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Title: |
Qui Pluribus
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Descr.: |
On Faith And Religion
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Pope: |
Pope Pius IX
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Date: |
November 9, 1846
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To
All Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops.
Venerable
Brothers, We Greet You and Give You Our Apostolic Blessing.
1.
For many years past We strove with you, venerable brothers, to
devote Our best powers to Our episcopal office - an office full of
labor and worry. We strove to feed those committed to Our care on
the mountains of Israel, at its streams and in its richest
pastures. Our illustrious Predecessor, Gregory XVI, whose famous
actions are recorded in the annals of the Church in letters of
gold, will surely be remembered and admired by future generations.
Now though, upon his death, by the mysterious plan of divine
providence, We have been raised to the supreme Pontificate. We did
not purpose this nor expect it; indeed Our reaction is great
disquietude and anxiety. For if the burden of the Apostolic
ministry is rightly considered to be at all times exceedingly
heavy and beset with dangers, it is to be dreaded most
particularly in these times which are so critical for the
Christian commonwealth.
2.
We are well aware of Our weakness. So when We reflect on the most
serious duties of the supreme apostolate especially in a period of
great instability, We would simply have fallen into great sadness,
did We not place all Our hope in God who is Our Savior. For He
never abandons those who hope in Him. Time and again, so as to
demonstrate what His power can accomplish, He employs weak
instruments to rule His Church; in this way, all men may
increasingly realize that it is God Himself who governs and
protects the Church with his wonderful providence. We are also
greatly supported by the comforting consideration that We have
you, venerable brothers, as Our helpers and companions in the work
of saving souls. For since you have been called to share a portion
of Our care, you strive to fulfill your ministry with
attentiveness and zeal, and to fight the good fight.
3.
For this reason, as soon as We were placed, despite Our
unworthiness, on this high See of the Prince of the Apostles as
the representative of the blessed Peter, and received from the
eternal Prince of Pastors Himself the most serious divinely given
office of feeding and ruling not only the lambs, that is, the
whole Christian people, but also the sheep, that is, the bishops,
We surely had no greater wish than to address you all with a deep
feeling of love. Therefore, since We have now assumed the supreme
pontificate in Our Lateran Basilica, We are sending this letter to
you without delay, in accordance with the established practice of
Our predecessors. Its purpose is to urge that you keep the
night-watches over the flock entrusted to your care with the
greatest possible eagerness, wakefulness and effort, and that you
raise a protecting wall before the House of Israel; do these as
you battle with episcopal strength and steadfastness like good
soldiers of Christ Jesus against the hateful enemy of the human
race.
4.
Each of you has noticed, venerable brothers, that a very bitter
and fearsome war against the whole Catholic commonwealth is being
stirred up by men bound together in a lawless alliance. These men
do not preserve sound doctrine, but turn their hearing from the
truth. They eagerly attempt to produce from their darkness all
sorts of prodigious beliefs, and then to magnify them with all
their strength, and to publish them and spread them among ordinary
people. We shudder indeed and suffer bitter pain when We reflect
on all their outlandish errors and their many harmful methods,
plots and contrivances. These men use these means to spread their
hatred for truth and light. They are experienced and skillful in
deceit, which they use to set in motion their plans to quench
peoples' zeal for piety, justice and virtue, to corrupt morals, to
cast all divine and human laws into confusion, and to weaken and
even possibly overthrow the Catholic religion and civil society.
For you know, venerable brothers, that these bitter enemies of the
Christian name, are carried wretchedly along by some blind
momentum of their mad impiety; they go so far in their rash
imagining as to teach without blushing, openly and publicly,
daring and unheard-of doctrines, thereby uttering blasphemies
against God.(1) They teach that the most holy mysteries of our
religion are fictions of human invention, and that the teaching of
the Catholic Church is opposed to the good and the prerogatives of
human society. They are not even afraid to deny Christ Himself and
God.
5.
In order to easily mislead the people into making errors,
deceiving particularly the imprudent and the inexperienced, they
pretend that they alone know the ways to prosperity. They claim
for themselves without hesitation the name of
"philosophers." They feel as if philosophy, which is
wholly concerned with the search for truth in nature, ought to
reject those truths which God Himself, the supreme and merciful
creator of nature, has deigned to make plain to men as a special
gift. With these truths, mankind can gain true happiness and
salvation. So, by means of an obviously ridiculous and extremely
specious kind of argumentation, these enemies never stop invoking
the power and excellence of human reason; they raise it up against
the most holy faith of Christ, and they blather with great
foolhardiness that this faith is opposed to human reason.
6.
Without doubt, nothing more insane than such a doctrine, nothing
more impious or more opposed to reason itself could be devised.
For although faith is above reason, no real disagreement or
opposition can ever be found between them; this is because both of
them come from the same greatest source of unchanging and eternal
truth, God. They give such reciprocal help to each other that true
reason shows, maintains and protects the truth of the faith, while
faith frees reason from all errors and wondrously enlightens,
strengthens and perfects reason with the knowledge of divine
matters.
7.
It is with no less deceit, venerable brothers, that other enemies
of divine revelation, with reckless and sacrilegious effrontery,
want to import the doctrine of human progress into the Catholic
religion. They extol it with the highest praise, as if religion
itself were not of God but the work of men, or a philosophical
discovery which can be perfected by human means. The charge which
Tertullian justly made against the philosophers of his own time
"who brought forward a Stoic and a Platonic and a Dialectical
Christianity"(2) can very aptly apply to those men who rave
so pitiably. Our holy religion was not invented by human reason,
but was most mercifully revealed by God; therefore, one can quite
easily understand that religion itself acquires all its power from
the authority of God who made the revelation, and that it can
never be arrived at or perfected by human reason. In order not to
be deceived and go astray in a matter of such great importance,
human reason should indeed carefully investigate the fact of
divine revelation. Having done this, one would be definitely
convinced that God has spoken and therefore would show Him
rational obedience, as the Apostle very wisely teaches.(3) For who
can possibly not know that all faith should be given to the words
of God and that it is in the fullest agreement with reason itself
to accept and strongly support doctrines which it has determined
to have been revealed by God, who can neither deceive nor be
deceived?
8.
But how many wonderful and shining proofs are ready at hand to
convince the human reason in the clearest way that the religion of
Christ is divine and that "the whole principle of our
doctrines has taken root from the Lord of the heavens
above";(4) therefore nothing exists more definite, more
settled or more holy than our faith, which rests on the strongest
foundations. This faith, which teaches for life and points towards
salvation, which casts out all vices and is the fruitful mother
and nurse of the virtues, has been established by the birth, life,
death, resurrection, wisdom, wonders and prophecies of Christ
Jesus, its divine author and perfector! Shining forth in all
directions with the light of teaching from on high and enriched
with the treasures of heavenly wealth, this faith grew famed and
notable by the foretellings of so many prophets, the lustre of so
many miracles, the steadfastness of so many martyrs, and the glory
of so many saints! It made known the saving laws of Christ and,
gaining in strength daily even when it was most cruelly
persecuted, it made its way over the whole world by land and sea,
from the sun's rising to its setting, under the single standard of
the Cross! The deceit of idols was cast down and the mist of
errors was scattered. By the defeat of all kinds of enemies, this
faith enlightened with divine knowledge all peoples, races and
nations, no matter how barbarous and savage, or how different in
character, morals, laws and ways of life. It brought them under
the sweet yoke of Christ Himself by proclaiming peace and good
tidings to all men!
9.
Now, surely all these events shine with such divine wisdom and
power that anyone who considers them will easily understand that
the Christian faith is the work of God. Human reason knows clearly
from these striking and certain proofs that God is the author of
this faith; therefore it is unable to advance further but should
offer all obedience to this faith, casting aside completely every
problem and hesitation. Human reason is convinced that it is God
who has given everything the faith proposes to men for belief and
behavior.
10.
This consideration too clarifies the great error of those others
as well who boldly venture to explain and interpret the words of
God by their own judgment, misusing their reason and holding the
opinion that these words are like a human work. God Himself has
set up a living authority to establish and teach the true and
legitimate meaning of His heavenly revelation. This authority
judges infallibly all disputes which concern matters of faith and
morals, lest the faithful be swirled around by every wind of
doctrine which springs from the evilness of men in encompassing
error. And this living infallible authority is active only in that
Church which was built by Christ the Lord upon Peter, the head of
the entire Church, leader and shepherd, whose faith He promised
would never fail. This Church has had an unbroken line of
succession from Peter himself; these legitimate pontiffs are the
heirs and defenders of the same teaching, rank, office and power.
And the Church is where Peter is,(5) and Peter speaks in the Roman
Pontiff,(6) living at all times in his successors and making
judgment,(7) providing the truth of the faith to those who seek
it.(8) The divine words therefore mean what this Roman See of the
most blessed Peter holds and has held.
11.
For this mother and teacher(9) of all the churches has always
preserved entire and unharmed the faith entrusted to it by Christ
the Lord. Furthermore, it has taught it to the faithful, showing
all men truth and the path of salvation. Since all priesthood
originates in this church,(10) the entire substance of the
Christian religion resides there also.(11) The leadership of the
Apostolic See has always been active,(12) and therefore because of
its preeminent authority, the whole Church must agree with it. The
faithful who live in every place constitute the whole Church.(13)
Whoever does not gather with this Church scatters.(14)
12.
We, therefore, placed inscrutably by God upon this Chair of truth,
eagerly call forth in the Lord your outstanding piety, venerable
brothers. We urge you to strive carefully and zealously to
continually warn and exhort the faithful entrusted to your care to
hold to these first principles. Urge them never to allow
themselves to be deceived and led into error by men who have
become abominable in their pursuits. These men attempt to destroy
faith on the pretext of human progress, subjecting it in an
impious manner to reason and changing the meaning of the words of
God. Such men do not shrink from the greatest insults to God
Himself, who cares for the good and the salvation of men by means
of His heavenly religion.
13.
You already know well, venerable brothers, the other portentous
errors and deceits by which the sons of this world try most
bitterly to attack the Catholic religion and the divine authority
of the Church and its laws. They would even trample underfoot the
rights both of the sacred and of the civil power. For this is the
goal of the lawless activities against this Roman See in which
Christ placed the impregnable foundation of His Church. This is
the goal of those secret sects who have come forth from the
darkness to destroy and desolate both the sacred and the civil
commonwealth. These have been condemned with repeated anathema in
the Apostolic letters of the Roman Pontiffs who preceded Us(15) We
now confirm these with the fullness of Our Apostolic power and
command that they be most carefully observed.
14.
This is the goal too of the crafty Bible Societies which renew the
old skill of the heretics and ceaselessly force on people of all
kinds, even the uneducated, gifts of the Bible. They issue these
in large numbers and at great cost, in vernacular translations,
which infringe the holy rules of the Church. The commentaries
which are included often contain perverse explanations; so, having
rejected divine tradition, the doctrine of the Fathers and the
authority of the Catholic Church, they all interpret the words of
the Lord by their own private judgment, thereby perverting their
meaning. As a result, they fall into the greatest errors. Gregory
XVI of happy memory, Our superior predecessor, followed the lead
of his own predecessors in rejecting these societies in his
apostolic letters.(16) It is Our will to condemn them likewise.
15.
Also perverse is the shocking theory that it makes no difference
to which religion one belongs, a theory which is greatly at
variance even with reason. By means of this theory, those crafty
men remove all distinction between virtue and vice, truth and
error, honorable and vile action. They pretend that men can gain
eternal salvation by the practice of any religion, as if there
could ever be any sharing between justice and iniquity, any
collaboration between light and darkness, or any agreement between
Christ and Belial.
16.
The sacred celibacy of clerics has also been the victim of
conspiracy. Indeed, some churchmen have wretchedly forgotten their
own rank and let themselves be converted by the charms and snares
of pleasure. This is the aim too of the prevalent but wrong method
of teaching, especially in the philosophical disciplines, a method
which deceives and corrupts incautious youth in a wretched manner
and gives it as drink the poison of the serpent in the goblet of
Babylon. To this goal also tends the unspeakable doctrine of
Communism, as it is called, a doctrine most opposed to the very
natural law. For if this doctrine were accepted, the complete
destruction of everyone's laws, government, property, and even of
human society itself would follow.
17.
To this end also tend the most dark designs of men in the clothing
of sheep, while inwardly ravening wolves. They humbly recommend
themselves by means of a feigned and deceitful appearance of a
purer piety, a stricter virtue and discipline; after taking their
captives gently, they mildly bind them, and then kill them in
secret. They make men fly in terror from all practice of religion,
[and they cut down and tear apart the Lord's faithful]. To this
end, finally - to omit other dangers which are too well known to
you - tends the widespread disgusting infection from books and
pamphlets which teach the lessons of sinning. These works,
well-written and filled with deceit and cunning, are scattered at
immense cost through every region for the destruction of the
Christian people. They spread pestilential doctrines everywhere
and deprave the minds especially of the imprudent, occasioning
great losses for religion.
18.
As a result of this filthy medley of errors which creeps in from
every side, and as the result of the unbridled license to think,
speak and write, We see the following: morals deteriorated,
Christ's most holy religion despised, the majesty of divine
worship rejected, the power of this Apostolic See plundered, the
authority of the Church attacked and reduced to base slavery, the
rights of bishops trampled on, the sanctity of marriage infringed,
the rule of every government violently shaken and many other
losses for both the Christian and the civil commonwealth.
Venerable brothers, We are compelled to weep and share in your
lament that this is the case.
19.
Therefore, in this great crisis for religion, because We are
greatly concerned for the salvation of all the Lord's flock and in
fulfillment of the duty of Our Apostolic ministry, We shall
certainly leave no measure untried in Our vigorous effort to
secure the good of the whole Christian family. Indeed, We
especially call forth in the Lord your own illustrious piety,
virtue and prudence, venerable brothers. With these and relying on
heavenly aid, you may fearlessly defend the cause of God and His
holy Church as befits your station and the office for which you
are marked. You must fight energetically, since you know very well
what great wounds the undefiled Spouse of Christ Jesus has
suffered, and how vigorous is the destructive attack of Her
enemies. You must also care for and defend the Catholic faith with
episcopal strength and see that the flock entrusted to you stands
to the end firm and unmoved in the faith. For unless one preserves
the faith entire and uninjured, he will without doubt perish
forever.(17)
20.
So, in accordance with your pastoral care, work assiduously to
protect and preserve this faith. Never cease to instruct all men
in it, to encourage the wavering, to convince dissenters, to
strengthen the weak in faith by never tolerating and letting pass
anything which could in the slightest degree defile the purity of
this faith. With the same great strength of mind, foster in all
men their unity with the Catholic Church, outside of which there
is no salvation; also foster their obedience towards this See of
Peter on which rests the entire structure of our most holy
religion. See to it with similar firmness that the most holy laws
of the Church are observed, for it is by these laws that virtue,
religion and piety particularly thrive and flourish.
21.
"It is an act of great piety to expose the concealments of
the impious and to defeat there the devil himself, whose slaves
they are.(18) Therefore We entreat you to use every means of
revealing to your faithful people the many kinds of plot,
pretense, error, deceit and contrivance which our enemies use.
This will turn them carefully away from infectious books. Also
exhort them unceasingly to flee from the sects and societies of
the impious as from the presence of a serpent, earnestly avoiding
everything which is at variance with the wholeness of faith,
religion and morality. Therefore, never stop preaching the Gospel,
so that the Christian people may grow in the knowledge of God by
being daily better versed in the most holy precepts of the
Christian law; as a result, they may turn from evil, do good, and
walk in the ways of the Lord. You know that you are acting as
deputies for Christ, who is meek and humble, and who came not to
call the just but sinners. This is the example that we should
follow. When you find someone disregarding the commandments and
wandering from the path of truth and justice, rebuke them in the
spirit of mildness and meekness with paternal warnings; accuse,
entreat and reprove them with all kindness, patience and doctrine.
"Often benevolence towards those who are to be corrected
achieves more than severity, exhortation more than threats, and
love more than power."(19)
22.
Strive to instruct the faithful to follow after love and search
for peace, diligently pursuing the works of love and peace so that
they may love one another with reciprocal charity. They should
abolish all disagreements, enmities, rivalries and animosities,
thus achieving compatibility. Take pains to impress on the
Christian people a due obedience and subjection to rulers and
governments. Do this by teaching, in accordance with the warning
of the Apostle,(20) that all authority comes from God. Whoever
resists authority resists the ordering made by God Himself,
consequently achieving his own condemnation; disobeying authority
is always sinful except when an order is given which is opposed to
the laws of God and the Church.
23.
However, priests are the best examples of piety and God's
worship,(21) and people tend generally to be of the same
quality as their priests. Therefore devote the greatest care and
zeal to making the clergy resplendent for the earnestness of their
morals, the integrity, holiness and wisdom of their lives. Let the
ecclesiastical training be zealously preserved in compliance with
the sacred canons, and whenever it has been neglected, let it be
restored to its former splendor. Therefore, as you are well aware,
you must take the utmost care, as the Apostle commands, not to
impose hands on anyone in haste. Consecrate with holy orders and
promote to the performance of the sacred mysteries only those who
have been carefully examined and who are virtuous and wise. They
can consequently benefit and ornament your dioceses.
24.
These are men who avoid everything which is forbidden to clerics,
devoting their time instead to reading, exhorting and teaching,
"an example to the faithful in word, manner of life, in
charity, in faith, in chastity."(22) They win the highest
respect from all men, and fashion, summon forth and inspire the
people with the Christian way of life. "For it would
certainly be better," as Benedict XIV, Our Predecessor of
undying memory very wisely advises, "to have fewer ministers
if they be upright, suitable and useful, than many who are likely
to accomplish nothing at all for the building up of the body of
Christ, which is the Church."(23) You must examine with
greater diligence the morals and the knowledge of men who are
entrusted with the care and guidance of souls, that they may be
eager to continuously feed and assist the people entrusted to them
by the administration of the sacraments, the preaching of God's
word and the example of good works. They should be zealous in
molding them to the whole plan and pattern of a religious way of
life, and in leading them on to the path of salvation.
25.
When ministers are ignorant or neglectful of their duty, then the
morals of the people also immediately decline, Christian
discipline grows slack, the practice of religion is dislodged and
cast aside, and every vice and corruption is easily introduced
into the Church. The word of God, which was uttered for the
salvation of souls, is living, efficacious and more piercing than
a two-edged sword.(24) So that it may not prove to be unfruitful
through the fault of its ministers, never cease, venerable
brothers, from encouraging the preachers of this divine word to
carry out most religiously the ministry of the Gospel. This should
not be carried out by the persuasive words of human wisdom, nor by
the profane seductive guise of empty and ambitious eloquence, but
rather as a demonstration of the spirit and power.
26.
Consequently, by presenting the word of truth properly and by
preaching not themselves but Christ crucified, they should clearly
proclaim in their preaching the tenets and precepts of our most
holy religion in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic
Church and the Fathers. They should explain precisely the
particular duties of individuals, frighten them from vice, and
inspire them with a love of piety. In this way the faithful will
avoid all vices and pursue virtues, and so, will be able to escape
eternal punishment and gain heavenly glory.
27.
In your pastoral care, continuously urge all ecclesiastics to
think seriously of their holy ministry. Urge them to carefully
fulfill their duties, to greatly love the beauty of God's house,
to urgently pray and entreat with deep piety, and to say the
canonical hours of the breviary as the Church commands. By these
means they will be able both to pray efficaciously for God's help
in fulfilling the heavy demands of their duty, and to graciously
reconcile God and the Christian people.
28.
You know that suitable ministers can only come from clergy who are
very well trained, and that the proper training greatly influences
the whole future life of clerics. Therefore, continually strive to
ensure that young clerics are properly molded even from their
earliest years. They should be molded not only in piety and real
virtue, but also in literature and the stricter disciplines,
especially the sacred ones. So your greatest desire should be, in
obedience to the prescript of the fathers at Trent,(25) to set up
skillfully and energetically, seminaries if they do not yet exist.
If necessary expand those already established, supplying them with
the best directors and teachers. Watch continuously and zealously
that the young clerics in them are educated in a holy and
religious manner, in the fear of the Lord and in ecclesiastical
discipline. See that they are carefully and thoroughly improved,
especially by the sacred sciences, according to Catholic doctrine,
far from all danger of any error. They should also be improved by
the traditions of the Church and the writings of the holy Fathers,
as well as by sacred ceremonies and rites. Thus you will have
energetic, industrious workers endowed with an ecclesiastical
spirit, properly prepared by their studies, who in time will be
able to tend the Lord's field carefully and fight strenuously in
the Lord's battles.
29.
Furthermore, you realize that spiritual exercises contribute
greatly to the preservation of the dignity and holiness of
ecclesiastical orders. Therefore do not neglect to promote this
work of salvation and to advise and exhort all clergy to often
retreat to a suitable place for making these exercises. Laying
aside external cares and being free to meditate zealously on
eternal divine matters, they will be able to wipe away stains
caused by the dust of the world and renew their ecclesiastical
spirit. And stripping off the old man and his deeds, they will put
on the new man who was created in justice and holiness.
30.
Do not regret that We have spoken at length on the education and
training of the clergy. For you are very well aware many men are
weary of the difference, instability and changing nature of their
errors, and therefore want to profess our most holy religion.
These men, with God's good help, will more easily embrace and
practice the teaching, precepts and way of life of this religion
if they see that the clergy surpass all others in their piety,
integrity and wisdom, and in the noble example they give of all
the virtues.
31.
We recognize your many worthy attributes: your burning charity
towards God and men, your exalted love of the Church, your almost
angelic virtues, your episcopal bravery, and your prudence. Being
inspired to do His holy will, you are all followers in the
footsteps of the Apostles. As bishops, you are the deputies, and
thus the imitators of Christ. In your harmonious pursuits you have
become a sincere model for your flock, and you enlighten your
clergy and faithful people with the splendor of your sanctity. In
your compassionate mercy you seek out and overtake with your love
the straying and perishing sheep, as the shepherd in the Gospel
did. You place them paternally on your shoulders and lead them
back to the fold. At no time do you spare either cares or plans or
toils in religiously fulfilling your pastoral duties and defending
all Our beloved sheep who, redeemed by Christ, have been entrusted
to your care from the rage, assault and snares of ravening wolves.
You keep them away from poisonous pasture land and drive them on
to safe ground, and in all possible ways you lead them by deed,
word and example to the harbor of eternal salvation.
32.
Therefore, to assure the greater glory of God and the Church,
venerable brothers, join together with all eagerness, care and
wakefulness to repulse error and to root out vice. When this is
accomplished, faith, religion, piety and virtue will increase
daily. Then all the faithful, as sons of light, casting aside the
works of darkness, may walk worthily, pleasing God in all things
and being fruitful in every good work. And in the very great
straits, difficulties and dangers which must beset your serious
ministry as bishops, especially in these times, do not ever be
terrified; rather, be comforted by the strength of the Lord
"who looks down on us who carry out his work, approves those
who are willing, aids those who do battle, and crowns those who
conquer."(26)
33.
Nothing is more pleasing to Us than to assist you, whom We love,
with affection, advice, and exertion. We devote Ourselves
wholeheartedly together with you to protect and spread the glory
of God and the Catholic faith; We also endeavor to save souls for
whom We are ready to sacrifice life itself, should it be
necessary. Come to Us as often as you feel the need of the aid,
help and protection of Our authority and that of this See.
34.
We hope that Our political leaders will keep in mind, in
accordance with their piety and religion, that "the kingly
power has been conferred on them not only for ruling the world but
especially for the protection of the Church."(27) Sometimes
We "act both for the sake of their rule and safety that they
may possess their provinces by peaceful right."(28) We hope
that with their aid and authority they will support the objects,
plans and pursuits which we have in common, and that they will
also defend the liberty and safety of the Church, so that
"the right hand of Christ may also defend their
rule."(29)
35.
We hope that all these matters may turn out well and happily. Let
us together entreat God in urgent and unceasing prayers, to make
up for Our weakness by an abundance of every heavenly grace, to
overwhelm with His all-powerful strength those who attack us, and
to increase everywhere faith, piety, devotion and peace. Then when
all enemies and errors have been overcome, His holy Church may
enjoy the tranquillity it so greatly desires. Then too there may
be one fold and one shepherd.
36.
That the Lord may more readily respond to us, let us call as
intercessor Her who is always with Him, the most holy Virgin Mary,
Immaculate Mother of God. She is the most sweet mother of us all;
she is our mediatrix, advocate, firmest hope, and greatest source
of confidence. Furthermore, her patronage with God is strongest
and most efficacious. Let us invoke too the prince of the Apostles
to whom Christ Himself gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whom He made the rock of His Church, against which the gates of
hell will never prevail; let us also invoke his fellow-apostle
Paul, and all the heavenly saints who are already crowned and hold
the palm of victory. We ask that they implore for all Christians
the abundance of divine favor which they desire.
37.
Finally, as an augury of all the heavenly gifts and as witness of
Our great charity towards you, receive the Apostolic Blessing
which from deep in Our heart We most lovingly impart to
yourselves, venerable brothers, and to all clerics and the
faithful laity who are entrusted to your care.
Given
in Rome at St. Mary Major's on the 9th of November 1846 in the
first year of Our Pontificate.
Endnotes:
1.
Ap. 13:6. | 2. Tertullian, de Praescript., chap. 8. | 3. Rom. 13:1
| 4. St. John Chrysostom, hom. 1 in Isaiah. | 5. St. Ambrose on
Ps. 40. | 6. Council of Chalcedon, Act. 2. | 7. Synod of Ephes.,
Act. 3. | 8. St. Peter Chrysologus, epistle to Eutyches. | 9.
Council of Trent, session 7 on baptism. | 10. St. Cyprian, epistle
55 to Pope Cornelius. | 11. Synod. Letter of John of
Constantinople to Pope Hormisdas and Sozomen, Hist., III. 8. | 12.
St. Augustine, epistle 162. | 13. St. Irenaeus, Adv. Haer. III, 3.
| 14. St. Jerome, epistle to Pope Damasus. | 15. Clement XII,
constitution Providas; Pius VII, constitution Ecclesiam a Jesu
Christo; Leo XII, constitution Ubi graviora. | 16. Gregory XVI,
encyclical letter Inter praecipuas machinationes. | 17. Ex Symbolo
Quicumque. | 18. St. Leo. | 19. Council of Trent,
session 13, chap. on reform. | 20. Rom. 12:1-2. | 21. Council of
Trent, session 22. chap. 1 on reform. | 22. Tm. 4:12. | 23.
Benedict XIV, encyclical letter Ubi primum. | 24. Heb. 4:12. | 25.
Council of Trent, session 23, chap. 18, on reform. | 26. St.
Cyprian, epistle 77 to Nemesianus and other martyrs. | 27. St.
Leo, epistle 156 (123) to Emperor Leo. | 28. St. Leo, epistle 43
(34) to Emperor Theodosius. | 29. Ibid.
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