Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-04-08
THE pope's eMcycLIcAL.
Interesting Corrssposdencs Touching Its
Effect In This Country.
rRv ,.tsvranb IN tbe Dispatchl

[By telegraph to the Dspstch1
BlLrrMogE, April 1.-THE Catholic Mirror
OF this week will contain the following
correspondence between Cardinal Gibbons
and the Holy Father:
Most Holy Father. When toward the
close OF the last year, on the occasion OF
the golden Jubilee of the most Rev. Arch
bishop Kenrick. we met together IN St.
Louis to discuss various matters OF Catno,
contributed to extend that interest in this
country, the acts and favors Of the Holy
See regarding this part of the Lords flock
were among the principal things that oc-
Cured to us, and il was consequently the
unanimous sentiment among US that an
early letter should be sent to your Holi-
ness bearing expressions OF gratitude,
whilst We at the same time implore the
Giyer of all good gifts to vouchsafe long
to preserve 80 great pontif to the Catho-
lie world. 4,
Passing over other matters. we need
hardly say how much light your Holiness's
recent encyclical letter has thrown on So
cial questions closely connected with the
good of religion. since its wisdom has been
apparent even to many who are not OF the
faith. However, if we are not mistaken.
1t would seem that several things which 1t
contains were especially written tor the
good of this country, and for this reason
have been productive OF much fruit among
US.
There was yet another matter which
we recognize with no less pleasure. A
gIoundless fear had taken possession of
many minds lest what was being COM
monty circulated about national bishops
though with no foundation whatever,
should be reduced TO practice.
I'VE did all in our power to dispel this
idle apprehension, especially when we saw
the matter bitterly discussed IN the public
press, and looked upon with disfavor by
the government. Our words renamed,
however. OF no avail, until the voice OF
your Holiness was heard. That put an
end to all discussion, and manifested to
our government the wisdom and prudence
with which Catholic affairs are handled by
your Holiness.
I'VE give thanks for this and many
other favors, and once again pray God
long to preserve the health of your Holt
ness, at whose feet we PROSTATE ourselves,
humbly begging for US and for the fiocks
entrusted to US the Apostolic benedlotion.
[Signedl JAMES CARDINAL GIBBONS"
ITO Our Belored Son. James Gibbons, Cardinal
Priest of he Holy Roman Church, Of the
Title Of 81. Maria Trans Iiberin,, Arch
bishop Of baltimore:
Beloved SOn,-Healtn ana apOstOnc
benediction! Although your letters always
give us pleasure, yet we confess that we
were particularly gratifed by that which
we received from you under date OF the
l4th of January. since 1t bore the special
commendation of having been written in
the name of all the venerable bishops OF
the Church in the United States.
I'VE rejoice indeed that you esteem tie
care which we have bestowed upon your
dioceses. The sentiments of gratitude
which your letter expresses have given us
no small comfort. All these things avail,
az your devotion toward US increases to
incline our good will daily more and more
toward you and your focks, and thus to
draw closer those bonds of charity and
faith which give such great strength and
glory to the church.
1T is most agreeable to US to know that
your prayers are offered to God for US. for
nothing is better suited to the difficulty OF
the times in which we live. With like
feeling of charity, therefore. we on our
part implore an abundance of Heavenly
graces for you, and as an earnest of them,
we impart, permanently in the Lord, to
you, beloved son. and to your brethren in
the episcopate of the United States, as
well as to the clergy and faithful CON-
mitted to your watchfulness, the Apostolic
benediction.
I,,ignedl LEO PIP. Kill"