The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-06-30
THE POPE AND THE PONTIFICAL Amy:
In the Copsistorial Hall ON Thursa,r

In the Consistorial Hall on Thursday
morning, June ID, about three hundred
officials of the disbanded Pontifcal Army
gathered together. They had come to re.
new to the Sovereign Pontiff Leo XIII.
those sentiments of devotion, of attach
ment, and Of invincible fidelity which on
former occasions they had offered to bjs
august predecessor, the Holy PontifG Plus
TX. At their head was his Excellence
General X Kauzler, pro- Minister of War:
Generals Zsppi and De Courten and
mingled with them were seen some foreign
ecclesiastics and monks, who, after hayi5o
borne arms in defence of the rights of tbs
Holy See, now use the arms of prayer in
the religious life. to implore from God the
head upon earth, the Roman Pontiff.
About midday the Holy Father, accom-.
panied by several Cardinals and PreIates
and by bis Court, entered the Hall, and
after receiving the homage of those present
Listened to the reading of an Address by
reply of the Sovereign Pontiff:
DNCoURsE OF HIS HOLINESS LEO xur.
Many times in past years we have had tho
officials of the Pontidoal Army approach the
Throne of our lamented and glorious prede-
oessor Plus TX, in order to lay at his feet the
homage of their devotion and unalterable
fidelity in defence of the Holy See. Divine
Providence, in it's secret counsels, has disposed
that to-day We should receive, united here, 90
many illustrions defenders Of this Apostolic
See, and hear from them, by the mouth Of the
Minister and their worthy General, the reiter-
ated protests of their sincere attachment to
the Church, to the Chair Of St. Peter, and to
our humble person.
We cannot sufi ciently express in words the
very great satisfaction which we now expert.
enoe, and We heartily thank the Lord that in
the midst of 80 many examples of disloyalty,
vhara ahuf fha nraA fha sf,r
violated in our day, there has been given to
you the strength to preserve in your breasts
so strongly the sentiment of homer and of duty,
to merit on 90 many occasions the blessings Of
Catholics, the admiration and the esteem of
yonr very enemies.
We are also glad to address to-day to you
our word of praise, and to encourage you to
remain sound in your proposals, and to keep
yourselves faithful to the glorious banner
which you have unfurled. With good reason
did you call it o glorious banner, since there is
that of vindlcating the sacred rights of the
Church and of her august Head there is no
military glory more splendid than that Of
maintaining high the honor OF this sacred
Standard. In defending the Papacv, You de
fend one of the most providential Divine in
stitutions, you contribute to the spread of its
benefcent and salutary effects throughout
the whole world.
Obi wonld to Heaven that the rulers of the
people, also warned by late events and at
tempts, might be persuaded. hnally, OF this
bent hceBt iDHoence OF the Church 8pQ OF 6HS
Papacy to the advantage and we'll being Of
the nations, and restoring to the Head Of
Gsthofiuity his full liberty snd Independence,
prepare better destinies for the people subject
to them But, alas the cruel war against
the Church still continues. To the Church 10
denied that foil independence to which
perfect society she has every right. The
Church, which is Divine Institution, they
seek to make dependent and slave by hu-
man laws, and by the State.
In such circumstances we should profoundly
adore the counsels of God, at the same time
take comfort in the thought that the merciful
God watches afectionstely over the good Of
His Church, and that when His help seems
most distant, it is, perhaps. most near.
To you, meanwhile, glorious champions Of
right and justice, terminating we ssy-perse.
we're, continue faithful to your duties let
there be never in your life any act which may
stain yonr bonored career. If it please GOD to
shorten the days of trial. granting better
times to us. you will be found at your post
ready to defend the sacred rights of the Church.
II be dispo otherwise, you will have the
Satisfaction of having participated in miafort-
uns with us, and of having shared our fate.
In these sentiments We bless you aud all
your dependents in the certainty that this
benediction CONT forts you and snimates you in
that continent Of religion and fidelity which
go much donors you.
Benedictio Del, etc.