The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1897-07-31
GRAND RELIGIOUS JUBILEE
Catholics Preparing for a Close Of
the Century Celebration.
Letter Sent Ont To All the Princes
and Porentates of the
Church.

New York. July 3i.-The Roman CORE
spondent Of the New York Freeman s Jour
nal has calJed the following letter from
Cardinal Jacobni. II proposes plan TO
all the Catholic bishups Throughout the
world fot extraordinary religious services
in con.rnenlc .ation OF the close of the nine
taenth and the beginning OF the twentieth
centuries. II il, ia part, as follows:
Most nlustrous ana Mosi Reverend Sir:
Aou have countless becoIue aware or tlc
project advanced by number OF men oi
great pIeLy 10 get the faithful throughout
ine universe at the close OF the present cen
tury TO affirm, iR solemn manifestation
10y series OF religious exercises, their
lsve and gratitude TO the Ali Powerful ke-
deeiner or the human race.
The design of these men IN this initiative
was TO respond 10 the desire OF our holy
laJher, Pope Leo XIII, who wished TO CON
eecrate this epoch OF transition from one
century to another 10y an eNtrsorGanery
IA vocation OF the uIvine assistance OF
Jesus Christ as happy presage OF peace
Now, the project OF these personages
| having received the full APPROPRIATION or
las holiness, and Catholic deiegates from
| All nations having assembled In congress
! at Rome 10 promote ITS realization, it has
| pleased the Sovereign Pontiff TO select
me. without any merit on my part, az
| neie, aSsureatr. is noble TASK, and
| own that 1 am proud and happy TO under
| take it. For whe [ could be more gTeeatde
/ to my feelings then the occasion So favor
aUIN piestnteuJO me al the esio Oh my IA y $
TO employ all the strength that is still left
ne in promoting the glory of our saviour,
| all the more. toe, in these last days of
departing century? And what century
| mas been this of ours. In which pruud d men,
| TeINmg on a science unworthy of the name.
! and displa wing an activity which might I've
called feverish, have carried their auda-
| cious temerity TO the extent OF calling in
question the origin of Christianity, or even
presenting as q fiction, as a living legend,
| faith in the divine person of the Saviour?
| Uniting. therefore. as closely as possible
under one head. the efforts of all, by
! ST mixing acts Of piety and preparation by
! the publication OF desirable works, by
the great voice OF the best daily papers,
| aud, finally, by public demonstTa tions OF
| affection for the Roman Pontiff. we shall
| easily succeed in celebrating these grand
solennites in the JOY of our hearts. end
| IN an imposing concert, as IL were, OF the
| voices of all 2ations.
In this way we shall clearly show forth
| our close alliance or Will, the wonderful
| unity OF the church, and the perfect union
| of the faithful with its head. Moreover
| the triumph of the Cross, the only source
| OF salvation, being thus verified, through
/ put the universe, human society viii escape
unharmed from the perlls of Imminent ruin
! and we VIII happily enter upon path of
| peace and prosperity at the beginning OF
| the next century.
1 entertain the happy expectation tha
| your lordsh1p as well as all other bishops
| VIII consent to give your powerful sup
| port TO myself and the committee estab-
/ hshed at Rome, and above all, that you will
| devote your best efforts to the creation of
| a national committee for the same OBJ lect
Awaiting your answer, fn order that we
/ may all agreeon the measures to he adopted,
| 1 earnestly iInplore the Lord Jesus Christ
1 TO vOuchsafe His in finite bounty 10 hear
your lordshlps prayers.
lours most frsternally and devotedly,
/ iARDINA IJACOBINI