Quam singulari

In evidence of this, the decree referred to historical authorities such as the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Antoninus, the practices of the early church and Christ's own sayings on children.

[2] Cardinal Domenico Ferrata, former prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, played an important part in the preparation of Quam singulari.

At the same time He was not pleased when they would be driven away by the disciples, whom He rebuked gravely with these words: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God.”[4]Pius noted that the custom of giving Holy Communion to infants immediately after baptism, and frequently before the beginning of their rational life was practiced up until the thirteenth century, and while modified, never condemned; it is even approved among the Eastern rites.

[1] Pius X believed that children should be able to receive absolution and holy communion to strengthen and protect against the dangers and challenges of the modern world.

xxi) has never been revoked or modified, and in virtue of it all are obliged, as soon as they arrive at the years of discretion, to receive both the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion at Easter time[2] It was decreed that: At the regular meeting of the bishops of England and Wales in November 1910, the bishops decided that the decree should be publicly read each Easter.