"SOLEMN
ELEVATION TO THE GLORY OF THE ALTARS OF CERTAIN SAINTS. SOLEMN
DECLARATION NAMING CERTAIN DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH. SOCIAL
DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH." We,
Supreme Pontiff, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Saint Peter, Servant of the
Servants of God, Patriarch of Palmar de Troya. We, as
Universal Doctor of the Church, assisted by the Holy Ghost, accepting the
sense of the Church, after examining historical fact, beatify and canonise
certain illustrious and virtuous members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
1.‑ Cardinal Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros, Spain.
2.‑ Edel Mary Quinn, Ireland.
3.‑ Blessed Leopold Mandic, Croatia (Yugoslavia).
4.‑ Katherine (Kateri) Tekakwitha, North American lndian.
5.‑ Venerable Father
Ambrose de Lombez, France.
6.‑ Father Germano of Saint Stanislaus,
Italy.
7.‑ Brother Anthony Martin, Spain.
8.‑ Brother Peter Velasco, Spain.
9.‑ Brother Simon de Avila, Spain. 10.‑
Brother Dominic Piola, Italy. 11.‑
Father Ferdinand Nunez, Spain. 12.‑ Josepha de Prado, Spain. 13.‑
Sister Elizabeth of the Most Holy Trinity, France. 14.‑ Petra Corral, Spain. 15.‑ Francisco Esteve Pi, Spain. 16.‑ Corpus Sola Valencia, Spain. 17.‑
Venerable Father Luigi Orione, Italy. We
guarantee and give assurance of the life of sanctity and heroic virtue of
those whom today we raise to the glory of the altars. We, on
this day, put forward these models and living examples who call the
faithful to enter on the path of sanctity.
Among them are found examples of great conversions, examples very,
so very necessary in order to obtain the conversion of sinners at the
present time of general perversion. To regard attentively the previous
lives of those great sinners who, through a sincere conversion, abandoned
all, and gave themselves up to God and the welfare of souls, is to observe
something grandiose and wonderful. To observe how God, with infinite
Wisdom and Mercy, persists in the work of saving souls,‑ is
something beautiful and greatly to be admired. Throughout the history of
centuries and centuries, there have been, as we know, innumerable
conversions of sinners,‑ obtained thanks to the prayer and penance
of certain distinguished members of the Church. This consideration ought
to lead all of us to practise a life of intense prayer and penance, since
thus we shall obtain the conversion of many sinners, including those
sinners with hearts of stone, hardened by impenitence. We present for you
examples and models of sanctity, not only in order to venerate them, but
also to imitate them. By putting forward those who have already received
the crown of glory, the reward of their sacrifices and self-denial, it
would give us a strong impulse to go on to high degrees of holiness, to
which all are called. We
desire also to point out, from among the devout lives of these models,
certain heroic virtues very important for the time in which we are living.
The virtues to which We refer pertain to the life of chastity. We present
today living examples of chastity. Some have preserved chastity by means
of a life of continual penance and mortification; others through the daily
practice of making small sacrifices, even of insignificant things, little
things which accustom one to fight temptations; indeed, he who is not
capable of making sacrifices in little things, will neither be able to in
greater things. Others have attained holy purity and chastity by beginning
the day with invocations to God and His Most Holy Mother, the Virgin Mary;
others through strict observance of their duties, fulfilling all for love
of God, always according to His Holy Law; others have preserved chastity
through great battles against interior temptations, and against the
persuasions of other persons, and sometimes through death as martyr,
rather than offend God. We turn
to all of you who are obliged to walk through the various cities of the
world. Very beloved children, the danger you face in the world is great
and terrifying. You live in corrupt society, where, in the name of false
liberty, you can all find thousands of occasions for offending God. We are
speaking precisely to you, most dear children, these words of exhortation: preach by example, lead a life of intense prayer, penance and
sacrifice. You who are called children of Mary, are called to preach the
purity of Mary in the world. In order to preach such exalted purity, you
have the solemn obligation to lead a life of authentic purity. Praying,
speaking, walking, ‑ in dress, in your social life, in your daily
work,‑ at every moment, everywhere, you ought to be pure and
beautiful mirrors that reflect the image of Mary. If we wish this corrupt
world truly to know the Most Holy Virgin Mary, we must make her known by
means of our exemplary and virtuous life. As we all know, in opposition to
the seven capital sins, there are seven virtues.
It is not enough to be acquainted with this truth, it is not enough
to preach it in words, since the best way to preach these truths is to put
the virtues into practice. In the face of a world in corruption, of
exhibitionism, of the scandal of pornography, of indecency in dress, and
so forth, ‑ in the face of this state of affairs, if we desire to be
true children of Mary, we have the grave responsibility of cleaning the
world and the best way to clean the world is to clean ourselves, before
cleaning our neighbor. In the face of the present world scene, with its
abominable lewdness, we have the sacred duty to make reparation to God for
these offences; and the best reparation is to be heroes of chastity. Most
beloved children, to attain the title of hero of chastity, martyrdom is
not the only way, there are also other excellent ways. He is a hero of
chastity who, suffering great temptations, offers a continual battle
without mercy. A hero of chastity is he who, on waking, renews his chastity
before God; and before sleeping, carefully examines his conscience, and
reposes peacefully, because he has lived the day without falling into the
trap of the devil. With each day that passes, this hero renews the
exercise of chastity, until his last moment on earth. Given this
determined exercise, he comes, with the grace of God, to prefer physical
martyrdom rather than sin. Very dear children, of what good are human
pleasures if they bring the loss of eternal life? How many, yes, how many,
for a perishable pleasure of a moment, have lost eternal happiness, and
hurled themselves into Hell. Beloved children, how great and admirable in
the eyes of God is the continence of the chaste. Blessed be God, Who
permits our temptations in order for us to attain great merit. Very
beloved children, We say to you: the
best and most salutary penance that we can do is precisely to restrain our
natural inclinations. If, to obtain this grace, we must offer intensive
prayers and sacrifices, then we say: these sacrifices are worth the effort,
in order to come to see God face to face for all eternity. True happiness
is only to be found in God. God in Himself is Happiness. Frequently we
observe persons in the world who appear to be happy; however it is not
possible to be happy and live without God at the same time. Very beloved
Children, close your eyes and gaze in spirit at the innumerable martyrs in
the indescribable and unspeakable joy of their glorious passage to Heaven.
In this way, God helps and consoles those who die for his Holy Name.
It is a beautiful and marvelous thing, to die with sorrow and joy
at the same time: there is
the proof that God is present. We
exhort you, very beloved children, that you preach without words in the
midst of the world. Today the world is completely deaf. Our cries are not
heard; however, it is possible that they perceive the sweet odour of the
practice of virtue. We give
you in the following, certain details regarding the Saints Whom we have
raised today to the glory of the altars: 1.‑
Saint Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros This
most eminent figure, Cardinal Jimenez de Cisneros, Archbishop of Toledo,
was born in Torrelaguna (Madrid) in 1436, of a family of modest means. He
studied in Alcala, Salamanca and Rome, later entering the Franciscan Order.
Saint Isabel I, the Catholic, knowing of the splendid qualities of the
austere Franciscan, chose him as confessor, and proposed him for
Archbishop of Toledo. Later, the Catholic King proposed him for Cardinal.
The Saint accepted these dignities exclusively for love of God.
Cardinal Cisneros was the regent, in effect the actual governor of
the Crown States of Castile; and after the death of the Catholic
Sovereigns, the only ruler until his own death, the 8th November, 1517,
the very day the new King, Charles I, disembarked in Spain, coming from
Flanders. Saint
Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros, towering figure of his epoch, powerful
personality of imposing grandeur, was the personification of what is most
noble and virile in the character of Castile: creative, open‑minded,
genuinely religious, an extraordinary man, who retained physical and
mental vigour until his death. This man of many parts was the admiration
of his intimates for his virtues and sanctity. He reformed the convents
and promoted spirituality like the best of reformers.
In governing his archdiocese, he was a model for all prelates. With
the learned he discussed biblical and philological questions like a
Renaissance scholar. He ruled the whole nation like the best of kings. He
established universities and directed military campaigns, looking only for
the good of Spain and the Church. He triumphed on all sides. His enemies
could not find with what to reproach him, and today, historians of most
differing points of view, the more they study, the more they find to
admire. It would be
impossible to try to select the most outstanding features in the life of
Saint Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros. We limit ourselves to this sketch,
the few words of which will convey some idea of the grandeur of this
Saint. 2.‑
Saint Edel Mary Quinn. She was
born in Creenane (Ireland), 14th September, 1907.
Since childhood she displayed great virtues, in her duties, in her
pastimes, studies, in the discipline of school, all with a certain
spirituality, hidden, only to show itself in great goodness and generosity.
Saint Edel Mary Quinn intensely loved the Most Holy Virgin. In 1924
her family moved to Dublin, where the Saint worked in an office, exemplary
in her duties, refusing a very honourable proposal of marriage, since she
desired to enter religious life. Before she could fulfill her desire of a
vocation, she devoted herself to the apostolate of the Legion of Mary,
based on the doctrine of Saint Louis Grignon de Montfort, of Mary
Mediatrix. While waiting to enter the Order of Saint Clare, she became ill
with tuberculosis, in an advanced stage, accepting the Will of God with
heroic resignation. Meanwhile she read spiritual books, in particular the
autobiography of Saint Theresa, and deepened her own spiritual life. Given
up by the doctors, the saint returned to a normal life, in order to use
the short time left to her on earth in the apostolate of the Legion of
Mary. In 1936, the Concilium of the Legion of Mary named her envoy to the
central and eastern parts of Africa, where this young dying woman
accomplished an exhausting apostolate with sublime love and intrepid faith,
until her death 12th May, 1944, in Nairobi, with the name of Jesus on her
lips. 3.‑
Saint Leopold Mandic He was
born 12th May, 1866, in Herceg‑Novi, in the province of Dalmatia,
today a Croatian city of Yugoslavia. His baptismal name 'Bogdan' means 'gift
of God'. From childhood, he
possessed a strong soul, piety, purity, and a missionary spirit.
In 1882, he entered the Capuchin Order at Udine (Italy).
Taking farewell of his parents, the lad said: "But how can I
weep when I am going to the House of the Lord?"
Saint Leopold, the name he received in religion, was ordained
priest, and after living in various monasteries, a model of religious
observance, came to Padua, where he commenced his great mission in the
confessional. He took a vow of victim for the conversion of the Eastern
schismatics, which he
fulfilled with great penances and mortifications, devoting long hours of
the night in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He died on the 30th July,
1942, and was beatified by his holiness Paul VI, 2nd May, 1976. 4.‑ Saint Katherine (Kateri)
Tekakwitha. At a
place near the present‑day city of Albany (New York), was born the
Saint called '"Lily of the Mohawks," in 1656, a beautiful Indian
child who was given the name 'Tekakwitha,' of an Indian Catholic mother,
and pagan Indian father. When she was 4 years old, her parents died of
smallpox', which also infected the lovely child; and although she
recovered, she had lost her beauty because of the scars, and her health
was permanently weakened. When
20, she was baptized by a French Missionary, and took the name Katherine (Kateri),
taking a vow of perpetual chastity. "I have given myself to Jesus,
son of Mary. I have taken Him
for my Spouse, and He will take me for His Spouse," said the Saint.
In 1677, she fled from her village to the Mission of Saint Francis Xavier
in Canada, where she received her first holy communion on Christmas day.
The spiritual life of Saint Kateri was intensely austere. She practised
flagellation until she bled, supported the cold, wore a cincture with iron
points, mixed ashes with her food, and so forth. Her love for Jesus was so
great, it made her say: "My
Jesus, I must suffer for you. I love you, but I have offended you. I am
here to satisfy your justice. Let
your anger fall on me." After
some months of illness, enduring acute pain, but with unspeakable joy, she
died on 17th April, 1680, with the words: "Jesus, Mary, I love you,"
recovering at death the beauty of her childhood, the scars having
disappeared. The saint was 24 years old. 5.‑
Saint Ambrose of Lombez He was
born in Lombez, France, on the 21st May, 1708. He entered the Order of
Capuchins Minor at the age of 16. He fulfilled various offices within the
Order, with exemplary prudence, tested virtue, and the qualities of a
perfect superior. He was the author of books of spirituality, such as
"Essays" and "Interior Peace," "The Joy of a
Christian Soul," and "Spiritual Epistolary."
He died in the odour of sanctity in Luz‑Saint‑Sauveur
in the Pyrenees, 25th October, 1776. His body reposes in the Parochial
Church at Luz. 6.‑
Saint Germano of Saint Stanislaus He was
born 17th January, 1850, in a village near Naples. While quite young, he
consecrated himself to the Lord in the Congregation of the Passionists,
where he accomplished his ecclesiastical studies with great brilliance,
excelling also in Philosophical and Archeological sciences, leaving
admirable written works. Saint Germano of Saint Stanislaus was spiritual
director of Saint Gemma Galgani during her last years. One day when Saint
Gemma was in ecstasy before the tabernacle, the Lord gave her to know who
would be her spiritual director, letting the Passionist Saint appear in
her ecstasy. After the death of Saint Gemma, he published her biography,
which greatly added to her lustre. Saint
Germano filled many offices in the Congregation. Pope Saint Leo the Great
XIII, appointed him consulter to various Roman Congregations, and
Apostolic Visitor to several dioceses of Italy. He was proposed for the
Episcopate, but he was able to avoid this dignity by using his talents and
good relations to serve his humility. His great virtues, amply proven
during his life, show him to be a great Saint, whose cause for
beatification had been introduced. His body reposes in the Sanctuary of
Saint Gemma in Luca. 7.‑
Saint Anthony Martin He was
the most self‑denying, the most intelligent, the most edifying of
the first disciples of Saint John of God. Saint Anthony Martin was turned
from a life of sin thanks to Saint John of God. There took place the
following: Saint Anthony Martin accused Peter Velasco of killing his
brother, and meant to take vengeance. The accused was in prison, about to
be executed. Knowing the wicked intentions of Anthony Martin, Saint John
of God prayed for his conversion, trying at the same time to make him
desist. One day, finally, he
met him on a street in Granada. He
cast himself at the feet of the sinner, showing him a crucifix, and said:
"Anthony, my brother, the blood of your brother cries vengeance, but
the Blood of your God cries mercy. Pardon Peter Velasco, so that God
pardon your own wickedness. If you continue to seek vengeance, the Lord in
his wrath will avenge your own crimes by eternal torments. Listen my
brother, to the voice of God's mercy. I beg you." While he was
listening to the words of Saint John of God, divine grace penetrated the
soul of Anthony Martin. Unable to resist, he cast himself at the feet of
Saint John of God and said: "My brother John of God, I not only
pardon Peter Velasco, but I desire to be his true friend.
I beg you to help me save my soul with the same zeal with which you
have tried to save the life of my enemy.
Let us go together to the prison so that I may embrace Peter
Velasco and you yourself set him free. But afterwards, do not refuse to
take me to your hospital, in order for me to consecrate myself under your
direction to the end of my days in the service of the sick and poor.
Since your words have made me forgive, how much more will your
example make me persevere in the good feelings that have just risen in my
heart." Saint Anthony Martin gave himself completely to God in the
gigantic work of Saint John of God. He was the brother in whom the holy
Founder placed most confidence, to the point of giving him direction of
the hospital during his absence, confiding his thoughts and intentions,
and judging him worthy of succeeding him after his death. Worn out by
labours and penance, full of virtues and merits, Saint Anthony Martin died
three years after the death of Saint John of God, while he was engaged in
the foundation of the Hospital in Madrid, in the year 1553. 8.‑
Saint Peter Velasco Also a
disciple of Saint John of God, he was the one who killed the brother of
Saint Anthony Martin. Recalling what is related above about Saint Anthony
Martin, there remains to say that both these Saints pardoned each other.
Saint Anthony understood that the conduct of Saint Peter Velasco had been
the result rather of unfortunate circumstances than of personal malice.
Saint Peter Velasco also desired to consecrate himself to the service of
the poor and the sick. He became an admirable model of charity, humility
and penance. In order to show himself to be more contemptible, he had
himself named Peter the Sinner. He died in the odour of sanctity in
Granada in 1567. 9.‑
Saint Simon of Avila Another
disciple of Saint John of God. Before his conversion, his was the life of
a hardened sinner. He felt a deep aversion towards Saint John of God.
Without virtue himself, he could not believe in the virtue of the holy
Founder. He put all his energy into staining, blackening, defaming and
calumniating the noble and saintly figure of Saint John of God. He
frequently followed the holy Founder on the streets of Granada, in order
to spy out and listen to his conversations, in order to ridicule his works
and give them a bad slant. But,
see how his conversion came about one day, when Saint John of God, as was
his custom, had gone with help to a poor widow with four children.
Saint Simon found the occasion fit to defame the Saint.
Saint Simon stood at the door, peering through the opening to see
what Saint John of God was doing in the house of the poor widow.
All he saw was a wall, on which all his sins, even the most secret
ones, were written by the hand of God. Looking up in terror, Saint Simon
saw over his head a fiery sword threatening death. Fainting with fear, he
fell down the steps of the house. Saint John of God, and others, rushed to
the place of the noise, and found him lying on the ground without speech
or movement. Saint John of God began to pray, imploring the mercy of God
for his enemy, made over him three times the sign of the cross,
pronouncing the sacred names of Jesus and Mary.
Saint Simon recovered his senses, overcome with wonder,
acknowledgement and shame. Saint Simon of Avila felt his heart moved to
compunction by the grace of God. He retracted his odious calumnies, and
begged the holy Founder to admit him into the Hospital in order to
dedicate himself to the service of the poor. He received the holy habit of
the Order, and passed the remainder of his days consecrated to God in the
exercise of those virtues necessary for the loving service of the infirm.
He died in the odour of sanctity in the year 1584. 10.‑
Saint Dominic Piola This
Saint came from Genoa (Italy), but he lived in Granada, where he was
engaged in commercial enterprises and lived opulently. One day Saint John
of God found himself in a difficult situation economically. He decided to
visit the rich merchant at his home and beg his help.
After the greetings, the holy Founder said:
"My brother, the poor are in need, and I am unable to help
them. This you must do if you can. For love of Christ, lend me 30
ducats." Given the
unseasonable hour of the visit, the spouse of Saint Dominic Piola
expressed annoyance, and he replied to Saint John of God: "Very well,
if I lend you this sum, who will be the guarantor?" To which the holy
Founder replied: "Here is the guarantor," and revealed a Child
Jesus that he was carrying. Such was the splendour that shone from the
face of the Child that Saint Dominic, overcome, gave him the 30 ducats
outright, and offered him his property and person. Some years later,
become a widower, Saint Dominic sought out the holy Founder, threw himself
at his feet, and asked to be admitted into the Order. Saint John of God
received him with much love. They divided his property into two, one
part for the poor of the city, and the other for the Institution. Saint
Dominic wore the habit of the Order, and went begging alms through the
city, modeling his life after that of his holy master and founder, and
dying famed for his holiness in 1574. 11.‑
Saint Ferdinand Nunez He
belonged to a noble and rich family.
When he was 19, he contemplated marrying, although in the depths of
his soul he heard the voice of God, who was calling him to consecrate
himself in the most perfect state, that of religious life. To make this
decision, he needed the counsel of a man of virtue. Saint Ferdinand Nunez
had heard speak of Saint John of God, his virtue and wisdom. But before
approaching him in search of counsel, he wished to test the charity of the
holy Founder,‑ charity which he observed in abundance, acknowledging
his sanctity without room for doubt. Saint John of God promised to
recommend his anxieties to God, so as to see clearly the will of God
respecting his vocation. A few days later, Saint Ferdinand Nunez
experienced the efficacy of the prayers of Saint John of God.
The youth was proceeding on horseback, as often, towards the house
of his promised bride. Suddenly the horse stopped, the rider could not
move him. The horse moved backwards in spite of the exertions of the
rider, who was then horrified to see before him a bottomless abyss, from
which issued thick black clouds of smoke, as though from the mouth of hell. In
terror he raised his eyes to heaven, commending himself to God, and saw
many angels, who pointed out the open gate of heaven, saying, 'come and
enter'. Through this vision, the youth understood that the path of
marriage for him would lead to eternal condemnation, and that he must find
another path in order to be saved. Saint Ferdinand Nunez hastened to the
Hospital to see Saint John of God, who confirmed the interpretation the
young man had made. As Saint John of Avila was in Granada at the time, the
holy Founder sent the youth to this expert director of souls to receive
counsel, and thus Saint Ferdinand Nunez embraced his vocation and was
ordained priest. His Priestly life was distinguished for burning apostolic
zeal, preaching the Gospel, and the conversion of sinners. He led so
virtuous a life that all Granada, towards the end of his life, revered him
as a saint. 12.‑
Saint Josepha de Prado. This
saint, called "the valiant woman," was born in the village of
Santovenia de Esla (Zamora, Spain), in 1896. She passed her life in great
simplicity, in the exercise of every virtue, in authentic example of
Christian womanhood. In the practice of piety, pure and fervent; in
self‑denial, penance, charity and amiable humility, Saint Josepha of
Prado expressed the burning fire of her love for God and souls. Our saint
appears as pattern of the 'valiant woman':
diligent at home, modest in dress, yet with grace rind care,
silent, amiable, orderly, not given to idle words or gossip,‑ she
was the consolation of the afflicted, the joy of her home, zealous in
fulfilling her duties to God and in the salvation of souls, whom she does
not hesitate to correct with energy, yet with great love. Our saint did
not marry, yet on more than one occasion she was engaged to be married;
and in her writings there are wise and holy counsels regarding engagements
and regarding marriage. From what source did Saint Josepha derive these
supernatural gifts? Firstly, from prayer, Holy Mass and Communion, and the
Holy Rosary; secondly, from the reading of marvelous works of
spirituality, like Saint Thomas a Kempis, and the Spiritual Exercises of
Saint Ignatius. Her love for the Most Holy Virgin was so great that she
showed herself in her life a model of imitation of the virtues of the
Mother of God. Outstanding too, was her love for the sick and dying, whom
many times she visited and assisted at the hour of death. There was also
her great love for children, to which her many years of teaching in the
village has left its witness. Saint Josepha de Prado was a great patriot,
who greatly loved God and Spain. When she heard the news of the final
victory of the troops of the great Caudillo Saint Francisco Franco, full
of joy she exclaimed: "How deeply moving this news! Hurray for God!
Viva Christ the King! Viva
Espana and Viva Franco! Spain
united with Franco!" She
died 26th December 1971, and her body reposes in the cemetery of her
native village. 13.‑ Saint Elizabeth
of the Most Holy Trinity In the world called Elizabeth
Catez, she was born in Bourges (France), 18 July, 1880. Her parents reared
her with great care. Thanks
to her mother, from childhood quick to anger and of great sensitivity, she
learned to dominate her fiery temperament.
At the age of 14, through a vow of virginity, she offered herself
to Jesus, the only spouse of her heart.
At the age of 21, after some years of extraordinary asceticism,
recollection and prayer, she entered the Carmel of Dijon. In cloistered
solitude she grew in love of silence, recollection, and intimacy with God,
as also grew her insatiable hunger for immolation. For her the life of a
Carmelite nun is no more than communion with God from night to morning and
from morning to night. After some months of a painful Calvary, endured
with the serenity of a blessed soul, she died in the odour of sanctity on
the 9th September, 1906. In
1930 was performed the ceremony of exhumation of her venerable remains in
the cemetery of Dijon. 14.‑
Saint Petra Corral, martyr of purity She
belonged to a family of humble but very Christian farmhands. Saint Petra
Corral, at 23 years of age, unmarried in the village of Alcabon (Toledo,
Spain), was with her parents. She was young, very beautiful, yet devout
and modest. During the French invasion of 1809, there was a great battle
in Talavera, and the village of Alcabon was among those hardest hit. The
rabble soldiery, without restraint in satisfying brute instinct, had no
respect for life or honour. Seeing the danger, Saint Petra Corral, fleeing
from home, took refuge in the countryside in a house near Marqueda. Near
the house a cruel battle took place, and the saint was discovered in her
place of refuge. A group of French soldiers tried a thousand ways to
subject her to their lewd desires. Inhabitants of the village were present
to witness the brutal scene and resistance of the young Saint. They could
do no more than admire the more‑than‑human fight of the chaste
young woman against her vicious assailants, who were unable to overcome
her endurance and virtue. The forces wore unequal, but in the young martyr
dwelt the Holy Ghost, with whose fortitude she was able to win the victory
of martyrdom, as had many others before her. The soldiers of Napoleon,
seeing they had nothing to gain over the young and beautiful Christian,
furious and full of malice, shot her dead, whilst she offered to God the
double crown of purity and martyrdom, on the 29th July, 1809. Divine
Providence manifested in a miraculous way the innocence of the young
martyr, making marvelous lilies to grow over her grave,‑ which when
they were torn up, returned again to flower with still greater vigour. 19.‑
Saint Francis Esteve Pi He was
born 5th September, 1900. His primary studies were under the care of the
Christian Brothers, with whom he received a very careful education in the
famous College of Bonanova (Barcelona). He studied commercial subjects,
and achieved brilliant results. Using the ordinary means, this youth of
admirable virtue gradually ascended to the heights of the spiritual life.
He was dearly loved by students and teachers for the uprightness and
idealism manifest in all his actions, his extraordinary self‑denial,
amiable gravity, purity and candour, thanks to his intimate piety towards
Our Lord, especially before the Most Holy Sacrament, his filial love
towards the Most Holy Virgin, and his intense love for study. When 15, as
fruit of certain spiritual exercises, he laid down for himself a rule of
life, which reveals the quality of his soul, exquisitely tempered, yet
tenaciously self‑denying in the pursuit of holiness. His love of
purity made him resolve: "I will in the most special way work to
preserve chastity; I will admit nothing in this matter, and I will keep
away from the places where I could fall into sin." To attain this
virtue, he exercised special devotion to the Most Holy Virgin, practising
efficacious prayers, particularly the Holy Rosary.
His love for the Eucharist was so intense that he said: "I
prefer to go without eating for a week, rather than pass a day without
communicating." The 15th
January, 1918, Saint Francis Esteve Pi gave up his soul to God. His
spiritual director said of him: "In my long life as confessor, I have
not seen a pure soul more generous, or more enamoured of God". 16.‑ Saint Corpus Sola
Valencia, martyr of purity. The
martyrdom of this beautiful girl of 17 took place on the 31st March, 1943,
in Olito (Navarra, Spain). She was educated in the School of Jesus of the
Congregation of the Aliados. She was also Child of Mary, and aspirant of
the junior women's section of Catholic Action. She had been educated under
the motto: "Be virgin through purity, and martyr through
virginity". A youth, friend of the family, used a deception to induce
the young martyr to walk with him. He repeatedly made indecent proposals.
Rebuffed by the saint,‑ who not in the least acquiesced to his evil
intentions, at her taking flight, he, brutal and depraved, cast a stone
and struck her head. She fell unconscious, but recovered to defend herself
in a cruel fight with her assailant.
At the cries of the young martyr, the criminal seized a stone and
struck the head of the saint, leaving her as dead. The following day she
was found alive but without speech. Taken to the hospital, she died soon after. The youth
repented, and confessed the crime, praising the heroic virtue of this holy
martyr of purity. 17.‑
Saint Luigi Orione. He was
born on the 23rd June, 1872, in Pontecurone (Piedmont, Italy). At 13, he
declared his intention to become a priest. Praying before an Image of the
Most Holy Virgin, he said: "Give me a place to try my vocation, and I
will rebuild this chapel". Thirty years later he fulfilled this
promise. He founded a religious Order:
"The Hermits of Divine Providence", to help with their
prayers and penance the various apostolic works which he had founded:
schools, periodicals, and so forth. Saint Pius X blessed the rules of this
Order, later naming Saint Luigi Orione, who was a priest, Vicar General of
the earthquake‑devastated region of Sicily and Calabria. The saint
was the object of continual envy and attack. In 1915, with the
collaboration of Josephine Valdetaro, he founded the feminine branch of
the Order: "The Little
Missionary Sisters of Charity," whose mission it was to care for the
aged, orphans, and little girls. In 1927, he founded the first convent for
blind nuns, "The Blind Sacramentine Sisters", whose mission was
to pray for those who do not pray. Saint Luigi Orione was a model of the
virtue of poverty and charity. He died on the 12th of March, 1940,
pronouncing the words, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.'
His Holiness Pope Paul VI declared him Venerable on the 6th
February, 1978. =================================== We, as
Universal Doctor of the Church, with great joy, today raise to the high
dignity of Doctor of the Church, certain illustrious and learned saints: 1.‑
Saint Pius IX, the Great. 2.‑
Saint Leo XIII, the Great. 3.‑
Saint Pius X. 4.‑
Saint Pius XI, the Great. 5.‑
Saint Pius XII, the Great. 6.‑
Saint Ildefonso, Archbishop of Toledo. We have
raised to the dignity of Doctor of the Church these great Saints, who with
their writings illuminated the Church with great splendour. We
desire, in what follows, to present certain doctrinal works of those today
declared Doctor of the Church. 1.‑
Saint Pius IX, the Great, Doctor of the Church. Besides
the Conciliar Constitutions, "On the Catholic Faith", in which
are established the dogmatic principles concerning God, Creator of all
things, Revelation, Faith, and the Relations between Faith and Reason;
"On the Church of Christ" dealing with the Primacy and Doctrinal
Infallibility of the Roman Pontiff: besides the Dogmatic Declaration of
the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as
Holy Patron of the Catholic Church,‑ we recall the principle
doctrinal documents of this great Pontiff: a)
The Encyclical "Quanta cura" of 1864, which, together
with the "Syllabus errorum", a compilation of errors already
condemned in previous pontifical documents, reaffirms, confirms and
certifies the condemnation of pantheism, naturalism, rationalism,
indifferentism, socialism, communism, masonry and liberalism. b)
In the Papal brief "Eximiam tuum", he condemns the
semi‑rationalism of Gunther. c)
In the epistle"'Gravissimas inter", in the encyclical
"Quanto conficiamur moerore," and in the letter "Tuas
libenter", he condemns the errors of Frohschammer, and again condemns
indifferentism and the false liberty of science. In other decrees he
condemns other errors, among them false traditionalism and the errors of
the ontologists. d)
In addition there stands out a series of Encyclicals: on the
violent seizure of Rome, on the Papal States, on the events that took
place in Rome, condemning the anticlerical acts of the governments of
Italy, Switzerland and Germany; on the Pontifical Jubilee; to the
Episcopate and clergy of Armenia; to the Chaldean Episcopate and clergy;
on the tribulations of the Church in Rumania and Italy; on the war against
the Church; and against the masonic sects. 2.‑
Saint Leo XIII, the Great, Doctor of the Church. We
divide his gigantic activity into three parts:
political or diplomatic, religio‑scientific, and social.
Bearing in mind its magnitude, We limit ourself to naming the
principal encyclicals. In
1878, "Inscrutabili Dei," on social evils, warns of the
dangerous errors that threaten, exhorting to seek remedy in the Church and
her Doctrine. In 1879, "Aeterni patris", restoring Christian
philosophy, neglected and declining, by means of the study of the
scholastic philosophy of Saint Thomas, whom he proposed as Doctor for
Catholic philosophy and theology. In
1880, "Sancta Dei Civitas", on the propagation of Holy Infancy
Missions for schools in the East; also "Arcanum Divinae
Sapientiae" on Christian marriage.
In 1881, "Diuturnum", on the origin of civil power.
1882, "Auspicato Concessum", on Franciscan tertiaries.
1883, "Supremi Apostolatus", on the Most Holy Rosary.
1884, "Nobilissima gallorum gens", on the religious
question in France. Also,
"Humanum Genus," against masonry. "Tear off", said
Saint Leo XIII, the Great, "the.mask from the face of Freemasonry,
and show it for what it is!" In
1885, "Immortale de opus", proposing fundamental Catholic
principles on the relation between civil and ecclesiastical powers,
touching the problem of separation between Church and State, something not
admissible as an ideal, or just solution, either in theory or in practice.
In 1891, "Rerum Novarum", a monumental legacy to posterity on
social justice, the condition of the proletariat, and the correction of
the evils of capitalism. In 1898, "Testem benevolentiae",
condemning Americanism, the exaggerated modern tendency of giving
excessive importance to natural virtues and material well‑being,
thus deforming Christianity. "Providentissimus Deus", in 1893,
giving the norms for the study of Sacred Scripture, and for its
interpretation. In 1895,
"Libertas Praestantissimum", against liberalism.
In 1803, "Quod Apostolici muneris'', asserting Catholic
Doctrine in the face of socialist principles. The phrase of Saint Leo the
Great is famous: "Revolution
and universal ruin form the very object that communists and socialists
seek. The sect of freemasonry has not the right to declare itself stranger
to their activities, because it favours their purposes and is completely
in agreement with them and with their principles". 3.‑ Saint Pius X,
Doctor of the Church. Under
the motto "Instaurare omnia in Christo" ("Restore all
things in Christ"), which he applied with strong will and firm
character, this holy Pontiff completed an extraordinary doctrinal mission,
which We shall try to summarize. First, however, We place in prominence
his decrees re‑establishing daily communion, and exhorting that
children receive their first Holy Communion as soon as they come to the
age of reason. In
1907, he published the decree "Lamentabile", in which he
anathematizes 65 propositions of modernism: relativism in Catholic
doctrine and in ecclesiastical law; rationalism and subjectivism in the
interpretation of Revealed Truth, in understanding theology, and in
explaining Sacred Scripture. Saint Pius X placed all these tendencies
under the heading of "modernism". Two months later he published
the encyclical "Pascendi," systematically explaining these
errors, their origin and how they show themselves. Saint Pius X combated
these errors with severity, requiring candidates for holy Orders, Academic
degrees, and Ecclesiastical dignities or offices, to take the
anti‑modernist oath of the motu proprio "Sacrorum
Antistitum." In 1909, he
published the papal brief "Quoniam in re biblica," in which he
gives norms explaining the great utility of following Saint Thomas in
Theological questions; and in Biblical questions, the Holy Fathers of the
Church, like Saint Jerome,‑ at the same time founding the Biblical
Institute, entrusted to the Benedictines with the commission to produce a
critical edition of the Vulgate: with all this combating modernism. Regarding
the social question, he made it clear and mandatory that the Church has
her part to play, because in social questions, religious and moral
problems are involved. For this reason, organizations or unions among
Catholic workers cannot pretend to be ignorant of the authority of the
Church in these matters. In
Catholic regions, Catholic workers should form their own associations and
not join interconfessional associations with non‑Catholics. Various
associations were condemned for not complying with these papal norms. Saint
Pius X published many other encyclicals and documents. In 1905,
"Acerbo nimis" and "E supremi."
In 1904, "Ad illum diem". In 1910, "Editae
saepe", in which he attacks with severity the heretics of the
sixteenth century. Saint Pius X put all his heart in keeping the faith
pure, and combating error. 4.‑
Saint Pius XI, the Great, Doctor of the Church. In his
first encyclical, 23 December, 1922, he put forward the motto of his
Pontificate: "Pax Christi in regno Christi" (the Peace of Christ
in the Kingdom of Christ). In
1925, "Quas primas", in which he established the feast of Christ
the King, explains the Kingdom of Christ, and the principles on which it
is based. In 1930,
"Casti connubii", on Christian marriage, the principles and
norms that pertain to it. In
1931, "Quadragesima Anno", re‑emphasising and completing
the ideas of Saint Leo XIII, the Great, on the relations between owners
and workers, and "Deus scientiarum Dominus", on higher
Ecclesiastical studies and obligations.
In 1937, "Divini Redemptoris", refuting and condemning
communism. In 1937, "Mit
brennender Sorge", against the racial idolatry and omnipotence of the
state inherent in National Socialism (Nazism).
In 1929, "Rerum. Ecclesiae", on the missions,‑ etc. 5.‑
Saint Pius XII, the Great, Doctor of the Church. It
would be interminable to try to list all the activity of the pontificate
of Saint Pius XII, the Great. They pertain to the most varied fields of
the apostolate. Particular mention is due to his untiring appeals for
peace, in encyclicals, allocutions, radio messages,‑ well justifying
the motto of his government, "Opus justitiae, pax", (Peace, the
work of justice). He well deserves to be called Pope of Peace and Charity. From
the essentially doctrinal point of view, We name those encyclicals in
which he appears in singular eminence as teacher of mankind. His first in
1939, "Summi Pontificat usi," constituting a veritable program
of religion, condemning agnosticism in morals and religion, and
establishing the foundation of authentic Christian unity and charity.
On the 1st June,1941, in an allocution, he treated the social
question masterfully, entering fully the field of social justice,
completing the social teaching of his predecessors Saint Leo XIII and
Saint Pius XI. Of great
doctrinal importance is the celebrated encyclical "Mystici
Corporis" of 1943, in which he presents in admirable fashion the
marvellous concept of the Mystical Body, the Church, her beauty as
Mother,‑ thus satisfying the spiritual hunger of modern times. The
same year, "Divino afflante spiritu", on the study of Sacred
Scripture. In 1944, "Orientalis Ecclesiae", on unity of faith,
unity of charity, unity of authority. In 1954, "Sacra
Virginitas", exalting the consecration to God inherent in Sacred
Virginity; also "Sedes Sapientiae", on the formation of young
religious. Against a good number of errors which had infiltrated into the
fields of Philosophy and Theology, he published in 1950 the encyclical "Humani generis".
In a discourse on the 31st May, 1944, at the Canonisation of Saint
Pius X, he pointed out the dangers of theology that overlooks the
authority of the Church. In
the bull "Munificentissimus Deus", 1st November, 1950, is
proclaimed the Dogma of the Assumption of the Most Holy Virgin into Heaven
in body and soul. And neither
should one forget the encyclicals, discourses and other messages directed
against communist oppression in certain Catholic countries, especially
Hungary. 6.‑
Saint Ildephonsus, Archbishop of Toledo, Doctor of the Church. As a
youth, he embraced the monastic life near Toledo, later becoming abbot,
accomplishing a great work of reform in the customs and stability of
monastic life. In 657, he was named Archbishop of Toledo, becoming a
luminary in the Spain of his time, of great moral qualities, of
magnanimous character and great virtue, man of science, penetrating genius
and gifts of eloquence. He
wrote many works,‑ theological tracts, letters, sermons, and so
forth. Among these, worthy of
special mention, is "De Virginitate Sanctae Mariae contra tres
infideles," those three heretics are: Helvidio, Joviano, and a Jew,
who attack the virginity of Mary, in the conception and afterwards. Saint
Ildephonsus defends the perpetual virginity of Mary against these three.
For this work, the Most Holy Virgin appeared to him, and rewarded him with
the gift of a chasuble. We
mention also: "Liber de cognitione bapatismi", "De
progressu spiritualis deserti", on the spiritual progress of the soul
in the service of God. "De
viris illustribus", a continuation of the writing of Saint Isidore,
although he, Saint Ildephonsus, amplifies the notion of illustrious men,
giving it a more general application, giving it a more general
application. ============================ SOCIAL
DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH In the
present document, we wish again to confirm the Social Doctrine of the
Church, as taught by our venerated predecessors. We wish
to teach all the faithful the sacred obligation of Catholics to put the
Holy Gospel into practice. It is precisely in the Holy Gospel that Our
Divine Master Jesus Christ, shows us all the path to follow. We
recall the traditional doctrine on the obligation of every good Catholic
to contribute to the common good. We now
direct Our words to those Catholics who are of the number of the rich. To
you who have received abundance of riches, We remind you of those words of
Christ: "It is more difficult for a rich man to enter heaven, than
for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle."
(We interpret these needles to be certain arches in the structure
of the city of Jerusalem). We
remind you also of another Gospel passage, "It is not possible to
serve two masters,‑God and riches".
We could mention many more examples, but We think that these two
suffice. We teach that every rich person who calls himself Catholic has
the obligation and grave responsibility to give workers a just salary.
Frequently the just salary does not coincide with that legally proscribed;
then the upright conscience should act.
Of course, the civil law should determine the minimum wage, since
to do more would ruin the small owners, who would not be able to continue
in business with excessive expenses. Often the just wage ought to exceed
even that reached by collective agreement. An owner of a great enterprise,
industry or factory, which yields abundant profit, has the moral
obligation to estimate and evaluate with true conscience in accord with
divine law, those fruits produced by the labour of his employees. We
teach you that it is not possible for a good Catholic who is rich to sleep
peacefully while his workers lack what is necessary.
You, the rich, have to render the great service to God, as his
administrators, and in the name of God distribute your riches justly and
in accord with divine law. We, as
Vicar of Christ on earth, with the authority with which we are vested,
declare: We excommunicate and
anathematize the errors of capitalism. With
all severity, We oblige our Bishops and priests to refuse the Sacraments
to any capitalist who, while calling himself a Catholic, refuses to give a
just wage to his workers. Those
who commit injustice against workers, commit crime against God. God is Creator of all things; therefore all things are His;
and we are all only administrators of the goods we possess. We turn
to the great capitalists and say: take
care! It is quite possible
you will have your heaven only on earth,‑ because it is very
difficult to attain the true Heaven if you love the riches of this world
more than you love God. We
speak out with valour, that the errors of capitalism have brought
corruption. Innumerable
capitalists belong to masonry. Many
capitalists invest great sums in favour of masonry.
Many capitalists invest great sums in support of pornographic
exhibitions. Many capitalists
spend enormous sums on anti‑christian propaganda. We say
to you: you who do these
things have had your heaven. After
your death, your home will be Hell everlasting. We
declare that capitalism is brother of marxism.
Both fight against God. Both
corrupt the world. Both
poison mankind. Capitalism and marxism are the two extremes which meet at
the apex: both are works of masonry, and masonry is the work of Satan.
As we know, Satan is the ape of God.
As he is an ape, he apes the things of God for his own benefit. God
has founded the Church, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic, which forms the
Mystical Body of Christ. Satan has founded masonry, in which are
incorporated marxists, capitalists, protestants and other heretical sects. All this apparatus forms one mystical satanic body called
sionism, to which pertain the perfidious Jews, the deicide race, accursed.
Consider the previous statement; the Church represents God, and
Sionism represents the opposite to God, since sionism has been founded by
those who rejected the first coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We
declare with all Our energy, that capitalism is a member of the body of
antichrist, the opposite to Christ. We announce as prophecy: marxism is
preparing the 3rd World War with the help of capitalism.
In conclusion the two are brothers, and sons of the same father,
Satan. We
declare that workers have the sacred right to receive a just wage; whilst
they, of course, fulfill their sacred obligation to do their work. The
worker has the obligation of offering with love the hours of his work,
contributing to the production and multiplication of goods and riches. The
worker has the right to just remuneration. We
declare, that in order to be true Christians, we must put the Holy Gospel
into practice. The owner or head of the factory or other enterprise has
the sacred obligation of treating his workers or employees as true sons.
The workers have the sacred obligation of treating their chief as a true
father, understanding that within the firm the head represents God in the
distribution of riches. We
severely condemn conflict between social classes, something displeasing to
God. We
declare that the perfect society is that in which all components practice
the Holy Gospel, each in the place God has given him. We
declare that capitlalism cannot fight against the marxist ideal, since
both are satanic. Against capitalism the proper opponent is Christianity,
since the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only doctrine capable of
transforming the world. We, as
Common Father of the Church, turn to speak now to the most needy:
very beloved children, the Gospel has been proclaimed to you.
Offer to God your sacrifices, your cares, your problems.
Beloved children, you who are most stricken by poverty, and weighed
down by suffering,‑ take yourselves to Jesus, true balsam for all
your wounds,‑ and to the Virgin Mary, consolation of the afflicted,
health of the sick, refuge of sinners,‑ in short, Mother of the
Church. We
declare that one who is rich also can attain the highest degrees of
sanctity,‑ since as administrator of riches, in the name of God and
for love of Him, he can distribute abundantly, even by multiplying riches
making more jobs to fill. Indeed,
also you, the rich, if you desire, can find the path to holiness. Read the
exemplary lives of those rich persons who led a life of holiness and
heroic virtue. All can attain sanctity in fidelity to God in the place God
has disposed. We say
to you: beware of false doctors, false pastors, false prophets. These are
they who spread the poison of false ideologies. As We
consider the present document and previous ones, We know We have placed
Ourself in a most difficult position, since in this way Our enemies are
numerous. We
exhort you to implore the Most Holy Virgin Mary her most special
protection over Us. Given
in Seville, at the Apostolic See, 15th October, Feast of Saint Theresa of
Jesus, reformer of Carmel, in the year of Our Lord Jesus Christ
MCMLXXVIII. With
our Apostolic Blessing,
|