Annum Sacrum Papal Letter to Fr. Mateo The

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Annum Sacrum Papal Letter to Fr. Mateo The Cor Jesu Fornax Ardens Caritatis, Miserere Nobis » King and Center of All Hearts Encyclical : Annum Sacrum Papal Letter to Fr. Mateo The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Litany of Sacred Heart Catholic Education - Part I Pope Pius XII and Sports Christianity in India Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Saint Pii X May - June 2018 Cor Jesu Newsletter of the Society of St. Pius X in South India May - June 2018 Volume IV, Number 3 Publisher Society of Saint Pius X 8A/3, Annie Nagar Seevalaperi Road Palayamkottai Tamilnadu—627002 India Tel: 0462-2586201 [email protected] District Superior Rev. Fr. Karl Stehlin Prior Rev. Fr. Therasian Babu Price Suggested donation: Rs. 300/- To Order Send email or write Internet fsspx.asia The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Encylical on Consecration to the Sacred Heart Pontifical Letter of Approbation To Fr. Mateo About the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Spiritual Life Litany of the Sacred Heart Cor Jesu Other interests Catholic Education - Part I Pope Pius XII and Sports History of Christianity in India Book Review: Marian Meditations FSSPX News 3 ANNUM SACRUM ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII ON CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART o the Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, T and Bishops of the Catholic World in Grace and Communion with the Apostolic See. Venerable Brethren, Health and Apostolic Benediction. But a short time ago, as you well know, We, by letters apostolic, and following the custom and ordinances of Our predecessors, commanded the celebration in this city, at no distant date, of a Holy Year. And now to-day, in the hope and with the object that this religious celebration shall be more devoutly performed, We have traced and recom- mended a striking design from which, if all shall follow it out with hearty good will, We not unrea- and Pius IX., devoutly to foster and bring out into sonably expect extraordinary and lasting benefits fuller light that most excellent form of devotion for Christendom in the first place and also for the which has for its object the veneration of the whole human race. Sacred Heart of Jesus; this We did especially by the 2. Already more than once We have endeav- Decree given on June 28, 1889, by which We raised ored, after the example of Our predecessors the Feast under that name to the dignity of the Innocent XII, Benedict XIII, Clement XIII, Pius VI, first class. But now We have in mind a more signal 4 Cor Jesu | May-June 2018 form of devotion which shall be in a manner the the Father, having the same substance with Him crowning perfection of all the honors that people and being the brightness of His glory and the figure have been accustomed to pay to the Sacred Heart, of His substance (Hebrews 1:3) necessarily has and which We confidently trust will be most pleas- everything in common with the Father, and there- ing to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. This is not the fore sovereign power over all things. This is why first time, however, that the design of which We the Son of God thus speaks of Himself through the speak has been mooted. Twenty-five years ago, Prophet: “But I am appointed king by him over Sion, on the approach of the solemnities of the second his holy mountain. The Lord said to me, Thou art centenary of the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque's my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me reception of the Divine command to propagate the and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance worship of the Sacred Heart, many letters from all and the utmost parts of the earth for thy posses- parts, not merely from private persons but from sion” (Psalm 2). By these words He declares that Bishops also were sent to Pius IX. begging that he He has power from God over the whole Church, would consent to consecrate the whole human which is signified by Mount Sion, and also over the race to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was rest of the world to its uttermost ends. On what thought best at the time to postpone the matter foundation this sovereign power rests is made in order that a well-considered decision might be sufficiently plain by the words, "Thou art My Son." arrived at. Meanwhile permission was granted to For by the very fact that He is the Son of the King individual cities which desired it thus to consecrate of all, He is also the heir of all His Father's power: themselves, and a form of consecration was drawn hence the words – “I will give thee the Gentiles for up. Now, for certain new and additional reasons, thy inheritance,” which are similar to those used by We consider that the plan is ripe for fulfilment. Paul the Apostle, “whom he hath appointed heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). 3. This world-wide and solemn testimony of allegiance and piety is especially appropriate to 4. But we should now give most special con- Jesus Christ, who is the Head and Supreme Lord of sideration to the declarations made by Jesus Christ, the race. His empire extends not only over Catholic not through the Apostles or the Prophets but by nations and those who, having been duly washed His own words. To the Roman Governor who asked in the waters of holy baptism, belong of right to the Him, “Art thou a king then?” He answered unhesi- Church, although erroneous opinions keep them tatingly, “Thou sayest that I am a king” (John 18:37). astray, or dissent from her teaching cuts them off And the greatness of this power and the bound- from her care; it comprises also all those who are lessness of His kingdom is still more clearly declared deprived of the Christian faith, so that the whole in these words to the Apostles: “All power is given human race is most truly under the power of Jesus to me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Christ. For He who is the Only-begotten Son of God If then all power has been given to Christ it follows Cor Jesu | May-June 2018 5 of necessity that His empire must be supreme, flows naturally from royal authority, he concludes absolute and independent of the will of any other, decisively as follows: “All things are subject to Christ so that none is either equal or like unto it: and as far as His power is concerned, although they are since it has been given in heaven and on earth it not all subject to Him in the exercise of that power”, ought to have heaven and earth obedient to it. (3a., p., q. 59, a. 4). This sovereign power of Christ And verily he has acted on this extraordinary and over men is exercised by truth, justice, and above peculiar right when He commanded His Apostles all, by charity. to preach His doctrine over the earth, to gather all 7. To this twofold ground of His power and men together into the one body of the Church by domination He graciously allows us, if we think fit, the baptism of salvation, and to bind them by laws, to add voluntary consecration. Jesus Christ, our God which no one could reject without risking his eter- and our Redeemer, is rich in the fullest and perfect nal salvation. possession of all things: we, on the other hand, are 5. But this is not all. Christ reigns nor only by so poor and needy that we have nothing of our own natural right as the Son of God, but also by a right to offer Him as a gift. But yet, in His infinite good- that He has acquired. For He it was who snatched ness and love, He in no way objects to our giving us “from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), and consecrating to Him what is already His, as if and “gave Himself for the redemption of all” , it were really our own; nay, far from refusing such (1 Timothy 2:6). Therefore not only Catholics, and an offering, He positively desires it and asks for it: those who have duly received Christian baptism, “My son, give me thy heart.” We are, therefore, but also all men, individually and collectively, have able to be pleasing to Him by the good will and the become to Him “a purchased people” (1 Peter 2:9). affection of our soul. For by consecrating ourselves St. Augustine's words are therefore to the point to Him we not only declare our open and free when he says: “You ask what price He paid? See acknowledgment and acceptance of His authority what He gave and you will understand how much over us, but we also testify that if what we offer He paid. The price was the blood of Christ. What as a gift were really our own, we would still offer could cost so much but the whole world, and all it with our whole heart. We also beg of Him that its people? The great price He paid was paid for He would vouchsafe to receive it from us, though all” (T. 120 on St. John). clearly His own. Such is the efficacy of the act of 6. How it comes about that infidels them- which We speak, such is the meaning underlying selves are subject to the power and dominion of Our words. Jesus Christ is clearly shown by St. Thomas, who 8. And since there is in the Sacred Heart a gives us the reason and its explanation.
Recommended publications
  • Prayers of Consecration 6-19-20
    Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with You, behold each one of us freely consecrates our self to your Most Sacred Heart. Many, indeed, have never known you, many too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be You King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be You King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Be You King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honour forever. Amen. - Adapted from the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pope Leo XIII (cf.
    [Show full text]
  • The Crown and Completion of All Sanctity
    The Crown and Completion of All Sanctity An introduction to the revelations on the Gift of Living in the Divine Will to the Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta, using only moratorium-free material Daniel O’Connor †JMJ† The Crown and Completion of All Sanctity The Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta was a 19th and 20th century Italian mystic whose revelations from Jesus, encompassing thousands of pages of material, give amazing insight into a new gift of sanctity for the Church, namely, the Gift of Living in the Divine Will. In this book, you will find an introduction to just what this “Gift” entails, an explanation of how to receive this Gift yourself, and a theological defense of its orthodoxy as perfectly compatible with Catholic faith and morals. Explanation of Subtitle: There is currently a moratorium from the Archdiocese risk of disobedience to the Church, uses only excerpts of Trani (which alone holds legal and canonical rights from Luisa’s writings that are taken directly from Fr. to Luisa’s writings) on the publication of Luisa’s Joseph Iannuzzi’s Doctoral Dissertation The Gift of writings, until a complete critical edition may be Living in the Divine Will in the Writings of Luisa published. Although this does not restrict short Piccarreta. Fr. Iannuzzi personally translated all of excerpts from being published, nor does it restrict these excerpts from the original Italian of Luisa’s Luisa’s writings from personal use or in prayer groups writings, and we can be assured of their orthodoxy. devoted to the Divine Will, I have nevertheless chosen His dissertation furthermore enjoys full Ecclesiastical to present this book which, in order to fulfill the Approbation from the Pontifical Gregorian University wishes of the faithful who desire to be as compliant as of Rome, authorized by the Holy See.
    [Show full text]
  • The Holy See
    The Holy See LETTER OF JOHN PAUL II ON THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION OF THE HUMAN RACE TO THE DIVINE HEART OF JESUS Dear Brothers and Sisters! 1. The 100th anniversary of the Consecration of the Human Race to the Divine Heart of Jesus, prescribed for the whole Church by my Predecessor Leo XIII in the Encyclical Letter Annum sacrum (25 May 1899: Leonis XIII P. M. Acta, XIX [1899], 71- 80) and carried out on 11 June 1899, prompts us first of all to give thanks to "him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father" (Rv 1:5-6). This happy occasion seems a particularly appropriate one for reflecting on the meaning and value of that important ecclesial act. With the Encyclical Annum sacrum, Pope Leo XIII confirmed all that had been done by his Predecessors carefully to preserve and highlight the devotion and spirituality of the Sacred Heart. With that consecration he wished to obtain "extraordinary benefits first for Christianity, but also for the whole human race" (Annum sacrum, p. 71). Asking that not only believers but all people should be consecrated, he gave a new direction and sense to the consecration which had already been practised for two centuries by individuals, groups, Dioceses and nations. The consecration of the human race to the Heart of Jesus was thus presented by Leo XIII as "the summit and crowning of all the honours which have been customarily paid to the Most Sacred Heart" (Annum sacrum, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Building Our Faith 10 – the Sacred Heart
    BUILDING OUR FAITH 10 – THE SACRED HEART Timeline 1100-1200s St Bernard of Clairvaux “The piercing of Christ's side revealed his goodness and the charity of his heart for us.” St Bonaventure “Who is there who would not love this wounded heart? Who would not love in return Him, who loves so much?” Women Visionaries: St Lutgarde, St Mechtilde of Hackeborn, St Gertrude 1300s-1600s The banner of the Five Wounds, Wounds of Christ as means to understand the carried during the Pilgrimage of Grace, 1536 love of God. Banner of the Five Wounds. Mystical Experiences to Devotion St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) 1856 Feast day throughout the Church Devotion, Reparation, Consecration 1889 Rank of feast raised 1899 Worldwide promotion of First Fridays Leo XII Annum sacrum 1928 Consecration of the human race to the Sacred Heart to be renewed each year Pius XI Miserentissimus Redemptor 1956 Centenary of feast: encyclical Pius XII Haurietis aquas Annum sacrum 1899 [S]ince there is in the Sacred Heart a symbol and a sensible image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love one another, therefore is it fit and proper that we should consecrate ourselves to His most Sacred Heart–an act which is nothing else than an offering and a binding of oneself to Jesus Christ, seeing that whatever honour, veneration and love is given to this divine Heart is really and truly given to Christ Himself. Miserentissimus Redemptor 1928 [T]hat duty of honourable satisfaction or reparation which must be rendered to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • Entry Into the Sacred Heart Is for Everyone
    Entry into the Sacred Heart is for Everyone March 2009 Dear Friends of the Heart of Christ, There is a scene in The Passion of the Christ movie that gives me much thought for this Lenten Sacred Heart reflection. On Mount Calvary at the time when Jesus dies for us, one of the soldiers present takes his long spear and thrusts it into the ribs of Christ-aiming right for his heart. Jesus seems to have expired and this will not leave any doubt. Gathering storm clouds urge him on for he does not want to be caught in the violent winds and rains that have begun to pelt him. Recall the characters played by the soldiers and the terrible sufferings they wreck on Jesus. They are portrayed as heartless, mocking, crude, there to do a job and be over with it. Inflicting suffering on others makes them feel powerful, in control, dominant. As the centurion takes his long, steel-tipped spear and jabs it into the flesh of the dead Christ, a stream of blood and water literally flies out at him spurting over him into his face and eyes. In an instant he is changed. He is no longer the arrogant, jesting, hard-hearted person he was but is transformed both physically and spiritually. He thus proclaims, “In truth this man was the Son of God.” Tradition has named this soldier Longinus-a latinized form of the Greek word longche which means spear. A statue of him as Saint Longinus appears in the Vatican by the famous artist Bernini.
    [Show full text]
  • The Holy See
    The Holy See ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XIIHAURIETIS AQUASON DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEARTMay 15, 1956 Venerable Brethren: Health and Apostolic Benediction.1. "You shall draw waters with joy out of the Savior's fountain."(1) These words by which the prophet Isaias, using highly significant imagery, foretold the manifold and abundant gifts of God which the Christian era was to bring forth, come naturally to Our mind when We reflect on the centenary of that year when Our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius IX, gladly yielding to the prayers from the whole Catholic world, ordered the celebration of the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Universal Church.2. It is altogether impossible to enumerate the heavenly gifts which devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has poured out on the souls of the faithful, purifying them, offering them heavenly strength, rousing them to the attainment of all virtues. Therefore, recalling those wise words of the Apostle St. James, "Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights,"(2) We are perfectly justified in seeing in this same devotion, which flourishes with increasing fervor throughout the world, a gift without price which our divine Savior the Incarnate Word, as the one Mediator of grace and truth between the heavenly Father and the human race imparted to the Church, His mystical Spouse, in recent centuries when she had to endure such trials and surmount so many difficulties.3. The Church, rejoicing in this inestimable gift, can show forth a more ardent love of her divine Founder, and can, in a more generous and effective manner, respond to that invitation which St.
    [Show full text]
  • Ur Lady of Mount Carmel B a Catholic Parish Community Served by the Carmelite Order 6 June 2021 ~ Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
    ur Lady of Mount Carmel b A Catholic parish community served by the Carmelite Order 6 June 2021 ~ Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Enlarged detail, Altarpiece of San Esteban, Valencia: “The Last Supper” by Juan de Juanes, c. 1555 “While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." (MK 14:22) Rev. Frederick J. Tillotson, O. Carm. Pastor Main Office (941) 966-0807 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 www.olmc-osprey.org Parish Life Parish Calendar New Adult Faith Summer Sessions Sunday, June 6 —Sunday, June 20 ~ Tillotson Hall Talks ~ (Mass Intentions are shown for first week only) Wednesdays, Noon—1:00(ish) Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood Starting June 16 - July 28 of Christ, June 6 Mass: 8:30am, 10:30am (Saturday Vigil 4:00pm) Bring a brown-bag lunch and “chew the fat” with Fr. Ken Intentions, 4:00pm: + Barry Sucher, + Mark Sucher Suibielski and Fr. Adrian Wilde as they lead discussions on Intentions, 8:30am: Mary Lou Kissel, + Mary Jane Agostini Catholic news and current events from around the world. Intentions, 10:30am: + Jimmy Speck, + Ethan Hall • NO Family Faith Formation (resumes Fall, watch for details.) Coffee and tea provided. Come join the discussions! • Youth Confirmation Meeting, 9:30-10:15am, Conference Rm Kindly RSVP, so that we know how many to prepare for, by Monday, June 7 Mass: 8:00am. calling 941-966-0807 x 305 or email: [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cathedral of Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
    The Yearly Review of Saint Philip Neri International Seminary Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest A. D. 2019 Dear Friends, “Behold this Heart, Which has loved men so much, that It has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to show them Its love.” It was with these words, spoken to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque at the convent of Paray-le-Monial in June 1675, that Our Lord himself described his heart. Is this just a mawkish form of devotion overemphasizing God’s love? That is at least how many Jansenists chose to understand it, but nothing could be further from the truth. Nos ergo diligamus Deum, quoniam ipse prior dilexit nos (I Jn. IV, 19). Let us therefore love God because God first hath loved us. To return love for love: this is the key to understanding devotion to the Sacred Heart. This beautiful devotion, as Father Jean Croiset put it, “is essentially an exercise of love: love is its object, and its principal motive; and it is love which must be its principal end” (La dévotion au Sacré‑Cœur de N. S. Jésus‑Christ, Jean Croiset, SJ, Notre-Dame des Prés, Montreuil-sur-Mer, 1895, p. 3-4). We offer our warmest thanks to his Eminence Cardinal Burke who very kindly agreed to contribute to this issue. These pages are intended simply to help the reader come to a better knowledge of this devotion, so necessary for our times. For all those souls whose charity has grown cold, there is an urgent need to manifest the burning furnace of charity, fornax ardens caritatis, that is the Sacred Heart.
    [Show full text]
  • Document by Pope Pius
    ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XII HAURIETIS AQUAS ON DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART May 15, 1956 Venerable Brethren: Health and Apostolic Benediction. 1. "You shall draw waters with joy out of the Savior's fountain."(1) These words by which the prophet Isaias, using highly significant imagery, foretold the manifold and abundant gifts of God which the Christian era was to bring forth, come naturally to Our mind when We reflect on the centenary of that year when Our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius IX, gladly yielding to the prayers from the whole Catholic world, ordered the celebration of the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Universal Church. 2. It is altogether impossible to enumerate the heavenly gifts which devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has poured out on the souls of the faithful, purifying them, offering them heavenly strength, rousing them to the attainment of all virtues. Therefore, recalling those wise words of the Apostle St. James, "Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights,"(2) We are perfectly justified in seeing in this same devotion, which flourishes with increasing fervor throughout the world, a gift without price which our divine Savior the Incarnate Word, as the one Mediator of grace and truth between the heavenly Father and the human race imparted to the Church, His mystical Spouse, in recent centuries when she had to endure such trials and surmount so many difficulties. 3. The Church, rejoicing in this inestimable gift, can show forth a more ardent love of her divine Founder, and can, in a more generous and effective manner, respond to that invitation which St.
    [Show full text]
  • PENTECOST SUNDAY June 15/16, 2019
    PENTECOST SUNDAY June 15/16, 2019 SECOND COLLECTION FOR SACRED HEART PARISH COMING SPECIAL EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS June 15/16 – SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST (Return to Ordinary Time according to the calendar of the universal Church) June 17 – Monday of the 11th Week of Ordinary Time June 21 – St. Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ First Day of Summer - Father’s Day (Take a priest to lunch!) June 23 – Solemnity of Corpus Christi – the Body and Blood of Christ June 24 – Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist June 29 – Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles July 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle July 5 – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Patronal Feast of our parish – counted from Pentecost Sunday Reception following the 8:30 AM Mass First Friday - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following Mass and reception July 6/7 – Celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart at both Masses July 6 – Reception after Mass for the parish feast July 13/14 - SECOND SUNDAY COLLECTION July 15 – Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre July 22 – Feast of St. Mary Magdalen July 25- Feast of St. James, Apostle July 31 – Solemnity of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits FOR JUNE That priests, through the modesty and humility of their lives, commit themselves actively to a solidarity with those who are most poor. VIDEO OF THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE https://youtu.be/BFnk7Aeg6gg On this Solemnity of Pentecost, there is usually a lot of talk about speaking in tongues and the Holy Spirit “descending” on the apostles.
    [Show full text]
  • The Theology of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
    THE THEOLOGY OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY INTRODUCTION THE purpose of this paper is to present some theological aspects of the cult of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The timeliness of the subject can be evaluated in the light of three important facts. (1) The apparitions of Fatima (1917) in which Our Lady requested world wide devotion to her Immaculate Heart. (2) The solemn Act of Consecration of the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by Pope Pius XII on October 31, 1942, commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of of the apparitions of Fatima. The same year, on December 8, the Sovereign Pontiff publicly renewed the Act of Consecration in the Basilica of St. Peter. (3) The institution of the universal feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be celebrated each year on the Octave day of the Assumption, August 22, as a double of the second class. This feast is to be a reminder of the solemn Act of Consecra- tion. Commenting on the unprecedented action of the Holy Father, His Eminence Cardinal Cerejeira, Patriarch of Lisbon, said: "This opens a new era in Christian spirituality—the era of the Immaculate Heart of Mary." 1 We shall divide our paper into two major parts. (1) The His- torical Background and (2) the Doctrinal Study. In the light of the history of the cult we can better understand its doctrinal founda- tions. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CULT OF THE HEART OF MARY Although the history of the cult of the Immaculate Heart of Mary has been intimately bound up with the history of the cult of the 1 Postius, J.
    [Show full text]
  • Haurietis Aquas and Devotion to the Sacred Heart Malachi J
    HAURIETIS AQUAS AND DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART MALACHI J. DONNELLY, SJ. St. Mary's College BACKGROUND OF THE ENCYCLICAL N THE new Encyclical on the Sacred Heart, our present Holy Father I tells us that this devotion is the most complete profession of the Christian religion.1 Before him, Pius XI had stated that this same devotion was the synthesis of our whole religion and the norm of the more perfect life.2 Both Supreme Pontiffs but reaffirmed Leo XIIFs words that this devotion was the most excellent form of religion.3 One would think, then, that a form of devotion so praised by the highest doctrinal authority on earth would be held in great esteem by all Catholics, clergy and laity alike. But, according to some European writers, such has not been the case, at least in certain countries.4 Julien Jacques informs us that, at the time of his writing, there were many priests in his native land, both of the diocesan and regular clergy, who showed a distant and reserved, even slightly disdainful, attitude towards the devotion to the Sacred Heart. While observing the pre­ cepts of the Church, such as Leo XIIFs Consecration to the Sacred Heart and the Act of Reparation of Pius XI, together with devotions on the first Fridays and on the feast day itself, they nevertheless failed to realize the full significance of the devotion to the Sacred Heart in 1A AS 48 (1956) 344: "absolutissima . professio religionis." All page references below are to Haurietis aquas and to volume 48 of A AS unless another title is specified.
    [Show full text]