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Neophyte (neophytoi, the newly planted, i.e. incorporated with the mystic Body of Christ), a term applied intheology to all those who have lately entered upon a new and higher state or condition of life, e.g. those who have begun theecclesiastical life, or have joined areligious order. More particularly is it used of those who, lately converted fromheathenism, have by the sacrament of Baptism, been transplanted into the higher life of theChurch. From very early times there have been prohibitions against neophytes in this last sense being promoted too quickly toHoly Orders and to positions of responsibility in theChurch. Thus theCouncil of Nicaea in its second canon lays down; rules on this subject, on the ground that some time isnecessary for the state of a Catechumen and for fuller probation afterbaptism; for the Apostolicdecree is clear which says, "Not a neophyte, lest being puffed up withpride, he fall into the judgment of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6). The period which should elapse after conversion before promotion is not fixed but (Bened. XIV, "De syn.", vii, 65-6) is left to the discretion of thebishop and will vary with the individual case. (SeeDIVORCE, sub-titlePauline Privilege.)
APA citation.Barnes, A.(1911).Neophyte. InThe Catholic Encyclopedia.New York: Robert Appleton Company.http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10742a.htm
MLA citation.Barnes, Arthur."Neophyte."The Catholic Encyclopedia.Vol. 10.New York: Robert Appleton Company,1911.<http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10742a.htm>.
Transcription.This article was transcribed for New Advent by Joseph P. Thomas.Dedicated to Mr. John Dumee.
Ecclesiastical approbation.Nihil Obstat. October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor.Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York.
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