Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-08-06
LEO ON COLUMBUS.

The Pope Issues an EncyclicaI EuIogizins
the Work of the Great Discoverer, and
Fixing a Date on Which the Faithful
May Honor His Memory.
ROME, Aug. 1.-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 says, among other
things:
From the end of the fifteenth century, since
q man from Liguira first landed under the au-
spices of God on the transatlantic shores, hu-
manity has been strongly inclined to celebrate
with gratitude the recollection of this event.
1t would certainly not be an easy matter to
find q more worthy cause TO touch their
hearts and inflame their zeal The event in
effect is such in itself that no other epoch has
seen grandeT and more beautiful one accom-
plshed by man. As to him who accomplished
II, there are few who can be compared to him in
greatness OF soul and genius.
"By this work u new world flashed forth from
the ocean, thousands upon thousands of NOR
tails returned to the common society of the
human race, led from their barbarous life TO
peacefulness and civilization and-which is of
much more Importance recalled from
perditon 10 eternal life by the bcstowal of the
gifts which Jesus Christ brought TO the world.
Europe, astonished alike by the novelty and the
prodigiousness of this unexpected event, under
stood little by little, in due course of
time, what she owed to Columbus, when
by sending colonies to America, by frequent
communications, by exchange of services, by
the resources confded to the sea and received
In return, there was discovered an accession of
the most'favorable kind possible to the knowl-
edge of nature, to the reciprocal abundance OF
riches, with the result that the prestige of Eu-
rope increased enormously.
therefore il would not be fitting amid these
numerous testimonials Of honor and in these
concerts of fluctuations 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 SOL
emn anniversary OF Columbus, the sacredness
of religion must be united to the splcndor of the
civil pomp,
I'VE decree to this effect: That the day Of
October l2, or the following Sunday, II the re-
respective diocesan bishops judge IL 10 be op-
perfume that after the ONCE of the day the SOL
emn 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 1t is fitting that all should concur in celc-
brating with pioty and gratitude an event which
has been profitable to all.
I'm the meanwhile, as pledge of the celes-
tial favors and in testimony OF our fraternal
good will, we nnectionatcly accord in the Lord
the apostolic bencdiction TO you, venerable
brothers, 10 your clergy and TO your people.
"Given nj Rome near St Peters, July 10, OF
the year 1892, the fifteenth of our pontihcatc
iI.En