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ER 1568
Canon 10 of the Diocesan Synod of Auxerre (Gaul, AD 561/605, most probably AD 585/592) decrees that the presbyter is forbidden to say Mass twice at the same altar on the same day, or at the altar at which the bishop has previously said Mass on that same day.
Canon 10
 
Non licet super uno altario in una die duas missas dicere; nec in altario, ubi episcopus missas dixerat, presbyter in illa die missas non dicat.
 
(ed. de Clercq 1963: 266)
Canon 10
 
It is forbidden to say two masses in one day at the same altar; nor should presbyter say mass at the altar at which the bishop had said mass the same day.
 
(trans. J. Szafranowski)

Discussion:

Beck 1950: 132, n. 23 suggested that in order for the second part of this canon to be reasonable, it must be assumed that there can be several masses celebrated daily at the same altar, and that one presbyter can offer sacrifice at two altars on the same day. The prohibition applies only to saying two masses at one altar in quick succession.
 
This canon testifies to the intensification of Eucharist celebration in the second half of the sixth century. It seems that some priests celebrated numerous masses daily. The introduction of such precepts coincides with the first evidence on multiple altars in one church, see [2313].

Place of event:

Region
  • Gaul
City
  • Auxerre

About the source:

Title: Diocesan Synod of Auxerre, Synodus Dioecesana Autissiodorensis
Origin: Auxerre (Gaul)
Denomination: Catholic/Nicene/Chalcedonian
The acts of the Diocesan Synod of Auxerre are unique, as no other evidence from the Merovingian diocesan councils has been preserved. This synod was called by Bishop Aunacharius of Auxerre. Traditionally, the only dates given for this council were those of the Aunacharius pontificate, which lasted from 561 to 605. It was pointed out, however, that several canons from Auxerre refer to the Second Council of Mâcon of 585, and, thus, the Synod of Auxerre gathered most probably after that year. In canon 44, the decree upholds the law of the unknown ruling king: most probably this is a reference to King Guntram, who died in 592. Hence, the Synod was held before that date (see, PCBE Gaule I: Aunacharius). As a diocesan council, this gathering was attended by only one bishop but thirty-three presbyters, seven abbots, and three deacons. It is not surprising, therefore, that many canons concern the presbyters, deacons, and lower clergy.
Edition:
C. de Clercq ed., Concilia Galliae a. 511-a. 695, Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina 148 A, Turnhout 1963.
 
Translation:
J.N. Hillgarth, Christianity and paganism, 350-750: the conversion of Western Europe, Philadelphia 1986.
J. Gaudemet, B. Basdevant, Les canons des conciles mérovingiens VIe-VIIe siècles, Sources chrétiennes 353, Paris 1989.
Bibliography:
H.G.J. Beck, The pastoral care of souls in South-East France during the sixth century (Analecta Gregoriana 51), Rome 1950.

Categories:

Described by a title - Presbyter/πρεσβύτερος
    Ritual activity - Eucharist
      Ritual activity - Private mass
        Public law - Ecclesiastical
          Relation with - Bishop/Monastic superior
            Ritual activity - Daily mass
              Theoretical considerations - On church hierarchy
                Please quote this record referring to its author, database name, number, and, if possible, stable URL: J. Szafranowski, Presbyters in the Late Antique West, ER1568, http://presbytersproject.ihuw.pl/index.php?id=6&SourceID=1568
                Record by: Jerzy Szafranowski
                last edited: 2020-04-17 18:30:58
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