The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1877-07-22

judgnlents had been dolly proceeded
with, the examination of the heroicity OF the
virtues of the Venerable Gerard was first open.
ed in aute-preparatory assembly on the l2sh OF
March, 1872 The following year, on the Ash
of March, the excellence of his virtues was
again discussed in the Preparatory Congrega-
General Assembly, in presence of his Holiness
Pope Plus TX in the Apostolic Palace of the
Vatican, his Eminence Cardinal Aloysius Bilio
Bishop of SabiDa and Exporter Of the Cause,
proposed the question, whether it be proved
that he theological and Cardinal Virtues
were practised in sn heroic degree by the Ven-
cradle Servant of God, in this case. to the eff
fect in question: And each of the oonsultors
and then the Most Rev, Cardinals, euperiors of
the Congregation of Sacred Rights, gave their
sufrages. Still his Holiness, col sidering the
gravity Of the Judgment, before prononncipg
sentence. again extorted all to have recourse
to God, and to implore the assistance of His
divine light. Having, therefore, in humility
of spirit, again and again renewed his prayers
to God, his Holiness resolved to pronounce the
supreme Judgment on the Feast of the Most
Sacred Heart Of Jesus Christ. the hftn day sf-
ter the glori celebration of the fittieth ami
versGry OF his Episcopal Conservation. to hon
Rome from every part of the Catholic world,
thereby to give public and unanimous testi-
mony of congrstulaton, fidelity, and devotion
to the See Of st. Peter, and to st. Peters suo-
cessor. The Sovereign Pontif, therefore, after
having offered up with tho greatest devotion
the sacrifice of salvation, called into the throne
room Of she Vatican his Eminence Cardinal
Aloysius Bilio. Bishop of Sabina, Prefeet of the
Sacred Congregation Of Rites, and Reporter
for Proposers Of the Cause, together with the
Rev. Father Lnurentius Salvati, and in our
presence declared: 1T is proved that the The
illogical and Cardinal virtues, together with
their dependent virtues, were practised In an
heroic degree by the Venerable Servant of
God, Gerard Msjella, professed ley brother of
the Congregation OF the Most Holy Ke ;,s
the fonr Miracles may be discussed"
His Holiness ordered this Decree to be placed
among the Acts of the Congregation of Sacred
Rites, and to be Published on this day, s'h OF
(signed) ALoYsIus. Bishop ofSabina.
(Signed) CARDINAL BnIo, Prefeot of the
Sacred Congregation of Rites.
(Signed) PLACIDUs RALLI, Sec'y 6. c.
When the Decree had been read the
to the Holy Father in q most eloquent ad-
dress.
THE HOLY FATHERS REPLY.
"His Holiness, who had listened with the
greatest interest to the words of the Father
Genersls- aud had accompanied them with
many marks of the liveliest appreciation, re-
piled in o sublime discourse full of love and
benevolence towards the children of St. AL
phonsus, the Congregation of the Most Holy
Redeemer. Grieving at not being able to re-
produce, word for word, this discourse which
they who heard it say was one of the most ad
mir able ever pronounced By his Holiness, we
will give OF least the leading thoughts. L
am thoroughly convinced he eaid, 'tnat this
wonderful exhibition of faith shown by all
Catholic peoples is owing to the mediation of
members of servants of God, glorifed by the
Church in these latter times. Without doubt
the Immaculate Virgin Mary. and all those
glorious servants of God, have prayed for the
triumph of the Church. And indeed is not the
Church triumphing nowf What else is this
sponi aneons gathering these jubilant demon
STATIONS of the faithful, who come in mum ber-
less pilgrimages from all nations, to show by
their acts, even more than by their words, the
liveliress of their faith, the lberalty of their
the Church Yesi this is the first trio IN ph
that the Church longs for. It is not only By
their pilgrimages and by their fervent and
pious prayers that the children, of the Chnroh
are displaying their faith and love. Their
sacrifices. their generous offerings, their bound
less aims speak louder still. We have in this
a true universal sufrage, not a bought and
venal suffrage as has been witnessed in certain
places. This is a ST ffrsge that comes from the
depths of hearts ruled by convictions, which
the light of fairh has produced in upright
minds From all nations, even from those
that in former times have shown themselves
hostile or Indifferent to tie Church, from every
part of the world they come. men of one heart,
TO veperate Ia my poor person, though | be
quite mn worthy of the honor, the Roman Pom
riff IT, Q successor of st. Peter, the Vicar of
G I'd. Whence does all this Catholic movement
proceedf 1t is h real miracle which, 1 repeat,
must be attributed TO the prayers of so many
servants of God glorfed by the Church IN
these our days. Guided by the immaculate
Virgin Mary, they cease not to pray for the
triumph oftrnth aud Justice. Amongst those
powerful intercessoTs, We cannot doubt, is your
brother ReliS ious, one of the glorieS of your
Congregation which is doing 80 much good in
the Church. Yea, the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer devotes itself with the
greatest zeal in eVangeiisiug our peoples, il
converting sinners, i'll procuring perseverance,
for the just, by directing souls in the paths of
virtue, and By exciting the faithful to fire. quent
the Sacramento. Thus ever doing good your
Congregation deserves we'll of the whole
Church. 1 would wish to say more, but the
time marked out by the actual circumstances
does not permit me. Bat before Flushing 1
wish to bless the Congregation, in order that
the true soDs of st. AIphonsus may ever null
tiply, and may continue to work with success
at the conversion of sinners, and the ssnctitica-
ton of souls. / bless the Father General, and
all the Fathers and Brothers present and ab
sent. bless you for your lifetime, and for
the hour of your death, and beg Our Lord,
through the intercession of the venerable SER
want Of God, Gerard Majella, to deign to re-
unite us all in heaven"
I" BenedictiO Del, Etc."
Thus after thirty years of examination,
discussion, and prayer, the cause of Ven
n Ma;alIa hos ~ 10