River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1892-08-04
LEO ON COLUMBUS.

The Pope Issues an EncyclicaI EulogiziDg
the work of the Great Discoverer, and
Fixing Date Which the Faithful
May Honor Ills Memory.
ROME, Aug. Pope Leo XIII. has
issued letter on the observances of
the Columbus centenary, addressed to
the bishops of Spain, Italy and Amer
lea, in which he Gays, among other
things:
From the end of the fifteenth century, since
nan from Liguira first landed under the au-
,es of God ON the trans Atlantic shores, hui
anity has been strongly inclined 10 celebrate
with gratitude the recollection OF this event.
II would certainly not be an easy matter 10
find more worthy cause 10 touch their
hearts and infame their zeal The event in
effect is such in itself that no other epoch has
seen grander and more beautiful one accom-
pished by man. AS to him who accomplished
IL, there are few who can be compared to him in
greatness OF soul and genius
s"By this work a new world flashed forth from
the ocean, thousands upon thousands of NOR
tails returned 10 the common society OF the
human race, led from their barbarous life 70
peacefulness and civilization and-which is OF
much more Importance = recalled from
perdition 10 eternal life by the bestowal of the
gifts which Jesus Christ brought to the world.
Europe. astonished alike by the novelty and the
pfuQlElOuSneSS OF tniS untA Dttttu event. ulttT-
stood little by little, in due course of
time, what she owed 70 Columbus, when
by sending colonies to America, by frequent
communications, by exchange of services by
the resources confded 10 the sea and received
in return, there was discovered an accession OF
the mostfavorable kind possible to the knOwl-
edge of nature, 10 the reciprocal abundance of
riches, with the result that the prestige of Eu-
rope increased enormously
Therefore it would not BE fitting amid these
numerous testimonials Of honor and in these
concerts OF felicitations that the church should
maintain complete silence since, in accordance
with her character and her institution, she
willingly approves and endeavors TO favor all
that appears, wherever it is, to be worthy Of
honor and praise
"In order to celebrate worthily and in man.
ner suitable TO the truth OF the facts the SCI
emn anniversary Of Columbus, the sacredncss
of religion must be united TO the splendor Of the
civil pomp.
1--WE decree TO this effect: That the day Of
October IL, or the following Sunday, If the re-
respective diocesan bishops judge it 10 be OPP
perfume, that after the Office OF the day the sol
eml mass of the most holy trinity
shall be celebrated IN the cathedral
and collegiate churches OF Spain Italy
and the two Americas. In addition To these
countries we hope that upon the initiative of
the bishops. as much may be done in the others,
for it is fitting that all should concur in cele-
brating with piety and gratitude an event which
has been profitable TO all.
"In the meanwhile, as pledge of the celes-
tial favors and in testimony OF our fratcrnal
good will, we afectonately accord in the Lord
the apostolic benediction to you, venerable
brothers, to your clergy and to your people
"Given at Rome near S. Peters, July l6 of
the year 1892, the fifteenth of our pontihcate.
LEO Kill Pope"