NAPCIS Teacher Certification Program Collected Magisterial Documents I Bibliography Chronologically Ordered Readings Presenting Magisterial Teaching on the Principles, Nature, Scope, Order, Content, Methods and Ends of Catholic , in Supplement to Divini illius Magistri and Credo.

KEY: Latin incipit title, Date of Composition, English Document Title or Excerpt’s Subtitle Pontiff

Quod divina sapientia, August 28, 1824, The Principle and Aim of Teaching Pp. Leo XII

Quum non sine, July 14, 1864, Secularism in Education Pp. Pius IX

Quanta cura, December 8, 1864, Socialist and Communist Hostility Pp. Pius IX

Syllabus, December 8, 1864, Syllabus of Principle Errors, nos. 45, 47 and 48 Pp. Pius IX

Libertas, June 20, 1888, Freedom of Education Pp. Leo XIII

Singulare illud, June 13, 1926, St. Pp. Pius XI

Allocution, May 14, 1929, The Duty of the State Pp. Pius XI

Allocution, January 31, 1940, Saint John Bosco, The Teacher’s Model Pp. Pius XII

Nosti profecto, July 6, 1940, The Educational Work of the Jesuits Pp. Pius XI

Allocution, November 4, 1945, The Vocation of the Educator Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, November 22, 1948, The Ideal of Complete Christian Education Pp. Pius XII

Address, January 12, 1954, Good Teachers Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, November 4, 1955, The Catholic Teacher Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, March 24, 1957, Study is a Duty Pp. Pius XII

Prayer, December 28, 1957, Prayer for Teachers Pp. Pius XII NAPCIS Teacher Certification Program Collected Magisterial Documents I Annotated Bibliography Chronologically Ordered Readings Presenting Magisterial Teaching on the Principles, Nature, Scope, Order, Content, Methods and Ends of Catholic Education, in Supplement to Divini illius Magistri and Credo.

KEY: Latin incipit title, Date of Composition, English Document Title or Excerpt’s Subtitle Pontiff Key Ideas

Quod divina sapientia, August 28, 1824, The Principle and Aim of Teaching Pp. Leo XII The obligation to truth The Commandments contain the liberal arts and sciences

Quum non sine, July 14, 1864, Secularism in Education Pp. Pius IX The goals of secularism and its means of education Modern education defined and assessed Study of religion involves study and practice of virtue, character formation

Quanta cura, December 8, 1864, Socialist and Communist Hostility Pp. Pius IX Key errors described regarding the of family and state; Church and reason/state

Syllabus, December 8, 1864, Syllabus of Principle Errors, nos. 45, 47 and 48 Pp. Pius IX Error of the separation of Church and state/education

Libertas, June 20, 1888, Freedom of Education Pp. Leo XIII Faith and reason On and the educator’s obligation to not teach the current, false sense of secular liberty First principles and authority of the Church cannot be suppressed for liberty, education Unconditional , speech, writing and worship is an error

Singulare illud, June 13, 1926, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Pp. Pius XI Love of God for children, the basis of education St. Aloysius’ sanctity, discipline and patronage of youth

Allocution, May 14, 1929, The Duty of the State Pp. Pius XI The Church: the guardian of Faith and all knowledge through the Middle Ages Mission of education belongs to Church and family Subsidiarity: state to aid individuals and families for what they cannot provide for themselves Church’s authority is not intractable, but intransigent

Allocution, January 31, 1940, Saint John Bosco, The Teacher’s Model Pp. Pius XII Great potential in education: not a laboratory, but an oratory Reason and Faith: example, discipline and instruction Method of educator: constant solicitation, love guided by reason and faith

Nosti profecto, July 6, 1940, The Educational Work of the Jesuits Pp. Pius XI Molding impressionable youth

Allocution, November 4, 1945, The Vocation of the Educator Pp. Pius XII Education determines the life of a nation Teachers are the delegates of parents Educators face difficult challenges with zeal True and false motives for educators

Allocution, November 22, 1948, The Ideal of Complete Christian Education Pp. Pius XII As the title indicates

Address, January 12, 1954, Good Teachers Pp. Pius XII Good teachers make good schools. They are: (1) trained in their subjects (2) possess moral and intellectual qualities (3) love students for the love of God Therefore they: (1) perfect human formation (2) possess professional competency (3) have a pure professional Catholic conscience, zeal and knowledge of doctrine and serve the highest spiritual and cultural interests

Allocution, November 4, 1955, The Catholic Teacher Pp. Pius XII “Teacher” over “instructor” Elementary education = elements of the foundation True teachers are complete Christian persons, imitators of Christ To enter the Kingdom, you must be come as children: pure, simple, humble, generous Principles of pedagogy: (1) know the child (2) know how to talk to them (3) give all indispensable knowledge (4) all human virtues (5) provide individual attention (6) use a gradual approach

Allocution, March 24, 1957, Study is a Duty Pp. Pius XII Study truth Study seriously: (1) liberal arts are mandatory (2) quality over quantity (3) proper order to study and knowledge –including religion Education is complete only by following the order of the sciences.

Prayer, December 28, 1957, Prayer for Teachers Pp. Pius XII 0

THE PRINCIPLE AND AIM OF TEACHiNG

Apost. Quod divine sapientia, August 28, 1824. Having before Our eyes the teaching of divine Wis- 3 dom which is addressed to all who tread the path of salva- (5, tion, namely, “My mouth shall speak truth and wickedness 12, is an abomination to my lips” (a), We realize that Our 13. Apostolic duty obliges Us to spare no effort to recall this 62, LEO XII mxim to the minds of those who teach sacred doctrine, 92) 1823-1829 hijiman science and the liberal arts, and of all who are en gaged in the instruction of youth. We feel obliged to see that they put it into practice and instill it into the minds of their pupils. The progress of religion and the salvation of the State depend upon that. And since the proper organization of studies is a great help to this end, We believe that it is Our duty to devote Ourselves to a continual betterment of teaching methods in Our States. (Reorganization prepared by Pius VII.) To show the care and great love We have for Our sons 4 and subjects—as it were, to point out and recall to profes- (70) sors and students alike the true fount of science and the liberal arts—’vVe quote the remarks (well worthy of med itation) of Saint Augustine1 Doctor of the Church, in his letter to Volusian: (a) “What debates, what philosophical doctrine, what laws of any nation, can be compared with the two com mandments which, Christ has told us, summarize the whole

3a Prov. 8:7. 4a Letter 137. pius lx law and the prophets: Love the Lord thy God with all thy 1846-1878 heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and love thy neighbor as thyself. (h) “Therein is summarized the science of physics, be cause all the causes of natural things are in God their Creator. There you will find morality, since a good and honest life consists in loving him Who gives being and him EDUCATION who receives it, namely God and man. Logic is there too, SECULARISM IN since the truth and the light of the rational soul is Cod also is the salvation and glory of the 1864—to the alone. And there Apost. Letter Quum. non sine, July 14, State, since society is not well established nor adequately Archbishop of Fribourg in Brsgovia. protected, if it is not founded on and bound together by new scho faith and strong unity. This is guaranteed when the com (Congratulations for hs resistance to the mon good, that is, God, the true and highest good, is lastic legislation.) loved, and when men love one another sincerely in God, the deplorable 26 It is undoubtedly a fact that the pitiful, for Whose sake they love and from Whom they cannot hide root cause in the (5, condition of modem society has its the reason for their love.” of life to separate 11, wicked artifices employed in every walk His teaching of sal 26, 5 Certainly, St. Augustine, that bright beacon of the the holy Faith, the religion of Christ, family life, and to hin 94) (70, Church, has no intention of excluding the natural sci vation, from public education and it powerless. These 101, ences from the schools of humanity, nor of eliminating the der Christ’s influence so as to render product of all these 109) practice of the liberal arts which he himself so extensively diabolic artifices are necessarily the We are grieved practised. But he has quite rightly warned teachers and detestable doctrines which, in these times, slowly gaining students that all this, in truth, receives its origin from God, to see being diffused everywhere and and civil socie is in accord with reason and religion, and further, must ground, to the great detriment of Christian God, beginning and end of the are barefacedly denied or necessarily return to the ty. When God’s revealed truths liberal arts. to submit them to the test of human when one presumes or Thus ho teaches us, too, to despise tlio obstinate op to assert the subservience of the supernatural reason, or from position of false philosophers and of the friends of the pru natural, men are further removed than ever der to the are dence of the flesh (whose number, in our sad times, has reward while their thoughts and actions their eternal of this grown beyond all ) “who think and want others to to the material and to the passing things limited spare no ef think that Christian doctrine is not conducive to the good world. Those who propagate perverse doctrine of its power with of the State, because they want the State to be founded not fort to deprive ecclesiastical authority all on sound virtue but on the impunity of vice.” society, precisely because the Church was regard to human of divine Author, the pillar and foundation (Regulations concerning studies.) founded by her the teach the divine Faith to all men, to defend truth, to and of the faith entrusted to it, to direct society 4b Mátt. 22:37-39. integrity irreproachable be- human actions, and to inculcate in them

n 0 fl 2 a

SECULARiSM IN EDUCATION SECULARISM IN EDUCATION

But if this detestable method of instruction, severed 28 ha’inr and integrity of life. They do not miss a single occa all as it is from the Catholic faith and the Church’s authority, (69, son in their attempts to restrict or abolish completely is the source of evil for the individual and for society, when 103, ecclesiastical authority and the lifegiving activity which it is a question of the arts and sciences, and of the educa 107) the Church, by its divine foundation, has always exercised tion which the better classes of society obtain, who will and always ought to exercise over social activities. What is fail to see that this method will produce much worse results more, these strive by every means to submit human society if it is applied to schools for the children of the people the absolute control of the civil and political power, a to It is especially in these schools that, right from their power guided by the changing opinions of the times. tenderest years, working class children must be instructed in the mysteries and the commandments of our holy reli Sectdari.s’in in education gion and must be taught to form good habits and to fulfill their religious and civil duties; and in these schools reli 27 It is not surprising that this destructive work is car gious instruction must occupy first place in th teaching, can (26, ried out above all in educating the young; but there be and must stand out in such a way that other ideas taught (a) In 70, no doubt that the greatest misfortune to society is when to the children seem to take the place of extras. with 92, the public and private education of the young, which has these schools when education is not clearly combined left to the gravest 102, so great an influence on the prosperity of religious and religious instruction, youth are exposed 105, civil society, has been taken away from the controlling of dangers. Church and its salutary action. In this way, 107) power of the As the schools for working class children are estab 29 society little by little loses the true Christian spirit indeed, lished chiefly with a view to imparting a religious training, (16, the only clement that can give stability to the which is of bringing the children to a sense of devotion and truly 69, order and peace, that can achieve and guide l)asis of public moral discipline; so it is that the Church has always .101- useful progress of civilization and that can the true and watched over these schools with greater care than over 103, the means needed to reach the final 110) procure for mankind others. The idea of wresting these schools from the atten salvation. An education whose sole goal, namely eternal tion of the Church and the attempts already made to do things and in the aims interest lies in knowledge of natural this, are therefore, clearly Inspired by a spirit tlrnt is mimi. which, moreover, departs from the of human society, and cal to the Church and by the desire to extinguish the divine falls under the yoke of truths revealed by God, inevitably light of our holy Faith amongst the people. The Church which, with;at the aid error and falsehood; an education has founded these schools with so much care and has up claims to form the spirit of Christian dogma and moral law, held them so zealously that she considers them as the is so sensitive and the hearts of the young, whose nature choicest part of her authority and ecclesiastical influence; uiicl susceptible of taldiig evil foi iii, must necessarily result of its evil iii a generation completely under the influence 28a Cf. C.I.C., Canon 1372 1: Fideles omnes ita sunt a poe and its intellectual pride; and the generations so ritia ins’tituendi ut non soluin nihil eis tradatur quod cutho passions sod praeci but bring ever greater disaster on licae religioni morumque honestati adversetur, formed cannot help puum institi,tio religiosa no moralis locuin obtineat. families and on the State.

3 In teaching and professing the most fatal err(. Conimunisni and Socialism, they declare that ‘domcsti exist- SECULARISM IN EDUCATION society, that is, the family, derives all its reason for solely from civil rights, amid consequently only from of all fathers over their sans de and every ineasrire that is aimed at separating these schools the civil law (10 the rights above all, the right to provide iii froni the Church, causes her, as it does the schools them rive and depend, and By such impious opinions and selves, the greatest harm. Those who expect the Church struction and education.” false teachers endeavor to eliminate to suspend or abdicate her governing power and salutary artifices do these most and influence of the action over State schools are, in reality, asking her to vio the salutary teaching education of youth and to infect late the instructions of her Divine Author, and to renounce from the instruction and pernicious error and vice the tender the fulfillment of the duty which has been divinely im and deprave by every the young. All those who endeavor to posed on her to watch over the salvation of all men. and pliant minds of throw into confusion both religious and public affairs, to annihilate all 30 In all places, in every country where this pernicious destroy the good order of society, and to schools is all their (114, plan to deprive the Church of her authority over Divine and , have always directed where the manner 116) h)rintilated and, worse still, put into effect, and criminal schemes, attention, and efforts upon youth will consequently be exposed to the danger of losing in which they might, above all, deprave and delude un their faith, it is the serious duty of the Church to make thinking youth; as We have already pointed out, it is upon every effort not only to obtain for youth the essential in the corruption of youth that they place all their hopes. secular struction and Christian training, but even more so to warn Thus they never cease to attack the Clergy, 1)0th of the fact that his the faithful and to make it clear to them that they cannot and regular, in every way, irrespective benefits have frequent such schools as are set up against the Catholic torical records testily that very considerable been bestowed by them upon Christian and civil society, Church. moreover, of and upon the world of letters; they assert, Brother, for of the 31 We greatly rejoice with you, Venerable the Clergy iii general, that “they, being the enemies to be (72, the wisdom and energy with which you have remained so useful sciences, of progress amid of civilization, ought and 102, deeply attached to the teaching of the Catholic Church in excluded I ruin all paricipation iii the work of teaching 103) all matters regarding the education and instruction of the training tIme young. young, and for your writings on the subject by which you (Submission of time Church to the State.—Bad press. Jubi have combated all the opinions in circulation and all the Time fruit’ ro’lib’um: happiness of ,uien and of Statc,—A measures planned in the grand-duchy of Baden for the re lee of one nmunth.—Pruycr.) form of the State schools—measures that would cause the greatest damage to Christian education and would abso lutely destroy rights of the Church in so im portant a matter. We are certain that you will not overlook right of the SYLLABUS any opportunity to defend fearlessly the free Church and carefully o keep the training of the young endan from everything that might in the slightest manner Syllabus of the principal errors censured in the docu their ger the firmness of their faith, debase the purity of ments of Pius TX, December 8, 1864. of their religious conscience or blemish the uprightness in which 34 faith can pro— XLV. The entire system of public schools habits, that uprightness that only our holy (excepting (109) the youth of a Christian State are educated, duce, reserve amid develop. may and only for certain reasons diocesan seminaries), belong to it (l3less-ing.) ought to appertain to the civil authority, and shall be to the extent that no other authority whatsoever the discipline recognized as having any right to interfere in the confer of the schools, the organization of the studies, of the ring of degrees, and the choice or approval AND 1lOSTILITI SOCIALIST COMMUNIST teachers. (a) Emicyci. Quanta cure, December 8, 1864. 4 (Preceding acts of Pius IX.—Naturalisni.-—-Modcrn loin.) 4 XL’ The good of civil society requires that schools 35 public (102) C for the working class children and, in general, all more institutes intended for instruction in the arts and and for the education of youth, should be it as of profound studies From this follows, is evident, that the freedom 120 frec from all ecclesiastical authority, control and interfer which We have been speaking is greatly opposed to reason, political (95, ence, and should be fully subjected to the civil and and tends absolutely to pervert men’s minds, inasmuch as to the 107) power at the pleasure of the rulers, and according it claims for itself the right of teaching whatever it pleases standard of the prevalent opinions of the age. (a) —a freedom which the State cannot grant without failing hi its duty. And the more so, because the authority of approve of this system of edu- 36 XLVIII. Catholics may teachers has great weight with their hearers, who can from the Catholic faith and the (114) cating youth severed rarely decide for themselves as to the truth or falsehood Church, and which regards the knowledge power of the of the instruction given to them. Wherefore, this freedom, natural things, and only, or at least primarily, of merely in order that it may deserve the name, must be kept within of earthly social life. (a) the aim certain limits, lest the office of teaching be turncd with im punity into an instrument of corruption.

Quibus iuctuo supernatural truth 34a All. In Concistoriali, Nov. 1, 1850.—All. Natural and sissi;nis. Sept. 5, 1851.—Denziger 1745. Freiburg, Quurn non sine, 35m Epistle to the Archbishop of object of teaching, 121 1747. Now, truth, which must be the only July 14, 1864.—Dcnziger Natural truths, which (12, to the Archbishop of Freiburg, Quum non sine, is of two kinds, natural and revealed. 36a Epistle there 13, July 14 1 864.—Demiziger 1748. are the first principles and whatever reason derives from, form a kind of common patrimony of the human 95) race, in the order of ideas. And because on these truths, as on a most firm foundation, rest morality, justice, religion, and the very bonds of human society, to allow this sacred LEO XIII heritage to be squandered with impunity would be most impious, most foolish and unreasonable. 1878-1903 But with no less care must we preserve that great and 122 sacred treasure of truths which Cod Himself has taught us. (11, many convincing proofs, as those often used by 12) FREEDOM OF EDUCATION Through the Apologists, certain most basic facts have been estab lished, namely, that some truths have been revealed by Encycl. Liberta.s, June 20, 1888. Cod; that the only-begotten Son of God was made flesh, witness to the truth; that a perfect society was psychological freedom; moral free to bear (Christkin freedom; founded by Him—namely, the Church, of which He is rejection of dit%nc authority.—liiOdefli (10 Ui—Liberalism: head and with which He has promised to abide till the end of the Press.) f rcetlvins: of tvorship and of the world. He entrusted to this society all the truths alone should imbue it to have custody of them, There can be no doubt that truth which He taught and ordered 119 found the well-being, the them and with lawful authority explain them; the minds of men; for in it are to defend (63, intelligent nature; and same time He commanded all nations to believe end and the perfection of every and at the 95) be taught (a) both to voice of the Church, as if it were His own, therefore nothing but truth should and obey the so as to bring knowledge with everlasting perdition those who would the ignorant and the educated, threatening preserve it in those who listen. to those who have it not and to not the dLlty of all who teach Thus it is manifest that man’s best and surest teacher have. For this reason, it is plainly arm them against it by Cod, the source and principle of aN truth; and the only- to banish error from minds and to is means of efficacious arguments.

II 9a Cuiii dihhim esse non possit quin inibuere aninms sola cn tis (1(1 ?t,a t, qi md in ipsa ii tell i gent him nat ii rail m bo— non 5 11101 (t t fiiiis et perfectici sita, propterea debet FREEDOM OF EDUCATION FREEDOM OF EDUCATION

Christ has said that by truth is man made free; “You shall begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, the Way, know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (a) the Truth and the Life, the true Light which enlightens Therefore there is no reason why genuine freedom every man, and to whose teaching all must submit; “And should grow indignant, or true science feel aggrieved, at they shall all be taught of Cod.” (a) having to bear the just and necessary restraint of laws by which, in the judgment of the Church and of reason itself, infallible teaching authority human teaching has to be controlled. The Church, indeed— as facts have everywhere proved—looks chiefly and above the Christian faith, while careful at 123 In faith and in the teaching of morality, Cod Himself all to the defence of to foster and promote every kind of human (10, made the Church a partaker of His divine authority, and the same time is in itself good and praiseworthy 11, through His heavenly gift, she cannot be deceived, She is learning. For learning and further, all erudition which Is the fruit 16, therefore the greatest and most reliable teacher of man and desirable; sound reason, and in conformity with the truth, serves 18) and in her dwells an inviolable right to teach men, of kind, not a little to confirm what we believe on the authority of by the truth received from her divine Founder, Sustained God. The Church, truly, to our great benefit, has carefully has always sought to fulfill in a holy manner the Church preserved the monuments of ancient wisdom; has opened to her by God; undeterred by the the mission entrusted everywhere centers of science, and has promoted intellec on all sides, she has never difficulties surrounding her tual progress by fostering most diligently the arts by which in this way the ceased to assert her freedom to teach, and the culture of our age is so much advanced. wretched superstition of paganism being dispelled, the world was renewed and became Christian. Matters left to be freely treated The Church and science Lastly, we must not forget that a vast field lies freely 125 man’s industry and genius, containing all those (13) that the truths of open to 124 Now, reason itself clearly teaches which have no necessary connection with Christian be opposed things (13, divine revelation and those of nature cannot morals, or as to which the Church, exercising no contradicts re foitli and 17, to one another. Because every doctrine that authority, leaves the judgment of the learned free and un that the 62, vealed truth must necessarily be false, it follows constrained. 69, divine teaching of the Church, so far from being an obsta be understood the nature and char 126 70, cle to the pursuit of knowledge and the progress of science, From all this may in freedom which the followers of Liberalism so (95) 95) or in any way retarding the advance of civilization, acter of that advocate and proclaim. On the one hand they de reality confers upon them the sure guidance of shining eagerly mand for themselves and for the State a license which light. Anti for the same reason it is of no small advantage opens the way to every perversity of opinion; and on the [or the perfecting of human liberty, since Our Savior Jesus 124a John 8:32. 122a John 6:45.

0 0 6 FREEDOM OF EDUCATION And where such free degenerating into licence and excess. restricting employ them iii doing good, they hamper the Church in various ways, donis arc in use, men should other, her Church does; for freedom within the narrowest limits, although from and should estimate them as the her liberty only insofar as it affords only is there nothing to be feared, but in every is to be regarded as legitimate teaching not but not otherwise. (a) to be gained. greater facility for doing good, respect very much protec of doc forms of goverrzment.—Tlie Church, (Freedom of conscience.—Tolerance.—Swnmary (Different State.) civil freedom.) trine on liberalism—Scparatiori of Church and tor of true

Adaption and intransigence not ap Lastly, there remain those who, while they do 127 neverthe prove the separation of Church and State, think (110) herself to less that it would be well if the Church adapted modern the times and conformed to what is required by the if they system of government. And they are not wrong, truth and mean some equitable adjustment consistent with hope of some great justice, namely, that the Church, in the which she foresees as certain should show herself good, her indulgent, and should conform to the times insofar as practices sacred duties permit. But it is not so in regard to doctrines which a perversion of morals and a warped and and judgment have unlawfully introduced. Religion, truth, entrusted justice must ever be maintained; and as God has Church, these great and sacred matters to the care of the dissemble she can never be so unfaithful to her office as to with in regar(l to what is false and unjust, or to connive what is hurtful to religion. that it is quite un 128 From what has been said, it follows grant unconditional (05, lawful to demand, to defend or to or of worship, 117) freedom of thought, of speech, of writing, t man. as if these were so many rights given by natnr be lawful For if nature had really granted them, it would be rio re to refuse obedience to Cod, and there would freedom straint un human freedom. It follows, likewise, that there is a just iii thit’sc’ things may he tolerated wherever prevent its cause; but only with such moderation as will 128a Omnis enim libertas legitima putanda quatenus rerum honestariim majorem facultatem afferat, praeterea nun quam.

7 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA herself to be 14, the beginning of the Christian era has shown the young. 16, inflamed with similar ardent love for the physical and 80, She began, therefore, to provide for and Uni 88) welfare of the little ones; to open schools moral elements and instruct her children from the first versities, and encour of knowledge to the highest; and to approve PIUS XI Congregations age the founding of religious Orders and and Schools, and 1922-1939 which, by opening Academies, Colleges attend to the proper by starting various Associations, might always claimed that education of youth. The Church has inviolable right. She to impart such education was her own race en could not fail to teach, before the whole human the true doc trusted to her care, that she alone possesses safe teacher of trine of morality, and that she is the only character of man the most difficut art of forming the true on Christian principles. everywhere We greatly rejoice in Our days to see all ranks of so numberless young men and women from ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA eager to ciety gathering around the Priests and Bishops, point of Christian doctrine and Letter Sirigulare illud, June 13, 1926—to the Superior perfect themselves in every to carry on her work of re General of the Society of Jesus. life, and to help the Church saving mankind. note in the life of the Divine Master is His forming and 214 A singular the many groups of young people the young. He attracts and draws to Him- And remembering (5, special love for came to Us from all parts, We children. (a) He severely rebukes, and that during the Holy Year 88) self the innocent then felt, when We thought heavy punishments those who would cor feel once again the joy We threatens with in all countries, ft would them (b); and to the unblemished young man He that with such groups organized rupt yet peaceful, army holds out as both allurement and reward the complete and be possible one day to form a strong, for the reformation of perfect ideal of sanctity. (c) which the Holy See could employ young strikes a decadent world. The love We bear for the many and The Church and youth deeper root in Our heart when We consider the and faith. In this this very spirit from her execrable snares laid for their innocence 215 The Church, having imbibed life, it often happens work she has inherited, from warfare against their entire spiritual (5, Founder Whose mission and who other that the strength of the body and soul of many, and to society, 2l4a Cf. Mk. 10:13-16. wise would have been useful to the Church 21 lb Matt. 18;6. grows weaker or is even totally impaired. 21k Mk. 10:21.

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ST. ALOYSILJS GONZAGA ST. A[.OYSILIS GONZAGA glory, with her enrollment in the list Followers of Si. Atoysius Gonzaga the grace to share his of the Blessed. It may safely be affirmed that Aloysius also helped not 216 The Second Centenary, therefore, of the on the a little in the conversion and sanctification of St. Gabriel (88) of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, which will be completed for of our Lady of Sorrows, who, in spite of the levity and last (lay ol this year, brings with it so many advantages carelessness f his youthful years, never ceased to recom spiritual advancement of youth, that We most willingly the mend himself to him whom he had been taught to revere turn Our thoughts and words to Our younger children who, as the Patron of Youth. And to mention one at least of the the world over, represent the hope of the Kingdom of all most recent educators anti teachers of the young, Don Christ. As they must have recourse to this strong and pow Bosco not only had a tender devotion to St. Aloysius, but erfitl protector in the bottles and dangers of life, so must 1w strongly rvauixmivnded It also to thu boys wi,mn Ito in.— as i wonderful model of vcry virtue. If they follow him to train in holiness, and left it as a kind of Inherit his life carefully, they will clearly see which is dertook they study ailce to his children. Of the former, tile one most advanced to perfection, which are the fittest means they must the way in the imitation of St. Aloysins was Dominic Savio, a very it, and which are the priceless fruits of virtue use to attain pure and holy boy, whom God allowed the world to see reap, provided they follow in the footsteps of St. they will and admire for so brief a period. Aloysiiis. Let them see him in his true light and such as he really was, and not as the enemies of the Church have false unwise writers portrayed him, The lesson of St. Aloysius Gonzaga ly represented him or even find in him a unique model of all youthful vir— and thcy will It was certainly a mysterious dispensation of God’s 218 even now after so many recent examples of sanctity. tijes, Providence that Aloysius should die at a very early age, (79, 217 Glancing through the pages of the Church’s history, one when his eminent qualities of mind and heart, his resolute 88) (88) easily discovers that a large number of the youths and men and active will, and his singular and almost superhuman who are most worthy of admiration for their innocent life, prudence combined with zeal for religion and souls, gave and whom the Holy Ghost has raised up since the death of promise of an exceedingly fruitful apostolate. it pleased St. Aloysius to our own day, have been modelled on his God, however, that young people should learn from an an cxaIll[ilc. To give but a few instances, We would mention gelic youth, whom similarity of age would naturally make the Roman their special and principal St. J olin Bcrclimaiis, who, while a student in them love and follow, what was College, resolved to copy Aloysius in every detail; Niinzio duty—to prepare themselves for the battle of life by the Sulprizio, a young workm.jn, who did likewise krc,iu his solid practice of the Christian virtues. We deem that those in childhood to his death; Contardo Ferrini who, rightly who lack the interior virtues which so splendidly shone called by his companions a second Aloysitis, had the teti Aloysius are neither fit nor equipped to face the dangers Having clrest devotion for the Saint, tekirig bini as the model for amid battles of life or undertake apostolic work. aei I iiardiaii of his cli.estity; hiartholomea Capitanio who, l)ccomne “as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal,” (a) they in her life and in her death, perfectly reproduced Aloysius will be of no use to the cause they mean to promote and horn slw ‘as greatly devoted and through whom, in this (.entenary year, she seems to have received in return 218a 1 Cor. 13:1.

9 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA Illumined by the splendor of the eternal truths, having 220 as experience has more defend. They will even do harm, resolved to use all possible means in order to live a spot (76, past. The Centenary cele 77, than once demonstrated in the less life, Aloysius adhered so strongly to his resolution as come opportunely and 78) brations of St. Aloysius, therefore, to be free, during the whole of his life, from every stain of his life, the Saint rec at the right time. By the example of mortal sin. In particular, so diligently did he preserve too much inclined by na ominends to young men, already the flower of his purity from the slightest blot, that among too eager to live a life of tore to worldly matters, and only his companions he went by the name of Angel—by which for others before they have action, not to think of working name the Christian world has ever since been accustomed practice of the interior made progress in the study and to honor him; and Blessed Robert Bellarmine, a Spiritual virtues. Father of great experience, considered that he was con attain to such a high shows the young that the funda firmed in grace. Nor did St. Aloysius 219 First of all, Aloysius he was, by Cod’s special favor, Christian education is the spirit of a degree of sanctity because (72, mental basis of true which, within and without our enlightened by which, as by “a lamp that oxempted from those battles SS) living Faith, the nature we must fight against In our fallen nature. From im in a dark place,” (a) they may know souls, shineth order temptations he was indeed freed through a similar importance of this life. Having determined to pure and in the but he was not exempt from the fire of anger and life, not according to worldly principles, but grace, his ceases the tingling of pride. With a determined will, however, he of eternal ones, from which whosoever departs light to con nut only repressed such inclinations, hut subjugated them to be a spiritual man, the Saint was accustomed revelation—in the entirely to the rule of reason. sider such motives—al) taken from divine his tender years solitude of the retreats to which, first in devoted, to the world, and later on as a Jesuit, he was ortification in Under the Prayer—Sacramcnts—M the great profit and consolation of his soul. impressed on guidance of Aloysius it should be deeply knowing man’s innate weakness, and 221 life is not to Moreover, well the mind cf every young person that man’s in himself, he sought to gain the (72, to the care placing no trust whatever be debased in such a way as to be confined by praying day and night, even for 73. by which the mind help of divine grace and enjoyment of perishable things, at the same time begging for the in 76, It should be rather many hours together, and the senses are often carried away. of the Virgin Mother of God, in whose devotion 77, in which, while serving tercession looked upon as a training ground excelled. Above all, he approached the Holy Ta 88) eternal happiness. he greatly Christ alone, we strive to attain he understood to be the fount and support of all of life ble which Young people will easily develop this true view life, as often us was allowed in those days, to bene sometimes spiritual following the example of St. Aloysius, they by its ever-renewing strength. As, however, man’s if, to make a fit wliully withdraw from the tumult of the world cooperation must go hand in hand with divine grace, to experience teach rcIrcat of a few days since these, as long maintain his innocence and purity, Aloyshus added to a fer and docile es, are admirably fitted to win over their tender vent devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Mother souls, of God a detachment from all worldly things and such mortification of his senses as most men may well admire 219a 2 Pet. 1:19.

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ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA mu can never equal. It is a marvellous fact and hardly credible that, amidst so great a corruption of morals, tions, self-control, operative love of Cod and the Blessed Aioysins could vie with the Angels in purity of soul; that in Virgin, and a life frequently refreshed and strengthened such a keen seeking after pleasure he should distinguish by time Bread of Angels. himself for his extraordinary abstinence and for the austeri ty and rigor of his lifer that in such eagerness for honors, lie Disciplining the spirit should despise and loathe them, so as to renounce willingly the Principality which by hereditary right was to be his, consider Aloysius as a per 223 and desire to join that religious Order wherein a special If young men attentively and of sanctity, not only will they (86, vow shuts the door even to sacred dignities; that in the fect inodel of chastity will also avoid the 88. worship of the ancicnt culture of Greece and leant to check sensuality, but they excessive the dictates D5, Houuue, so assiduüuus shouiki be his study and application to snares into which those fall who, imbued with despises the doctrine of Christ .97) heavenly things, that both by a particular gift of Heaven nf a certain teaching that themselves to be led astray by awl by his own wonderful industry, he lived so entirely and of the Church, allow an immoderate thirst for liberty, by pride of mind and ut ahsorhed in Cod as to suffer no distraction whatever in his of will. Aloysius, conscious though he was of prayer. These arc singular heights of sanctity, inaccessible dependence being the heir to a Principality, willingly allowed himself even to men of consummate virtue. Let this, however, be to be guided in his studics and his spirit by the teachers a warning to our youths as to the tnue means by which their assigned to him. Later on, as a member of the Society of grace and ornament, that is to say, their in— uuuost excellent Jesus, lie submitted himself so perfectly to the commands uuncence of morals, must be preserved. and purity and directions of his superiors as not to depart, even in the most insignificant duties of religious life, from what The method of Christian education the Institute prescribes. No one fails to see bow this con duct of the Saint is so greatly opposed to that of so many 222 Concerning this matter, We are not unaware that young men, who, deceived by appearances and chafing un 77. iwmny educators of the young, frightened by the moral cor der every restraint, despise the advice of their elders. ruuption of our day, through which so many youths plunge Everyone who wishes to serve under the banner of Christ I h’s) Into ruin to the deepest detriment of soul, and desirous of must hold it us certain that once the yoke of discipline Is removing from civil society such a serious calamity and shaken off, he will reap shameful defeats instead of vic loss, are all intent on thinking out new systems of educa tories, nature having so providentially arranged that young tiouu. We wish (lucy could properly understand that they people cannot make intellectual or moral progress or shape vilI be of no service to the State, if they neglect those their lives according to Christian principles unless they l luods of action iuuid that discipline which, derived as are guided by others. And if great docility is required in i lu are fuom tile Iouuuitain of Christian wisdom, and tested every branch of knowledge, how much more so in all that h) tile long experience of centuries, Aloysius found in him concerns an active apostolate! Such duties being closely ii extreuiuelv effective—a living faith, flight from sedue connected with the office entrusted by Christ to the Church, they cannot possibly be done holily and profitably,

11 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA was nocent youth who, free from all inordinate passiotis, given to contemplation and perfect knowledge of they are performed with submission to those whom wholly unless is true and good, is afforded by the success with Holy’ Ghost has placed as Bishops to uphold the what the he went through his course of studies, the universal Church of God. (a) which and applause with which he held philosophical debates, once in the Garden of Eden, by promising great though As finally his writings, especially his letters, which, things as a reward for their disobedience, worthy of and incredible few on account of the short span of his life, are first parents to rebel against God, so nowa appre Satan led our admiration as showing a profound knowledge and of independence, he corrupts and drags clays, by the bait ciation of things. youths who are swollen with empty into the mire many Aloyslus showed clearly his sound judgment and acute pride, whereas their true greatness lies In submission In brought to ness by the manner in which he transacted and authority. entrusted lawful a successful conclusion the most difficult affairs on account of his special prudence, by Though Aloysius, to him by his father; and after the death of his father who hoped for be was admired by his fellow-countrymen, the no less difficult feat of effecting a reconciliation government, and later was putting an great things from his future tween his brother and the Duke of Mantua, thus brethren as quite fit to be even the looked upon by his Jesuit end to feuds and hatred. The nobility of his heart and of the Order, he despised by all tually raised to the Generalship gentleness of his manners were universally lauded at once most humble and most or in the himself with a submission who came in touch with him, in everyday life who held the place of his or ser noble, and obeyed all those splendors of the court, whether they were citizens his regard. superiors eternal Lord and King in vants, princes or courtiers; but especially by the admired and members of the Society of Jesus, who greatly and him. We know, iowever, that strength of character The ideal perfection of youth Aloysius. firmness of will were most peculiarly evident in St. childhood resolved to become a saint, reaped the sweetest and choicest fruits of a Having from 224 Aloysius strength and courage faithful to his reso conduct of life, led according to the light and he was with such (60, most holy as never to hinder or delay the spiritual itiio of faith. Sn wall, indeed, did gift of nature end grace kuhn till death which he began with the first use of reason. 88) blend in him that he presents himself to us as a perfect ascent of his mind fit model 225 model of a young man. Do not the excellence Can there be, then, any more timely and and the maturity of his judgment, the nobility and strength imitation of the young and especially of (60, for the love and 63, of his soul, the polish and pleasantness of his manners make Besides minds and hearts filled with sound of this in students? 88) him such? Proof of the high intellectual power solid culture, they require a wise, calm and balanced and about men criterion in order to judge and to feel rightly ad maiorem pro led astray by 223a Quodsi magnam ad ceteras disciplinas, and events, so as not to let themselves be fecto ad actionis •itque apostolitus cdiicia animi docilita and enfeebling passions, or by munus false impressions, by unruly tern afferant Oppintet: . quae quidein officia, coin themselves by kind sancte utiliterque public opinion. They must distinguish Ecclesiae a Christo mandaturn attingant, peace in their expleri nequeant, nisi demissis erga eus animis, quos Spin ness and amiability in order to maintain tus Su,ictu. Ioui€ episco pus regere Ecciesiam Dei.—Acts 20:2t1.

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ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA Catholic youths were to devote themselves to works such as iii society, and by strength and constancy of families and these, they would revive and fittingly adapt to our times, to direct themselves and others on the path will in order the Aloysian Apostolate which, far from ceasing with the of goodness. death of Aloysius, continues its salutary efficacy from 226 We find, likewise, in Aloysius the admirable diligence heaven. (7). and alacrity in helping his fellowmen which forms the es people H) seuce of the apostolate that often attracts young The patron of Chris’tian youth occupation so L)owerftmllY. Though his main anti constant Heaven and to converse was to meditate on the things of As a matter of fact, from his heavenly throne, where 227 could be said to be intimately with Cod, so that his life the Carmelite Virgin, Mary Magdalen di Pazzi, in one (88) still there often “hidden away with Christ in God,” (a) of her visions saw him reigning, and where, two centuries of zeal, which fore burst from his heart sparks apostolic ago, Our Predecessor of happy memory, Benedict XIII, de of later years. Thus casted in some way the ardent flames clared that he was seated among the elect and had been all with whom he we see him, when still a boy, edifying solemnly enrolled in the list of the saints, Aloysius has and pious conver caine into contact by his good example never ceased to shower his favors on all his followers, but the practice sation, and on occasion stirring them up to on the young. Hence it is that there are so many for greater especially of virtue. As he advanced in years and longed named after him, and proud of being under his and the sodalities things, we see him looking forward to the highest protection. Hence it is that there are so many youths, boys turning his hardest duties for the salvation of souls, and and girls alike, who in following his example interlace the and pagans in for tlmmights to tIme conversion of heretics thorns of self-denial with the lilies of purity. Hence it is eign lands. that St. Aloysius and Christian youth seem to vie with one Home saw Aloysius, when a student in the Roman Col another—he in pouring on them heavenly gifts, they in lege, go through the squares, the streets and the alleys of invoking him as their celestial Patron. What wonder, then, the city to teach the children and the poor the elements of if the Popes have chosen Aloysius as the model and patron Christian Doctrine. She was witness of the heroic charity of youth? with which, when Rome was ravaged by an epidemic, he Pondering, therefore, once more on all these things served those infected with it, and caught himself the first and moved by that anxious care that We, more than all germs of that disease which a few months after was to men, feel for a thoroughly good education of the young bring him to the grave when barely twenty-four. and for their salvation in these times of unusually grave 1 lere, then, lies a very wide field open to all our youth, (hangers, and, moreover, as a token of gratitude for past from Aloysius, in which they ma)’ strenuously work under the leadership favors, and to obtain even greater favors iii Alovsimms. They should imitate him in leading an exein— following the example of Our Predecessors, and in parti zeal for mis— solemnly con l)l)’ life, iii doing good lmroimgh speech, in cular of Benedict XIII and of Leo XIII, We mmd in si immary work, in (caching Christian l)octrine, firm, and, if need be, by Our Apostolic authority declare de’oting themselves to various works of charity. If groups of that St. Aloysius Gonzaga is the heavenly patron of all Christian youth. And while We entrust these choicest off- 226a Col. 3:3.

13 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZACA and con desired to reward in a special way the courage to this most innocent the Catholic family to the charge and faithful stancy of Stanislaus, by attributing spring of that through his pa of Aloysius, that they may grow and flourish young man such glorious splendor protection defense to his nation, profusely; and that, while openly professing the tronage, he offered an impregnable more as a whole, against the more Christian faith, they may lead a more innocent life, We and even more to Christianity time, the Turkish invasions. His entreat them with all Our heart to keep Aloysius before formidable danger of that by in the dangerous divison of the them as a model, to honor and invoke him constantly, prodigious intervention such as the practice of was so evident to all, that the great Christian means also of those pious exercises, fatherland the ter long experience We know, John Sobieski, who liberated Vienna from the Six Sundays, which, as from Caesar, were siege, did not hesitate to affirm that the victories bring many great blessings. rible of arms. due to Stanislaus’ protection rather than the force (Youth Congress in Rome as a part of the Centenary of both May God, through the joint supplications celebrations.) example, Saints, grant to our youth the grace to follow their more rap St. Stanislaus Kostka with a greater love and advancing much striving great. idly towards the conquest of the only true Christian beautiful ornament of purity and 228 As it happens, on the very same day as Aloysius there ness, which is the most So (88) was canonized a saint who had lived and died in the sanctity. him, namely ciety of Jesus, but a few years previous to (Blessing.) Stanislaus Kostka; so it is fitting that on this auspicious occasion, youth should raise their minds and hearts to this saintly Polish youth to whom Our Lord, “in the lavishness of his wisdom,” conceded “the grace to reach a mature saintliness at an even more tender age.” He also was born of a noble family, and was of strong and generous spirit, a flower of angelic purity. Seeking the highest ideals, he had to strive for a long time with his brother, who led a worldly life of pleasure; he also won over a heretical, evil-living family, and dissipated compan ions. Thence, consoled and strengthened by the Eucharistic Bread, more than once offered to him by the hands of An gels, he undertook long trips on foot with the sole intention of following the voice of God, which was calling him to greater things, and of the Blessed Virgin, who was urging him to enter the Society of Jesus. He came here to Rome, to hut only it seems to ascend from here, a short while later the eternal Jerusalem—the youngest of the confessor saints, censumed by the internal fire of charity when only eighteen years of age and still a novice. It would appear that God

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TilE DUTY OF THE STATE has Christian life and holiness. Of this mission the Church be otherwise. always made a right and a duty; it could not (Number of religious houses of education throughout the world.) The work of the Church in history 232 indeed struck with a deep sense of admiration We are (14, we realize that all this is not only a reality of today when and 16, that the Church has always attended to education but times, even 17) instruction, according to the possibilities of the calling “dark,” in the Middle Ages which some still insist on from sunny but which produced many splendid cathedrals, of philosophy, Sicily to snowy Scandinavia, many works medicine and all branches of learning—works theology, day— we must admit, we find difficult to read in our which, by the and all this with so few means. This is explainable Ages when fact that right back in those far-off Middle too many) mon there were so many (some have even said cathedral asteries, convents, churches, collegiate-churches, of study, THE DUTY OF THE STATE chapters, etc., there was attached to each a home must add of teaching, of Christian education. To these we universities, spread over every country and always All, to the students of the Mondragone College, May all the Holy See the initiative and under the protection of the 14, 1929. by. today we see and the Church. That grand spectacle, which because of (The (lay after a Fascist speech.) better, as it is nearer to us and more imposing of all times; the conditions of the age, was the spectacle 231 We are bound to witness in this Institute, (a) a noble events remain and they who study and compare historical (14, example and testimony of that great mission of Christian this at what the Church has been able to do in which, together with the mission of saving souls, astounded 16) education and mirvel at the manner in which she has suc God has entrusted to the Church. Indeed, it must be asked matter, gen ceeded in fulfilling her God-given mission to educate to whom does Christian education belong if not to this everywhere erations of men to a Christian life, producing and Teacher who is the depositary of Divine Reve we wonder Mother magnificent harvest of fruitful results, But if and, as the Poet says, the “eternal preserver of the a about l.uthn the Church in all times has been able to gather Blood,’ (b) to this Mother and Teacher of that of students, tifturruptible her and educate hundreds, thousands, millions has done less wonderful is it to hear iii mind what she of Venice. no tt’iic 2:11 a The Cavinjs Institute in the field of education, but in that also of 231 b Mauzoni, Lu Puntecoste, v. 3-4. not only

15 THE DUTY OF THE STATE THE DUTY OF THE STATE aids the individual and the family in all that they cannot 22, of culture, and genuine erudition. For, if so many treasures do of themselves. The State is not made to absorb, to en- 25, destruction, that is civilization and literature have escaped gulf and to annihilate the individual and the family; that 109) even in times long due to the action by which the Church, would be ridiculous, it would be contrary to nature in that so bright a light in the do past and uncivilized, has shed the family precedes the State and society. The State can art, and in a special man main of letters, of philosophy, of not neglect the question of education but must contribute looks to the past, not for the ner of architecture. He who and procure what is necessary and sufficient to help, to co for his own use and benefit but in invention of arguments operate and to perfect the efforts of the family, to corres cannot but be convinced that order to discover the truth, pond entirely with the desires of the father and mother and this is true history. above all to respect the divine right of the Church. To a complete Your presence here suggests to Us another obvious certain extent it can be said that it is called to 233 because the State, (7, and beautiful fact, the explanation of your being here, the work of the family and the Church, provided with the 9, namely it shows Us with what great gratitude and earnest better than all other institutions, is for the needs of 10) ness the fathers and mothers of families—Christian families means which are placed at its disposal —have responded to this activity of the Church. Right from all; and it is right that it use them for the benefit of the the most ancient times Christian parents have always un very ones from whom they come. it was their duty and also to their interest to derstood that It is clear then that, in the educational field, the State 235 treasury of Christian education that the profit from that professional and conscientious wage earners, but (54, their disposition. Thus at all times Chris can offer Church puts at offer vocations, lives consecrated to education 109) and mothers, came knocking on be it can never tian families, fathers complete dedication. the doors of the schools and the by an entire and half of their children on that, to carry out its work in the edu offering Christian instruction. These We do not say educational institutions it is necessary and opportune that the State truths eloquently demonstrate two facts of cational field, most beautiful of conquerors, fitted for conquest. the Church placing at the disposal should train groups great importance; that of could be done throughout te mistress and educator, and of the What is done in one State of families her office of were educated for conquest, by the offer, and entrusting their world. And if all the States families eager to profit This manner of educating would Church in hundreds and thousands. And where would things end? children to the to a general conflagration rather than to a gen these two great facts recall and proclaim a striking truth contribute pacification. Unless there was an intention of asserting of the greatest significance in the moral and social order. eral (and perhaps it is precisely this that was intended), that They declare that the mission of education regards before the training is meant to conquer truth and virtue, in which all, above all, primarily the Church and the family, and case We would be in perfect accord. bis by natural and divine law, and that therefore it can not be slighted, cannot be evaded, cannot be supplanted. Intransigency of the Church The State assists, sãpplements and completes But We can never be in accord with all that wants to 236 interest in the cdii 234 The State is obliged to take a vital restrain, to diminish and to deny the right that nature and (9, (20- cation of its citizens; however it does so only in that it

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STATE, LEARNING AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

in the field 16, God have given to the family and the Church 100, of education. We do not wish to say that We are ititractable is not 110) on this point, for one reason because intractableness a virtue, but only intransigent, just as We must be intransi gent when asked what is the sum of two plus two. It is four and it is not our fault that it is not three, or five, or six, or fifty. When it is a question of the salvation of some soul or bf preventing greater evils from befalling souls, We feel PIUS XII to deal with the devil in person. And it courageous enough 1939-1958 has been precisely to impede a greater evil that, as all have been able to observe, We have at a certain moment nego tiated, when it was a question of deciding the fate of Our Catholic explorers; We have made great sacrifice to avoid greater evils, but We have put on record all the grief We felt in being forced to do so. As you see, beloved sons, you have come at a very propitious moment, one of those that Divine Providence supplies so opportunely. We have spoken to you about in transigence when principles and rights that are beyond discussion are being dealt with. We, must add that we do BOSCO, THE TEACHER’S MODEL not dispose of the material means to sustain this intransi SAINT JOHN Nor, on the other hand, does this displease Us, for gence. January 31, 1940. truth and justice have no need of material forces, as they All. to newly-weds, lived a small 376 have their own irrefutable, irreplaceable and irresistible It is now more than a century since there village of the (7, qualities. his two little brothers in a humble boy with an early 36, mountains. Having been orphaned at Piedmont become 46, death of his father, he who was later to age by the cares and 59) of orphans, received nothing but the the father this sim of his mother. With what great wisdom attentions by the Holy country woman, uneducated but guided ple and most com Ghost, brought up her son in the highest said that the Church plete sense of the word; it can even be son, St. John Bosco, has recognized her success in that her has been raised offi whose feast-day we celebrate today, This bumble priest, who cially to the altars of the Church. brighter glories of the was later to become one of the teacher; it is in this, Church and of , was a marvellous his life offers you, future beloved Sons and daughters, that and valuable lesson. fathers and mothers, a very useful BOSCO, THE TEACHER’S MODEL SAINT JOHN BOSCO, THE TEACHER’S MODEL SAINT JOHN Murialdo to assist at Holy Mass. Picture When God entrusts a child to Christian couples He the market town of around her in the afternoon after the frugal seems to repeat to them what the daughter of Phaxoah them clinging the only cake was a piece of blessed bread. commanded the mother of the young Moses: “Take this meal in which mind the commandments of God and the child and bring it up.” (a) According to the Divine Plan, She calls to their the great lessons of the catechism, the ways of the parents are [lie first educators of their children, Never Church, of salvation; then, with the sweet poesy of simple tliclcss it must be admitted that, in the actual conditions eternal dai and of the imagination of the people, she narrates daily life, at times, the urgent occupation of providing souls story of the faithful Abel and the evil Cain, the makes it difficult to fulfill such an essential duty. the tragic I)’ bread and Rebecca, the joyous mystery of Bethle was also the situation when John Boseo dreamed idyll of Isaac This painful death of the good Jesus, nailed to the parents and even of substituting for them, if hem, and the of assisting us on Calvary. Who can measure the profound the iiccd arose, in this their grave duty. His heart told him cross for influence of that first maternal traimmingl On becoming a that lie was providentially destined for [Isis very mission; of his priest, Don Bosco attributed to these his tender and trust his soul had a sort of revelation of this in a dream devotion to Our Blessed Lady and the Divine Eucha early life hi which he saw wild beasts changed suddenly ing rist; actually a later dream was to show him these two into gentle lambs that followed him docilely to pasture. devotions as the two columns to which the souls of his children, battered like fragile ships on the stormy seas of formation Don Bosco’s the world, should tightly lash themselves to ensure salva this dream into ac tion and peace. 377 To understand how he tTa’sslated he received and (32, tion, it is necessary to recall the education with the Reason and faith in education 36, the education he gave. . . the one is connected he had explains in great measure why he 45, other; the mother Religion is the cornerstone of a good education. But 378 73) was the father of others. associated reason with religion, reason illu (40, his first educational institu Don Bosco Don Bosco, in founding by faith. True reason, as the Latin word ratio would 62, “non laboratorio, ma oratorio”—”not a labo mined [ion, called it indicate, consists above all in moderation and wisdom, bal 83, an oratory”—as he himself said, because he ratory, but ance and fairness. Would it, for example, be consistent to 86, it first of all a place of prayer, “a little intended making correct a child for the same faults that you commit daily 87) to gather the little ones.” But it was also church wherein in his presence? To want him to be obedient and submis oratory should become a sort of family his idea that the sive if, in his presence, you criticize ecclesiastical or civil he brought there. Was it not perhaps circle for the children superiors, if you disobey the commandments of God or the because “Mamma Margherita” had made a kind of oratory to want just laws of the State? Would it he reasonable little house of BecchiP Imagine the young fur him of the your children to be loyal when you are untruthful; patient, three children kneeling there before her widow with the if you are violent and ill-tempered? Example is always the evening prayersi See them looking angelic for morning and best teacher. In the little village of Becchi, “Mamma Mar suits, suits always carefully kept, going to iii their Sunday gherita” did not continually exhort them to work. But, with the death of the head of the family, the courageous widow 376a Ex. 2:9.

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OF THE JESUITS SAINT JOT-IN BOSCO, THE TEACHERS MODEL THE EDUCATIONAL WORK to the reins, the child’s love. “Try to make yourself loved,’ put her own hand to the plough, to the scythe, cause it has tired out the Bosco used to say, “and you will be obeyed.” Oh, and with her example, so we read, she even St. John threshing sea the future fathers and mothers of families, hands hired daily during the harvesting and newly-weds, at the age of reproduce something of this saintly ideal in son. Formed in this school, the young John, may you also of unraveling four, already did his part in the common work your homes! his time to the stalks of hemp and, when old, devoted all spending a work, giving only five hours to sleep and even WORK OF THE JESUITS must admit THE EDUCATIONAL whole night in prayer every week. However we reason. tlca, in this, he surpassed the just limits of human the General of these Letter Nosti profecto, July 6, 1940—to the supernatural reasoning of the saints pennits But others, the Jesuits. excesses of generosity, without imposing them on desire of the Society’s foundation.—Cir because their wisdom is inspired by an insatiable (Fourth centenary a filial fear it was foundcd.—Eulogy of its achiec to please Cod, and their ardor is stimulated by cunastances in which for good. of displeasing Him and a vexy lively eagerness meats.) is the supreme grief 380 Displeasing his father or mother We have not the slightest intention of passing over in John Bosco had experi in (4, of a child who is brought up well. silence those outstanding achievements of your Society sign or a reproving look encecl it in his home, where a little providing a sound and first-rate education for youth dur 47, right at the be the 49, sufficed to check his childish jealousy ing the past four hundred years. You are well aware of ginning. urgency of this question. Not only the fate of the country, 88) itself, depends, in very large meas The principal method of the educator but that of the Church ure, on the conditions and the training given in schools, to adopt con- of both citizens and 379 For this reason he wanted the educator since, for the greater part, the quality solicitude prompted they received in (40, stant solicitude as his first principle, the faithful will correspond to the training paternal affection. Parents should, therefore, give their W therefore congratulate you on the innu 81) by adolescence. which children the best time they have at their disposal instead merable institutions for the study of letters and arts in im of wasting it far from them in dangerous recreations or have opened, and in which you are moulding an you of where they would blush to take them. pressionable youth in right doctrine and the practice i1aces guided ex With this love, guided by reason, and reason virtue, in order that these young people may be living to those de for the fu by faith, home education will not be subject amples of Christian life and offer great hopes weak youth for plorable extremes that Sc) often imperil it: alternating ture. With praiseworthy judgment, you give this ac young with sharp severity, going from culpable meditation and imitation, the examples of saintly indulgence Stanis which leaves the child unguided, to severe men: who like Aloysius Gonzaga, John Berchmans, (jumiescence, the with coi-rtx-tion that leaves him helpless. On the other hand, laus Kostka, protected the virginal lily of their purity alicetion shown by parents, to which there is correspond. the prickly thorns of mortification. due in confidence on time part of the child, distributes 381 be But you have not restricted your attention to the edu- and merited correction with equal moderation, (59, rr.mise success, be- cation of youth. As your Founder and Father, anticipating e.wse it is master of itself, and with complete

19 you have future needs, recommended in the , 68) and in many places founded Institutes of higher learning, Universities, and, what augurs well for the Church, you doctrine THE VOCATION OF ThE EDUCATOR 337 have undertaken the formation of the clergy in Our very and piety—as in Our dear City and almost under Pontifical the life of a whole nation feels the effects of the eyes you are doing in masterly fashion in the doubt that to its youth: “Train up a child in the Gregorian University and affiliated institutions. Together first education given in and, when he is old he will not depart with this, you are working diligently to prepare citizens way he should go called upon to it.” (a) It is a truth that finds an echo in one of the all walks of life for the offices they will he from of the poets of Rome; “Quo scmel est occupy both in puhlic and private life. greatest and wisest imbuta recens, serval)it odorem testa din.” (b) fortified this educa the most 382 YOLI have, moreover, powCrfLIlly This is true always and everywhere, even in by those training—schools in piety and apostolate, normal times and among the soundest peoples. But how (90, tion of cllcd Nlarian Sodalities, which provide the Church much more trite is it in these days of universal agitation, 117) in Christ with a ready band of picked auxiliary troops when the world, nations, Ttaly itself depends on the chil Con peaceful array tinder the banner of the Virgin Mary. dren—whether they come from Christian or irreligious fam zeal tinue then to promote this most holy task with the ilies; from refined surroundings or from the slums; yes, that perhaps that characterizes all your labors, and never imagine even those urchins you meet on the street and who to dispense of unfortunately of your efforts arc strenuous enough greet you with jeers and who sometimes an young ar further effort. Till there are countries where the carry about quite openly the cruel brand of their misery constrained to attend schools and educational institutions and precocious vice. minds and cor iii w’hich error, disguised as truth, shackles to ensure that no rupts hearts, no effort must be spared of parents of sound educational in— Teachers are the delegates region shall stiffer front a dearth solid doctrine to stittitituis in which students may imbibe If, granted the best of conditions and the most favor 438 virtue. gether with the practice of Christian able circumstances, the education of children is the glori (29, the So of the mother, their 3.1, (Oilier undertakings of the present day—That outs mission of parents, and particularly needs to be assisted and completed l)y the cooperation 36, chiy itself renium the same.) task of teachers, both men and women, to whom they entrust 46) their children. Should we say “completed,” or not, rather, very often, “replaced”? There are mothers—it grieves Us to say so—who are quite incapable of realizing their sacred duty and sublime office, who have n idea of the aim of education, who, on account of their own lack of forma EDUCATOB TIlE VOCATION OF THE tion or of their deformation, are ignorant of the basic rules All they desire is to l)e left in peace and to be 1945. of pedagogy. All, to Italian Catholic teachers, November 4, allowed to pursue the selfish pleasures and material inter others, in 437 My dear children, your oft-repeated desire and per ests which occupy their minds. But how many corn- themselves (80, sistent wish to listen to the words and advice of your spite of their good will and devotedness, find 92) mon Father and Shepherd during this your Convention in Itoine is a sufficiently clear indication of the extent to 437a Prov, 22:6. liich you realiic; Cite sublime importance of your mission 437b Horace Ep. 1, 2, 69f. and of the respinsihility that rests on your shoulders. Not hat such proof was necessary. Your actions and your entire cinidimct havc already provided ample proofi It is beyond

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THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR difficult task. Monsignor Dupanloup, the famous Bishop today, more than ever before, unable to carry out their du of Orleans, wrote: “The long years I have devoted to their ty adequately, on account of present—day living conditions. care have been the sweetest years of my life. But they have ljmisehold chores, often even work outside Innumeral)le also been the most fatiguing, and if my hair has become home, allow them neither time nor possibility to per the prematurely grey, it has been in the service of chil labor so dear to their hearts and which is the only form a dren.” (d) life here on earth. Add to this the fact that reason of their Truly, life can often he hard for one who passes long, ever-growing demands of child education oblige p the weary days with children: coping with their thoughtlessness, on (sometimes entirely) to others their pre rents to hand their whims, their lightheadedness, the defects each one dolls of educating the little creatures to whom privilege has. Add to this, miseries of every kind, even when these do life. they have given not, like poisonous weeds, destroy the natural charm and You are, then, delegates and representatives of parents, freshness of the supernatural innocence of the child. Not a acting in their place. What an honor this is! But, at the few of them have seen and heard everything, and have per same time, if you (lid not realize that you have received it haps even gone through the grinding millstone of life. from God, how you should tremble when considering the Others have grown up without having ever heard about dignity, the consequences, the responsibilities, the difficul God, the Blessed Virgin, the angels, the saints, their souls ties and the gravity of such a task! or their eternal destiny, and they are quite indifferent to whatever you try to tell them about the truths of faith. paint too dark a pic The work of the teacher i.s hard and difficult However, We have no desire to ture. Many, indeed, very many children are born and bred, atmosphere. 439 A certain type of romantic literature, very fictitious, or at least are re-educated in a truly Christian even those possessed of excep (53, sentimental, and now almost out of fashion, liked to portray But even the best of them, the child as nothing else but charming and delightfully tional qualities, are a strain on one’s patience, not only be 81, but also on account of their 86) “poetic.” For the Christian, the child Is entitled to respect cause of their little defects, (even the pagan Juvenal warns us, that the “greatest re childishness, involving as it does persistent questioning, spect is due to the child”) (a) and he inspires an incom quarrelsomeness and noisiness! parably higher sort of poetry: he is a child of God; In spite of all this, the good teacher must pursue his 440 his angel always beholds the face of the Father Who is in work with zeal and, at the same time, calmly, not allow- (53, heaven (b) and men are asked to make themselves like log himself to display any sign of fatigue or annoyance that 81) children in simplicity and humility. (c) Putting aside senti might, in a moment, compromise the results of weeks and mental poetry, which is only the fruit of fantasy, and in months of hard work or that might destroy or even diminish spite of the poetry of the sublime reality, it must be the child’s trust in him. Finally, even when all has gone admitted that the first formation of the child, or, as the well, when so much care has been lavished on the initial case may be, of a group of children, can be a hard and formation of these little children, just when one can expect the bud to burst into flower and produce the fruit, they 439a Satire 14, 47. 439b Mali. 18:10. 439d De l’Education, lib. 2, c. 1. 439c Matt. 18:3-4.

21 341 THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR 340 THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR But the reason is and sacrifice. That is, no doubt, true. present alone, like a imist be handed over to others and the work must be begun that, in this case, the inclination is not spurred on by one of over again, from the beginning, with new pupils. blind instinct, but is sustained and it two motives, material interest or an ideal. 441 Not only is a teacher’s work fatiguing, however, but the other the case of little fault with 443 (50, is also difficult. It demands, even in Let us not be quick to despise or find experience and teaching he must live and (54) 82, children, specialized knowledge, material interests. The teacher is a man; help and support, recompense 86) ability. It requires study, practice, therefore has a right to a just and honorable possession of oneself. for himself .,Ll)OriOuS training and a complete for his work, which will enable him to provide you to acquire these. stipend. He does Certainly, your Association will help and his family. This, however, is only his made to inspire ideal is the But We recommend that an attempt be teach for the sake of this, but for love. The that all purely nat not faced with higher sentinients, under the conviction force that moves and spurs him on. Moreover, over all obstacles. This woman) thinks tiral means are not able to triumph the necessity of living, a young man (or his future and conviction is certainly well-founded. about finding the means to provide for various states of to look after his parents. Among the vocation and which he The three principal motives of the teacher’s life, he chooses the one he esteems most if the needs of his the considers most useful to him. Even 442 How do you explain the fact that, in spite of the beginning, a daily bread occupied his thoughts at (53, sorrows and difficulties which pertain to your profession, and therefore en higher sentiment prompted his choice iii spite of the arduous preparation it demands and the hand, he 54) him to respect and esteem. On the other hardships it involves, so many candidates aspire after it? titles he would looks upon teaching merely as a job, which They may be influenced by three chief motives: natural who lucrative post, willingly leave if he could obtain a more inclination, material interest, an ideal. joyless and loveless is only a poor mercenary, who leads a It is not hard to understand the passion for teaching like a prisoner dragging his heavy in high schools. The existence, something in colleges and universities, and even and thinking only of escape. pride in seeing young minds and chains to the professor feels a peculiar It is clear, therefore, that the real stimulus tinder his influence: he communicates real ideal. Only an hearts opening out teaching vocation can only come from a his own convictions, his own likes and excels all others, his own thoughts, ideal can lead one to master an art which this to start youth off on a calLer that may l St. John Chrysos dislikes, all according to the well-known opinion of modest, but is always useful and to the credit all teachers, men as great or tom. (a) This is the ideal that inspires noble pleasure greatly compensates for the results. of society. This well as women, whose zeal achieves excellent annoyances, hardships and disillusionments which will wheit it conies to little children, surely tint be lacking. Bt The ideal of the Catholic teacher so easy, from afar, to feel attracted, with almost it is again, we are 444 or maternal aflection, to them. But if some other We are talking of an ideal, and here l)atertlal ideal? There are (79, principle or sonic other interior impulse is absent, this faced with so many alternatives. What attraction soon turns into disgust. Bitt, you will say, there Migne. P. C. 58, 584. are ma ity ( yci.a’selvcs among them) whose desire is only 443a In Mutt. Homilia 59, No. 7. made stronger with experience and in the face of hardship

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THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR THE VOCATION OF ThE EDUCATOR 58) God, is great, but it seems inadequate to the immen and women who profane their gifts of intelligence thank 80, men the task. But then, you have realized that by uniting fatherly and motherly instinct, in the service of sity of 106) and their every one would double his influence for good. and hatred of religion and their fellowmen. They yourselves, impiety the application of the well-known saying, which the the years of their youth and maturity to this It is consecrate of your Association show they have understood task; they take upon themselves the hardships of leaders fiendish Union is strength. Union achieves, first of all, moral attain this end, sacrificing their own rest well: teaching to and if it only did this, it would already be a great their own interests and even their consciences. But strength, and Just picture to yourselves the situation of a teacher, are other men and women inflamed with a holier deal! there or woman, thrown on his or her own resources, anxious to perform their duty in conformity with man ideal and any support or understanding from the people of the Gospel. These feel themselves ir without the principles sometimes even without any sympathy. That will drawn to protect children from evil in order to around, resistibly give you some idea of the great help this union for mutual give them to God, to undergo weariness and discomfort in serve Christ, the Church and aid can be. order to form men who will emphasize above all the specific end manner. And this is your ideal; But We want to Inimnan society in a worthy namely, to encourage and to obtain the conquered your hearts and to of your Association: this is the love that has of the teacher, to furnish him with all your lives! perfect formation which you have pledged to accomplish his hard, but grand and this love which participates the means necessary It is this splendid ideal, the best way possible. which inspires you and which noble task, in of the love of God Himself, is essential in this formation is not so much the sweetens the severity of your work. What of methods, of clever moves, as future or sum-total of knowledge, The child is the future, either a dangerous Anybody who is working for the triumph of a down the street, carry the spirit. a future of promise. As he strolls whether good or bad, whether vital or simply super the seeds of every virtue and cause, ing within him unknowingly ficial, is well aware that it is necessary to imbue the ask themselves; ‘What a one, think ye, first vice, the passers-by hearts of his followers with this spirit. This, then, is the You too have anxiously asked the shall this child be?” (a) aim of your Association; the progress of your personal, be his future for himself, for as same question: what will formation—intimate, but as complete and well-balanced society, for the Church? The question has worried you and children, all children, possible. you have carried that child, those really sound 446 you promised Furthermore, since education cannot be iii your hearts; you made the firm resolution, natural (54, of the social and beneficial if it is confined to the sphere of mere God to make of those children the architects super- 72) uprightness, your ideal must be, and in reality it is, restoration in Christ. life natural. It follows from this that both your personal with a and your professional activity must be imbued the formation of teachers those Associations for supernatural spirit which, then, must flow out into it is to’ see but almost committed to your care. How wonderful But a feeling, not jist of discouragement, morning, 445 number, teachers, both men and women, who, in the of fear, immediately enters your hearts. Your fortify (50, imbued with God through prayer and meditation, themselves with the flesh of the Immaculate Lamb, and 444a Luke 1:68.

23 THE VOCATION OF THE EDUCATOR with their needs and the dignity of their work. We have 58) are able, with fatherly ing tluts, with burning, radiant hearts, more than once of the only “Sindacato” these spiritual riches to already spoken and motherly love, to communicate that exists in Italy and to which Catholics also belong, and the little baptized children en— the minds and hearts of of the requirements for membership. Well then, from the this that your yearly Retreats, trusted to their care. It is to moment that you also become members, you should refuse days of recollection, and the Holy Mass your bi-monthly to allow yourselves to be carried away passively by the von offer in common, all tend. current which unites the professional or social activity of have to achieve the But, as We have already indicated, your formation our youth of today. You will therefore 447 which will enable you to (50, must be complete. For this reason, it is not only opportune necessary degree of specialization, all matters dealth with by “the Sinda 58) btit also indispensable that your professional, pedagogical give your opinion on because you desire to tend toward per cato” and to exert your influence in defence of the Reli standing—precisely You will be able in the supernatural order—be eminent, superior. gious and moral principles of the Church. fection perfect loyalty) always be “p to date with the uninterrupted to cooperate with your colleagues (and with You should On other points, of ideas and methods. The Association takes care in whatever is good or at least not illegal. progress of striving for a more Christian of this aspect by courses of religious and social forma you will have the possibility work of education and teaching as tion and techniques, by preparing young teachers for com understanding of the class. petitive examinations, by monthly reunions, by your journal also of the interests of your and your libraries. It extends its interest to cover problems (Blessing.) that relate to the kindergarten, to recreation centers and to teacher-training schools.

To obtain legislation

448 And this is not all. You must demand your rights and (58) the means to keep them. You must defend, protect and as sert your rights as Catholic teachers and the possibility to fulfill the obligations involved. Evidently, you cannot do so individually and by yourselves. Hence the need for unit- ccl action through your Association. The Association pro THE IDEAL OF of universal reorgani poses (and particularly in these days COMPLETE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION zation) individual and social action to obtain educational l,iws that respect what is demanded by Catholic doctrine. All, for the second centenary of the of This action is all the more legitimate in Italy, where this Saint Joseph Calasanctius, November 22, 1948. important matter is treated in a solemn Concordat between (A reference to the Papal Brief declaring the Saint the Holy See and the italian State. Patron of all the Christian schools for children of the masses, teach 13, 1948.) 449 Finally you are also concerned with assuring to August (22, ers, whether men or women, a standard of living in keep-

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IDEAL OF COMPLETE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IDEAL OF COMPLETE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION adolescent. Above all, this duty presupposes devotion, love 485 Saint Joseph Calasanctius, who was born in Catholic and, to the extent of one’s powers, a holy enthusiasm which (16, , founded the primary school for children, but more will awaken a spontaneous interest from pupils and stim 50, exactly for poor and abandoned children. Others later, and ulate their eagerness for work. 72) most nobly, followed the same road; he, however, preceded them all, a humble and brave apostle in the sacred work. Whence, then, will you draw this treasure of superior 487 \Vitiimit doubt, Calasanctius and the Order founded by pedagogy which you need? From your inward spiritual life, (57, him, according to how circumstances advised or demanded, from prayers, from studying—in other words, in the exact 81) also led to the opening of high schools for youth of higher and faithful exercise of the duties of your state which, the standing. However, the great love of your Founder was al sacred Founder has inculcated in you by his example, by w’ays for the children of tile poor and simple people, and the the Constitutions dictated by him, by his admirable letters school which he instituted, not only aimed at teaching and which a filial love, together with a diligent and keen erudi educating them in tile Christian faith—which always re tion, has placed, or will shortly place, in your hands. From maiiicd his highest ideal—but also at imparting to them, by this Incomparable Muster you will learn still more perfectly iiieans of a wise and tested pedagogic method, a solid what you have to know and do and how you must do it, foundation to prepare and train them in life. He, therefore, what you have to suffer and how you must imitate his really deserves the honorary title which was recently con magnanimity in suffering, because education is, before all, ferred upon him. a work of love, and the great school of love is the Cross. (1648, Sowing in tears; 1748, Harvesting in glory.—Hfs children follow the ideal of his life and his thought: the The pupils’ part coinplete Christian education of youth.) But to you also We turn, dear pupils, to you, the object 488 of so much care, to you who can already understand or, at (3, The teachers’ part least, get a glimpse of what a great work your education 87, aim it presupposes, great for what it costs 88) ideal is very high, because its aim is supernatural is; great for the 486 This your educators and for the collaboration It requires from and, consequently, the eternal destiny of the pu (26, formation you. Thus, the Saint conceived it, the Saint whom today pils entrusted to your care. It is also very vast, because it 54, you especially honor, but to whom you must be devoted at making them into perfect men here below, in 60) aims and pay constant homage, not less with acts of piety than the intellectual, moral, scientific, social and artistic sphere by doing the best you can to correspond to the intentions to the condition, the aptitudes and of culture, according love towards you. Therefore, you who grow in the of each, so that no one may turn out of his legitimate ambitions of the Calasanctian schools certainly cannot go to or incapable, and also so that no one aura to be poorly adjusted school every day, diligently study the lessons, and conscien to the heights closed to him. This is a may find the road tiously perform the duties assigned to you only because sacred duty and it requires of educators mim.igniiiceol and you are obliged to do so, or only just to enrich your mind wisdom and tact, which will place them in a time gift of with ‘still greater knowledge, to refine your intelligence to give each pupil what is suitable in the way of position with training and culture, to assure yourselves of a knowledge. It also requires the ability to scud and ample decent livelihood. No, besides these just and upright ends, adept one’s teaching to the intelligence and capacity of the

25 Is this not perhaps the voice of daily experience? Con EDUCATION IDEAL OF COMPLETE CHRISTIAN sider: he who does not possess sound principles is today unfailingly carried away on the tidal waves of ideological and bringing to edneation has the superior aim of forming struggles. It is for this reason that so many glances now of his natural and peilection in you the Christian worth)’ turn, full of hope, towards the Church, she who is backed whatever be the siipcmnatiiral character, useful to society, by an admirable history of holiness and great works, and him. role for which Providence has destined abounds in ancient customs, beauty and sublime forms. the work, But that which above all else attracts the spirit towards the But, to form such men, have you considered 489 renunciations to Church is the conviction, firm as a rock, of absolute truth, the fatigue and the total and continuous (53, to subject them— of the divine force of that faith from which all the rest which your Masters and Professors have 84, them, to them who receives life and . scl’csl Can you imagine what it cost 87) work which is per— is drawn in 491 love you as they do, to oblige you to do 2. To the moral instability, to which youth observe discipline, films, it is the (72- haps liked, but certainly austere, to a thousand ways, by books, pictures and formation inevitably the man who knows 74, loving but yet strong? The work of duty of Catholic education to oppose Now, this can be and defend his human 76, involves some compulsory hardship. how to master himself, to preserve will be done will 97) borne either willingly or unwillingly. It and Christian dignity. received by you in welcomes and ingly if it is generously and cheerfully Catholic moralism has a big heart; it The pedagogy of of that dignity. filial collaboration with your educators. embraces all that is found in the ambit to collaborate in the which it is not lawful to overstep St. Joseph Calasanctius calls upon you However, the boundaries sphere of study, To maintain these limits inviolable intellectual, the secular, and the religious are clearly marked out. of culture. is the glory and merit well as on the moral and supernatural plane always and in every circumstance, its record good re Is necessary and humble prayer It is a collaboration that does not merely of strong souls, but grace manner simply as a without which victory is im sults in the same passive and exact to obtain, it—grace and prayer cooperation which that right from his first years machine would do, but rather an active possible—and it is necessary to renunciation, sacrifice, and the mas is (locile and personal at the same time. a youth be trained tery of self. the Special duties of oclay’s Catholic school (Intercession of the saintly Founder and of Most times change and Holy Virgin Mary.) All this is, in general, true. But 490 meet the times. We, Christian education must necessarily (72, school should bear in 82, therefore, believe that the Catholic ends: 116) mind two special and the restlessness, the boundless multiplicity 1. To ou1’lete— of modern life, which keeps man almost pressure allows him to I)e tip as iii a coil and no loiiger l wound bestows, to the frenzy of success which fortune LLohlectcd, without minding tccordiiig to which everything is jLulg(’(l or unlawful, C’atli— if it is true or false, good or bad, lawful maui of clear, sure, and I uhic eduicittion is called to fonn the iwofouuuici convictieus.

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Good teachers, finally, are careful to educate rather GOOD TEACHERS than merely to instruct; they are capable, above all, of forming and of molding souls chiefly through contact with Inter-American Congress on Catholic R.M. to the Fifth their own. A great teacher, who is no stranger to your Education, January 12, 1954. Spanish-speaking world, although inspired only by the (The progress of these five Congresses.—The theme light of paganism, has said, “Eum elige adjutorem, quein of the fifth: The formation of teachers.) niagis acirnireris, curn videris quam CU audieris: Choose that teacher whom you have to admire more when you 692 It is a theme of primary importance. To repeat the see him than when you hear him.” (a) (50) words of Our immortal Predecessor, “good schools are the fruit not only of good regulations but principally of In not a few regions of the New World, the social and 694 good teachers, excellently trained in the respective sub political movements which followed their independence (95) jects which they are to teach, and possessing the intellec have brought about the penetration into the field of teach tual and moral qualities which their important office ing of ideas and principles which, starting out from a liber requires—men who buria with a pure and divine love for alism and a laicism which daringly claimed to dominate the youngsters entrusted to them, precisely because they everything, flowed over into a monopoly on education, love Jesus Christ and His Church.” (a) with manifest damage to integral Christian formation and Good teachers, then, should have perfect human for with evident injury to the Catholic minority, and often to mation, intellectual and moral. For the teaching office is the immense Catholic majority. a lofty one which calls for intellectual discernment and (The great Iberian-American Educators.—Amalgama goodness of heart, for a capacity for intuition and sensi tion of the natives and Europeans through the work of tivity of spirit, for adaptability and renunciation as well as Christian culture.) of bearing everything for the love human depth, capable We cannot doubt that in the future you will insist 895 of neighbor, ever more on the programs so wisely outlined in your 71 professional competency which 693 Good teachers need a earlier meetings and in the directives which the Church has 91, above average, and better yet, outstand (3, should be at least constantly offered you with maternal generosity. You will 92) instruction and in each of the special 5, ing on all levels of interest yourselves more in education than in mere instruc. not to be unworthy of a mission which 50, ized fields, if it is tion, perfect your methods, afford an ever greater opportu the people and the State, but also God, 52, serves not merely nity for the teaching of religion, become more demanding 54’ the Church and souls. choice of textbooks. You will encourage the cooper pure professional Cath in the 71, Good teachers are those with a the families of your pupils, stop at an sacrifice for with apostolic zeal, a clear ation of 83) olic conscience, a soul burning the formation of your professors, follow up your pupils penetrate all their teaching. idea of doctrine, which must after their departure from your classrooms with timely of serving the highest spiritual and a profound conviction post-graduate assistance and dedicate all the attention it and that in a field of special privi and cultural interests, deserves to teaching as a part of various social works. In lege and responsibility. 693a Senecae ad Lucilium, lib. V. Epist. XI (52) n. 8. 692a Pius Xl, Encycl., l)icini iUius Magistri; ci. No. 297.

27 THE CATHOLIC TEACHER merit, at the this way, your educational activities will of the good, very least, the respect of all, especially After parents, who is more responsible for the religious protection of the public along with the support and the and secular destiny of the country than its elementary your work an effective authorities. The latter will see in school teachers, through whose hands, according to law, to the common good and generous assistance, contributing all children must pass? constituting the strongest barrier against of society and (The work already achieved is the foundation of all pernicious doctrines which, like a black flood, threat timse of future hopes.) everywhere. To achieve this—We repeat—”be fathers en form more than propagLLtors of sterile information,” The Catholic Teachers’ Association is now established 744 souls (a) your pupils above all “by the example of your life.” in all dioceses and provinces. It has 1,310 sections and its (22, (Geographical environment of the present congress: members include about eighty per cent of Italy’s teachers. 58, through lIat;aua.—A sqistholic picture: the typhoon.s pass This has been achieved, no doubt, because there is to be 111, but “they tuill not prevail.”) found in very few groups, as there is in yours, such com 112) plete moral soundness and such a conscious seriousness of aims. It has also been achieved because your association has worked tirelessly to bring together and to preserve these precious qualities under the banner of Jesus Christ, sole Master of adults and the young. We praise the careful work you have done in preparing national and provincial lecturers, in providing teachers with both religious and pro fessional training. We cannot fail to express Our pleasure over the dignified and intelligent way in which you have tried to obtain just economic and legal improvements with be influenced by a facile demagogy, THE CATHOLIC TEACHER out letting yourselves which is always harmful and especially so in school matters. We must also point out that your numbers and unity have Elementary School Teach All. to the Italian Catholic enabled Catholics to win an absolute majority at all meet ers’ Association, November 4, 1955. ings of an electoral nature. Thus We express Our satisfac tion with your very valuable work and urge you to continue (Tenth anniversary of the Association.) it with the same dedication and at the same pace as in the of struggles won and con may al 743 Ten years of diligent effort, past, so that the grace of Jesus, friend of children, exacting field of edu (4, quests achieved in the arduous and ways shine where the young people of Italy spend their you want to offer today to 5, r,ition—sLICh is the priceless gift most beautiful years. know, holds children from Us, 31, tlii: Vicar of Christ who, as you well But you must also hear a word of exhortation the destiny of both incomplete, 47, (IOSC to his heart and, through them, along with some simple, though necessarily he 52) the Church and your country. thoughts as to what a teacher should be and what must know, desire and do in order to be worthy of the high call ing entrusted to him.

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Vhat should a teacher be? he able to learn inside those desecrated walls, poor little boys and girls, from teachers who do not teach the truth, 745 1. First of all, what should a teacher be? who do not point out the path, who do not know—and who (26, seem to think that the word “instructor” Some people therefore cannot indicate—the road that leads to true life? 5!, means more than the simple word “teacher” and are 60, inclined to replace the latter by the former. It does not Fortunately, the large majority of elementary school 747 63, proper to Us to do this, beloved sons and daughters, teachers have often reaffirmed their intention not to mis (54, 71) and you are right in continuing to call yourselves Catho lead in any way the children entrusted to their care. Other 83) lic teachers. “Teacher” is the highest title that can be groups may have gone back on such an intention, But you given to an instructor. The teacher’s function demands have been courageous and have withstood all threats and something higher and more profound than the function of urgings. It is not enough, beloved sons and daughters, the person who merely communicates a knowledge of that you have declared yourselves Catholic. It is also things. The “teacher” is a person who knows how to necessary to live up to your faith. It is not enough, there create a close relationship between his own soul and the fore, merely to expound the truths to be believed and point soul of a child. It is he who personally devotes himself to out the path to be followed. Above all it is necessary that guiding the inexperienced pupil towards truth and virtue. your children see you practise what you teach. If they do Jt is he, in a word, who molds the pupil’s intellect and will not, the effectiveness of your teaching will be quite limit so as to fashion as best he can a being of human and Chris ed. We urge you, therefore, to pledge yourselves to live a tian perfection. Thus it must not be thought that, because completely Christian life. In order that the goal that We he teaches in an elementary school, a teacher worthy of are setting for you may not seem too arduous, We shall of the name has but little right to the unconditional and point it out in words which the Divine Master used in ad complete respect of his country. In the elementary school, dressing the multitudes of His listeners: To enter the king children learn the basic elements which are for everyone dom of heaven, become as these children—efficiamini sicut the foundation of future intellectual development and parvuli (a); pure, simple, humble and generous. w’hiich are in most cases the only scholastic heritage they u’ill have at their disposal throughout their entire lives. What should a teacher know? 746 What, then, should you be? 2. What should you know? 748 (50, True teachers must be complete persons and Chris think that because children—the object (50, 51. tiomis. That is, they must be imitators of the only Divine You must not work—are young, you can be content 82) 101, Master, Jesus Christ. of your educational and morally mediocre. It is well 103, Let Us tell you of Our grief, beloved children, at see to be humanly, spiritually more one works with “little ones” 107) ing here 1mm Italy more and more schools where, in a seem known, in fact, that the necessary it is to have ability. Does not the Crc iuigi)’ harmless way under specious pretexts, Jesus is in the more ator of the vast universe of stars, whose movements He rLahity ignored ni, worse still, where pupils are taught to with admirable harmony, show equal power and Iuihit Him and to exclude Him wherever He is found—in directs uuuuiids, in hearts, iii families and in society. Vhat will they 747a Matt. 18:3.

29 THE CATHOLIC TEACHER THE CATHOLIC TEACHER to impress things on the little niinds wisdom and arouse an even greater sense of amazement themselves and how Without distorting things in any way, teach when lIe regulates the imperceptible motions of the atom of their pupils. by using simple and in its parts? Those who have called children “men in min ers must nevertheless transform them from using words and iature” have indirectly claimed for teachers a not inconsi— suitable terms, refraining, meanwhile, childish. Futher derable greatness of soul. We shall not speak, of course, forms of speech which are exaggeratedly great need to see. of the knowledge you must have so that you can impart more, children more than adults have a that can aid their it to a child. But, although the case of a teacher who does We must, therefore, neglect nothing to avoid monotony, exces not know what he should teach his students is inconceiva imagination. It is also necessary ble, a certain lack of preparation as to the manner in which sive lengthiness and too many explanations. such teaching should be imparted or as to the purpose it Thus wisdom more than knowledge, and depth rather 751 sluoutkl have is minted in some teachers. than breadth of learning, are required of a teacher. Above (51, he should have an eager solicitude for the future of 63) know a child by observing him and you will all 749 You must their unsettled present and should observe him directly anti make diligent children regardless of ($1) achieve this if you guide their every move towards the future. A teacher help pedagogy offers you. A child is a small fra use of the good sower who throws a handful of seed into the helpless in time face of life, who is a gile thing, completely He chooses with foresight the time, place and man spring flower. He is a small being ground. grows and blooms like a ncr so that no seed will be lost and so that each will be play, loving everything that helps in search of motion and abundantly fruitful. him to feel growim up, already independent and increasing I)’ responsible for his own actions. Exceptionally varied in What should the teacher want? their appearance and needs, some children are marked by 752 a retarded physical development. Others give concern be 2. What should you want? (52, cause of their precocity, intellectual as well as moral. As teachers you must see to it that the children ac 63, There are those who are altogether backward, while others quire all the knowledge which is absolutely indispensable of great and beautiful things because of their to life. You should, therefore, be faithful to well-established 69, give promise 72, extraordinary intelligence or uncommon diligence. Some programs, gently and firmly seeing to it that the children to their 85) are restless and turbulent, others calm and couucmplative, in your care carry them out diligently according ability. As Catholic teachers you should be particularly 750 It is not enough to know children. You must know how careful that children learn religion in a clear, organic and (81) to talk to them. It may be said that few persons are capa therefore lively manner. “Lively” it should l)e made above Me of listening as children are, since no one else has such all, not only in the sense of interesting, but also in the sense a thirst to learn, in fact, everything they see elicits ques— that religion is life. For religion is an indispensable factor (ions, which are asked with insistence and sometimes in living. It is not only a solution to doubts and uncertain with an indiscretion which, is well known to you all. But ties, but also an aid in winning life’s battles, small today to even though children ‘ant to learn and know how to listen but great tomorrow. It is a refuge in early temptations guide for children’s actions, duties, patiently, it is still important for teachers to learn as much sin and a light and and relations with the outside world. Remem as possible about the art of speech, about how to express renunciations

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her that quite a few children do not attend parochial it has been and may still be a priceless factor in the com catechism classes because of negligence or aversion on the plete training of the child. It should not be feared that love part of ill-advised parents. Others may never again, even For all mankind—which you must develop in a Christian as adults, have an opportunity to learn the catechism or manner in your little charges—is necessarily contradictory study it more profoundly. to special love of one’s country. Does love for the families In order, therefore, that these little ones may not of others contradict the special love which everyone must lack the benefits of Christian doctrine, you must make have for his own family? [inn use of your right to teach it. You must iiot forget Lastly, as Catholic Educators, you must do all you can 754 that this is also your imperative duty before God and your to make every person a good Christian and to make many (26, country. of them attempt a direct ascent of the holy mount of God, 45, 753 As educators you should be eager to mold your encouraged and sustained by you as well as by the priest. 88) (61), children and urge them to exercise the human virtues; Jesus wants saints among the children of today. So you 66) loyalty, courage, and devotion to duty, family, and country. must see to it that children look upon Him not only as a It should be noted here that the sentiment of patriotism is beloved friend, but also as a model of every virtue. If it is perhaps too much neglected by people today, (a) although true, as We firmly believe, that God is preparing a new springtime for His Church, We should like to think that 753a In September, 1955, the Holy Father had the Secre among the little ones—as among adults—He will find an tariat of State address the following letter to the Third army of souls ready for any call and any heroism. National Congress of the French Union of Parochial School Sisters: “It must be admitted that matters belonging to the Individual formation of children civic order—which, however, ultimately refer to the Fourth Ca,uianej,,icnt—Iuave ,ivt al,vuys in past tUnes occupied thud this If you try as hard as pos 75 education. How 4. You will achieve end rightful place that is theirs in Christian (46, many Catholic women, to cite but one notable example, sible to deal with your children individually. There is a cer even today, take no interest in their duty to vote, and this tain amount of education and training which must be given 84) because of the fact that the serious consequences which to them in common. This must be done not only fur practi their absence from the polls might inflict on the good of cal reasons, but also and especially because child psycholo society was never impressed on them. How much more desirable it would be should the children of light realize the need to set an example in this field as well as in others! not only of youth but of all ages and of all conditions” n their solicitude for the common good Plums XI, no. 270, “it is clear that this task can have no They roust be first over the of their homeland and possess as much zeal in the perform other foundation but those rules of right which ance of thc’ir civic duties as in the observance of the Church is the divinely appointed Guardian and guide. douucstic or professional virtues. All this, however, pre It is necessary, besides, to recall the very grave obligation supposes a diligent formation begun in early childhood. which falls on parents to give their children that civic 1955, cal. 1296 ff.) education which it is their right to receive” (ci. C.I.C., (October 16, forms an Similarly, among the directives given by the Holy Fa can. 1113, ci. also can. 258); “this surely of the educative mission of the family and of ther on tho occasion of the Canadian Social 1eeks, by integral part Secretariat of State, there occurs the follow the Christian school which extends its action.” (La Do means of the curneutation catholique, October 16, 1955, en). 1292 ff. ing: “If tiw Siuh’ has the right to claim the civic education Do not be deceived by the claims often made b e 759 enemies of Christian education that they are guardia if (45, culture, freedom or merely of public economy. How un 92, founded these claims are is shown by the fact mat never 101, have culture, true freedom and economy been better pro 103) than when private and public schools are given a THE CATHOLIC TEACHER tected chance to develop in conformity with the principles, natural aims and desires of families. acceptance by all the gy finds unquestionably useful the It is by divine plan that the activities of the Church children together ol certain rules and principles of life. are always in happy accord with the right interests of fain- times, when each child must be There are also however, flies. This means that the measures taken by the Church and when it would be harmful to regarded individually in the various fields of public life prove themselves in time group. Some children, for ex deal with him as a part of a be right, that is to say, in accordance with God’s wishes. be restrained. to ample, need encouragement. Others must Beloved sons and daughters, make yourselves worthy and another reproach or punish— One may need comfort achievers of these divine plans along with the families of Remember, Cod creates souls individually, not in a inent. the Church. series in which one soul is the same as another. Created as God’s flowers in order to reflect His glory, souls bloom in (Blessing.) (lifferent ways. This produces the wide variety provided STUDY IS A DUTY by the sight of the field in which the Divine Gardener Rome, labors diligently and lovingly. All, to Students of State Secondary Schools in March 24, 1957. 756 Be mindful, lastly, to ask gradually for what you want (8.1) to ol)taifl from your children. Except in very unusual cases (Welcome.—Spiritual preparation for the Papal audi Jesus wants—and you too must want—the plants entrusted ence.—The presence of Catholics in Roman scholastic to your care to grow gradually and not hurriedly. There eirclcs.) fore, if you want to raise them to a certain height, if you Since We follow your affairs with paternal anxiety, 803 want to see them flourish and flower to the utmost, you We are not, on the other hand, unaware of some of the (87) must know how to tend them. If children are allowed to bewilderment and mistrust that you feel. These feelings rim too much they will stumble and fall. Likewise, placing have their origin in the consideration of the great scien burdens on their shoulders too heavy for them to carry tific progress and consequent technical development as may slow down their steps, if it does not stop them alto compared with the grief that afflicts many over what is getlier. happening today and what may yet happen tomorrow. 757 lewe outlined for you, beloved SOflS and daughters, Your mistrust touches upon a little of everything, and does (51) some practical suggestions for yourselves in your noble task not even spare the school. Either the teachers sometimes as educators, which is close to Ours as pastor of all souls. may not fulfill your expectations, or the curricula may Accept them as you have in the past with Filial docility seem out of date to you, while often everything appeals amid trust. to be no longer adapted to the new requirements and new 758 May the memory of our meeting remain always with trends. such as your teachers and especially your (16, you as a vivid proof ul the earmiestness—Ve niight say jeal Those, priests, who can penetrate beneath your outward appear mis earnestness—with which the Holy Church, the common 54) the reason for this impatience and and loving mother of the generations of humanity, regards ances, easily discover uneasiness. You are discontented with the way the world the ((ILicahli iii of children. Is it necessary to put into words a reconstruction. If it is true that what is so elm juentlv expressed and proven by the arduous is going and you want still vague and uncertain and struggle which the Church carries on almost constantly to many young people are of every attempt at rebirth and assure you of a sound Christian education? You, too, might groan about the uselessness true that others—many others—are he given the honor of meeting such a test, as many valiant recovery it is equally Catholic teachers have already met it elsewhere. In such a full of confident hope. You are among the latter, dear children. Indeed, one cu i. the Church will not abandon you, as, We are sure, you represent “wasted” youth. It would be would not abandon the Church in the throes of a long cannot say that you say that you are burning, flaming youth, ready struggle—a strugglc which, by God’s promise, would end in better to keep aflame the fire that Jesus came to bring peaceful Victory. to light and upon earth. But, in order that your intentions may be more than mere words, it is necessary that from now on ,ou do ‘ 32 0 not neglect anything that your state of life derr of (N C C)

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that it you. And hcrein lies your duty to study, to study seriously and perfect themselves in that art, they will answer come to that sixth in an organized and complete manner. here we is in that way that sailors more easily acquire finally, the search for truth, the effort to possess it, and, sense Which is appropriately called “sea sense.” with deeds. the will to 1)ut it into practice The application of this to your case seems natural and a lesson easy to Us. Every time you open a book, every time not ask 1. Study the truth begins or an examination takes place, you should be yourselves: What use is this to me? Do not say: I shall are open to life, eager to know, be 804 Your young intellects an engineer, what use is philosophy to me? I shall spread before you with her marvels and her why (2 and nature is a lawyer, of what use is physics? I shall be a doctor, of existence, human events, your and 87, mysteries. The problems study art? The truth of the matter is that certain ideas aim for, the roads to follow, the 92) aspirations, the goal to certain information, certain habits of thought, a certain is a query. Everything demands means to use,—everything mental discipline, the sense of measure and intellectual Study, therefore. Apply clear light and a definite answer. harmony—in short, a wide and deep training in fundamen every effort and do not yourselves to your studies, expend tals—help in life and are often useful in an unanticipated teachers and your curricula pass over anything that your and unhoped-for way. This is also generally true of Latin Being and lazy would mean betraying offer you. indifferent and history. yourselves and renouncing a complete and harmonious guard against 800 development of ycurselves. You would also be betraying b) In order to study seriously, you must is the (63) parents, who have probably made great sacrifices the belief that the amount of knowledge acquired your of your many things in order to keep you at fundamental element on which to build the edifice and have gone without things, your native land and the world future culture. There is no need to know too many school. You would deprive and to of science and but only to learn what is necessary and suitable, of a necessary number of capable men, men it learn it well, to understand it properly and study of the arts, experts in politics, economics and law. avoid thoroughly and intensely. It is therefore necessary to to make an almost superhuman ef 2. Study seriously compelling yourselves fort and to run breathlessly after everything that learning tries to bring to the student’s desk. This 805 a) To this end take care before everything else not to has enshrined and true if one is thinking of methods of learn (63, assess the importance of studies by the criterion of immedi is all the more memory aids. These methods are a 6-1) usefulness. You do not yet know what life has in store ing which are pure ate and pleasure-giving study, from a for you, nor do you yet know how your career will develop. far cry from serious cultural formation, and because of them, It is a well-known fact that future Masters of ships and real and profound sails. No one some schools are running the risk of involving themselves Naval Officers arc First taught how to handle 807 for the a drama which saddens parents and irritates the students, would imagine, at first, that this could be necessary in (63) about the course of an solution of complicated probIems c) But there is a third error which students must of a battleship. But if you ask ocean liner and the gunfire avoid falling into, with the help of conscientious teachers must learn how to sail a boat experts why future navigators and those who are in charge of arranging their curricula.

33 STUDY IS A DUTY STUDY IS A DUTY

Those who are aware of the problems of the schools same thing happens in the various branches of human know that there is nothing more harmful than a mass of knowledge. An inordinate growth would be of no use to ideas accumulated in a confused and disorderly way— the cultural whole, just as a lack of distinction between ideas which neither meet nor integrate, and which, rather, that which is fundamental and essential and that which is often clash and cancel one another out. Frequently the only accessory would be harmful. teaching and study of scientific matters is completely di The much-hoped-for organic unity of culture will be vorced from the total training of the intellect. The intellect achieved when the “corpus doctrinne” has Christ as its should constantly increase its capacity for synthesis and head. “I am. . . the truth,” I-Ic one day exclaimed. (a) profound research through serious philosophical studies. When you study nature remember that “All things were Science and philosophy must therefore complement one mode by Him and without Him was made nothing that another, coming together in those places where the study was made.” (b) When you learn history remember that it deals with the most profound and hidden structures of is not a simple enumeration of more or less bloody or edify matter and where the greatest harmony must be achieved ing facts, for one can easily see in it a structure which should or discovered. he studied in the light of universal Divine Providence and the undeniable freedom of man’s actions. You will particu tiOS The teaching and study of religion is sometimes passed larly note how you would see the events of the past two (69) over by some students, or looked upon with distrust and thousand years with different eyes if you were to consider suspicion by the teachers of qther subjects, who might not them as the development of Christian civilization, starting refrain from witticisms and insinuations. And, just as they with those events which marked the dawn of the Church, once resorted to the certainties and lights of science to dwelling upon the great and unsurpassed syntheses made dc’m-ide time doubts and shadows of philosophy, so do they in ancient and medieval times, givtng some thought to the today compare the “reasonableness” of certain philosoph painful apostasies but also to the great conquests of modem ical ideas with the “indefensibility” of mysteries. Anyone times, and looking with confidence at the many signs of can imagine the chaos that derives from such a method rebirth and recovery. of teaching and studying. Unfortunately, your delicate for complete studies and unprepared young minds know it, 8. The need But in order that this organic culture may be possible, Sb 809 Mitch better results would be obtained if the teach- it is necessary that your studies be complete. (65) (6.1, ing of all subjects were conducted in a perfectly system- First in the order of precedence comes the natural 67) atic and organic manner, As a matter of fact, the “corpus (a) world which presents itself to you, impresses itself on obeys, in much the same way, the laws oF every doctrinae your senses and arouses your curiosity. It is necessary that body develops as the result of the living body. A living nature should have a powerful tfraction for the youth of the members, which in turn find immt(rior development of its modern generation. Lift your gaze to the mysterious 11w whole body. The mmommrishmemmt for their own life from depths of the nebulae and the clusters of stars scattered iimtcmior impoverishment of some members or their inor— dimiate growth creates in the rest of 11w “corpus” a loss of 809a John 14:8. vitality, weakness, and thus ineffectiveness of action. The 809b John 1:3.

34 0 0 C

STUDY IS A DUTY STUDY IS A DUTY of reality in all its aspects and throughout the immense universe. Stop and contemplate sary to insist on the study of you will have to be able to an the marvels of your man-ruled planet. Penetrate into the its elements. Each one the questions which you will deepest structures of the atom and its nucleus. In order to swer with precision and clarity will be asked by others: What read the stupendous book of nature, you must take science inevitably ask yourselves or specifically is the world? What an interpreter, interesting yourselves in its problems, is reality in general? What as have? Does God exist? its solutions, its hypotheses and its mysteries themselves. validity does human knowledge are His attributes? What While small, presumptuous minds are satisfied with the What is His nature and what Him and the world? Between few notions they have learned, you will notice that the are the relations between meaning of life? And of death? disproportion between what you know and what you would Him and men? What is the joy, and what is the function of like to know is always growing. If your teachers—to whom What is the nature of criteria must human society, the We turn Our affectionate and grateful thoughts—know how pleasure? With what be ruled? guide you in reading this book, in this study, you will family and civil society to may be given adequate be greatly astonished at the ease with which one can dis In order that these questions to appeal to the everlasting phi cover in every creature the Creator Who is glorified by answers, it is necessary elaborated by the great intellects this knowledge and fills your heart with happiness in rec losophy which was centuries. It has lost none of its ompense. throughout the past objective value and its didactic effectiveness, all the more 811 (b) From the experimental sciences, move on to the so since the development of scientific knowledge is not (66. truths of philosophy, which is the basis of all knowledge. in contrast with the definite theses of that philosophy. We know well that often such a noble and necessary study 75) on to the science which 813 is confined, unfortunately, to an enumeration of errors (c) From philosophy, move from the doctrines of the faith, (69) coming from agitated minds and disordered hearts. Such derives its knowledge Divine Revelation, a study Is certainly harmful to students, as is clearly shown learned through especially those dedicated to study, by the ever stronger and more distressed complaints of All Christians, but education as profound and as or parents who are justly concerned about the things that should have a religious As a matter of fact, it would be danger their children are taught. We do not understand why one ganic as possible. to develop all other forms of knowledge and leave the who sows the seeds of scepticism in the unprepared minds ous religious heritage unchanged from the first days of child of the young should be called a “teacher.” Freedom of the hood. Incomplete and superficial, it would necessarily be consists in the possibility of penetrating always intellect suffocated and probably destroyed by non-religious culture this or that truth, of considering one fact more deeply into and the experience of adult life, as is proved by the and of making deductions aspect of it rather than another, that the faith of many was shipwrecked by doubts left un is, there and syntheses of major or minor importance. It clarified and by problems left unsolved. Inasmuch as it is fore, an entirely positive freedom, and the more it is en necessary for the foundation of your faith to be rational, After lightened and protected against error, the greater it is. a sufficient study of apologetics is indispensable. theology the wards you should sample the beauties of dogmatic 812 It is, therefore, necessary to have a knowledge of in- and the harmonies of moral theology. Finally, try to (hG) history of philosophical thought, but it is even more neccs

35 PRAYER FOR TEACHERS STUDY IS A DUTY December 28, 1957. elude Christian ascetics in your studies and press on, on, 0 Word Incarnate, Teacher of teachers, our beloved 832 beyond to the high plaaes of mystical theology. Oh, if you Jesus, who clidst deign to come into the world in order to (51ff, could see Christianity in all its greatness and splendor! point out to mankind, in Thine infinite wisdom and inex 60, haustible goodness, the way to heaven, graciously hear the 62) 814 One last word, beloved children. Let truth, known humble supplications of those who, following in Thy foot (72, and possessed, become your rule of life and action. Free steps, desire to be Catholic teachers worthy of that name, 88) yourselves thereby from passions and prejudices. Grow in and to guide souls in the sure paths that lead to Thee and Christ through truth. “Rather are we to practice the truth through Thee to eternal happiness. in love, and so grow up in all things in Him Who is the Grant us Thy light, that we may be able not only to head, Christ.” (a) avoid the snares and pitfalls of error, but also to penetrate A call to rebirth and a cry for recovery sounds through into the nature of truth so s to attain to that clarity of out the world: it will be a Christian recovery. As We said insight which causes what is most essential to become most in the beginning, you want a new structure to arise from simple, and therefore best adapted to the minds even of the ruins heaped up by those who preferred error to truth. little ones, in whom Thy divine simplicity is most clearly The world will have to be rebuilt in Jesus. n’ilccted. Visit us with the assistance of Thy Creator Spirit, Let those who dream of non-existent decay, and fore so that when we are commanded to teach the doctrines see impossible downfalls of the Church, look back into of faith we will be able to teach them as they should l)e history, reflect o the present, and foresee—for it is not taught. impossible to do so—the future. Let them remember what Give us the power to adapt ourselves to the still imma 833 llappefle(l to those who tried to destroy the Handmaid of ture minds of our pupils; to encourage their splendid, (51, Christ and see what is happening to those who are obstin youthful energies; to understand their defects; to endure 54, ate in their insane designs. Those who go against the their restlessness; to make ourselves as little children, with 81 if) Church will smash themselves against the rock on which out giving up due authority, thus imitating Thee, dear Christ, her Divine Founder, wished her built. Lord, who didst make Thyself as one of us without aban Young pooplul do you want to cooperate In the gigan doning the lofty throne of ‘Thy divine nature. tic enterprise of reconstruction? The victory will be Christ’s, Above all, fill us with Thy Spirit of love; love for Thee, Do you want to fight with Him? To suffer with Him? our kind and only Teacher, that we may sacrifice ourselves Do not, then, be weak and lazy. Rather, be inflamed in Thy holy service; love for our profession, that we may and ardent youths. Enkindle the fire which Jesus came to see in it a high vocation and not merely an ordinary occu bring into the world and make it blaze up! pation; love of our own sanctification, as the chief source of our labors and our apostolate;. love of the truth, that we may never deliberately betray it; love of souls, whom we are to mold and fashion to truth and goodness; love of our pupils, that we may train them to be exemplary citizens and faithful children of the Church; love for our beloved youths and children, that we may feel toward them a true, 814a Eph. 4:15. paternal affection that is more sublime, more deliberate, and more unselfish than that of their natural parents. And do thou, 0 Mary, our holy mother, under whose loving eyes the youthful Jesus grew in wisdom and in grace, be our intercessor with thy divine Son and obtain for us an abundance of heavenly graces, that our labors may redound to the glory of Him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.

0 0 fl 36 NAPCIS Teacher Certification Program Collected Magisterial Documents II Bibliography Chronologically Ordered

KEY: Latin incipit title, Date of Composition, English Document Title or Excerpt’s Subtitle Pontiff

Allocution, January 12, 1873, The Divine Mission Reserved to the Church Pp. Pius IX

Allocution, June 29, 1873, Worse Than Herod Pp. Pius IX

Allocution, March 29, 1874, Youth and Revolution Pp. Pius IX

Sapientiae christianae, January 10, 1890, The Cradle of Civil Society Pp. Leo XIII

Quae coniunctim, May 23, 1892, Public Schools and the Taxpayer Pp. Leo XIII

Custodi di quella fede, December 8, 1892, Face to Face with Freemasonry Pp. Leo XIII

Ea discipliae, May 20, 1901, The Christian Classics Pp. Leo XIII

Exeunte altero, January 27, 1919, Serving the Common Good Pp. Benedict XV

Communes litteras, April 10, 1919, Freedom of Education in the Pp. Benedict XV

Libenter quidem, October 15, 1921, Christ in the Bishop Pp. Benedict XV

Homily, May 24, 1925, Social Restoration and Girls Pp. Pius XI

Allocution, July 20, 1946, There is no Real Education without Religion Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, September 8, 1946, Preparing for the Future Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, April 5, 1948, Blessed Benildo Pp. Pius XII

Quod ait, May 15, 1950, The Patron of Educators Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, May 6, 1951, The Fullness of Education Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, September 18, 1951, Corruptive Initiation Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, March 23, 1952, The Education of Conscience Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, April 21, 1953, The Spirit of Emulation Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, September 30, 1953, Three Dangers for the Faith Pp. Pius XII

Letter, December 31, 1954, Permanent Value of the Encyclical “Divini illius Magistri” Secretary of State under Pp. Pius XII

Allocution, November 10, 1957, The Private School Pp. Pius XII

PIUS IX YOUTH AND REVOLUTION 1846-1878 All. to some Roman students, March 29, 1874. THE DIVINE MISSION Whenever there has occurred in society some upset, 46 some revolution, an overthrowing RESERVED TO THE CHURCH of public order, youth (93) has always been a target; by some to recall them to ‘hat is good, by others to corrupt them, first in heart and then All, to the German Literary Society, January 12, 1873. in mind. You yourselves have witnessed it. In recent years I myself have seen University professors incite the ilnpres (The Pope replies as diti Christ to the servant of Cai sionable minds of the young in an attempt to drive them phas: “If 1 have spoken well, why (10 you strike ,nc?”—The to all kinds of disorders, under the pretext of breaking their 110 WOTl(1 are powers of not carrying out their duty of act— chains, of honoring the nation and of rendering it free and jug as pruic:tors of the Church.) independent, without noticing that they were only making it poor, disordered and contemptible. Nor is that all; they want to destroy not only all those Through a divine miracle and the intercession of the great things that belong to the Church, but also what be Blessed Virgin Mary, in the years preceding the unfor longs to morality; they want to have public teaching in tunate breach, the University of Rome has remained tin- their own hands so that youth will be formed as they wish. contaminated and has turned a deaf ear to the hissings of But I say to them that as Jesus Christ has commanded poisonous serpents or the voice of alluring sirens. It was that the power given by God to the Civil Authority be indeed a marvel that young hearts were rendered docile, respected, likewise He ordered the Church and her minis the eye of the guardians farsighted, and the conduct of ters, and not the kings, nor the emperors, nor the sover the professors wise. eigns, no; but He ordered the Church and her ministers: Now, I repeat, in every revolution, whether caused by lie, (locete oinnes genies. (a) To the Church He has said the work of an irrepressible Conqueror, or the workings of that she must go and teach all nations, that God’s ministers sedition, the aim has always been to corrupt youth. There must travel the length and breadth of the earth, there to are many examples, both in ancient and modern times, preach the word of truth; baptizantes, they must administer which prove the assertion in both its alternatives. the sacraments; they must edify by their word and exam ple: instruction, I repeat, belongs entirely to the Church. Old and new examples (Exhortation to constancy.—Blessing.) Nabucodonosor, having conquered Jerusalem and 47 established his supremacy, brought away with him among (101) his prisoners many youths whom he handed over to the surveillance of severe masters, so that they would conform HEROD WORSE THAN to the morals of the Gentiles and so abandon their national traditions. Rectors of colleges, June 29, 1873. All, to the The young Daniel opposed this wicked plan and was (Ecclesiastical training is nwre useful to the Church joined by other youths who courageously declared that than artistic training.) they intended to remain faithful to the laws of their father of God land. (a) In our days, We see clearly why the enemies be At the beginning of this century, another arrogant such a fierce war against Catholic institutions: wage youth, Conqueror (b), a persecutor of the Church and of the cause the war against the colleges is a war against against Supreme Pontiff, desired to band together in the capital and consequently a war directed against religion, adolescens a group of youths belonging to families of rank, of which the faith and against Christian living, since recedet ab ea. there were many in Rome, so that they could serve the /uxta clam siiam, etiam cum senuerit, non cruel king, vanity of this Sovereign. (a) In this they go even further than that so many many centuries ago, who ordered the massacre of once be— thousands of innocent children: these, at least, 47a Daniel 1. 4V”tt. 28:19. 47b Napoleon I. iS v 22:6. fl C to the assistance, and comfort of the Church so despoiled take the book of Machabees. In Jerusalem the 48-49 Let us by its enemies, to encourage its Ministers so unjustly per was beginning to weaken. A not far distant (94, spirit of faith secuted, to inspire the young with the spirit of faith against great interest the complaints of the 107) King welcomed with the poison of incredulity, with the. spirit of devotion and their perverse passions; in Scripture wicked and stirred up recollection against the spirit of dissipation, which is fed in the radix peccatrix (a), and bears this King is known as a thousand diabolical forms. Christ comes again, carry encouraged those wicked peo the name of Antiochus; he ing the scales of justice in His hands and, as a King, marks (b), and made them instru ple, surrexerunt impli ex Out from this moment those who are destined to experience avarice. It was then that a ments of his ambitions and his in due course the effects of His rightly irritated justice. Jerusalem according to the Gymnasium was opened in As for us, clear Youth, let us follow His way. As He already corrupt Hebrews said, custom of the Gentiles. The very rightly stated: Ego sum cia. (b) Follow in the foot as much to others, that they would and they insinuated steps of the Divine Master and you will find yourselves, should they not live according to never be a great nation without realizing it, keen on your school work, assiduous and so they pre the morals and customs of the infidels; in your religious duties, and constant in your good God’s curses. pared themselves and exposed themselves to resolutions. and The Greek Gymnasiums served as meeting places I beg God to bless you and to remove the difficulties praise for certain activities for the young; they began in a and the unjust oppositions of those who set themselves up worthy manner, but then they degenerated into mere in to deny the freedom of teaching which We wish to remain famous assemblies. Under these abominable omens, the in its entirety; because if ft is true that those who come with de Gymnasium was opened in Jerusalem under the protec among us, come with freedom on their lips and their bondage, tion of the evil King who fed himself on the lowest form ceiving expressions—let us break away from that of corruption. rid ourselves of the toils”—(c) it is incomprehensible side by side with so much freedom, preached with such The spirit of the seditious is manifested today almost impudence, there should be so much slavery. 50 in the same manner; and behold We see certain incredu (94, lous professors occupying the Chairs in schools; it is pre 102, cisely because of this that We witness, in the Universi 101) ties and in the other so-called institutes of education, the exclusion of every religious element; it is because of this, We see it all too clearly, that they tend in a thousand ways to set a trap for youth, exaggerating all that can lead to vice, and belittling, (what am I saying?), and trying to cause the total disappearance, if that were possible, of everything that can elevate the spirit towards God: faith, religion, and its Ministers.

The safe way great evils, therefore, which have 51 In the midst of these conquerors and the wicked (95 paved the way for the insolent to protect the young against such 116) seditious, the only way dangers is to rally around those youths who were men tioned in the Gospel this morning, those who accompanied Jesus Christ on His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and greeted Him calling out: Hosanna filto David Benedictus qui ,cnit in nonjine Do,nini. (a) Blessed is He Who comes

49a 1 M.wh.abeeg 1:11. 51b John 14:6. Machabees 1:12. 49b Cf. I 51c Ps. 2:3.

k4itt. 21:9. 2 LEO XIII PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE TAXPAYER 1878-1903

Letter Quae coniuncti;n, May 23, 1892—to the Bish ops of the Province of New York. TIlE CIIADLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY (Controversy regarding two parochial school-s.) Prelates of your region, whose very 134 Encyci. Sapientiae christianae, January 10, 1890—on Among the revered the Holy See We have known and had (19, the chief civic duties of Christians. great devotion to proof of in their visits to Us, none of them, without excep 48, (Hierarchy between service of the Church and service tinmi, showed the least doubt about the doctrine issued by 106, of State—-War against the Church.—Attitude of Catholics.— the I loly See regarding schools, in which Catholic children 111) Cliii rch-Statc relation.s.—Sub,nission to ecclesiastical s’upe have to be educated. riors —Regulation of whole life according to Christian All agree imanrrioiisly that they cannot approve of I each ing.) the schools called “neutral,” namely, those deprived of re instruction, and declare the need for private, reli 130 This is a suitable moment for Us to exhort especially ligious gious is the case in regions populated by faithful (7, heads of families to govern their households according to schools (as III3XC(l non-Catholics), schools, that is, in which the 28, these precepts, and to educate their children from their with instructed in religion by those whom 2$), earliest years. The family may be regarded as the cradle chiiklren are suitably task. of civil society, and it is in great measure within the (‘ircie the Bishops consider fit for the of family life that the destiny of the State is fostered. Con— It is, therefore, most important, Venerable Brethren, secjiieotly tlic u ho would break away from Christian dis— that, together with all the other prelates of the region, you , 3, c’ipliiie are working to corrupt family life and to destroy should endeavor wisely and zealously to see that Catholic it utterly, root ,iiiil branch. From such an unholy purpose chiklren do not attend scholastic institutions in which their 111, they are not deterred by the fact that they are inflicting is omitted and their morality laid open from nature desire—as has been 112. a cruel outrage on parents, who have the right to danger. Therefore, We earnestly right to which is (luring 111. to educate those whom they begot, a notified by the Congregation of Propaganda—that, and education diligently 117) joined the duty of harmonizing instruction the coming meetings of Bishops, you should by with the end for which they were given their children study the concrete means to be adopted in order to achieve goodness of Cod. It is then incunibeiit upon parents to this end. the to vin make every effort to resist attacks on this point and of thir We wish, further, that you should do your utmost to 135 dicate at any cost the right to direct the education 1mrt oJ see to it that those in charge of the administration in in (18, offspring, as is fitting, in a Christian manner; and schools where there is dividual cities, recognizing that there is no greater help 25, foremost to keep them away from impiety. public welfare than religion, may, by means of wise 106) risk of their being irnl)ued with the poison of to no take care that the Department of Education, to ‘vVhere the right education of youth is concerned, legislation, this matter which everyone, amid therefore Catholics, too, contribute amoitmit of troul)IC and labor is too much. In deserve their money, may enact nothing that will offend conscience are many Catholics of various nations who there And We have no doubt that your co-citizens, praised and who incur great expense and exhibit or religion. to be separated from Us, by that strength of opening schools for the education of children. who happen to be munch zeal in prudence which distinguishes them, will that this noble example be followed accord intelligence and It is desirable off all suspicion and prejudice against the of the times. However, let everyone be easily throw ing to the needs and recognize her great merits in having of all, that the minds of children are Catholic Church, firmly convinced, first light of the Gospel, teaching they receive at home. dissipated pagan barbarism with the best trained above all by the Christian in their homes the rule and in generating a new society, excelling in If iii their growing years they find Christian virtue, the virtues and every branch of human civilization. of an Lipright life and the exercise of being so, We think that nobody there will toler salvation of society will be in great part assured. This an obligation on the part of Catholic parents to protect this teaching.) ate (Exhortatioii to apply and promote primary and secondary schools which they cannot make use of to educate their own children. n ..‘ .7_ r7. C’,_ _._._l _..41. 41.. S.,,.. C’)

FACE TO FACE WITH FREEMASONRY FACE TO FACE WITH FREEMASONRY 8, 1892—to Letter Custodi di quella fede, December We should like parents, educators, employers and all 137 the . those who are in a position of authority to remember that (33) binds them to prevent, as far as possible, (War against the religion which has been the cause a strict obligation of those under them into this tainted sect, or, of Italy’s greatness.) the entrance if they are already members of it, continuance in it. It evils in a it so 136 Our country lias seen and suffered great is urgent that in so important a question, where is from (94. very short space of time. easy to be seduced, the Christian should be on guard of all avoid every 95, The religion of our fathers has been the object his earliest years, fear the slightest dangers, seek to in short, 97. sorts of persecution, which, with diabolic intent, occasion, take the most careful precautions, and, by the as 102) replace Christianity by naturalism, the cult of faith according to the advice of the Gospel, be as guileless cult of reason, Catholic morality by a so-called indepen doves and as wise as serpents. (a) dent morality, spiritual progress by material progress. It Fathers and mothers of families should guard against has dared oppose the holy precepts and laws of the Gospel receiving into their homes and into the intimacy of the by laws and precepts which can be called a Code of Revo family, unknown persons or persons whose religious back lution, and Christian learning and the arts by an atheistic ground is not sufficiently known. Instead, they should instruction and a despicable sophistry in schools. first endeavor to ascertain whether, under the mantle of or other well-wisher, there (Church possessions.—Military sereice for the clergy.— a friend, or teacher, or doctor enlister of the sect. Oh, in how Civil matrimony and burial.) is not concealed a shrewd many families has the wolf penetrated under the guise in wresting the Though they have not yet succeeded of a lamb! direction of charitable in education of the young and the (Avoid suspicious company and persons.) the hands of the Church, they continue with stitiitions from 138 to secularize everything, which means Freemasonry has obtained control of the public dogged perseverance (94, Christianity from everything. schools: you strike back by instructing and educating Chris obliterating all traces of 102, tian children and youth in private schools, in the home, (Press.—The Religious.—Reabzations and Plans of both 112, in schools run by zealous clerics and the religious of Freemasonry,) all, Jet Christian parents not entrust the edu 114, sexes. Above 117) The social order, It may be said, is torn up by its roots, cation of their children to schools that are doubtful, Books and newspapers, schools and professorial chairs, lit (Press.—Various activities.) erary circles and theaters, momunents and political speech What more? That sect strives to subjugate the Church, pervert es, photography anti the fine arts—all conspire to to reduce her to the condition of a humble servant-maid the mind anti corrupt the heart. under the foot of the State! And, you, do not cease to ask, the liberty and inde (Frecnwsonry, the enemy of God, of the Church and and, within legal limits, to demand, of the couutry.—Attitude of Catholics.) pendence owed to her. (Union and courage.)

137a Matt. 10:16.

4 170 Here, however, the tutor and guide needs prudence CHRISTIAN CLASSICS (64, THE which will certainly not be lacking, thanks to your watch 69) ful care. And the success will be more certain and wide Letter Ea disciplinae, May 20, 1901—to the Bishop spread when the students have learned the art of writing of Namur. and acquired a refined taste. This they will learn from the examples of those who, from the testimony That method of education which, for the literary for- teachings and 169 of the Holy Fathers and the well-known mation of the youth, especially in ecclesiastical seminaries, and practice (64) always produced, are rightly considered wishes to add to the assiduous study of the ancient Creek fruits they have teachers of humanity. (a) and Latin classics, the knowledge and correct appreciation to be the best means of prudent application, the candidates of the most famous Christian writers is not without merit. Thus, by assured, in the written and oral exposi Apostolic See has already said so when the occasion for the altar will be The of the double advantage, always itself. (a) tion of religious matter, prcsentcd persuasive truth together with the dig Your letter informs Us that a learned member of your desirable, of a fully to subject matter of such importance. diocese, Canon L, Cuillaume, spurred on by this, has, for nity suitable dedicated time, together with some collaborators, (Blessing.) a long and publication much care and labor to the preparation every literary form he of a series of volumes in which for pagan authors. puts our writers face to face with We have received They have sent Us this collection. for their filial homage. it with pleasure and are grateful itself, We hope—and this is pre Regarding the initiative in cum alumni tends so earnestly—that it may 170a Tune enim certius uberiusque res proficiet cisely the scope to which it et judicii elegantium para and, especially, moral for jam sihi facultatem scribendi be of benefit in the intellectual, eorum scihicet praeceptis atque exemplis qui, verint, cx cx niation of youth. probe nosti, ipso testimonio usuque Sunctorum Patruim plorataque fructuum perpetua copia, omnis humanitatis jure habentur magistri optimi.

169a Pius IX, already, in the Encyclical, Inter Multiplices of March 21, 1853, said: “Let clerics learn the elegance of style and eloquence both of the works full of wisdom of the Holy Fathers, and of the famous profane authors, purged of all dangerous elements” (A.?. IX, 1, 443). And iii the letter, Quo libentius oF April 1, 1875, to Mgr. d’Avanxo: “The written monuments of every century of the Church, which you have reviewed, bring before our eyes the origins, the, progress anl the high quality of a new form of I ..ttin, and at the satlie time they teach that it was always the custom of the Church to teach Latin to the through the reading f both sacred and profane 5 s” (AAS. 8, 560). n Christianity among continental peoples. The enei BENEDICT XV would like to vindicate their exclusive right to teac. us 1914-1922 excluding the Church’s possibilities of safeguarding the Christian Faith, and impeding the work of the private schools established under her maternal care successfully SERVING THE COMMON GOOD to combat the anti-religious schools. The enemy tramples underfoot and violates the natural rights of the fathers of families. While an unbridled liberty unworthy of such a Apost. Letter Exeunte altero, January 27, 1919—to the name everywhere reigns supreme, they attempt to restrict Superior Genera) of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. and abolish by all possible means the freedom proper to (The second centenary of St. John Baptist de la Salle.— the religious and to Catholics to teach the young. Your na His aim: to teach religion to children while at the same tion has not experienced this deplorable state of affairs; time educating them in the rudiments of knowledge.) and We well know how you have devoted all your re the education of children is lacking to sources with great liberality and attention to the founding 200 In these days extent in the true Christian spirit: many are of Catholic schools. We rejoice also with the parish priests (4, an incredible snatch the schools from the Church’s mater and with the religious of both sexes who, under your guid 102, attempting to to introduce the so-called “lay” training, ance, have not spared either expense or sacrifice in or 107) nal care and so which even lacks the slightest religious atmosphcre. In so der to retain the prosperity and efficiency of their schools acting they are substituting a home of virtue for a den of throughout the entire United States. Nevertheless, you vice. Once the principle has been abolished, that “learning yourselves ought to be convinced that a clear vision of the is vain without the fear of God” (a), what will be left to future could be obscured by the present prosperity and save those of a defenseless age from the burning desires of that the lot of the Church and the State depends absolutely the passions? on scholastic conditions. You will have no Christians other It should, therefore, be obvious to all that the most than those instructed and educated by you. effective way to serve the common good is to educate chil are the hope of the future, according to Chris dren, who CHRIST IN THE BISHOP tian teaching and morals. (Exhortation.—Indislgences.) Apost. Letter Libenter quidem, October 15, 1921—to the Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies. to must submit to FREEDOM OF EDUCATION (Directives Catholics.—Evenjbody the Bishops.—Powers and duties of the Bishops.) IN THE UNITED STATES Bishops, using their threefold authority, namely, that 204 of teaching, ministering, and governing, ought to maintain (11, Apost. Letter Communes litteras, April 10, 1919—to the and direct authoritatively the following (a): the Church’s 19, Bishops of the United States. possessions...; the Catholic education of the young, which 69) must never be separated from religious instruction. Actual of the Episcopal conferences.—Commissions (Approval ly—since the Savior affirmed of Himself, “You have but question and for education.) for the social one Master: Christ” (b), and since He continues His teach ing through the Bishops, according to the saying: “He who heñrs you, hears Me” (c),—it belongs to the Bishops to and of youth is of 201 The Catholic education of children establish the legitimate rules which Catholic teachers the in (16, the greatest importance as it effectively protects ought to follow with great attention in all that pertains to too well, Ven 47’ tegrity of faith and morals. You know only Catholic schools and the training of seminarians in major 49’ erable Brethren, that God’s Church has never ceased to and minor seminaries; and finally, the relations between to 92, promote this training with all possible attention, and the faithful and non-Catholics in civil life.... to its means, against 95, deleud and to protect it, according (Native clergy.—Agreernent.) 102, every attack. And even if We had no special reason, the conduct of the enemies of 109) most effective argument is the 204a Episcopi triplici sua potestate utentes, magisteril scili cot, tnini.sterii atqite rigirninis, ttieri dcbent et auctoritative inoderari qnae sequuntur: turn administrationes ecciesiasti 110:10. . . . turn re 200a Ps. eas. . . two catholicam juveutuitis educationem 1:Ijnnp ficleliuim corn acatholicis in vita civili. I; PIUS XI PIUS XII 1922-1939 1939-1958 THERE IS NO REAL EDUCATION AND GIRLS SOCIAL RESTORATION VITIIOUT RELIGION Mag Homily for the Canonization of Blessed Mary All, to the Postmaster General and other authorities of May 24, dalen Postel and Blessed Madeleine Sophie Barat, the United States, July 20, 1946. 1925. (The Lord, an example for those who help the victims (Saint Mary Magdalen Postel during the Revolution.) of war.—Spiritual needs are greater than corporal needs.) What was wanting in France was certainly a genuine 213 from the very foundations, in fact. The most needy of all are the children who, if they (4, restoration, a restoration 455 the people, many had lost even the conscience of are deprived of the knowledge of the faith, will be hindered (4, 59) Among if after the shortages and sufferings of a long exile, in their moral development and led astray in their spiritual 60, duty; posses not all, at least a part of the nobility that had its education. No education is really complete if it omits re .105, sions returned were demoralized by the past difficulties ligion just as no training is complete if it does not develop 107) it was that The of and abandoned themselves to an easy life, So man as a whole. child today will be the citizen of Barat saw Mary Magdalen Postel and Madeleine Sophie tomorrow. the only useful action was to consecrate their lives to (If a real restoration is desired, that which concerns that coming the sound education of growing children of the the spirit must not be left to one side.) generation. (Foundation of the Christü,n schools of mercy for the Barat.) children of the people.—Saint Madcleine Sophie Although she added next to every institution a school her open to the poor, she wanted particularly to dedicate and work to the education of the children of the nobility the rich. It is a fact of experience, and one which did not es cape the notice of this wise woman, that people of dis in titiguished birth surrounded by wealth are frequently more miserable circumstances than the poor; their craving attitude of heart and spirit is camouflaged by a worldly among the upper FUTURE and by finery. If on the other hand, - PREPARING FOR THE childhrnni classes, the mothers of families are formed from that by thtir to a holy life, it will naturally come about All, to the Catholic Association of School Teachers, to the and especially by their example they will lead September 8, 1946. words chil practice of religious duties not only their own the child.) faithful contact (Theme of the Congress: Save but aso the ordinary people who come in (Iren is the permanent ba 458 them. The most important thing today with and of the people—a (23, (Apostolate of the two religious families.) sis of the whole education of youth is a basis that ought to be incorporated in and decreed by the 92, The apostolate for the holy education of girls awaken the future Constitution. Without doubt, this will be one of the 106, present-day necessity: it is urgently needed to assist women to most serious problems that will be taken up by the Constit 187) Christian spirit among the masses and to nature and uent Assembly; two opposite trends are brought face to be for humanity, with the gifts they have from and sal grace, instruments not of ruin but of conversion vation. (The intercession of the two Saints.)

C) n 7 n C) PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE tion, and at the same time its measure and its limit, in the face: one which supports the Christian, Catholic school, common good of the nation. But the common good requires and the other which advocates those schools commonly that the State should protect and respect the right of edu called lay schools; that is to say, school without religion. cation which belongs to the family and the Church. have proved But the clear results of the last decades The aim to be attained is always—according to the nat- 460 which is, to be unfavorable to the school without religion, ural law and the will of Christ, and in view of the com- (6, of school, in fact, or comes to be, anti-religious. This type mon good—that the family, the Church and the State 117) present according to the experiences of the past and of the together in the instruction and education has should cooperate century, too, has produced some bitter fruits, and the essential presupposi for cf youth. This principle constitutes therefore failed in its true purpose; on the other hand, tion of Art. 38 of the existing Conoordat with Italy, in almost two hundred years, Christian education has glori “the teaching of Christian Doctrine according to the prucisuly which ously tvcrcoiuo nil tIILjlI, it not significant that manner banded on by Catholic tradition” Is proclaimed as our faith, the today, even among some who do not profess the “foundation and culmination of public instruction.” able to express vast majority of parents who have been Therefore, exert yourselves to the utmost in order that education and their will freely have asked for a Christian these foundations, ratified and confirmed by the widest Christian schools for their children? experience, be exactly maintained and observed and in order that, in every respect, this type of school should be Those responsible for education fully assured to the parents who desire Catholic schools for their children. Let 459 Your motto has, therefore, the following meaning. Christian fami (8, the child grow in the pure atmosphere of a The important function of the Chrfstian teacher 14, and give him a school which, by mutual cooperation ly the 15, between the family and the Church, will work for We live at a time of widespread social upheaval; it 461 20, sound formation of youth. Parents naturally have a primary could happen, therefore, that one or another among the (4, 21, right in the education of their children, a right, as declared Catholic teachers, especially among younger teachers, 52) 117) Our glorious Predecessor PiLls Xl, inviolable and superior might be tempted to think and to ask himself what is the to that of civil society and of the State. (a) But the Church meaning and what is the value, in the midst of colossal has a direct and pro-eminent right In the field of education, events, of hIs lIttle task in a school that is perhaps very arid the right to all the necessary and useful means to pro small, among children of the more simple and humble peo cure that end, since the Church is teacher and supernatural ple. May no one of you, dear sons, permit himself to be mother of souls, to whom is committed the religious care come agitated by thoughts or feelings such as these, which for of men and who, as a consequence, is also responsible are misleading. The magnitude of these events which we the child. Surely We the spiritual and moral formation of are daily witnessing certainly cannot be denied. However, the right proper also to the would not deny or diminish neither can we omit any consideration as to how often, education; this right finds its founda State in the matter of even during the last three centuries, have these words of the Psalmist been verified: “Dominus dissipat consilium 459a Encyc. Divini hUms Magistri, December 31, 1929.— Cf. No. 257.

R PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE those of his pupils; but he used so much discre nationuin; irritas facit cogitationes popoloriim”: At the especially intelligence that even the most suspicious would Lord’s bidding, a nation’s purposes come to nothing, a tion and have been able to feel any himmimiliation in receiving people’s designs are thwarted. (a) not what, in normal circumstances, would have had the ap us as in an impenetrable The future is hidden from pearance of alms-giving. He gave away books and other it because in your hands are mist. But you can control scholastic material; he cared for the sick, especially for shall dominate and mould future fashioned those who those whose sickness caused some repulsion; he instructed generations—that is to say, the children generations. These them with special lessons. of today—will succeed in forming and mastering a new society for the greatest good of the human family, if those How much he loved his boys! At the same time, what a 469 who undertake this work in soundness of mind and body heavy cross they placed on his shoulders! The Martyriology (53, are composed of honest citizens who are good Christians. tells us of the prayer of a school teacher who had all the 54, to suffer from his pupils, who had become his execit 80, But all this depends essentially on your action, for noth more 462 tioners, because their weak blows prolonged the torture. (a) 59, (45, ing, with the exception of the home, has a more lasting This is on isolated case, hut how many teachers have to 81) 46, effect on the souls of young people than the school. Here suffer for years, for the whole of a long religious life, almost 52, is the importance of your task, even if, perchance, it should a kind of slow martyrdom from the children who do not for 54, be accomplished in a poor school lost in a mountain village a moment think that they are in any way the cause of suf 83) —a task that, in our times, is much more important and deli because is it not a fact that quite often you must fering. cate that permits us to supplement the failings of many parents who, as a result of Brother Benildo let slip a sentence suffer during his life as poverty, the difficulties of life and other external circum catch a glimpse of what he had to not have faith, our task stances are less capable of carrying out their holy and teacher and director: “If we did the children are difficult, but arduous educational mission? would be an arduous one; changes.” Always consider your school, whether large and neat, with faith everything consolation small and mean, as a temple where dignity and purity If children were all obedient and good, the or to prevail, where truth and justice have their prominent that they would offer would not hinder their tendency their where religion is resplendent, that religion which he often troublesome, tiresome with their foolishness, places, under raises and etinobles the mind in Cod, in Cod Who is pres distractions and with their difficulty sometimes to they ent everywhere. In the same way, may Cod govern the stand even the most simple matters. Then, the moment and pass movements of your own minds and hearts; Cod Who is the have gained some refinement they leave school Itiftillihie discerner of your thoughts and affections, which into other hands, forgetting their teucher, who patiently on, year must all be turned toward the acc1nisition of goodness and sets to work with the new generation; so it goes the the moral virtues in order that you may become your.k:’ after year. II it were nothing but this, it would still he to the cares the motilders of >‘oung,somtls. ideal; bitt for all those subjects who correspond showered upon them, how many are those others who give (The protection of 11w Blessed Virgin Mary.) nothing l)Ut ti’oitble and difficulty, and whose education merely causes sweat and tears!

BLESSED BENILDO 469a St. Cassiano, nuattym, tilartijrologoon Ro,nanuro, ALt— gust 13. All, to the pilgrims for the Beatification of Brother I3enildo, April 5, 1948. (A eulogy of Blessed Benildo. Ills life.) 468 Vhcn justice and duty did not limit his charity, it was (9, exteml(led to all with a smile and thoughtful kindness. lie SI) was (III (lie alert to discover and ease the needs of fatuities,

46])’s, 32:10. 41 InI,n .‘..I n 9 , n n other hand, the same famous pedagogue had so 520 470 The unfailing constancy in the fidelity to the humble On the of as not to want (55, (54, duties of daily life, in the practice of all the virtues and at much consideration for the office educator to priests so 59) 57, all times, must necessarily be an external manifestation of his Brothers, of whom he was Father, become con 59) a deep and vigorous interior life, overflowing with divine that they might not be drawn away from teaching, sap. Only those who can make the motto of St. Paul their vinced as he was that it is an efficacious means to reach own: “It is to heaven that we look,” (a) are capable of set religious perfection. Hence, that they who dedicate them ting an example with the unchanging calm of Blessed selves to the education of youth, or who are preparing Benildo. themselves for this office, may have an example to imitate, Unceasingly occupied in the care of the Brothers of his an ideal to copy faithfully... in constant community and of his boys, he was nevertheless (At the request of the Brothers of the Christian with the union with God. He was to be seen habitually Schools...) in his hand and, effortlessly, by a spontaneous overflowing of his devotion, he inspired everyone with the La love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We proclaim and declare St. John Baptist de of all teachers An admirable model, but also a model imitable by Salle Special Patron at the throne of God, all... devoted to the education of buys and of youth. (Intercession of Blessed Benildo for the Brothers of Christian Schools and for their works.)

THE PATRON OF EDUCATORS THE FULLNESS OF EDUCATION Apostolic Letter Quad ait, May 15, 1950. teacher is he All, to the College of St. Joseph, Rome, May 6, 1951. The words of St. Bonaventure—”A real 518 thoughts, to illu who knows how to enrich the mind with (Centenary of the College.—Fohlowing in the footsteps (52, the disciple’s heart” (a)— 83, inmate it, and instill virtues in of predecessors.) meditated on in these times, mare than 94, should be carefully The secret of their solid and lasting success, which is of 537 we often see that the teaching given to children 107) ever, when great value, is that they have not stood still, nor have they (82) dissociated from moral formation, but is accom is not only most deviated horn the path of light traced by their fathers, by by contempt for Cod and Religion, which panied this reason, your incomparable Pounder, John Baptist de La Salle, from effects the win of souls. For V unfortunately affection whom they have gathered and in turn transmitted wise and Mother Church surrounds with solicitous holy youth, holy traditions. duty it is to work for the education of those whose the Etre (a page: it is said today with a certain pleasure. on them greatly depends the salvation and a inasmuch as This may be so, but on condition that this is not made a the Christian community. progress of pretext for tearing up a precious book by destroying the and there was a man, distinguished for sanctity preceding pages, just as one does when removing the 519 Now, and by St. John Baptist de Ia Salle, who personally leaves of a calendar. (16, learning, and con of the Institute he himself founded, gave In fact, the art of education is, in many aspects, the 59) means formation, tinues to give to children a sound and complete art of adapting oneself, adapting oneself to the age, to the in schools called to the to the needs and has even arrived at suitably preparing temperament, to the character, capacity, campagne,” the of the student; adapting oneself to all “Scininaires de maitres d’ècole pour ha and just aspirations duty, especial. the of time and place; adapting oneself to teachers called upon to practise this serious circumstances this kind the general rhythm of human progress. among the ordinary country-people; therefore, ly come, and which of school from which teachers themselves However, in such adaptation, what characterizes the 538 attributed to him. has spread to many places, is rightfully true Christian education is that it tends towards the corn- (60, plete formation of the child, of the adolescent in order to 63, make of him a man, a citizen, an integral and well-balanced 69, with a mind 105, 470a Phil. 3:20. Catholic, rather than a pretentious erudite with encyclopedic knowledge of a dispropor- 108) - -.iii notest snecimen impn encumbered in tionate and disorderly nature. To develop intellectual cul As the fundamental cell of society, the fa7nhly has rights ture according to a wise pedagogy; to avail oneself of the the State, in its own interest, must .cafegusird.) soundness and strength of the body and the agility of the which limbs achieved through physical education, in order that Let us indicate, by way of example, just a few which at 565 they may serve to render the spirit fit and ready; to refine present are found to he most endangered: the indissolu (22, all time faculties with an artistic formation which, through a bility of marriage; the protection of life before birth; suit .102, successful harmonizing of the senses and the intellect, will able dwellings for families, not made up of only one or two 106, result in amiability coupled with grace whence will flow children, or even without children, but of a normal, larger 112) greater efficiency, more far-reaching and acceptable—all number; work opportunities, because the unemployment of this is indeed beautiful and good, but it would not have an the father is the most bitter distress for the family; the eternal value nor a satisfactory fullness if religious culture, parents’ right over their children before the State; their full through its amplitude and magnificence, did not bestow on freedom to rear them in the true faith, and consequently, education its unity and true value. the right of Catholic parents to a Catholic school; condi tions of public life, particularly public morality, which are which is very common restricts religious in- 539 An error such that the families, and especially the young, will not and education to a determined period of time (62, struction certaIn of suffering corruption. and wisely distributed programs. be morally 115) though with complete this point, and also on others which more deeply education exacts much more: it must On But the real Christian life, there exists no difference between one permanent and progressive work; it must concern family he a continuous, family and the other. permeate all teaching, even profane, penetrating right to the depths of the soul. It, therefore, consists, in addition (On other questions of an economic and political na to the methodical exposition of doctrine, in seeing and ture, it may be necessary, in certain instances, to sacrifice making all things be seen in the light of the great and di particular interests.) ‘ine truth, just as in the contemplation of the material creation, things are not properly seen in their true colors, One must not give way on family rights if not by the light, even if sometimes concealed by clouds, the family are 566 of the beautiful sun of God. But insofar as the essential rights of concerned, the faithful who are true to the Church will (111, not 540 But education would still be incomplete, if it did undertake to support them from the beginning to the end. 112) (4) achieve but a part of its aim; if, in other words, it limited It may be that here and there, it is necessary to yield Ofl itself to 1)rocuriflg the personal, physical, moral, temporal this or that detail in the face of political forces. In this case, amul eternal welfare of the pupils. It must in addition form it is a matter of being patient but not of surrendering. It on mnl prepare thuiue to uxcrclso a Iwultimy action their is still necessary that, In similar cases, the doctrine be time and on their generti(m—in fact, on future gencla. saved and all efficacious means be adopted in order that it brought to its proper end, tiolis—SO that they may pass through the world, laviog the matter may be gradually better, sweeter and more beautiful thaim they found it. which must never be renounced. these efficacious means, even the most power of the college.) Among (Works of charity of the pupils fuul, is the union among fathers of families having the same

COB BUPTIVE INITIATION

All, to the French Fathers of Families, September 18, I 951. (The Christian rule of family rights and duties is: the family is not for society; it is soczety that is for the family.—

n II (N 0 CORRUPTIVE INITIATION CORRUPTIVE INITIATION One is appalled at the intolerable impudence of such 570 convictions and the same intentions. Your presence here literature; and while paganism itself, in the face of the (97, bears witness that such, too, is your own standpoint. secret of matrimonial intimacy, seemed respectfully to draw 99) line, We are compelled to witness this mystery violated Another means which, even before achieving the de the 567 and its vision—sensual and dramatized—offered as food to (111) sired result is never sterile, and which, in the absence of at large, even to youth. It is the case really to the pending success that one continues to work for, always the public if the dividing line is still sufficiently visible brings its benefits, is the effort—through this coalition of ask oneself initiation, which is said to be Catholic, and fathers of families—to illuminate public opinion and con between this press which with erotic and obscene illustrations pur vince it little by little to favor the triumph of truth and the deliberately aims at corruption and shamefully justice. No effort whatsoever which seeks to bring this posely and vile gain, the lowest instincts of fallen nature. about should be disdained or neglected. exploits, for And this is not all. Such propaganda also threatens 511 to use a (99) Sex literature which is called Catholic Catholic people with a double punishment, not stronger expression. the importance and 568 There is one field in which the work of educating pub- First of all, it greatly exaggerates Let us even admit that (99, lie opinion and correcting it imposes itself with tragic ur range of the sexual element of life. aspect, keep gency. It finds itself, in this field, perverted by propaganda these authors, under the purely theoretical 113) this does which one would not hesitate to term fatal, even though, themselves within the limits of Catholic morality; their way of ex in certain instances, it originates from a Catholic source not however do away with the fact that to it, in the mind and aims at making way among Catholics, and although plaining sexual life is such as to attribute the sense and they who promote it do not seem to realize that they are and practical judgment of the average reader, makes the real and primordial unknowingly deceived by the spirit of evil. value of an end in itself. It of, that is, the procreation We here wish to refer to writings, books and articles aim of marriage to be lost sight the serious duty of the mar concerning sex initiation which today very often obtain and education of children and this end, which the writings in enormous editorial successes and flood the whole world, ried couples with regard to gaining possession of childhood, submerging the new gen question leave obscure. eration, troubling engaged and newly-wed couples. $eoondly, thts literature, i such It cculd be called, 57 569 With all the gravity, attention and dignity that the does not seem in any way to take into account, based as It (5, (78) question calls for, the Church has treated the problem of is on nature, the general experience of all times, whether it 99) instruction on this matter, according to the normal physical be that of today or yesterday, which attests that neither and psychological development of the adolescent or the initiation nor instruction in moral education offers any ad particular cases advised by diverse individual conditions. vantage of itself. Rather it becomes seriously unwholesome Ira all truth, the Church can declare that, while deeply re and prejudicial when not closely allied with constant dis spectful of the sanctity of marriage, she has in theory and cipline, with vigorous self-control, and above all with the in practice left the married couple free in whatever the use of the supernatural forces of prayer and the sacraments. impulse of a wholesome and upright nature allows, without All Catholic educators worthy of this name and of their offense to the Creator.

12 “Parents are bound by a most serious obligatioi. mission know very well the decisive part played by super provide to the best of their power for the religious and natural forces in the sanctification of man; whether young moral as well as for the physical and civil education of or old, single or married. their children, and also to provide for their temporal But it is already much if, regarding what We have welfare.” said just now, even some slight mention is made in those Tile most urgent quStiOnS of such a vast subject have publications, often they are completely silent on the matter. been clarified on various occasions by Our Predecessors Even the principles so wisely illustrated by Our Predecessor and by Us Ourselves. We therefore now propose not to Pius XI, in the Encyclical Ditini Iffius Magistri, on sex repeat what has already been amply explained, bt education and Questions connected thereto (a) are set rather to draw attention to one element which. althoiiizh aside—a sad sign of the timesi—with a smile of compassion: the basis and the fulcrum of education, especially Chris Pius XI, the)’ say, wrote twenty years ago, for his times? tian education, seems instead to some, at first sight to be Great progress has been made since then! extraneous to it. We would like, that is, to speak of that which is deeper and more intrinsic in man: his conscience. 573 Fathers of families here presenti—there are many other Ve are induced to do so by the fact that sonic currents (1.11, Christians throughout the whole world and in all countries, of modern thought are beginning to alter the concept of it who own fathers of families like yourselves, share your and impugn its value. We shall therefore treat of con sentiments. Unite with them therefore—under the direction science inasmuch as it is the object of education. of your Bishops certainly; call to your tid all Catholic wom en and mothers with their powerful contribution, in order Conscience to fight together, without human timidity or respect, to stop and cLirtail these movements under whatever name or un Conscience may be called the most personal and secret der whatever patronage they conceal themselves or are nucleus of man. There he takes refuge in absolute solitude 577 patronized. with his spiritual faculties: alone with himself, or better, (75) (Patronage of St. Pius X and of the Most Holy Virgin alone with God—Whose voice conscience echoes—and with Mary.) himself. There he makes tip his mind, for good or for evil; there lie makes his choice between the road to victory and the road to defeat. Even if he wanted to, man would never THE EDUCATION OF CONSCIENCE succeed in ridding himself of his conscience; with it—either as approving or condemning—he will proceed along the likewise with it—a truthful and in R.M. for the closing of “Family Day” in Italy, March whole road of life, and present himself before God’s 23, W52. corruptible witness—he will judgment. Therefore, conscience is, to use an image as old 7O The faintly is the cradle of birth and development as it Is apt, a a Sanctuary on the threshold of which (2, of a new life which, in order that it may not perish, needs everyone must stop; whether child, father, or mother. 7, to be attended to and educated: this is a right and a furda Only the priest, as guardian of souls and as Minister of the 16, mental duty given to and imposed immediately by C0d n Sacrament of Penance, has access to it; yet not for this 26, parents. The subject and aim of education in the natural does conscience cease to be a jealous sanctuary whose 28, order is the development of the child into a complete man: secret God Flimself wishes to be kept with time seal of the 29, the subject and aim of Christian education is the formation most sacred silence. 30) of the new human being, reborn in Baptism, that he may In what way then can one speak of the education of become a perfect Christian. This obligation, which has al conscience? ways been a custom and boast of Christian families, is solemnly decreed by Article no. 1113 of the Code of Canon The Christian conscience reads as follows: law which It is necessary to refer to some fundamental concepts 578 tenentur prolis educa “Parentes gravissima obligatione of Catholic doctrine to realize fully that conscience can (75) moralem, tum physicam et civilem tionem turn rehigiosamet and must be educated. pro viribus curandi, et etiam temporali eorum bono pro

‘idend i .“

Of. No. 282. 13 a

THE EDUCATION OF CONSCIENCE THE EDUCATION OF CONSCIENCE The Divine Savior has brought His truth and grace to truths and precepts of supernatural Revelation mat), ignorant and feeble; truth to show him the way that and the been placed by Christ our Redeemer, as a moral trea leads to his goal, and grace to give him the strength to have humanity, in the hands of His Church so that she reach it. sure for them to all nations, illustrate and transmit To travel along that road means, in practice, to accept may preach and defended from all contamination and the will and commandments of Christ and to adapt one’s them, intact froTn one generation to another. life to them, that is, every individual action, both internal error, and external, that the human will chooses and determines. A “new moral” Now, what spiritual faculty is it that dictates the will, in particular cases, so that it may choose and determine ‘I Though it was undisputed throughout the centuries, 581 the con those acts that conform to the divine Will, if not difficulties and objections now arise against this doctrine (97, and the clear science? It is therefore the faithful echo that it is necessary to shed light on it. 100) Such ex so reflection of the divine rule of human actions. As in dogmatic doctrine, so in the Catholic moral or Pressions as “the judgment of the Christian conscience,” order, there are some who would like to institute an almost have therefore “judge according to Christian conscience,” radical revision so as to arrive at a new valuation. personal decision this meaning: the rule for the final and The first step, or better the first blow, to the Christian the word and will of of a moral act is to be taken from moral order would be that of unchaining it—as is claimed— the and the Life (a) Christ. He is in fact the Way, Truth from the narrow and oppressing supervision of the Church for each individual not only for all mankind as a whole, but authorities, so that, freed from the sophistical subtleties of child and youth. person: as much for the adult, as fo the the casuistic method, morals may be led back to their referred to the intelligence and 579 From this it follows that the forming of the Christian original form and simply conscience. conscience of children or youth consists, first and fore decision of the individual (75) fatal consequences such an up most, in illuminating their minds concerning Christ’s de Everyone sees to what basis of education would lead. sires, His law and His way, and in addition, in influencing setting of the fundamental their SOUlS insofar as this can be done from the outside, Without commenting on the munifest ignoranpe and 582 in order that they may execute the divine Will freely and Immaturity of judgment of those who hold such opinions, (12, 100) constantly. This is the highest duty of education, it will do good on the other hand to point out the central shortcoming of this “new morality.” In referring every ethi But where will the educator and the one educated find 580 cal criterion to the individual conscience, closed jealously Christian moral law in the concrete easily and surely? (12, the in upon itself and made absolute arbiter of its own deci will find it in the law of the Creator imprinted on each 74) He sions, far from facilitating its progress, it rather deviates it heart (a), and in Revelation, that is, in the complex one’s from the main Way, which is Christ. and precepts taught by the divine Master. Both of of truths The divine Savior has delivered His Revelation, of these, the law written in the heart, that is, the , which moral obligations are an essential part, not just to mere individual men but to His Church, to which He has 578a Cf. John 14:6. the mission of leading souls to embrace faithfully 580a Cf. I.M. 2, 14.16. entrusted that sacred duty.

14 THE EDUCATION OF CONSCIENCE THE EDUCATION OF CONSCIENCE (More than from the field of private conduct, it is from (The individualistic autonomy of conscience is irrecon the field of public life that the attempt is being made to cilable with the dispositions given by Christ.—The Church exclude the moral law—The sciences, politics, art, etc., have elves not want to humiliate men, but to introduce him their own laws but, in substance, their practice through into supernatural riches—This presupposes precise moral the activity of man cannot escape a moral valuation.) obligation_s.) Therefore, Our Predecessors and We Ourselves, in the 585 confusion of the war and in the troubled vicissitudes of the (66) Permanent value of the precept of purity post-war period, have not ceased to insist on the principle that the order willed by God embraces life in its entirety, 583 Conscious, therefore, of the right and duty of the not excluding public life in all its manifestations, convinced (12. Apostolic See to intovene authoritatively, when necessary, as We are that no restriction of real human freedom is in 77,) in moral questions, in Our address of October 29 last year, volved, nor any intrusion in the State’s sphere of activity, We proposcd to illuminate consciences on the problems of but rather an assurance against errors and abuses from married life. With the same authority, We today declare which Christian morality, if justly applied, is capable of to educators and to the youth themselves; the divine Com giving protection. These truths must be taught to young mandment of purity of soul and body in its full force is people and inculcated in their conscience by those who, binding on the youth of today, too. They too have the moral in the family or school, have the obligation to attend to obligation and, with the help of grace, the possibility of their education, thus sowing the seeds of a better future. keeping themselves pure. We therefore reject as erroneous the affirmation of those who consider falls in the years of This is what We intended to tell you today, beloved 586 j)tlberty inevitable and for this reason deserving of little Sons and daughters who are listening to Us, and in telling (63, heed, almost as if.They were not serious faults for the reason it to you, We have not hidden the anxiety which weighs on 75, 95) that ordinarily, according to this opinion, passion removes Our heart over this formidable problem which concerns the the liberty necessamy for an act to be morally imputable. present and future of the world and the eternal destiny many souls. How much comfort would We receive were 584 On the contrary, it is a duty and a wise rule for the of that you share with Us this anxiety of Ours for (76, educator, while not neglecting to convey to the young the We certain of youthl Educate the consciences 77) noble values of purity, so as to win them over to loving the Christian education care. Edu and desiring it for itself, clearly to inculcate the command of your children with constant and persevering ment as such, nevertheless, in all the grevitv and seri’. cate them to fear as well as to love God. Educate them in with yourselves first and ban ness of its divine ordination. He will thus encourage the truthfulness, but be truthful young to avoid all future occasions, encourage them in the ish from educational work what is not frank and true. Im fight the harshness of which he will not hide from them. print on the consciences of the young a genuine conception lit vill induce them to e;nl)race courageously those sacri of freedom, the only true freedom worthy of a creature (ices which virtue exacts, and he will exhort them to created like unto the image of God. Such freedom is quite jJmisevere and not to fall into the danger of laying dovn different from dissolution and unrestraint; it is rather a tlwir weapons right [torn the beginning and of yielding to proven capacity for goodness, it is the self determination to mc -rverse htlnts will unit offering resislance.

n n 15 among the conquerors, especially in will and to accomplish what is good (a); it is the mastery yourselves always every man and every Christian is over one’s faculties, over instincts, and the events of life. the hard fight that called upon to fight here below against the enemies of his 587 Educate them to pray and to draw from the well eternal salvation. Fix your eyes constantly on the incorrup (72, springs of Penance and of the most Holy Eucharist that tible own of glory which God reserves for those who, 73, which nature cannot give them: the strength not to fall, taking Jesus the Divine Master as a model, will in the end 75) the strength to rise again. Let them realize while still be able to assert like Him: “I have conquered the world.”(a) young that without the help of these supernatural forces, they cannot be good Christians, nor even upright men whose reward is a serene life. Prepared in such a way, they will be in a position to aspire to what is best, they will be enabled to dedicate themselves to that great employment their being, the fulfillment of which will redound to of THREE DANGERS FOR THE FAITH their glory: the living of Christ in their own lives. be united in the spreading of the kingdom of (To All. to the Winners of the “Veritas” Contest, Septem ._Blessing.) Christ ber 30, 1953. (Development of the “Veritas” contest 01 religious faith this religious education THE SPIRIT OF EMULATION education.—Preserve the that has fortified.) All. to the graduates of the “Rencontres de Ia jeunes During the early part of this month, addressing Our 657 se,” April 21, 1953. selves to the Diocesan Ecclesiastic Assistants of Catholic (72) for the Church an army (Welcome and congratulations.) Action, We urged them to prepare of young heroes, ready for every bold enterprise. Do you 645 One and the other, We willingly give you, displaying also want to be the brave vanguard of this peaceful army? (72, at the same time Our great pleasure with your noble con Do you want to respond fully to what the Church expects 107, tests, in which you employ genius and love, and which from her student youth? 119) are well worthy of the civil traditions of your country. After your success in the “Veritas” Contest, another They are such as truly to contribute to the promotion of victory is awaiting you: victory over a world without Christ, the intellectual, spiritual and moral elevation of the new without God. But such a spiritual battle cannot be fought generations, Where, In fact, the competitive spirit of youth and won without a lively, integral and coherent sense of is also disposed to allow itself free play in the calm fields faith. “Haec est victoria, quae vincit mundum, fides nostra.” of the arts, letters and sciences, under the sun of religion, (a) This faith, however, could be shaky due to the weak Ihere is a well-founded hope that the future will not be an ness of its foundations, it could be dashed to pieces against easy prey to hedonistic materialism, nor made sterile by the rocks of doubt, it could even be submerged in the fatal inertia. If the youth of a nation were not to thrill to mud of passion. Therefore, if you want to respond to what high ideals, or be inspired by a spirit of wholesome emula the Church expects from you, you must prepare yourselves tioii, it would condemn itself to ruin. to keep your faith and defend it by every means. In receiving Our affectionate praise, beloved children, treasure in your hearts, also, Our exhortation; number

645a John 18:33. 657a 1 john 5:4.

SSOa Cf. Gal. 5:13. 16 THREE DANGERS FOR THE FAITH THREE DANGERS FOR THE FAITH

Superficial religious education We are not speaking here of the kind of doubt which and con might be called “dynamic” and which is fruitful 1. Nobody will expect from you the broad and deep feet of 658 structive,—doubt, that is, which “is born at the proper to one who frequents a regular course in con (69) learning truth” and is a stimulus to fresh studies and fresh on the other hand, you must shun certain small which Theology; quests. We refer, instead, to the “static” doubt which are absolutely insufficient for educated in knowl manuals is nearly always rooted in ignorance, or at least you will guard yourselves from a superficiality therefore, men, and edge that is inadequate and imperfect. It will, creates easy illusions, and then brings unfailing dis and to do which be necessary to solve each difficulty as it arises to those who are satisfied, for example, with danger the appointment so in a decisive manner in order to save from mnemonic formulas. fatigue to purely many certitudes which may have cost you much yourselves of your We gladly take advantage of acquire. To achieve this, you must avail 659 There is no doubt—and and objective doctrine, to stress it—that young Catholic students teachers, of books that contain deep (69, the occasion who may be more prepared and must excel in every branch of learning. Duty exacts this of your very companions 72, forgetting that lively and well- and the Church calls for it, since today as always, it ready than you, without 116) much also be an excellent means for must defend both Christian and human civilization from directed discussions could for yourselves and for others. the attacks of a materialism that is often well-disguised. clarifying ideas, both is equally certain that an ever-increasing develop on your 661 But it Do not fear that this desire for clarification historical, literary and scientific acquirements some (70) ment of your and this spirit of research may come up against an adequate and corresponding deepening of reli part Real sci without solid scientific truths, as some erroneously think. which is truly necessary, could be highly dangerous truth can gion, ence can never be contrary to faith, because a to your souls. That is why, my dear young people, We en there being never be in real conflict with another truth, treat you to continue in your studies with the same dili every truth. but one Truth, the true Cod, the Author of gence and consistency which brought you success this year in the “Vcritas” Contest. Do not let yourselves be satisfied until you have penetrated, as far as possible, into the in The vice of impurity truth, and until the truth itself timate meaning of religious beloved sons and 662 you—your intelligence, your imagination, 3. We will add another word, has not penetrated to say It to you more from Our (76) your heart and your whole being. daughters, and We wish than from Our lips. Too often, it is not an insuffi heart people ciency of sound religious learning that causes young Doubt and uncertainty the Faith, nor is it the rocks of rational doubt. to abandon more Rather, it is the mire of passion which today—even in addi because the 2. This assiduous, attentive and deep study, than yesterday, perhaps—causes such havoc, of your beyond (ion to ensuring the solidity of the foundations devil and the devil’s disciples have multiplied faith, will make you avoid or overcome the stumbling- measure the snares which attack your virtue. so many blocks of uncertainty—another danger which the souls of It is the chains of the impure vice which thrust prison of young people must encounter. young people into the darkness of a mysterious

fl 17 n C C)

THREE DANGERS FOR THE FAITI-I the light; it is gilded walls and prevent them from seeing hearts of the the mire of bad habits which troubles the the cataracts young and drops over the eyes of their spirit blind, a of vice. And when souls have become almost in order to strong flow of the light of grace is necessary torpor. dispel the darkness and awaken them from their beloved Listen to the grieved voice of your Father, befits human Sons and daughters. Look upwards, as it the stars, as is beings. Rather, look even higher, beyond is your fitting for children of God. Up there in Heaven with His home; there Cod your Father is awaiting you crown, with His glory and with His joy. Tell Us, dearest children, that to keep yourselves 663 what pure, you will not hesitate before any martyrdom, (72, silent 73, ever it may be, a martyrdom of blood or an unbloody, PERMANENT VALUE OF THE ENCYCLICAL Ask Mary, 77) one, to which Cod and the angels bear witness. ILLIUS MAGISTRI” yourselves “DIVINI our Mother most pure, the strength to preserve filth and slime. immaculate in the midst of such Letter from the Secretariat of State, December 31, by the certainty that you are not alone Be comforted of 1954—to His Eminence Cardinal Roqoes, Archbishop of or in the victory. In a deplorable spectacle in the fight is a! Rennes. and of death, a glimpse of light and of life darkness you, you discernible. In fact, if you look well about (Homage addressed to the Holy Father on the occa ready in the discover a multitude of young people engaged sion of Ihe Silver Jubilee of the Encyclical “Divini Illius will victory—per same battle and aiming towards the same Magistri.”) hidden beauty. fumed flowers, full of charm in their of forever, through The Holy Father is not unaware, certainly, the great 711 They may either remain flowers to their whole sacrifices that many parents and Catholic teachers make (5) predilection, by the consecration of It divine fruitful in a remain faithful to the cause of Christian education. is a lives, or, after an immaculate youth, become matter that is very dear to his heart and he is glad of this home blessed by the Lord. opportunity to Congratulate them and encourage them to readily found This flowering of purity, certainly, is not continue in their efforts. and thus you, dearest outside the garden of he Church, The of life today, the rapid of a protection for your difficulties succession children, in addition to procuring events and opinions, will not be able, in practice, to restrict if mankind today wishes faith, will be another proof that in some way or dim the value of the principles look to the Church as permanent to save itself from disaster, it must contained in the papal encyclical. to its only true guide.

18 712 Today, as yesterday, it is of the highest importance to (217) assure children of Christian families of an education and an instruction that conforms fully with the demands of their supernatural destiny and with what will he required of them in civil life. And, precisely to recall the just condi tions for such a formation, Pius XI, in 1929, laid down, in masterly fashion, the rights and duties respectively of Church, family and State regarding children. (a) His Holiness appreciates the resoluteness with which Your Eminence and his colleagues in the hierarchy instruct the faithful on this point of Christian doctrine and take care that it may be applied in practice according as circuim— stances and times allow. 713 Moreover, the bishops of France, who have so vivid a (115) sense of their pastoral responsibilities to the flock com mitted to their charge, will not fail, and rightly so, to favor equally whatever can contribute to the Christian formation of thousands of young people, who, for one reason or an other, have to grow up in institutions which are less favor able to their religious formation than Catholic institutions. Some years ago, the Holy Father himself willed to pay homage to the spirit of sacrifice of the Christian Univer sity’ teachers and to the nobility of the sentiments which guided them in their work as educators. Their pres ence and the witness they have given, joined to that of chaplains (who, unfortunately, are too few and sometimes impeded in the exercise of their ministry), have, no doubt, been greatly instrumental in obtaining the religious renew al of France. However, this legitimate and laudable action obviously cannot evidently make us forget nor can it nullify th desire of the Church, namely, that all Catholic parents may at last be granted their rightful opportunity—in actual L)1actiCC—t give their children an education that is fully and u pcnly Christian.

714 That is why there is cause for satisfaction over the (118) efforts that have already been made to give better recog nition to the religious and professional worth of Catholic institutions, to their development and to their fair dis tribution in the nation. To further this end, the national Committee for free education has, under the chairmanship of Your Eminence, achieved results which merit tile con gratuilations of His Holiness, who further hopes that the good reception already given in various fields, may permit the work to develop still more. (Blessing.)

712a: Cf. Nos, 240-304. fl 19 0 0 Th

tion, and prohibits private organizations or independent groups from assuming their responsibility in this field, makes a claim which is incompatible with the fundamental requirements of the human person. The ideal of the free dom of the school is admitted by all political regimes that recognize the rights of the individual and the family. In practice, however, all degrees of freedom are possible. At times the state more or less disassociates itself THE PRIVATE SCHOOL from the efforts of private initiative, does not support them financially and reserves for itself the right of awarding all times, however, the state recog All. to the Congress of European Private Schools, academic titles. At other the value of private teaching November 10, 1957. nizes, under certain conditions, and grants it subsidies, But even more than concessions of 820 We are pleased to greet you,. gentlemen, who have material assistance or the legal recognition of degrees, the (66) come to Rome to discuss the common problems of Euro fundamental attitude of governments toward private in peai private schools. This is a fortunate initiative, the idea struction is important. Often, in fact, a liberty that is of which was born during an excursion to Vienna made by admitted in theory, remains limited and even opposed in some Italian students. The warm welcome they received in effect; it is at most tolerated, when the state considers itself that city made it evident that similar intentions and pre to have a true monopoly in matters of teaching. occupations exist which are entirely natural to those who 828 give to the private school, or receive from it, the best of Now, a serious analysis of the historical and philosoph their human, spiritual and intellectual resources. The pres ical foundations of education clearly proves that the (7ff, ent meeting aims at emphasizing various characteristic mission of the school does not belong to the state only, but 21, social 24, aspects of the private school, and the mission that it intends first of all belongs to the family, and then to the of 46, to carry out in a society at grips with the rapid and pro community to which the family belongs. The formation from the 49) found that prompt it to overflow national the human personality, in fact, springs primarily transformations aims at boundaries to establish a cultural, economic, social and family; and because, to a large extent, the school family’s action; even political European community. the same goal, it is only an extension of the and receives from the family the necessary authority for that purpose., The supremacy of the family in education The Attitude of Modem States shows itself, furthermore, in the frequent incapacity of the school to effect by itself a remedy to grave family defi 827 One can state without fear that the legislation which ciencies. (22, a country reserves for private schools—We use this term in to the extent that the school com 23, the sense which you yourselves give it, namely, a school On the other hand, knowledge of an entire body of matters 95, which is not managed by the state—reflects rather exactly municates the activities of individuals, it depends the level of spiritual and cultural life of that country. A geared to the exterior 109, its traditions, its demands, its 117) state which relegates to itself exclusively the task of educa.. also on the community—on

20 THE PRIVATE SCHOOL THE PRIVATE SCHOOL

cultural level, the direction of its tendencies. The needs of international life. You are therefore right in hoping that an the school level will facilitate [he foima the colnlnunity will be interpreted on agreement among private schools to free them- by individuals, organized groups, religious and cultural tion of young generations, who are anxious often exaggerated and institutions which propose the formation of young people selves from the constraint of an nationalism, and to face the increased for their future tasks as their own proper aim. The state, actually outdated responsibilities they will have to assume in a structurally the political power as such, will intervene only to exercise broader Europe. a supplementary function; to insure to the action of private organizations the required extension and intensity. Far The spirit of the private school from considering the private school as a complement sub it Is necessary to grant it ordinated to the political power, It is normal that the problems of organization and 830 in its own function, and the right to a real independence method should occupy a large part of the discussions in (54, which govern the growth and inspire family principles which the persons who are responsible for private schools 82, persons, without forgetting the development of human exchange views, if they wish to remain perfectly up-to-date 108) the social domain. necessities imposed by with the present progress of pedagogy. But it is important, states has spirit of the private school, its 829 The administrative organization of modern above all else, that the all those and the disinterested (20- in fact grown beyond bounds; and has absorbed concept of men and of education, While to it, should be 22. greater sectors of public life, particularly the school. ideal of those who dedicate themselves intervention is at times legitimate when the action of respected. Sometimes, giving in to misguided zeal, private .49, and the individuals is incapable of satisfying the needs of the whole school leaders have followed, in their methods 66. teaching community, still it is harmful when it deliberately sup. structure of their curricula, the example of a 117, and is less plants competent private initiative. You are therefore right system that concerns itself with other interests 119) of the person. to stress the preeminence of the private school over those concerned with safeguarding the true values a part in avoiding this schools whose administration depends on public powers. We do not doubt that you will have you than attacks from And you are correct in emphasizing the eminent services reef, which is more dangerous for that it has rendered wherever it has been given sufficient outside your ranks. during this h’eedomn of action, You intend to propose role in public life 831 spiritual Those who will play a primary congress a European center for the defense of the (4, rc tomorrow will have graduated, We are convinced, from benefits of the private school. Today this ohj.’ctive 18, the schools which honor more the ideal of freedom and per. (1uires careful attention and a strong participation on j 49, sonal initiative, and do not hesitate in placing, at the heart 1,ir1 of all those ‘ho believe in its irreplaceable function. 68, must of their teachings, sound moral and religious convictions; In the majority of modern nations the private school 92) to those of the Christian faith which, throughout still, unfortunately, bear UI) under a hard struggle especially not ceased to shape the mind of the preserve the rights it has gained; and, in short, its eco the centuries, has to now in the course of mioumic subsistence. But, because it is not subject Western peoples. European society, it its interior equilibrium and the servitude which weighs heavily on all State entities, formation, will he able to find of it pos. possesses a greater a(laptal)ility to the new conditions hold its place among other world powers, only if

n n 21 n C

their defects; to endure 54, sesses an elite imbued with the best human and Christian youthful energies; to understand little children, with 81ff) traditions; and above all convinced of the supremacy of the their restlessness; to make ourselves as thus imitating Thee, dear spiritual realm over the more elaborate forms of technical out giving up due authority, as one of us without aban organization. It depends on you, gentlemen, to work Lord, who didst make Thyself nature. toward the preparation and flowering of this elite, and to doning the lofty throne of Thy divine give in this manner to the Western peoples the living forces Above all, fill us with Thy Spirit of love: love for Thee, which will help them achieve a common destiny in peace our kind and only Teacher, that we may sacrifice ourselves aiid fraternal collaboration. As a token of divine favors and in Thy holy service; love for our profession, that we may of success for the efforts which you have already made and see in it a high vocation and not merely an ordinary occu will continue to make for such a noble cause, We impart pation; love of our own sanctification, as the chief source to you and all those who employ themselves in truth and of our labors and our apostolate; love of the truth, that we justice to the service of private education, Our Apostolic may never deliberately betray it; love of souls, whom we Blessing. are to mold and fashion to truth and goodness; love of our pupils, that we may train them to be exemplary citizens PRAYER FOR TEACHERS and faithful children of the Church; love for our beloved youths and children, that we may feel toward them a true, December 28, 1957. paternal affection that is more sublime, more deliberate, 832 0 Word Incarnate, Teacher of teachers, our beloved and more unselfish than that of their natural parents. order to (51ff, Jesus, who didst deign to come into the world in And do thou, 0 Mazy, our holy mother, under whose inex • 60, point out to mankind, in Thine infinite wisdom and eyes the youthful Jesus grew in wisdom and in the loving 62) haustible goodness, the way to heaven, graciously hear our Intercessor with thy divine Son and obtain foot grace, be humble supplications of those who, following in Thy for us, an abundance of heavenly graces, that our labors that name, steps, desire to be Catholic teachers worthy of may redound to the glory of Him who with the Father and Thee and and to guide souls in the sure paths that lead to the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen. through Thee to eternal happiness. Grant us Thy light, that we may be able not only to avoid the snares and pitfalls of error, but also to penetrate into the nature of truth so as to attain to that clarity of insight which causes what is most essential to become most simple, and therefore best adapted to the minds even of little ones, in whom Thy divine simplicity is most clearly reflected. Visit us with the assistance of Thy Creator Spirit, so that when we are commanded to teach the doctrines of faith we will be able to teach them as they should be taught. imma 833 Give us the power to adapt ourselves to the still splendid, (51, ture minds of our pupils; to encourage their 0 0 POPE ST. PIUS X

Acerbo Nimis: De Christiana doctrina tradenda, 1905

Handing on Christian Doctrine by Teaching

To the venerable brethren, patriarchs, primates, archbishops, bishops and other ordinaries having peace and communion with the Apostolic See. At this very troublesome and difficult time, the hidden designs of God have conducted our poor strength to the office of Supreme Pastor, to rule the entire flock of Christ. The enemy has, indeed, long been prowling about the fold and attacking it with such subtle cunning that now, more than ever before, the prediction of the Apostle to the elders of the Church of Ephesus seems to be verified: “I know that.. .fierce wolves will get in among you, and will not spare the flock.”

Causes for the Decline in Religion Those who still are zealous for the glory of God are seeking the causes and reasons for this decline in religion. Coming to a different explanation, each points out, according to his own view, a different

1. Acts 20:29. 1 Handing on Christian Doctrine by Teaching 3 2 Pope St. Pius X on should be devoted to stimulating the soul to greater love br God. plan for the protection and restoration of the kingdom of God should And even this as too often happens only when the dying man is not earth. But it seems to us, venerable brothers, that while we with so sinfully ignorant as to look upon the ministration of the priest as not overlook other considerations, we are forced to agree and, useless, and then calmly faces the fearful passage to eternity those who hold that the chief cause of the present indifference it, without making his peace with God. And so our Predeces,or, Bene as it were, infirmity of soul, and the serious evils that result from dict XIV, had just cause to write: “We declare that a great number above all in ignorance of things divine. This is fully is to be found of those who are condemned to eternal punishment suffer that accord with what God Himself declared through the prophet in everlasting calamity because of ignorance of those mysteries of “And there is no knowledge of God in the land. Cursing and Osee: faith which must be known and believed in order to benumbered and killing, and theft and adultery have overflowed, nd lying among the elect.” has touched blood. Thereafter shall the land mourn, and blood There is then, venerable brothers, no reason for wonder that that dwells in it shall languish.”2 everyone the corruption of morals and depravity of life is already so great, com and ever increasingly greater, not only among uncivilized peoples RELIGIOUS ILLITERACY OF CATHOLIcS—It is a common are large but even in those very nations that are called Christian. The Apos plaint, unfortunately too well founded, that there of tie Paul, writing to the Ephesians, repeatedly admonished them in numbers of Christians in our own time who are entirely ignorant Chris these words: “But immorality and every uncleanness or covetous- those truths necessary for salvation. And when we mention walks ness, let It not even be named among you, as becomes saints; or tians, we refer not only to the masses or to those In the lower the fact obscenity or foolish talk.” He also places the fourdation of of life—for these find some excuse for their ignorance in time holiness and sound morals upon a knowledge of divine things— that the demands of their harsh employers hardly leave them to which holds in check evil desires: “See to it therefore, brethren, that to take care of themselves or of their dear ones—but we refer are you walk with care: not as unwise but as wise.... TherefOre, do not those especially who do not lack culture or talents and, indeed, world, become foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”5 And possessed of abundant knowledge regarding things of the It is rightly so. For the will of man retains but little of that divinely but they live rashly and imprudently with regard to religion. in implanted love of virtue and righteousness by which itwas, as it hard to find words to describe how profound is the darkness how were, attracted strongly toward the real and not merely apparent which they are engulfed and, what is most deplorable of all, the good. Disordered by the stain of the first sin, and almost forgetful tranquilly they repose there. They rarely give thought to God, of the of God, its Author, it improperly turns every affection to a Jove of Supreme Author and Ruler of all things, or to the teachings Word vanity and deceit. This erring will, blinded by its own evil desires, Faith of Christ. They know nothing of the Incarnation of the which has need therefore of a guide to lead it back to the paths of justice of God, nothing of the perfect restoration of the human race eter whence it has so unfortunately strayed. He accomplished. Grace, the greatest of the helps for attaining we The intellect itself is this guide, which need not be sought nal things, the Holy Sacrifice and the sacraments by which concep elsewhere, but is provided by nature itself. It is a guide, though, obtain grace, are entirely unknown to them. They have no anx that, if it lacks its companion light, the knowledge of divine things, of the malice and baseness of sin; and hence they show no tion will be only an instance of the blind leading the blind so that both iety to avoid sin or to renounce it. lest all will fall into the pit. The holy king David, praising God for the And so they arrive at life’s end in such a condition that, in the last few hope of salvation be lost, the priest is obliged to give time which moments of life a summary teaching of religion, a 3. Instit. XXVII, 18. 4. Eph. 5;3-4. (1) ,,. \ 5. Ibid., 15-16. 2. C .1-3. Handing on Christian Doctrine aching 5 4 Pope .t. Pius X p In fine, Christian teaching not only bestows on the intellect, the the intellect, exclaimed: light of truth with which He had illumined light by which it attains truth, but from it our will draws that ardor is signed upon us.”6 Then “The light of your countenance, 0 Lord, by which we are raised up to God and joined with Him in the prac by adding: “You have given he described the effect of this light tice of Virtue. is, which enlarges our heart so gladness in my heart,” gladness, that We by no means wish to conclude that a perverse will and that it runs in the way of God’s commandments. unbridled conduct may not be joined with a knowledge of religion. to God that facts did not too abundantly prove the con this becomes evi Would IMPORTANCE OF REVEALED KNOWLEDGE—All But we do maintain that the will cannot be upright nor the reveals God and His trary! dent on a little reflection. Christian teaching conduct good when the mind is shrouded in the darkness of crass clarity than is possible by the infinite perfection with far greater ignorance. A man who walks with open eyes may, indeed, turn This same Christian teaching human faculties alone. Nor is that all. aside from the right path, but a blind man is in much more immi which is of the mind, by also commands us to honor God by faith, nent danger of wandering away. Furthermore, there is always some is of the heart; and thus hope, which is of the will, by love, which hope for a reform of perverse conduct so long as the light of faith is Maker and Ruler of all the whole man is subjected to the supreme not entirely extinguished; but if lack of faith is added to depraved of man as the son of the things. The truly remarkable dignity morality because of ignorance, the evil hardly admits of remedy, formed, and with whom he is heavenly Father, in whose image he is and the road to ruin lies open. is also revealed only by the destined to live in eternal happiness, How many and how grave are the consequences of ignorance dignity, and from man’s of Jesus Christ. From this very in of religion! And on the other hand, how necessary and doctrine should love one another matters knowledge of it, Christ showed that men how beneficial is religious instruction! It is indeed vain to expect a becomes children of light, “Not as brothers, and should live here as fulfillment of the duties of a Christian by one who does not even debauchery and wantonness, in revelry and drunkenness, not in know them. us to place all our anxiety not in strife and jealousy.” He also bids will provide for us; He tells us and care in the hands of God, for He hate us, and to prefer the to help the poor, to do good to those who The Duty of the Pastor goods of this life. eternal welfare of the soul to the temporal nevertheless is it not We must now consider upon whom rests the obligation to Without wishing to touch on every detail, commanded by the teaching dissipate this most pernicious ignorance and to impart in jts stead true that the proud man is urged and of true glory? “Whoever, the knowledge [hat is wholly indispensable. There can be no doubt, of Christ to strive for humility, the source the greatest in the kingdom of venerable brothers, that this most important duty rests upon all therefore, humbles himself.. .he is learn prudence of the spirit, who are pastors of souls. On them, by command of Christ,; rest the heaven.”8 From that same teaching we flesh; we learn justice, by obligations of knowing and of feeding the flocks committed to their and thereby we avoid prudence of the which prepares us to care; and to feed implies, first of all, to teach. “I will give you which we give to every man his due; fortitude suffer all things for the pastors after my own heart,” God promised through Jeremis, “and all things and with steadfast heart endure last of all, temperance they shall feed you with knowledge and doctrine.” Hence the sake of God and eternal happiness; and, borne out of love for God, Apostle Paul said: “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach through which we cherish even poverty itself, unmindful of its shame. the Gospel,”IO thereby indicating that the first duty of all those nay, we even glory in the cross

6. Ps. 4:7. 9. Jer. 3:15. 7. Rom. 13:13. 10. 1 Cor. 1:17. A Mi 18:4. lung 7 Handing on Christian Doctrine by 6 Pope St. Pius X but that, “practicing the truth n love,” the wickedness of men,” 15 in any way with the government of the Church is him who is the head, Christ” who are entrusted they may “grow up in all things in the things of God. treating of the duties of to instruct the faithful in For this reason, the Council of Trent, it necessary to set forth here the praises of first and most important work is We do not think pastors of souls, decreed that their or to point out how meritorious it is in God’s sight. It therefore prescribes that they such instruction the instruction of the faithful.’6 the alms with which we relieve the needs of the poor on Sundays and on the more If, assuredly, shall teach the truths of religion by the Lord, how much more precious in His during the holy seasons of Advent are highly praised solemn feast days; moreover, be the zeal and labor expended in teaching and every day or at last three eyes, then, will and Lent they are to give such instruction by which we provide not for the passing needs of the not considered enough. The admonishing, times a week. This, however, was profit of the souli Nothing, surely, is more of youth by adding that the body but for the eternal Council provided for the instruction more acceptable to Jesus Christ, the Savior of others, must explain the desirable, nothing pastors, either personally or through through Isaias: “To bring good news and feast days to the children souls, who testifies of Himself truths of religion at least on Sundays has sent me.”1 to God and to their parents. to the poor he of the parish, and inculcate obedience it is well to emphasize and insist that for a priest administered, it enjoins upon Here then When the sacraments are to be grave or obligation more binding than this. efficacy in plain and simple there is no duty more pastors the duty to explain their will deny that knowledge should be joined to Who, indeed, language. “For the lips of the priest shall keep of Trent have been sum holiness of life in the priest? These prescriptions of the Council 12 The Church demands this knowledge of those who by our Predecessor Bene knowledge.” marized and still more clearly defined to the priesthood. Why? Because the Christian “Two chief obligations,” are to be ordained dict XIV, in his Constitution Etsi minime. of the divine law, and it was the Council of Trent on those people expect from them knowledge he wrote, “have been Imposed by they were sent by God. “And they shall seek the that of preaching the: things of for that end that who have the care of souls: first, he is the messenger of the Lord of and the second, that of law at his mouth; because to the people on the feast days; to the candidates for the God law to the youth hosts.” Thus the bishop speaking the rudiments of faith and of the divine “Let your teaching be teaching priesthood in the ordination ceremony says: who need such instruction.” they be worthy fellow and others between these two a spiritual remedy for God’s people; may wise Pontiff rightly distinguishes night on His Here the of the workers of our order; and thus meditating day and is commonly known as the explanation they shall duties: one is what Perhaps law, they may believe what they read, and teach what is the teaching of Christian doctrine. Gospel and the other believe “ 14 their labors, would believe. there are some who, wishing to lessen said is applicable to all priests, does it not take the place of catechetica) If what we have just that the homily on the Gospel can force to those who possess the title and the a moment, such is obviously apply with much greater instruction. But for one who reflects and who, by virtue of their rank and in Gospel is addressed to those authority of parish priests, impossible. The sermon on the holy hold the office of pastors of souls? knowledge of the elements of a sense by virtue of a contract, who should have already received the pastors and teachers appointed for adults. Catechetical These are, to a certain extent, faith. It is, so to speak, bread broken the faithful might not be as “children, tossed milk which the Apostle Peter by Christ in order that instruction, on the other hand, is that by every wind of doctrine devised in simplicity like newborn babes. to and fro, and carried about wished the faithful to desire in all

1.1. Lk. 4:18. U. Mal. 2:7. 15. Eph. 4:14, 15. 7 de Reform. Sess. 22, cap. 8; Sess. 24, cap. 4 and 13. Ibid. 16. Sess. 5, cap. 2 de Reform; 14. Ro”’ Pontifical. n ing 9 Handing on Christian Doctrine b’ 8 Pop ,j Pius X “‘) them a fruit commensurate who read these works and take from The Catechetical Lesson Plan writers? with the labor and intention of the on the other hand, when rightly The task of the catechist is to take up one or other of the truths The teaching of the catechism, who listen to it. of faith or of Christian morality and then explain it in all its parts; done, never fails to profit those zeal of the ministers of God, We again and since amendment of life is the chief aim of his instruction, the In order to enkindle the the ever-increasing number of tFose who catechist must needs make a comparison between what God com insist on the need to reach or who possess at most only such mands us to do and what is our actual conduct. After this, he know nothing at all of religion, Christian truths as benefits idolaters. How will use examples appropriately taken from the Holy Scriptures, knowledge of God and among the young, but among adults Church history, and the lives of the saints—thus moving his hear many there are, alas, not only who know nothing of the chief mys ers and clearly pointing out to them how they are to regulate their and those advanced in years, the name of Christ can qnly ask: own conduct. He should, in conclusion, earnestly exhort all present teries of faith; who on hearing believe in him?”8 In consequence of this to dread and avoid vice and to practice virtue. “Who is he...that I may consider it a crime to excite and nourish We are indeed aware that the work of teaching the catechism is ignorance, they do not to enter into most unjust contracts, unpopular with many because as a rule it is deemed of little account hatred against their neighbor, fashion, to hold the funds of bthers at and for the reason that it does not lend itself easily to the winning to do business in dishonest to commit other iniquities not less praise. But this in our opinion is a judgment based on an exorbitant interest rate, and of public ignorant of the law of Christ and devoid of truth. We do not disapprove of those pulpit reprehensible. They are, moreover, vanity actions, but also forbids delib who, out of genuine zeal for the glory of God, devote which not only condemns immoral orators Even when for some reason or of the Faith and to its spread, or who eulogize erate immoral thoughts and desires. themselves to defense they nevertheless entertain evil saints of God. But their labor presupposes labor of another other they avoid sensual pleasures, the thereby multiplying their sins the catechist. And so if this be lacking, then the foun thoughts without the least scruple, kind, that of head. These persons are labor in vain who build the house. above the number of the hairs of the dation is wanting; and they not merely among the which receive the we deem it necessary to repeat, Too often it happens that ornate sermons found, districts, but also the ears and of the people or in sparsely settled applause of crowded congregations serve but to tickle poorer classes among those higher walks of life, even, indeed, fail utterly to touch the hearts of the hearers. among those in feel who, relying upon a vain erudition, Catechetical instruction, on the other hand, plain and simple puffed up with learning, not and to “deride whatever they do though it may be, is that word of which God Himself speaks free to ridicule religion through the lips of the prophet Isaias: “And as the rain and the know.” no more thither, but snow come down from heaven and return cannot expect THE BAPTISMAL SEED—Now, if we soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring and give seed to CULTIVATING hope seed has been planted, how can we the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be which shall to reap a harvest when no morals if Christian doctrine has not my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall to have a people with sound go forth from It follows, too, that if faith I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I been imparted to them in due time? do whatsoever large numbers it has almost ‘‘ our days, if among sent it.” languishes in is the duty of catechetical teaching We believe the same may be said of those priests who work vanished, the reason is that or altogether neglected. It will not hard to produce books which explain the truths of religion. They either fulfilled very superficially are surely to be commended for their zeal, but how many are there 18. Jn. 9:36. Jude 10. 17. Is. 55:10-11. 19. Handing on Christian Doctrine by ‘ring 11 10 Pope St Pius X prepare II. At certain times throughout the year, they shall in excuse, that faith is a free gift of God bestowed upon Pehance and do to say, boys and girls to receive properly the sacraments of True enough, when we are baptized in Christ, of days. each one at Baptism. Confirmation, by a continued instruction over a period this most divine seed, if left entirely and, if the habit of faith is given, but Ill. With a very special zeal, on every day in Leit power, so to speak, is not like the mustard seed with the to itself, by its own necessary, on the days following Easter, they shall instruct puts out great branches.”2° Man has the sexes to which “grows up.. .and use of apt illustrations and exhortations the youth of both his birth, but he also has need of his faculty of understanding at receive their in a holy manner. it, as it were, and to make it active. So Con- mother’s word to awaken IV. In each and every parish the society known asthe again of water and the Holy Spirit, has established. too, the Christian, born fraternity of Christian Doctrine is to be canonically but he requires the word of the teaching Church plaèes where faith within him, Through this , the pastors, especially in it and to make it bear fruit. Thus wrote the the teaching of to nourish and develop there is a scarcity of priests, will have lay helpers in depends on hearing, and hearing on the word knowledge Apostle: “Faith then the catechism, who will take up the work of imparting show the necessity of instruction, he added, to gain the of Christ”;2’ and to both from a zeal for the glory of God and in order if no one preaches?”22 “How are they to hear, numerous indulgences granted by the Sovereign Pontiffs. said so far demonstrates the supreme impor col What we have V. In the larger cities, and especially where universities, instruction. We ought, therefore, to do all that in religion be tance of religious leges and secondary schools are located, let classes the teaching of Christian doctrine of lies in our power to maintain organized to instruct in the truths of faith and in the practice where such is neglected, to restore it; for in the from which with full vigor, and Christian life the youths who attend the public schools our Predecessor, Benedict XIV, “There is nothing more words of all religious teaching is banned. to spread the glory of God effective than catechetical instruction VI. Since it is a fact that in these days adults need instruction secure the salvation of souls.”23 the care of and to no less than the young, all pastors and those having plain and simple souls shall explain the catechism to the people in a This shall be car style adapted to the intelligence of their hearers. Catechetical Regulations as is most con ried out on all holy days of obligation, at such time hour when the We, therefore, venerable brothers, desirous of fulfilling this venient for the people, but not during the same be in addition to most important obligation of our teaching office, and likewise children are instructed, and this instruction must at the parochial wishing to introduce uniformity everywhere in so weighty a mat the usual homily on the Gospel which is delivered instruction shall ter, do by our supreme authority enact the following regulations Mass on Sundays and holy days. The catechetical also èalled the and strictly command that they be observed and carried out in all be based on the Roman Catechism, sometimes is to be divided dioceses of the world. Catechism of the Council of Trent; and the matter years, treatment will I. On every Sunday and holy day, with no exception, in such a way that in the space of four or five ten command throughout the year, all parish priests and in general all those hav be given’to the Apostles’ Creed, the sacraments, the Church. ing the care of souls shall instruct the boys and girls for the space ments, the Lord’s Prayer and the Precepts of the virtue of of an hour from the text of the catechism on those things they must Venerable brothers, we decree and command this by put it into prompt believe and do in order to attain salvation. our apostolic authority. It now rests with you to dioceses, and by the and complete execution in your respective see to it that these prescriptions of ours 20. Mk. 4:32. power of your authority to to the same thing, that they he 21. Rem. 10:17. be not neglected or, what amounts 22. Ibid., 14. not carried out carelessly or superficially. 23. Con(”on Etsi minime, 13 C-) Handing on Christian Doctrine by ‘Th ig 13 12 PopL Pius X any man be on the Lord’s side, let him NECESSITY OF PREPARATION—That this may be avoided, you these words of Moses: “If you to reflect on the great must exhort and urge your pastors not to impart these instructions join with me.”28 We pray and entreat of divine things. You have without having first prepared themselves in the work. Then they loss of souls due solely to ignorance and most praiseworthy works will not merely speak words of human wisdom, but “in simplicity doubtless accomplished many useful good of the flock entrusted to and godly sincerity,”24 imitating the example of Jesus Christ, who, in your respective dioceses for the and with all possible zeal and though He revealed “things hidden since the foundation of the your care, but before all else, urge on others that the knowledge world,”25 yet spoke “all.. .things to the crowds in parables, and diligence and care, see to it and doctrine pervades and imbues fully and deeply the without parables. . .did not speak to them.”26 We know that the of Christian words of the Apostle Peter, we say, Apostles, who were taught by the Lord, did the same; for of them minds of all. Here, using the each has received, administer it to one Pope St. Gregory wrote: “They took supreme care to preach to the “According to the gift that the manifold grace of God.”29 uninstructed simple truths easy to understand, not things deep and another as good stewards of of the most blessed immaculate difficult.”27 In matters of religion, the majority of men in our times Through the intercession be made fruitful by the apostolic must be considered uninstructed. Virgin, may your diligent efforts affection and as a pledge of heav We do not, however, wish to give the impression that this blessing which, in token of our impart to you and to yout clergy studied simplicity in imparting instruction does not require labor enly favors, we wholeheartedly and meditation—on the contrary, it demands both more than any and people. on the 15th day of April, 1905, other kind of preaching. It is much easier to find a preacher capable Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, and elaborate discourse than a catechist in the second year of our pontificate. of delivering an eloquent who can impart a catechetical instruction which is praiseworthy In every detail. No matter what natural facility a person may have in ideas and language, let him always remember that he will never be able to teach Christian doctrine to children or to adults without first giving himself to very careful study and preparation. They are mistaken who think that, because of inexperience and lack of train ing of the people, the work of catechizing can be performed in a slipshod fashion. On the contrary, the less educated the_hearers, the more zeal and diligence mustb e1idflhe sublime truths—tb their untaind iiñd ihese truths indeed, far surpass the natural uhdstanding of the people, yet must be known by all—the uneducated and the cultured—in order that they may arrive at eternal happiness.

ZEAL AND LOVE FOR CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE—And now, vener able brothers, permit us to close this letter by addressing to you

24. 2 Cor. 1:12. 25. Mt. 13:35. 26. Ibid., 34. 28. Ex. 32:26. 4:10. 27. Morals, 1, 17, cap. 26. 29. 1 Pt.