Alta Vendita

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Originally published in Italian in the 19th century, the Alta Vendita (or, in full: The permanent instruction of the Alta Vendita) is a document purportedly produced by the highest lodge^[1] of the Italian Carbonari.

The document details an alleged Masonic plan to infiltrate the Roman Catholic church and spread liberal ideas within it. The Carbonari had strong similarities to Freemasonry, and so the document is seen by some as a Masonic document. In the nineteenth century Pope Pius IX^[2] and Pope Leo XIII both asked for it to be published. By asking that the document be published, the popes expressed their belief that it was true^[3] - although this is disputed.

It is still propagated by many traditionalist and sedevacantist Catholics, who believe it accurately describes the evolution of the church in the post-Vatican II era.^[4]

[edit] References

1. ^ "At the head was the alta vendita, to which deputies were chosen from the other vendite." Catholic Encyclopedia: Carbonari
2. ^ "This little booklet reprints a collection of papers — reputedly from 1820s Alta Vendita correspondence — published by authority of Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) in 1859." Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon (2004-12-15). Anti-masonry Frequently Asked Questions:"Q 10. Doesn't the Alta Vendita prove that Freemasonry is anti-Catholic?". Retrieved on 2006-08-14.
3. ^ "With the brief of approbation of February 25, 1861 which he addressed to the author, Pope Pius IX guaranteed the authenticity of these documents, but he did not allow anyone to divulge the true members of the Alta Vendita implicated in this correspondence." The Permanent Instruction of the Alta Vendita by John Vennari (Catholic Family News)
4. ^ "The post-Vatican II revolution bears all the hallmarks of the fulfilling of the designs of the Permanent Instruction of the Alta Vendita" Freemasonry and the Subversion of the Catholic Church by John Vennari (Traditionalist Catholic)