A renúncia de D. Frei Bartolomeu dos Mártires: teologia e historia

Abstract

The renunciation on the part of Venerable Bartholomew of the Martyrs of the See of Braga is both an historical and theological problem, guided by the Archbishops sensitive conscience, enlightened by his fidelity to the theological doctrines which he held. The motives of this action case constitute four authentic autobiographical notes: 1. The doctrine of obligation to accept bishopric, even if under constraint out of obedience to his superior. Therefore Father Bartholomew became bishop in obedience to the Provincial Fr. Luis de Granada. 2. The obligation to remain in the episcopal ministry as long as this was useful to his flock. Constantly opposed, Bartholomew heroically fulfilled his pastoral duty for more than twenty years. 3. The duty to renounce at the moment he would for whatever reason, no longer be able to help his people. That is what Bartholomew did when he defended his appeal to Gregory XIII, stating his age, ill health and his inability to direct fully the Church of Braga. 4. The last decision to retire to his priory in Viana was inspired by his doctrine of commitment to regular observance and to the use of ecclesiastical property for the benefit of the faithful who had contributed to it.