Appendix I: On Cessation from Divine Things

1697. - Cessation from divine things is a prohibition made to Clerics, that in some determined place they abstain from divine Offices, from administration of the Sacraments, and from ecclesiastical burial.

This cessation is distinguished from interdict: 1° Because interdict can be personal, but cessation from divine things cannot. 2° Because interdict is a censure, whence he who violates it becomes irregular; but the transgressor of cessation from divine things, although he sins gravely, nevertheless incurs no censure, nor becomes irregular. For this cessation is not employed for correcting delinquents. 3° Because, while a general interdict lasts, it is lawful to celebrate divine Offices with doors closed and in a subdued voice, and even solemnly on certain Feasts; but in cessation from divine things even these are prohibited.

Cessation from divine things is distinguished as twofold:

1° One by law, which exists by the very fact, when a Church is polluted or execrated.

2° Another by man, which, after preceding admonition, is imposed by a Superior having jurisdiction in the external forum (who can also remove it, or suspend it for a time), as a sign of mourning, or for reparation of a grave injury brought upon God; and then it affects all who are present in that place.

But the causes of cessation from divine things by law are referred to in the Treatise on the Eucharist, n. 1329. q. 4°. q. 5°. - The Sacraments which can be ministered during the time of interdict are granted also during the time of cessation.¹ Hence generally a private Mass once per week is permitted for renewing the Sacred Species for Viaticum. - But Clerics do not enjoy the privilege conceded to them during the time of interdict.