The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-04-13

BALTIMORE, April THE Catholic Mirror
of this week will contain the following
correspondence between Cardinal Gibbons
and the holy father:
MoSr Holy FATHER-When. toward the
close OF the last year, on the occasion of the
golden jubilee of the Most Rev. Archbishop
kenrick, we met together in ST. Louis to dis
cuss various matters of catholic interest, and
especially such as had contributed to extend
that interest 10 this country the acts and favors
OF the holy see regarding this part of the Lords
nock were among the principal things that oc-
cured to us and il was consequently the una
nimous sentiment among US that an early
letter should be sent TO your holiness bearing
the expressions of our gratitude, whilst we at
the same time implore the Giver of all good
gifts to preserve so great pontif to the catho-
llcworld.
Passing over other matters we need hardly
say how much light your holiness recent
encyclcal letter has thrown on social questions
closely connected with the good OF religion,
since its wisdom has been apparent even to
many who are not of the faith. However, il
we are not mistaken, il would seem that several
things which II contains were especially writ
ten for the good Of this country, and for this
reason have been productive OF much fruit
among u.s.
There was yet another matter which we
recognize with no less pleasure. A groundless
o
what was being commonly circulated about
national bishops" though without any foun-
dation whatever, should be reduced to practice.
We 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 govern
ment. Our words remained, 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 ham
died by your holiness. We give thanks for
these and many other favors, and once again
pray God long to preserve the health of your
holiness, at whose feet we PROSTATE ourselves,
humby begging Tor US and for the focks il
trusted 10 as, the apostolic benediction.
JAMES CARD GIBBONS.
To our beloved son, James Gibbons, cardinal
priest of the holy Roman church and arch
bishop OF Baltimore.
Beloved son, health and apostolic benedic-
ton:
Although your letters have always given US
pleasure. yet we confess that we were partlcu-
larly grati6ed by that which We received from
you under date OF Jan. IL since il bore the
special commentator of having been written
in the name of oil of the venerable bishops of
the church in the United States.
We rejoice, indeed. that you esteem the care
which we have bestowed upon your dioceses;
the sentiments OF gratitude which your letter
expresses have given no small comfort. All
these things avail, as your devotion toward US
increases, to incline our good will daily more
and more toward you and your hocks 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 time in
which we live. With a like feeling of charity
therefore, we on our part implOre an abundance
of heavenly graces for you, and, as an earnest
for them, we impArt, permanently in the Lord
to you, beloved son, and TO your brethren, and
to the eplscopate of the United States, as well
as to the clergy and faithful committed to your
watchfulness, the apostolic benediction.
LEO, p. H.. XIII.