Online texts: The original schemas (drafts) of Vatican II

See the following texts of the original schemata for the Second Vatican Council, translated and published online by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak:

• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on the Sources of Revelation, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in PDF format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis
• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution [on] Defending Intact the Deposit of Faith, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.
• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available as a single pdf file (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis. The individual chapters are also available in pdf format: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, and Chapter 11.
• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on the Christian Moral Order, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.
• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on Chastity, Marriage, the Family, and Virginity, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.
• Draft of a Dogmatic Constitution on the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God and Mother of Men, by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.

See also the following related documents:

• An Outline for the Ecumenical Council, by the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office, translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.
• The “Brief Outlines” of Dogmatic Constitutions, prepared by the Preparatory Theological Commission for the Second Vatican Council (Summer 1960), translated by Fr. Joseph A. Komonchak (2012). Available in pdf format (on this page) at In Verbo Veritatis.

Posted on the Feast of Pope St. John XXIII, and on the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council; with thanks to Unam Sanctam Catholicam and A Blog for Dallas Area Catholics for providing links to and brief commentaries on the schemata. One may also look at “Original Discarded Schemata for Vatican II“, a forum discussion on Catholic Answers. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject). 

Sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God, committed to the Church. Holding fast to this deposit the entire holy people united with their shepherds remain always steadfast in the teaching of the Apostles, in the common life, in the breaking of the bread and in prayers (see Acts 2, 42, Greek text), so that holding to, practicing and professing the heritage of the faith, it becomes on the part of the bishops and faithful a single common effort. 

But the task of authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church, whose authority is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ. This teaching office is not above the word of God, but serves it, teaching only what has been handed on, listening to it devoutly, guarding it scrupulously and explaining it faithfully in accord with a divine commission and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it draws from this one deposit of faith everything which it presents for belief as divinely revealed.

It is clear, therefore, that sacred tradition, Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God’s most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.

(Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation “Dei Verbum”, Par. 10)

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Texto en linea: “Encíclica sobre el Apostolado Misionero”, del Papa Juan XXIII

Ver este texto en linea:

• Princeps Pastorum: Encíclica sobre el Apostolado Misionero, del Papa San Juan XXIII (28 de noviembre de 1959). Disponible en la Santa Sede, el Archidiocesis de Madrid, y la Congregación para el Clero.

Por la Fiesta de Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús en la forma extraordinaria del rito romano. Para más libros, por favor ingrese a la lista de los libros electrónicos gratis (Ordenados por título) y la lista de los libros gratis (Agrupados por tema).

‘La difusión de la verdad y de la caridad de Cristo es la verdadera misión de la Iglesia… El celo apostólico pertenece esencialmente a la profesión de la fe cristiana: en verdad que «cada uno está obligado a difundir su fe entre los demás, ya para instruir y confirmar a los otros fieles, ya también para rechazar los ataques de los infieles»’ (Papa San Juan XXIII)

(And if the grammar is wrong, please correct me. Gracias!)

Online ebook: Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859 edition

See this online ebook:

• George Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859 edition: A Catholic Bible commentary compiled by the late Rev. Fr. George Leo Haydock, following the Douay-Rheims Bible.
  • May be read online at Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859 edition. [N.B. This is the best copy, and contains the text of Scripture together with the commentary along with cross-references to other passages.]
  • Through this page of the same website the following may be downloaded:
    1. The 1859 Haydock Bible Commentary (epub format);
    2. The 1859 Haydock Bible Commentary (mobi format);
    3. The 1859 Haydock Old Testament Commentary (rtf format); and
    4. The 1859 Haydock New Testament Commentary (rtf format).
  • The work also be read online (on this page) at e-Catholic 2000; and at StudyLight.org.
  • The following may also be downloaded (through this page) at the St. Isidore e-book library:
    1. The 1859 Haydock Bible Commentary in epub format;
    2. The 1859 Haydock Old Testament Commentary in pdf format; and
    3. The 1859 Haydock New Testament Commentary in pdf format;

On the Feast of St. Jerome in the Roman Rite. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

“The divine speech that communicates the truths of the Catholic faith is expressed in human languages. The inspired Hebrew and Greek text of the Holy Scriptures is itself uttered by God in all of its parts. It is not a purely human report or interpretation of divine revelation, and no part of its meaning is due solely to human causes. In believing the teaching of the Holy Scriptures we are believing God directly.” (From the Correctio Filialis de Haeresibus Propagatis, 16 July 2017)

Online text: “Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Foetuses”, by the Pontifical Academy for Life

See this online text: 

• Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Foetuses, by the Pontifical Academy for Life. With a letter dated 9 June 2005 transmitting the English translation to the Executive Director of Children of God for Life. Available in pdf format (on this page) at Children of God for Life; and may be read online (on this page) at Catholic Culture.org. A version without the transmittal letter may be read online at Immunization Action Coalition.
  • A Statement of the Catholic Medical Association responding to the document, “Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived from Aborted Human Fetuses”, is available at Children of God for Life.
  • A brief summary of the document, “Vatican Issues Guidelines on Use of Abortion-Derived Vaccines” (21 August 2005) may be read at National Catholic Register.
  • An even shorter summary, “Vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted human fetuses”, may be read at the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
• The 2005 document is appropriately read together with the Instruction “Dignitatis Personae” on Certain Bioethical Questions, by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (8 September 2008), which may be read online (here) with a synthesis on this page at Catholic Culture.org, and is available in pdf format (here) at Children of God for Life. [N.B., Dignitas Personae‘s relevance to the issue is explained in the article “Holy See Document, Dignitatis Personae, Sets Bioethics Standards for Research and Aborted Fetal Vaccines” at Children of God for Life.]
• The foundational ethical principles are authoritatively discussed in the Encyclical Letter “Veritatis Splendor” by Pope St. John Paul II (6 August 1993), Nos. 79-83, which may be read online at the Holy See; and summarised for general readers by Fr. John Yockey in “Does the end justify the means?” at Catholic Herald.

In observance of World Rabies Day, 2017. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

“[I]t is never lawful, even for the gravest reasons, to do evil that good may come of it (cf. Rom 3:8) — in other words, to intend directly something which of its very nature contradicts the moral order, and which must therefore be judged unworthy of man, even though the intention is to protect or promote the welfare of an individual, of a family or of society in general” (Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, No. 14, as quoted by Pope St. John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, No. 80)

Online text: “Just-War Doctrine in a Nuclear Context”, by William O’Brien,

See this online text:

• “Just-War Doctrine in a Nuclear Context”, by William V. O’Brien, Theological Studies, Vol 44, Issue 2, pp. 191-220 (1983). Available in pdf format at Theological Studies through Sage Journals.

On the Feast of St. Sergius of Radonezh; in remembrance of Francisco Suarez, S.J. (+25 September 1617), a founder of international law; and on the anniversary of the Battle of Nicopolis (25 September 1396), in which the Ottoman Empire defeated the Christian army that had marched to the defence of Constantinople. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

O God, from whom proceed all holy desires, all right counsels and just works; grant unto us Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be devoted to Thy commands, and that, being delivered from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under Thy protection. Through Christ our Lord. (Prayer to Implore Peace, Raccolta [1866] No. 158)

Free ebooks: “The Church of Old England”, in 4 volumes, by Cardinals Vaughan & Manning et al.

See these legally free ebooks:

• The Church of Old England: Being a Collection of Papers Bearing on the Continuity of the Church in England, and on Attempts to Justify the Anglican Position, edited by Rev. W. H. Cologan (London: Catholic Truth Society)
  • Volume I (1890) is available in multiple formats (pdf, epub, kindle/mobi, etc.) at Internet Archive (N.B., This includes the essays “The Popes and the English Church” by Rev. W. Waterworth and “A Voice from the Dead” by the Count de Montalambert)
  • Volume II (1895) is available in multiple formats at Internet Archive (N.B., This includes the essay “Henry VIII and the English Monasteries”, by Cardinal Manning)
  • Volume III (1894) is available in multiple formats at Internet Archive (N.B., This includes the essay “The Conversion of England (England’s Conversion by the Power of Prayer”, by Cardinal Vaughan, and “The Truth about the Reformation”)
  • Volume IV (1894) is available in multiple formats at Internet Archive (N.B., This includes the essay “The Faith of the Ancient English Church concerning the Blessed Virgin” by the Very Rev. Provost Northcote)

On the Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham in the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham and in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter (24 September). In solidarity with our brethren from the Anglican tradition, who even now stand for truth and tradition against error and novelty, we sing the hope so beautifully expressed by Father Frederick William Faber:

Faith of our fathers! Mary’s prayers
Shall win our country back to thee;
And from the truth that comes from God,
England shall then indeed be free.

Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

Free ebook: Commentary on St. Matthew, by Saint Thomas Aquinas, with a Preface by John Henry Newman

See this legally free ebook:

• Catena Aurea: Commentary on the Four Gospels, Collected Out of the Works of the Fathers, Vol. I: St. Matthew, by Saint Thomas Aquinas, translated by John Henry Parker, with a Preface by John Henry Newman (Oxford: John Henry Parker; London: J. Rivington, 1841-1842). Originally printed in 3 parts, and available in multiple formats (pdf, epub, kindle/mobi, etc.):
  • Part I (1841) on Chapters I to X, at Internet Archive and Open Library.
  • Part II (1841) on Chapters XI to XXI, at Internet Archive.
  • Part III (1842) on Chapters XXII to XXVIII, at  Internet Archive.
• Copies are also available without Newman’s Preface:
  • The Latin-English text of entire commentary on St. Matthew’s gospel, with the Dedication translated by Joseph Kenny, O.P., may be read online on this page, of the collection St. Thomas Aquinas’ Works in English at the Dominican House of Studies, Priory of the Immaculate Conception.
  • Available in a single PDF volume at Catholic Primer and on this page of Saints’ Books. [N.B., The text states: “The contents the Catena Aurea of St. Thomas Aquinas is in the public domain. However, this electronic version is copyrighted. © The Catholic Primer, 2005. All Rights Reserved.”]
  • May also be read online through this page, which has the whole Catena Aurea of St. Thomas Aquinas on all 4 gospels, at e-Catholic 2000.

On the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in the Latin church. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject). From the text:

“For what wonder is it that this should befal Peter, who had never received a revelation concerning these things? For that you may learn that confession which he made concerning Christ was not spoken of himself, observe how in these things which had not been revealed to him, he is at a loss. Estimating the things of Christ by human and earthly principles, he judged it mean and unworthy of Him that He should suffer. Therefore the Lord added, ‘For thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that […] be of men.'” (St. John Chrysostom, on Matthew xvi, 22-23)

Online ebook and audiobook: “Introduction to the Sacraments”, by Peter Kreeft

See this online ebook and audiobook:

• Introduction to the Sacraments, by Peter Kreeft (New Haven, Connecticut: Knights of Columbus Supreme Council—Catholic Information Service, 2001). With Imprimatur. 28 pages. Number 12 of the Luke E. Hart Series: Basic Elements of the Catholic Faith (Father John A. Farren, O.P., General Editor). The ebook may be read online and is available in PDF format, and the audiobook may be heard in MP3 format through this page, at the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, Catholic Information Service.

On the Feast of Saint Cyprian in the Maronite church, and of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian in the Latin church. For more legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. (From Sancta Missa)

Free ebook: “Handbook of the Christian Religion, for the Use of Advanced Students and the Educated Laity”, by Rev. W. Wilmers, S.J.

See this legally free ebook:

• Handbook of the Christian Religion, for the Use of Advanced Students and the Educated Laity, 3^rd edition, enlarged by a supplement, from the German, by Rev. W. Wilmers, S.J.; edited by Rev. James Conway, S.J. (New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1891). With Imprimatur. Available in various formats (pdf, mobi/kindle, epub, etc.) at Internet Archive (whose index page has a complete Table of Contents) with a second copy at Internet Archive. What might be an earlier edition is available at Internet Archive.

On the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary in the Roman Rite; and in remembrance of the Battle and Second Siege of Vienna (14 July-12 September 1683), in which Christian soldiers of many nations defeated the last great attempt of the Muslim world to conquer Christendom. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

“‘[N]ot acting reasonably (σὺν λόγω) is contrary to God’s nature. Faith is born of the soul, not the body. Whoever would lead someone to faith needs the ability to speak well and to reason properly, without violence and threats…’

“[T]he faith of the Church has always insisted that between God and us, between his eternal Creator Spirit and our created reason there exists a real analogy, in which… unlikeness remains infinitely greater than likeness, yet not to the point of abolishing analogy and its language…

“[T]he truly divine God is the God who has revealed himself as logos and, as logos, has acted and continues to act lovingly on our behalf… Consequently, Christian worship is, again to quote Paul – “λογικη λατρεία”, worship in harmony with the eternal Word and with our reason.”

(Pope Benedict XVI, Regensburg Address on “Faith, Reason and the University“, 12 September 2006)

Free ebook: “Purgatory, Dogmatic and Scholastic… Considered and Proved”, by Rev. M. Canty

See this legally free ebook:

• Purgatory, Dogmatic and Scholastic: The Various Questions Connected with it Considered and Proved, by Rev. M. Canty, P.P. (Dublin: M.H. Gill and Son, 1886). With Imprimatur. Available in various formats (pdf, epub, mobi/kindle, text, etc.) at Internet Archive.

On the Feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentino in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. For other legally free ebooks, you may access the List of Free eBooks (Arranged by Title) and the List of Free eBooks (Grouped by Subject).

“Every man’s work shall be manifest; for the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work burn, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.” (I Corinthians iii, 13-15)