The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-12
APPEAL TO CATHOLICS.
Letter from the Pope to Satollf Re-
garding the Peters Pence.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1.-The following
letter has been received from Rome by the
apostolic deegate, Mgr. Satolli, to be for
warded by him to the srchbishops, who
are to distribute Ii 10 .hcir suffragans.
Heretofore the Peters pence collected each
year in every diocese was sent directly by
the bishops to Rome Now those collec-
tons must be transmitted to the delegate.
Moreover. any individual who wishes
to make in his w name a
more liberal contribution than he
would ordinarily put in the diocesan coll
lection may do so by addressing it directly
to the Pope through the delegate. Here is
the letter Of the Holy Father to the
bishops:
Venerable Brother: Among other eff
cient means of fostering and proving de-
yotedness TO the Roman Pontiff one de-
serves. notice. We mean the financial sup
port given him that he may the more read
lily provide for the interests OF the church.
Since the days OF the apostles the faithful
nave given in this manner a noble example,
which has continued through all vicissi-
tudeS OF time and events. This support is
Justly called Peters pence. Assuredly in
these latter days, when the rights of the
Roman Church are unjustly violated and
It's former means have ceased, it IL q fact
worthy of IT membrance and commentator
that Catholics of almost every nation nave
been so warm in their Attachment TO the
successor Of st, Peter as to come in aid of
49, Al NAAo COAlCl
the faithful OF your great country deserve
a just need of praise, for under the guild
ance and exhortation Of their bishops they
nave given remarkable proof of the ardor
OF their falthfulntss and the native gen.
erosity OF their hearts; 1T is useless. then.
this custom. Gu purpose, rather, is TO
point out an arrangement which shall facil-
itate and. If possible, also increase their
generosity.
mot long ago. as you know. we thought
proper to give to your dioeeses and your
nnl o-o raaf0 "a nnr F1aAf@
in the establishment OF a permanent apos-
tolic delegation, so that there might be
constantly in your midst one who should
represent our person and manage your
more important affairs in our name and
with our power. Now this institution natur-
ally suggests the new arrangement we
should like TO make as to the Peters pence.
1t is this: The collections for this pur-
pose. which each bishop orders I'm his
diocese, as well as the private contribu-
tons that individual Catholics may wish
to make to the Holy Father in their own
names, shall henceforth be forwarded to
and placed to the credit of the apostolic
delegate residing in Washington; ne after
wards will remit the sums to us with Item
lied details. Your generosity will be most
acceptable and opportune just now for the
needs increase day by day with our grow
ing solicitude for the faith, especially since
on unity. We cherish certain projects by
which we hope, not without good
ground, to foster and hasten that devout-
Christendom. Such, venerable brother, is
our wish in this matter. We know well
and duly praise your willingness to cor
respond TO our counsels and desires.
And now we lovingly bestow upon your
self. your work, your clergy, your people,
the apostolic benediction as a pledge of
Gods choicest blessings that unfailing sue
cess may attend your pastorate.
Given at Rome, at St. Peters, the 10Th
day Of September. 1894. the nth year of our
pontificate. Leo =. p, Kill"
The projects referred to are seminaries
TO be founded at various points in the
Orient, Athens, Smyrna, Corfu and others.
The letter also implies that priests and
people are expected to avail themselves OF
this opportunity TO show their gratitude
for the establishment OF the apostolic dele
CATION.