The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-04-25


lions whatever with the in ruded priests aud
the apostates who dare to exercise the fuuc
tions of the ecclesiastical ministry, and
who are absolutely without any legitimate
Jurisdiction or mission. Let them bold them
In horror as strangers aud robbers who only
destroy.
"The sons of the Church should believe
that this line of conduct is enjoined to the m
in order that they may preserve the
precious treasure of faith, without which it
is impossible to please God, and that they
may by the straight road of justice arrive
one day at the end of faith, which is the
salvation of good souls.
We are also aware that in those coun
tries the civil authority, not content with
having passed several laws contrary to the
Divine constitution and authority of the
Church, have also framed edicts opposed
to the canonical prescriptions concern
ing Christian marriage which entirely do
away with ecclesiastical authority and jur-
isdiction.
That is why we strenuously .exhort you,
venerable brothers, to explain to your
faithful, by suitable Instructions, the Cath
Ollie doctrines concerning Christian mar
frequently said respecting this sacrament
in our letters and our Apostolic allocutions,
particularly in those of the 9th and 9th
September, 1852. By this means they will
better understand the holiness aud virtue
of this sacrament and by piously conform
ing to the canonical laws upon this matter
they will avoid those evils which fall upon
families and upon human society, when
the holiness of marriage is despised. As
for you onr dear sons, the cnrates and
priests who have not only the charge of
sanctifying yourselves, but also of saving
and Of sanctifying others, we trnst in the
Lord that in the midst of the snares of the
inlrn nd he dan
you will, faithful to the piety and zeal of
which you have given so many striking
proofs, continue to afford to your Bishops
great consolation and powerful aid. Un-
der their direction you will labor with
courage and determination in the cause of
God, of the Church, and Of the salvation of
souls. You will sustain the courage of the
faithful, you will remedy the weakness of
those who waver, and you will obtain day
by day greater increase of those merits
which your patience, your priestly con-
stancy, and your courage will acquire for
you in the sight of God. Heavy is the
burden of trials to be borne by the min
listers of Christ but our confidence is in
Him who has overcome the world, who |
sustains those who labor in His name, and
who reserves for them in Heaven an i'm
perishable crown of glory.
And you, our dear sons, the faithful of
all Switzerland, we address to you the ex-
salvation. You all know what is the value |
of the Catholic faith which God has en-
trusted to you. Do not spare either paine |
or labor to guard faithfully this precious
gift, and to preserve intact and entire the
glory of the ancient religion which you
have received from your ancestors. That
ls why we earnestly recommend you to keep
closely attached to your legitimate pastors,
who have received lawful mission from
this Apostolic See, and who watch over
your souls, for whom they will have to
render an account to Ged. $50 I.#
Have ever before your eyes these words
Of eternal truth-''He who is not with me,
Is against me he who does not gather with
me- scatters." Be faithful to this doctrine
ove His yoke, 60 full of sweetness. Drive far
rem you with horror those of whom our
Redeemer has said, "Beware of the false
prophets who come to you with the clothing
If sheep, but who are ravenous wolves.
Resist courageously in the faith the ancient .
,nemy of the human race, until the right
land of the Almighty God shall break in ]
pieces all those arms of the demons to
whom it is permitted to dare anything, go
hat the victory of the faithful of Christ
hall be more manifest, because there
where truth is mistress Divine consolation ,
8 never wanting."-S. Leon.
We have thought it we'll to write these
hiDgs to you, venerable brothers and dear
ons, in order to fulfil the duty of our gu
'reme charge, which obliges us to save from
Ill danger of error the whole flock of Christ,
md to defend its safety and the unity of {
he Faith and of the Church. But as every
'erfect gift comes down from above, from the
Father of Light, we earnestly implore Him
o sustain your strength in the struggle, and l
o cover yoa with the egis of His protee- g
ion. May He deign to bestow a look of
'ropitiation upon your country, and may
rror and impiety disappear from it, 60
bat 1t may, in peace and repose, enjoy
ruth and Justice! Neither do we forget to
mplore heavenly light for those poor
wanderers, so that they may cease to
mass upon their heads treasures of wrath
Or the day of anger and of the revelation
f the just judgment of God, and that,
nrniDg. from the error of their life, they
lay, while there is yet time, make sin \
ere repentance.
Join your fervent prayers to ours, veneer
BILE brothers and dear sons, so that we
lay obtain the timely help of Divine 81
race and mercy, and receive the Apostolic az
epediction that we, with all love, and in %