    A: Grace is a supernatural gift, bestowed on our souls by God through the merits of Jesus Christ. (Jn 1:16-17)

  3. 問: 聖寵有幾樣?

    Q: How many kinds of grace are there?

    答: 有寵佑、寵愛兩種。

    A: There are two kind of grace: actual grace and sanctifying grace.

寵佑 Actual Grace:

  1. 問: 寵佑是什麼?

    Q: What is actual grace?

    答: 是天主賞的超性之恩,光明人的明悟,感動人的愛欲,使能行善避惡,以得常生。 (弗 1:17-18)

    A: Actual grace is a supernatural gift of God, which enlightens our intellect and moves our will, enabling us to do good and to avoid evil, and thus gain Heaven. (Eph 1:17-18)

  2. 問: 寵佑要緊不要緊?

    Q: Is actual grace necessary for us?

    答: 寵佑為使人行善、避惡、得常生,是絕對要緊的。(斐 2:13;格後 3:5;若 6:44)

    A: Actual grace is absolutely necessary for us, if we are to do good, avoid evil and gain Heaven. (Eph 2:13; 2Cor 3:5; Jn 6:44)

寵愛 Sanctifying Grace:

  1. 問: 寵愛是什麼?

    Q: What is sanctifying grace?

    答: 是靈魂的超性生命,使人成天主的義子,聖神的宮殿,能立常生的功勞,得天堂的產業。(伯後 1:4;羅 8:15-17;格前 6:19)

    A: Sanctifying grace is the supernatural life of the soul, which makes us children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit. It enables us to merit eternal life and possess Heaven. (2P 1:4; Rom 8:15-17; 1Cor 6:19)

  2. 問: 要得天主的聖寵,有什麼最容易的法子?

    Q: What are the easiest ways of gaining grace?

    答: 有聖事、祈禱兩樣。 (弗 2:8-10)

    A: There are two ways: prayer and the Sacraments. (Eph 2:8-10)

  3. 問: 得了寵愛,還能失落麼?

    Q: Can we lose sanctifying grace again after once obtaining it?

    答: 不拘犯了什麼大罪,立刻就失落了。 (則 33:12-13;格前 10:12)

    A: We lose sanctifying grace at once when we commit any mortal sin. (Ezk 33:12-13; 1Cor 10:12)

  4. 問: 沒有寵愛也能得常生麼?

    Q: Can we gain eternal life without sanctifying grace?

    答: 沒有寵愛,誰也不能得常生。

    A: Without sanctifying grace nobody can gain eternal life.

聖事 The Sacraments:

  1. 問: 聖事是什麼?

    Q: What is a sacrament?

    答: 是耶穌親自立的有形的禮節,為表明、並賦給聖寵與領聖事的人。 (若 3:5;弟後 1:6)

    A: A sacrament is a visible ceremony instituted by Jesus Christ Himself, which represents and confers sanctifying grace on those who receive it worthily. (Jn 3:5; 2Tim 1:6)

  2. 問: 聖事有幾件?

    Q: How many sacraments are there?

    答: 有七件:就是聖洗、堅振、修和、聖體、病人傅油、聖秩、婚配。

    A: There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.

  3. 問: 七件聖事內,那是罪人的聖事,那是善人的聖事?

    Q: Of the seven sacraments, which are intended for sinners and which for the just?

    答: 聖洗、修和是罪人的聖事,其餘皆是善人的聖事。

    A: Baptism and Penance are for sinners; the other sacraments are for the just.

  4. 問: 為什麼聖洗、修和是罪人的聖事?

    Q: Why are Baptism and Penance sacraments for sinners?

    答: 因為聖洗、修和是特別為沒有寵愛的人立的。

    A: Baptism and Penance are sacraments for sinners because they were instituted specially for those who have not sanctifying grace.

  5. 問: 別的聖事,為什麼稱善人的聖事?

    Q: Why are the other sacraments called sacraments of the living?

    答: 因為別的聖事,必須靈魂上有寵愛才許領。

    A: The other sacraments are called sacraments of the living because only those whose souls are in a state of sanctifying grace are allowed to receive tem.

  6. 問: 凡明知自己有大罪的人,領善的人的聖事,犯什麼罪?

    Q: What sin do they commit who knowing themselves to be in a state of mortal sin, receive a sacrament of the living?

    答: 犯冒領聖事,褻聖的大罪。 (格前 11:27)

    A: They who knowing themselves to be in a state of mortal sin receive a sacrament of the living the sacrament unworthily and commit a mortal sin of sacrilege. (1Cor 11:27)

  7. 問: 那幾件聖事,只能領一次?

    Q: Which of the sacraments can be received only once?

    答: 聖洗、堅振、聖秩,只能領一次;因為這三件聖事,賦給靈魂永遠不能滅的神印。 (格後 1:22)

    A: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders can be received only once, because these three sacraments give to the soul a spiritual character which can never be effaced. (2Cor 1:22)

聖洗 Baptism:

  1. 問: 那件聖事是最要緊的?

    Q: Which is the most necessary of the Sacraments?

    答: 聖洗聖事是最要緊的,因為不領洗,不能升天堂,也不能領別的聖事。 (若 3:5;谷 16:16)

    A: Baptism is the most necessary of the sacraments, because without Baptism we cannot enter Heaven, and without Baptism we cannot receive the other sacraments. (Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16)

  2. 問: 聖洗是什麼?

    Q: What is Baptism?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為消滅願奉教人的原本諸罪,並赦其所當受之罰,能成天主及聖教會的義子,也能領其餘的聖事。 (瑪 28:18-20;宗 2:38;羅 6:3-7)

    A: Baptism is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, which destroys all sins both original and actual in those who sincerely come into the Church; remits whatever punishment they have deserved; makes them children of God and of the Church; and renders them capable of receiving the other sacraments. (Mt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-7)

  3. 問: 什麼人算是望教的人?

    Q: What are catechumens?

    答: 凡人真心願意奉教,棄絕異端,學習要理,就算望教的人。

    A: Catechumens are those who sincerely wish to join the Church, to abandon their superstitions and to learn the Catholic doctrine.

  4. 問: 望教的人,也該守聖教會的規矩麼?

    Q: Are catechumens obliged to observe the rules of the Catholic Church?

    答: 雖然沒有嚴重的本分,到底也該學習遵守。

    A: Catechumens are not strictly obliged to observe the rules of the Catholic Church, but they should accustom themselves to observe these rules.

  5. 問: 領洗的時候,應該發痛悔麼?

    Q: Must we have sorrow for our sins at Baptism?

    答: 若有本身自犯的罪,必該發痛悔;否則領洗只得神印,不得赦罪的恩典。

    A: If we have committed actual sins, we must have sorrow for them at Baptism, otherwise we receive only the spiritual characters, but our sins are not forgiven.

  6. 問: 奉教人的孩子幾時該領洗?

    Q: When should the children of the faithful be baptised?

    答: 越早越好。

    A: The sooner, the better.

  7. 問: 誰可以給人付洗呢?

    Q: Who can baptise a person?

    答: 付洗本是神父的職分,但在緊急的時候,不論男女老幼,教友外教,只要遵守付洗的規矩,都可給人付洗。

    A: To baptise is primarily the duty of the priest; but in time of necessity any person, male or female young or old, Christian or pagan, can baptise. The correct method of giving Baptism must, however, be observed.

  8. 問: 給人付洗,有什麼規矩?

    Q: What is the correct method of giving Baptism?

    答: 先起一個聖名,然後在額上倒水,同時唸:「某某,我因父、及子、及聖神之名給你付洗。」 (宗 8:36-39;瑪 28:18-20)

    A: The correct method of giving Baptism is this: Begin with a saint's name, then pour water over the forehead of the person to be baptized, saying at the same time: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". (Acts 8:36-39; Mt 28:18-20)

  9. 問: 領洗的時候,為什麼請代父代母?

    Q: Why is a godfather or a godmother selected at Baptism?

    答: 為指導領洗的人,好盡教友的本分。

    A: A godfather or a godmother is selected at Baptism in order to teach the baptised person to perform duties of a Christian.

  10. 問: 該請什麼人做代父代母?

    Q: What kind of person should be selected as godfather or godmother?

    答: 該請一個明白聖教道理,熱心守教規的教友。

    A: Godparents should be fervent Catholics who know the Catholic doctrine well and who themselves obey the commandments of God and of the Church.

  11. 問: 領洗的時候,什麼人彼此結神親?

    Q: What persons contract spiritual relationship at Baptism?

    答: 付洗的、同領洗的,代父、代母同他的代子代女給神親;故此有婚配的阻擋。

    A: The person who baptises contracts spiritual relationship with the one who is baptised, also the godparents with their godchild. This spiritual relationship is an impediment to marriage between these persons.

  12. 問: 領過洗的人有什麼本分?

    Q: What is the duty of those who have been baptised?

    答: 該全信聖教會的道理,又當遵守聖教會的規矩。

    A: Those who have been baptised must firmly believe all the Catholic doctrines and must keep the commandments of the Church.

堅振 Confirmation:

  1. 問: 堅振是什麼?

    Q: What is Confirmation?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為賦天主聖神與領堅振的人,堅固其心,作耶穌的勇兵,使能以言以行明證自己的信德,甚至捨生致命。 (宗 8:14-16; 宗 1:8)

    A: Confirmation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Himself by which the gift and graces of the Holy Spirit are bestowed on those who are confirmed. Confirmation strengthens their minds and hearts, making them soldiers of Jesus Christ, able to show their faith in word and deed, even unto martyrdom. (Acts 8:14-16; Acts 1:8)

  2. 問: 堅振還有什麼效驗?

    Q: What are the other effects of Confirmation?

    答: 還賦天主聖神的七恩。

    A: In Confirmation are also bestowed the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

  3. 問: 天主聖神的七恩是什麼?

    Q: What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

    答: 是天主聖神賦與人靈魂的七樣美情,使人順聽聖神的默導,克己修德,暢快走真福的道路。

    A: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are seven holy qualities infused by God the Holy Spirit into the human soul, which make a man sensitive to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, leading him to mortify himself, practise virtue and go forward cheerfully in the way of true happiness.

  4. 問: 七恩是那七樣?

    Q: Which are these seven gifts?

    答: 一是敬畏,二是孝愛,三是聰敏,四是剛毅,五是超見,六是明達,七是上智。 (依 11:2-3)

    A: These seven gifts are: fear of the Lord, piety, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, understanding, and wisdom. (Is 11:2-3)

  5. 問: 堅振要緊不要緊?

    Q: Is Confirmation necessary?

    答: 不是全要緊的,但教友能領堅振而故意不肯領,便有罪。

    A: Confirmation is not absolutely necessary, but it is a sin to refuse to receive Confirmation if one is able to receive it.

  6. 問: 該請什麼人來做堅振的代父代母。

    Q: What kind of persons should be selected as godparents in Confirmation?

    答: 必須請一個領過堅振的,很明白教友的本分,又在教會中立好表樣的人,這樣的人,才做得堅振的代父代母。

    A: Godparents in Confirmation should be chosen from those who are already confirmed, who know thoroughly the duty of Catholics, and who are themselves persons of good example.

  7. 問: 該怎麼樣預備領堅振?

    Q: How should one prepare for Confirmation?

    答: 一、除了要通達要理以外,還要明白堅振的道理。二、要在本堂神父跟前考明、求准、領堅振的憑據。三、要前幾日,加工夫行善工。四、領堅振前,若有大罪,該妥當告解。

    A: The person to be confirmed must (1) know the doctrine concerning Confirmation in addition to the other principal doctrines; (2) be examined by his parish priest and receive permission to receive this sacrament; (3) do some extra good works in the days previous to receiving the sacrament; and (4) make a good Confession, if in mortal sin.

  8. 問: 領過堅振,有什麼本分?

    Q: What are the duties of one who has been confirmed?

    答: 本分有三:一是發勇德,忍受奉事天主裡頭所遇的艱難;一是總也不怕盡好教友的本分;一是開導信異端的人和不守規矩的冷淡教友。

    A: The Catholic who has been confirmed has three duties: (1) to be brave and patient to endure all difficulties in the service of God; (2) never to be afraid of performing the duties of a good Catholic; and (3) to instruct those who live in superstition, and also tepid and negligent Catholics.

修和(告解)Reconciliation (Penance):

  1. 問: 修和是什麼?

    Q: What is Reconciliation?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為赦教中人在領洗後所犯過的諸罪。 (瑪 16:16-19;若 20:21-23)

    A: Reconciliation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Himself, for the forgiving of all sins committed by the faithful after Baptism. (Mt 16:16-19; Jn 20:21-23)

  2. 問: 耶穌幾時立了修和聖事?

    Q: When did Jesus institute the sacrament of Reconciliation?

    答: 耶穌復活當天晚晌,發顯給宗徒們的時候,立了這件聖事。 (若 20: 21-23)

    A: Jesus instituted the sacrament of Reconciliation on the evening of the day He rose from the dead, when He appeared to His apostles. (Jn 20:21-23)

  3. 問: 修和要緊不要緊?

    Q: Is Reconciliation necessary?

    答: 最要緊,若不肯修和,大罪不得赦。

    A: Reconciliation is most necessary, for if a penance refuses to confess, he cannot have his mortal sins forgiven.

  4. 問: 什麼樣的人該當修和?

    Q: Who should go to Confession?

    答: 凡知道好歹的男女教友,都該修和。

    A: All Catholics of both sexes who can distinguish between good and evil should go to Confession.

  5. 問: 在修和的時候該告什麼罪?

    Q: What sins must be told in Confession?

    答: 領洗後所犯的大罪,凡未經修和赦過的,都該告;如果沒有大罪,僅告小罪,或重告已經修和赦過大罪,也有大益處。

    A: All mortal sins committed after Baptism and not yet absolved in Confession must be confessed, but it is also very profitable to confess venial sins, or mortal sins which have already been forgiven in Confession.

  6. 問: 修和有幾條要緊的規矩?

    Q: What are the chief elements in Confession?

    答: 要緊的有五:一、省察,二、痛悔,三、定改,四、告明,五、補贖。

    A: The chief elements in Confession are five in number: Examination of Conscience, Contrition, Purpose of Amendment, Confession, Satisfaction.

省察 Examination of Conscience:

  1. 問: 省察是什麼?

    Q: What is examination of conscience?

    答: 用心查考自己,或從領洗以來,或從上次妥當修和以來,所犯過的諸罪。

    A: Examination of conscience means carefully to examine oneself concerning all sins committed since Baptism or since one's last good Confession.

  2. 問: 省察的工夫該怎麼做?

    Q: How should we examine our conscience?

    答: 第一、該跪求天主,開明我的心,好認我的罪;第二、該盡我的明悟,按著天主的十誡,聖教的規矩,七罪宗,並自己的本分,一一省察:所思、所願、所言、所缺、逆天主,傷別人,害自己的諸罪。

    A: First, we should kneel down and pray that God may enlighten our minds to know our sins, second, we should examine ourselves in detail concerning the commandments of God, the precepts of the Church, the seven capital sins, the duties of our state in life, applying our minds to discover all our thoughts, words, deeds, and omissions against God, our neighbour or ourselves.

  3. 問: 每一條罪上,該省察什麼?

    Q: What points must we examine with regard to each sin?

    答: 該查明各大罪的次數,並改變罪類及加重罪過的光景。

    A: We must examine the number of times each mortal sin has been committed, together with any circumstances which might change the nature of the sin or add to its gravity.

  4. 問: 為什麼省察罪要這樣用心?

    Q: Why must we examine our conscience so carefully?

    答: 因為這是有關我升天堂或下地獄的事情,所以不得不十分用心。

    A: We must examine our conscience so carefully, because on this may depend our going to Heaven or to Hell.

痛悔 Contrition:

  1. 問: 痛悔是什麼?

    Q: What is contrition?

    答: 心裡難過,悔恨自己的罪,因為得罪了天主。 (路 15:17-24)

    A: Contrition is heartfelt sorrow and detestation of one's sins, because they have offended God. (Lk 15:17-24)

  2. 問: 痛悔要緊不要緊?

    Q: Is contrition necessary?

    答: 十分要緊:凡開了明悟的人,不發痛悔,不得罪之赦。 (則 18:21-23;路 13:5;宗 2:38)

    A: Contrition is most necessary. Nobody who has come to the use of reason can have his sin forgiven without contrition. (Ezk 18:21-23; Lk 13:5; Acts 2:38)

  3. 問: 在什麼時候該發痛悔?

    Q: When must we excite ourselves to contrition for our sins?

    答: 一在省察以後,修和以前;二在告完了罪,神父臨唸赦罪經的時候,還可以再發痛悔。

    A: We should excite ourselves to make an act of contrition: (1) after examining our conscience and before confessing our sins; and (2) again after confessing our sins, while the priest is pronouncing the words of absolution.

  4. 問: 痛悔有真的,有假的,怎麼分得出來?

    Q: How can we know whether our contrition is true or false?

    答: 真的痛悔必須是從心裡來的,至大無比的,無一罪不恨的,超越本性的。 (詠 51: 11-12;詠 51:19)

    A: True contrition must come form the heart, must be supreme, must extend to all our sins, and must be supernatural. (Ps 51:11-12; Ps 51:19)

  5. 問: 怎麼能發真心痛悔?

    Q: How can we excite ourselves to true contrition?

    答: 先該懇求天主賜佑,又該自己的勉勵,想罪過的凶惡,地獄的永苦,吾主耶穌的苦難聖死,天主的無窮美善,因此惱恨自己的罪。

    A: First, we must fervently beg of God to give us the grace of true contrition; secondly, we must earnestly consider the wickedness of sin, the eternal punishment of Hell, the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the infinite goodness of God, and for these motives hate and detest our sins.

  6. 問: 只有小罪,恐怕難發真心痛悔,可以做什麼?

    Q: If we have committed only venial sins and are afraid of not having true contrition for them, what can we do?

    答: 可以在告明後,把從前告過的大罪,再告一二條。

    A: In this case, after we have confessed our venial sins, we can confess again with sorrow one or two mortal sins of our past life.

  7. 問: 痛悔有幾條?

    Q: How many kinds of contrition are there?

    答: 有上等下等兩樣痛悔。

    A: There are two kinds of contrition: perfect and imperfect.

  8. 問: 什麼是上等痛悔?

    Q: What is perfect contrition?

    答: 上等痛悔,是從愛天主發出來的,就是惱恨罪,因為得罪了萬萬美善,無窮可愛的天主。 (詠 51)

    A: Perfect contrition is that which comes from the love of God; it is the sorrow which we have for our sins because they have offended God who is infinitely good and infinitely lovable. (Ps 51)

  9. 問: 什麼是下等痛悔?

    Q: What is imperfect contrition?

    答: 我惱恨我的罪,是因為怕天主罰我下地獄,不許我升天堂;或是因為我的罪在天主台前,實屬醜陋不堪,皆是下等的痛悔。

    A: Imperfect contrition is the sorrow which we have for our sins because we fear that God will punish us in Hell or shut us out from Heaven, or because our sins are hideous in God's sight.

  10. 問: 上等的痛悔發了什麼效驗?

    Q: What is the effect of perfect contrition?

    答: 若發了上等痛悔,雖然不得修和,天主也赦罪,但該含有情願行修和的意思。 (箴 8:17;路 7:47;若14:23)

    A: If we have perfect contrition, God forgives our sins even though we cannot go to Confession, but our contrition must include the intention of confessing our sins. (Pro 8:17; Lk 7:47; Jn 14:23)

  11. 問: 下等痛悔有什麼效驗?

    Q: What is the effect of imperfect contrition?

    答: 下等痛悔使人因領洗、修和聖事,也能得赦罪的恩典。

    A: If we have imperfect contrition, we can get forgiveness of our sins through the sacraments of Baptism or of Penance.

  12. 問: 什麼時候該發上等痛悔?

    Q: At what time is an act of perfect contrition essential?

    答: 凡有死的危險,帶著大罪又不得修和時,就該發上等痛悔,才救得靈魂。

    A: An act of perfect contrition is essential to save our souls, when being in danger of death and in a state of mortal sin we cannot go to Confession.

  13. 問: 為妥當修和,下等痛悔也夠了麼?

    Q: Is imperfect contrition sufficient for a good Confession?

    答: 下等痛悔也夠了,但勉勵發上等痛悔更好。

    A: Imperfect contrition is sufficient for Confession but it would be better to endeavour to excite ourselves to perfect contrition.

定改 Purpose of Amendment:

  1. 問: 定改是什麼?

    Q: What is a purpose of amendment?

    答: 立定志向,從今以後,寧死再不犯罪,並要努力躲避犯罪的近機會。 (德 21:1-2;若8:1-11)

    A: A purpose of amendment is a firm resolution for the future rather to die than to commit sin, and to strive to avoid all immediate occasions of sin. (Sir 21:1-2; Jn 8:1-11)

  2. 問: 痛悔定改分得開麼?

    Q: Can one have true contrition without having a firm purpose of amendment?

    答: 不得分開:有真心痛悔,必有真心定改;沒有真心定改,也算不得真心痛悔。

    A: No. Whoever has true contrition must also have a sincere purpose of amendment; and whoever has not a sincere purpose of amendment cannot be considered as having true contrition.

  3. 問: 怎麼知道定改是真的假的?

    Q: How can we know whether our purpose of amendment is sincere or not?

    答: 如果將人、地、事物、引我犯罪的緣由,一概斷絕離開,這就是真定改的憑據;不然,就是假定改。

    A: We can know that our purpose of amendment is sincere if we shun all persons, places and things which are for us a cause of sin. If, on the contrary, we seek these things, it is not sincere.

告明 Confession:

  1. 問: 什麼是告明?

    Q: What is confession?

    答: 把省察出來的罪,一一在神父跟前,告說明白。 (宗 19:17-18)

    A: Confession is telling to the priest, one by one, the sins which we have found in our examination of conscience. (Acts 19:17-18)

  2. 問: 告明有什麼要點?

    Q: What else must be observed in confessing our sins?

    答: 要完全、要老實、要清楚。

    A: Our confession of sins must be complete, honest, and clear.

  3. 問: 大罪的次數,也該說麼?

    Q: Must the number of mortal sins be confessed?

    答: 該說,就是改變罪類或加重罪過的光景,都該說。

    A: Not only must the number of mortal sins be confessed clearly, but also all circumstances which might change the nature of the sin or add to its gravity.

  4. 問: 若記不清大罪的次數,該怎麼樣?

    Q: What must we do, if we do not remember clearly the number of mortal sins?

    答: 該說:大約有幾次。

    A: If we do not remember clearly the number of mortal sins, then we should say about how many times the sin has been committed.

  5. 問: 告明的時候,無意忘下了大罪,該做什麼?

    Q: If we accidentally forget mortal sins in Confession, what must we do?

    答: 忘了的大罪,雖然同告過的罪一齊都赦了,但若想起來,下次還該補告。

    A: The forgotten mortal sins are forgiven with the others which have been confessed; but if we remember them afterwards, we must confess them in our next Confession.

  6. 問: 告解的時候,故意瞞下大罪,有什麼不好?

    Q: What evils result if we wilfully conceal a mortal sin in Confession?

    答: 不單瞞下的罪不得赦,別的罪也不得赦,而且犯一個冒告解、褻聖的大罪。

    A: If we wilfully conceal a mortal sin in Confession, the sin concealed is not forgiven, none of our other sins are forgiven, and we commit as well a mortal sin of sacrilege by making a bad Confession.

補贖 Satisfaction:

  1. 問: 補贖是什麼?

    Q: What is satisfaction?

    答: 是在修和的時候,神父按罪的輕重,所罰的神工。

    A: Satisfaction is the spiritual work imposed as a penance by the priest in Confession in proportion to the gravity of our sins.

  2. 問: 神父為什麼罰補贖?

    Q: Why does the priest impose satisfaction?

    答: 一、為補贖我們的罪;二、為相幫我們改過遷善。

    A: The priest imposes satisfaction in order that we may do penance for our sins, and to help us to amend.

  3. 問: 神父罰的補贖,必定該做麼?

    Q: Are we bound to perform the penance imposed by the priest?

    答: 必定該做:若能做而不做,必有罪。

    A: We are bound to perform the penance imposed by the priest; if we can do it and neglect it, we commit sin.

  4. 問: 天主赦罪,不連罪罰一齊赦麼?

    Q: When God forgives our sins, does He not also forgive the punishment due to them?

    答: 除了領洗以外,平常單赦罪的永罰,不全赦罪的暫罰。

    A: Except in Baptism, God usually forgives only the eternal punishment due to sin, but not all the temporal punishment due to it.

  5. 問: 什麼是罪的暫罰?

    Q: What is the temporal punishment due to sin?

    答: 就是在世上或在煉獄裡當做的補贖。

    A: The temporal punishment due to sin is the penance which must be performed here on earth or in Purgatory.

  6. 問: 能有法子,可免我應做的補贖麼?

    Q: Is there any way of escaping temporal punishment due to our sins?

    答: 有:一是每辦修和,發上等痛悔;一是常發愛天主的心情;一是真心愛仇人;一是專心得大赦。

    A: There are several ways of escaping temporal punishment: (1) to make an act of perfect contrition every time we go to confession; (2) frequently to make acts of the love of God; (3) sincerely to love our enemies; (4) to gain indulgences.

大赦 Indulgences:

  1. 問: 什麼是大赦?

    Q: What is an indulgence?

    答: 就是聖教會用耶穌及諸聖人的功勞,在告解以外寬免罪的暫罰。

    A: An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, granted by the Church out of Confession in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ and of all the saints.

  2. 問: 要得大赦該做什麼?

    Q: What are the conditions required to gain an indulgence?

    答: 該有得大赦的意思,又該履行頒大赦者所指定的善工。

    A: To gain an indulgence we must have the intention of gaining it, and must perform fully the required good works.

聖體 The Blessed Eucharist:

  1. 問: 聖體是什麼?

    Q: What is the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 是聖教會中至尊至大的聖事,實在是吾主耶穌的天主性、人性、靈魂、肉身、寶血,全在餅酒形內隱藏著。 (若 6:54-57;路 22:19-20)

    A: The Blessed Eucharist is the greatest and noblest sacrament in the Church. It is truly our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, His Divine Nature, His Human Nature, His Soul, His Body, His Precious Blood, hidden whole and entire under the appearance of bread and wine. (Jn 6:54-57; Lk 22:19-20)

  2. 問: 耶穌幾時立了聖體聖事?

    Q: When did Jesus Christ institute the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 耶穌在受難前夕的晚餐中,立了聖體聖事。 (瑪 26:26-28)

    A: Jesus Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist at the Last Supper. (Mt 26:26-28)

  3. 問: 怎麼說聖體是至尊至大的聖事呢?

    Q: Why is the Blessed Eucharist the greatest and noblest of the sacraments?

    答: 因為別的聖事單賦聖寵,這件聖事並賜聖寵的根源,就是吾主耶穌真天主真人,全體降到我的心中。

    A: The Blessed Eucharist is the noblest of the sacraments, because, while the other sacraments only give us grace, this sacrament gives us the source of all graces, our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, who comes whole and entire into our hearts.

  4. 問: 誰有成聖體的權?

    Q: Who has power to consecrate the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 神父有,是從吾主耶穌親自付給而傳下來的。 (格前 11:23-29)

    A: The priest has power to consecrate the Blessed Eucharist; this power comes to him from our Lord Jesus Himself. (1Cor 11:23-29)

  5. 問: 神父在什麼時候成聖體?

    Q: When does the priest consecrate the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 神父在彌撒中,手中拿起祭餅,一唸成聖體的經,立刻就有了耶穌聖體的寶血。

    A: The priest consecrates the Blessed Eucharist at Mass. When he pronounces the words of consecration just before the Elevation, instantly there are present the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of Jesus.

  6. 問: 神父用什麼材料成聖體?

    Q: What materials does the priest use in consecrating the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 用耶穌原定的麥麵餅,成耶穌的聖身;葡萄酒,成耶穌的血。

    A: The priest uses the materials originally determined by Jesus Christ, wheaten bread to consecrate His Sacred Body, wine of the grape to consecrate His Precious Blood.

  7. 問: 成了聖體聖血,還有酒餅的體麼?

    Q: Does the substance of the bread and wine remain after the consecration?

    答: 餅酒的體立時全滅了,僅留下餅酒形,隱藏著耶穌的聖身聖血。

    A: The substance of the bread and wine immediately entirely ceases to exist; the appearances of bread and wine remain concealing the Body and Blood of Jesus.

  8. 問: 成了聖體聖血,餅酒形內都有耶穌的全體麼?

    Q: After the consecration, is Jesus present whole and entire under the appearance of both bread and wine?

    答: 都有耶穌的全體,因為耶穌復活後,祂的靈魂、聖身、聖血,永遠不再相離。

    A: Jesus is present whole and entire under the appearances of both bread and wine, because since His resurrection, His Soul, Body and Blood can never again be separated.

  9. 問: 聖體分得分不得?

    Q: Can the Blessed Eucharist be divided?

    答: 聖體分不得,分的是餅形,但各大小分,都有耶穌的全體。

    A: The Blessed Eucharist cannot be divided. What is divided is the appearances of bread; but in every particle large or small, Jesus is present whole and entire.

  10. 問: 耶穌立聖體,是為什麼意思?

    Q: Why did Jesus institute the Blessed Eucharist?

    答: 為祭獻天主的大禮,為養人靈魂的神糧,為耶穌永遠與人結合的表記。

    A: Jesus instituted the Blessed Eucharist to be the Great Sacrifice offered to God, to be the spiritual food of our souls, and to be the memento of His perpetual union with us.

彌撒 Mass:

  1. 問: 彌撒是什麼?

    Q: What is the Mass?

    答: 是成聖體,祭獻天主的大禮。 (拉 1:10-11;路 22:19-20)

    A: The Mass is the Great Sacrifice offered to God, in which the Blessed Eucharist is consecrated. (Mal 1:10-11; Lk 22:19-20)

  2. 問: 彌撒怎麼是祭獻天主的大禮呢?

    Q: Why is the Mass the great Sacrifice offered to God?

    答: 因為在彌撒當中,吾主耶穌自為司祭,將祂的聖身寶血,隱藏在餅酒形內,當作祭品,獻與天主聖父,這樣重行了十字架上的獻祭。 (路 23:46;路 22:19-20)

    A: The Mass is the Great Sacrifice, because in the Mass our Lord Jesus Christ Himself as Priest, offers to God the Father in sacrifice His Sacred Body and Precious Blood, hidden under the appearances of bread and wine, and thus continues the Sacrifice of the Cross. (Lk 23:46; Lk 22:19-20)

  3. 問: 彌撒內獻耶穌與聖父,是為什麼意思?

    Q: For what ends is Jesus offered to God the Father in the Mass?

    答: 為欽崇天主,感謝天主,求天主赦罪,求天主賜恩。

    A: The ends for which Mass is offered are: to adore God, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His pardon for sin and to beg His graces.

  4. 問: 怎麼能善參與彌撒?

    Q: How may we assist at Mass?

    答: 瞻仰彌撒的禮節,想念耶穌的苦難聖死,把自己同耶穌一齊獻與天主聖父,預備實領或神領聖體,熱心感謝聖體。

    A: To assist at Mass we may: (1) devoutly follow the ceremonies of the Mass; (2) meditate on the Passion and the Death of Jesus; (3) offer ourselves with Jesus to God the Father; (4) prepare to receive Holy Communion actually or spiritually, and (5) fervently thank our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

領聖體 Holy Communion:

  1. 問: 領聖體有什麼益處?

    Q: What benefits come to us by receiving Holy Communion?

    答: 靈魂肉身都有大益處。

    A: By receiving Holy Communion we obtain great benefits for both soul and body.

  2. 問: 靈魂有什麼益處?

    Q: What benefits come to our souls from Holy Communion?

    答: 善領聖體,同耶穌合而為一,聖體養活靈魂,增聖寵,加聖佑,能勝三仇,好守規誡,脫罪過,立善工,免地獄,奔天堂。 (若 6:54-59)

    A: Those who receive Holy Communion worthily are united intimately with Jesus. Holy Communion: (1) nourishes the soul; (2) increases sanctifying grace, and (3) bestows additional actual graces, whereby we are enabled to overcome our three great enemies, to keep the commandments, to avoid sin, to gain merit, to escape Hell and to enter Heaven. (Jn 6:54-59)

  3. 問: 肉身有什麼益處?

    Q: What benefits come to our bodies from Holy Communion?

    答: 聖體壓在肉情,克制私慾,順從正理;又為肉身得復活,享常生的憑據。

    A: Holy Communion: (1) lessens concupiscence and tends to make our unlawful passions subject to right reason; (2) it is also a pledge of the resurrection of the body and of its enjoying eternal life.

  4. 問: 誰有領聖體的本分?

    Q: What persons are bound to receive Holy Communion?

    答: 凡知道好歹的男女教友,都該領聖體;為此小孩一開明悟,就該教他聖體的要理,預備早領聖體。

    A: Catholics of both sexes, who can distinguish between good and evil, are bound to receive Holy Communion. Hence young children, as soon as they come to use of reason, should be taught about Holy Communion, so as to prepare them to make their First Communion early.

  5. 問: 臨終聖體是什麼?

    Q: What is Viaticum?

    答: 臨終聖體是教友在臨死時領的。

    A: Viaticum is Holy Communion received by the dying. (It is also called because it is the spiritual food provided for the dying Christian in his last journey).

  6. 問: 領臨終聖體,也是要緊的本分麼?

    Q: Is there a grave obligation to receive Viaticum?

    答: 也是要緊的本分。

    A: There is a grave obligation to receive Viaticum.

  7. 問: 該怎麼預備領聖體?

    Q: How should we prepare ourselves for Holy Communion?

    答: 有靈魂肉身的預備。

    A: We should prepare ourselves for Holy Communion in soul and in body.

  8. 問: 靈魂該怎麼預備?

    Q: How should we prepare our souls for Holy Communion?

    答: 最要緊的,靈魂上該有寵愛;若有大罪,先當妥當告解,只發上等的痛悔不夠。 (格前 11:23-29)

    A: Above all, our souls must have sanctifying grace, hence, if we are in a state of mortal sin, we must make a good Confession. To make an act of perfect contrition only is not sufficient. (1Cor 11:23-29)

  9. 問: 有大罪不告,或告的不妥,而領聖體,有什麼罪?

    Q: If we go to Holy Communion without confessing our mortal sins, or without confessing them properly, what sin do we commit?

    答: 是犯冒領聖體,侮辱耶穌,至重至大的罪。

    A: We commit a great and most grievous sin of sacrilege by receiving Holy Communion unworthily and we insult Jesus Christ.

  10. 問: 肉身該怎麼預備?

    Q: How should we prepare our bodies for Communion?

    答: 最要緊的,該守聖體齋;此外,身體要端正,要乾淨。

    A: We should keep the Eucharistic fast and our dress and our whole person should be modest and clean.

  11. 問: 聖體齋是什麼?

    Q: What is the Eucharistic Fast?

    答: 就是領聖體前一小時內,不許進用固體或液體食品,亦不得進用含有酒性的飲料。但清水不在禁止之列。

    A: The Eucharistic fast consists in abstaining from solid food, beverages and alcoholic drinks within one hour of receiving Communion. Water may be taken any time.

  12. 問: 不守聖體齋,也能領聖體嗎?

    Q: Can Communion ever be received without keeping the Eucharistic Fast?

    答: 幾時有死的危險,或是為免聖體受褻瀆,無論何時進用了任何食品和飲料,都可以領聖體。此外,疾病者雖非臥床不起的,領聖體前可進用「非酒精質的」飲料,和無論液體或固體的真正而實際之藥品。

    A: Communion can be received without the Eucharistic Fast when in danger of death or to avoid sacrilegious acts forwards the Holy Eucharist. Besides invalids, though not completely bed-ridden may take some non-alcoholic drinks before receiving. Medicine, in solid or liquid form, may also be takes before receiving.

  13. 問: 領聖體前,該發什麼善情?

    Q: What sentiments should we have before receiving Holy Communion?

    答: 信、望、愛聖體之外,要悔恨前罪,定心改過,加恭敬,極謙遜,求耶穌降到心中。

    A: Before receiving Holy Communion, in addition to faith, hope and love of the Blessed Eucharist, we should have hatred for our past sins and a firm purpose of amendment, and we should very reverently and very humbly beg Jesus to come into our hearts.

  14. 問: 領聖體的時候,該怎麼樣?

    Q: What sentiments should we have at the moment of receiving Holy Communion?

    答: 該滿心愛慕聖體,巴不得自己的心,同耶穌的聖心,合而為一才好。

    A: At the moment of receiving Holy Communion, we should love the Blessed Sacrament with our whole heart, and earnestly desire that our heart be united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

  15. 問: 領聖體後,該怎麼樣?

    Q: What sentiments should we have after receiving Holy Communion?

    答: 該恭恭敬敬的感謝聖體,再三發信、望、愛,把自己的靈魂肉身,全獻給耶穌,求再加恩。

    A: After receiving Holy Communion we should very reverently thank the Blessed Sacrament, make repeated acts of faith, hope and charity, offer ourselves soul and body to Jesus, and ask for His graces and gifts.

  16. 問: 什麼人能常領聖體?

    Q: Who may receive Holy Communion frequently?

    答: 凡是沒有大罪,又有正當意向的教友,都能常領聖體,聖教會且很盼望教友天天領聖體。

    A: All the faithful who have no mortal sins on their soul and who have a right intention, may receive Holy Communion frequently, and the Church earnestly hopes that the faithful will receive Holy Communion daily.

供聖體 Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament:

  1. 問: 怎麼說聖體是耶穌永遠與人給合的表記?

    Q: Why is the Blessed Sacrament said to be the memento of God's perpetual union with mankind?

    答: 因為耶穌在聖體內,常與我們共居,使我們親近祂、感謝祂、求祂各樣的恩典。

    A: The Blessed Sacrament is said to be the memento of God's perpetual union with mankind because Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist lives always in our midst, that we may be near to Him, thank Him, and beg His graces.

  2. 問: 我們在聖體台前,有什麼本分?

    Q: What is our duty towards the Blessed Sacrament?

    答: 該喜歡朝拜聖體,在聖體台前,表現我們恭敬、欽崇,以愛還愛的心。

    A: Our duty towards the Blessed Sacrament is to visit It gladly, to show towards It our reverence and our adoration, and return It love for love.

病人傅油聖事 Anointing of the Sick:

  1. 問: 病人傅油聖事是什麼?

    Q: What is the Anointing of the Sick?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為賦聖寵與病人,亦為減輕其神形困苦。 (雅 5:14-15)

    A: The Anointment of the Sick is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Himself, to bestow grace on the sick and to relieve their spiritual and bodily sufferings. (Jas 5:24-25)

  2. 問: 怎麼樣的人該領病人傅油聖事?

    Q: What persons should be anointed?

    答: 凡開了明悟的男女教友,得了重病或有死的危險,都該領病人傅油聖事;年老力衰的人,雖無重病,也可以領病人傅油聖事。

    A: All Catholics of both sexes, who have come to the use of reason and who are in danger of death by sickness, should be anointed. Those who are failing in old age, even though they are not seriously ill, can also receive this sacrament.

  3. 問: 病人傅油聖事有什麼益處?

    Q: What benefits are conferred by the Anointing of the Sick?

    答: 增加寵愛,赦免小罪,若有忘了的,或因重病不能告的大罪,只要有下等痛悔,領病人傅油聖事也能赦;且能使人忍耐病苦,得善終,有時候也賞人病好。 (雅 5:14-15)

    A: The Anointing of the Sick: (1) increases sanctifying graces, (2) blots our venial sins, and (3) (if at least imperfect contrition is present) can forgive all mortal sins which have been forgotten or which can be confessed owing to serious illness. (4) It also helps the sick to bear their sufferings patiently and to die a good death, and (5) it sometimes restores the sick to health. (Jas 5:14-15)

  4. 問: 該怎麼樣預備領病人傅油聖事?

    Q: How should we prepare to receive this sacrement?

    答: 平日就該常求天主賞賜這個大恩;到病重的時候,及早請神父,先辦妥當神工,領臨終聖體,然後領終傅。

    A: During life, we should constantly pray God to grant us this great favour, in serious sickness, we should send for the priest early, make a good Confession and receive Viaticum before being anointed.

  5. 問: 平常終傅完了,聖教會還賞賜病人什麼恩典?

    Q: What other favour does the Church usually grant to the sick after they have been anointed?

    答: 還頒發臨終大赦。

    A: The Church usually grants also a plenary indulgence for the hour of death.

聖秩(神品)Holy Orders:

  1. 問: 聖秩是什麼?

    Q: What is Holy Orders?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為付聖事之權,並賦聖寵,使善行聖事。 (路 22:19-20;弟前 4:14-15)

    A: Holy Orders is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Himself, by which is given the power of administering the sacraments, together with grace to administer them worthily. (Lk 22:19-20; 1Tim 4:14-15)

  2. 問: 聖秩有幾樣?

    Q: How many kinds of orders are there?

    答: 有執事「前稱六品修士」與司祭兩樣。

    A: There are deacons and priests.

  3. 問: 司祭分幾等?

    Q: How many grades are there in the priesthood?

    答: 分兩等:一等是主教,一等是司鐸。

    A: There are two grades, bishop and priest.

  4. 問: 司鐸有什麼權柄?

    Q: What power has the priest?

    答: 最大的權柄,就是在彌撒中成聖體,祭獻天主;在告解的時候,赦人的罪。 (路 22:19-20;若 20:21-23)

    A: The priest has exalted powers, namely, the power of consecrating the Blessed Eucharist at Mass and offering It in sacrifice to God, and the power of absolving sins in Confession. (Lk 22:19-20; Jn 20-21-23)

  5. 問: 怎麼樣的人,可以領聖秩?

    Q: What men can receive Holy Orders?

    答: 有善表美名,有天主聖召,又沒有法定阻礙的人,才可以領神品。 (若 15:16)

    A: Those can receive Holy Orders, who are of good example and of good reputation, who have a vocation from God, and who are not otherwise impeded. (Jn 15:16)

  6. 問: 教友對於主教神父有什麼本分?

    Q: What is the duty of the faithful towards bishops and priests?

    答: 該尊貴、該聽命,又該按自己的力量保障、相幫。 (德 7:31;路 10:15)

    A: The faithful should honour and obey their bishops, and priests; and should protect and help them according to their means. (Sir 7:31; Lk 10:15)

  7. 問: 兒童有聖召,父母該怎樣?

    Q: If children have a vocation from God to the priesthood, how should their parents act?

    答: 該當勉勵相幫他們,萬不可阻撓兒童隨天主的聖召。

    A: Their parents should encourage and help them, and in no wise hinder them from following God's call.

婚配 Matrimony:

  1. 問: 婚配是什麼?

    Q: What is Matrimony?

    答: 是吾主耶穌親定的聖事,為賦聖寵與正夫正妻,使之終身和睦,妥當教養兒女。 (弗:5:22-32)

    A: Matrimony is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus Himself, by which grace is given to lawful spouses to live peacefully together throughout life, and to bring up their children well. (Eph 5:22-32)

  2. 問: 兒女沒有開明悟,父母能給他們訂婚麼?

    Q: May parents get their children betrothed before they come to the use of reason?

    答: 按聖教會的規定是不許可的。

    A: Parents are forbidden by the Catholic Church to get their children betrothed before they come to the use of reason.

  3. 問: 父母給兒女定親,另外該注意什麼?

    Q: When getting their children betrothed, to what should parents pay special attention?

    答: 最要緊的,該查明男女兩家,有婚配的阻礙沒有,又要查明男女彼此同意否,若本人不願意,不能定親。

    A: The parents should above all carefully examine whether there is any impediment to the marriage on either side, and whether the boy and girl mutually consent; if either party does not consent freely, no betrothal can be made.

  4. 問: 婚配的阻礙有幾樣?

    Q: How many kinds of impediments to marriage are there?

    答: 有兩樣:一樣是使婚配違法,一樣是使婚配無效。

    A: There are two kinds: hindering impediments which forbid marriage, and diriment impediments, which destroy marriage.

  5. 問: 使婚配違法的阻礙,有什麼意思?

    Q: What is the meaning of hindering impediments?

    答: 是聖教會定的不許婚配的幾樣條例,若不守,就犯大罪,但是婚配是有效的。

    A: Hindering impediments are certain conditions fixed by the Church, which make marriage unlawful. If they are neglected, a mortal sin is committed, but the marriage is valid.

  6. 問: 使婚配無效的阻礙,有什麼意思?

    Q: What is the significance of diriment impediments?

    答: 使婚配無效的阻礙,無論是天主立的,或是聖教會定的,若犯了,不僅有背命的大罪,而且在天主及聖教會面前,婚配不算有效,必該離散;這樣的阻礙共有十五條,共中容易遇到的,特別是歲數不足,或同外教人給婚。

    A: Diriment impediments are certain conditions determined either by God or by the Church. If a person attempt marriage in spite of a diriment impediment, not only is a mortal sin of disobedience committed, but the marriage is no marriage in the eyes of God and of the Church; and the contracting parties must separate from each other. There are fifteen of these impediments, of which the commonest are, want of sufficient age, and marrying pagans.

  7. 問: 聖教會能寬免婚配的阻礙麼?

    Q: Can the Church give a dispensation from these impediments?

    答: 凡是天主所立的,萬萬不能寬免;凡是聖教會定的,若是正當的緣故,有時能寬免。

    A: The Church can never give a dispensation from the impediments established by God; but she may at times if there is a just cause give a dispensation from the impediments fixed by the Church.

  8. 問: 怎麼樣成婚配呢?

    Q: What is marriage contracted?

    答: 該在本堂司鐸跟前,當著兩個見證,男女二人清清楚楚,表明自己的同意。

    A: The man and woman must manifest clearly their mutual consent before their parish priest and two witnesses.

  9. 問: 彌撒中降福婚配,是什麼意思?

    Q: What is the meaning of the Nuptial Blessing at Mass?

    答: 是求天主賞賜夫婦二人終身和睦,多生子女,享受高年。

    A: The Nuptial Blessing is a prayer that God may grant the married pair to live peacefully together throughout life, to have many children and a long life.

  10. 問: 夫婦二人結婚後,還能離婚麼?

    Q: After the bond of marriage between husband and wife has once been tied, can it again be loosed?

    答: 夫婦二人按教會法結婚後,終身不能仳離。 (格前 7:10-15;瑪 19:3-9)

    A: After the bond of marriage has once been tied, it can be loosed only by death. (1Cor 7:10-15; Mt 19:3-9)

  11. 問: 夫婦二人中死了一個,單夫寡婦還能婚配麼?

    Q: If the husband or the wife dies, may the other marry again?

    答: 還能婚配;不再婚配,守節更好。 (格前 7:8-9)

    A: If the husband or wife dies, the other may marry again, but not to marry again, that is, to praiseworthy. (1Cor 7:8-9)

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