Evening star., 1937-03-28
POPE ADDRESSES
. PLEA TO MEXICO
Mntensification of Christian
Life" Urged-FaithfuI
1hronqs in Rome.
- the Associated Press.

VATICAN CITY, Marcn Z7.-POpe
Plus XII appealed directly to the
sclergy and laity Of Mexico for greater
sdntensiflcation of the Christian life"
to-day while bells OF more than 400
sRoman churches pealed forth joyous
sEaster tidings.
The pathway to "true peace and
sprosperity," said the Pope's third
~encyclical in nine days, lies in the
faithful practice OF the principles of
Christianity, and an integral Chris
.tian education"
As his words went to the world,
thousands Of Easter pilgrims thronged
Rome. hoping for promised glimpse
OF the holy father about noon to-
morrow.
That is the hour when special Easter
masses are concluded Weather per-
mitting, the Pope will appear in the
loggia of st. Peters Basilica and
1ntone his apostolic benediction to the
crowds in the huge st. Peters Plaza.
Loud-Speaker Installed.
Loud-speakers were installed around
the obelisk in the plaza to carry his
benediction clearly to the throngs-
expected to total 100000 persons.
The Pope's encyclical to Mexico,
non-controversial in tone, followed
aupon others excoriating communism
|, and assailing what the pontiff called
ssnti- Christian activities Of the Ger
man Nazis.
! Dated The Feast of the Pascal
!. eolemnity, Sunday, March 49," the
Pope's apostolic letter said in part:
! 80 - All must strive to promote
: the application OF the principles of
@ justice and charity-in order to as
sure to all at least that minimum OF
this worlds goods which is indispen-
sable for the safeguarding Of human
: dignity and to eliminate abuses, at the
same time guarding against violent
- changes which only would cause harm
instead of good"
= encyclical, issued by the Vatican, said
3 in part:
- Although his heart is greatly sad
= dened by the condition Of the afflicted
9 church in Mexico. the holy father ex-
! pressed his consolation at the affec-
q ton shown by the hierarchy and
5 clergy and the co,stancy manifested
by Mexican Catholics under circum-
stances in which the open profession
of ones faith can require really heroic
conduct. >"
Urges Education Program.
In land where the longtime clos
ing Of churches, restriction Of the
numbers of priests and, more lately, q
program of socialistic education has
given Catholics deep concern. the pom
tiff urged the continual Improvement
of education In seminaries and added
An integral Christian education
and formation is required for success
of all other activities If Catholics are
to contribute to the prosperity OF the
nation. Such formation IS the
strongest, surest defense of religious
liberty.
IF all strive together to live &C
: cording to the dictates Of their Chris
tian faith, even at the cost of sacrifice
on the part OF individuals, it cannot
help but contribute also to the public
welfare. ="
Bestowing high praise on the
American bishops who have come to
the aid OF their brothers in the Mex
ican hierarchy by providing for the
erection OF seminaries for Mexican
students in the United States" the en-
q eyclical abstract added:
= His holiness concludes the letter by
urging all to obey the directions given
- by the holy see and the bishops. He
appeals to the supreme commandment
of love, melting all to set aside per-
sonal differences in order that they
may understand the necessity Of form
ing but one body and one spirit"
Joyous Bells Toll.
S Today the Easter pilgrims and hum
I dreds OF tourists heard the bells Of
hundreds of churches-silent since
? Holy Thursday-ring forth in honor
!. OF the Gloria in Excelsis"-an anthem
sung within cathedrals and churches
. to prepare the faithful for celebration
) OF Christ's resurrection.
In one of the picturesque ceremonies
) marking the end Of the 40-day lenten
period, Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli struck
. sparks from flint and steel to light
) the new fire" Of st. Peters Basilica,
symbolizing the advent Of the resur-
, rection.
Paschal candles were lighted IN all
churches. Affairs draped in sombre
, black and purple were redecorated
with their white and gold ornaments.
Hundreds Of new priests were or
, dained throughout Italy as part of
Joyful Holy Saturday ceremonies.
Among those ordained in Rome were
the erstwhile American students OF
the Propaganda Eide propagation OF
the FAITH College, Fathers Joseph E.
Cieslukowski and Francis J. Flynn Of
] Grand Rapids, Mich, and Father Plus
A. Benincasa OF Buffalo, N. Y.
Large Paschal Candle.
The largest Paschal candle seen in
! Rome was that blessed by Cardinal
Pacelli and given to the Pope. 1t was
Z feet tall and 8 inches in diameter
and ornately decorated in gilded wax
petals.
Holy Saturday was day of rejoicing
throughout the land. Paschal process
sions were held even in the smallest
villages. Priests went from home to
home sprinkling holy water on portals.
living rooms and objects of daily
household use. Little girls held up
their dolls to receive the holy water.
In Florence, crowds frantically
cheered pyrotechnic display-the ex-
. plosion Of a sacred cart drawn by two
white oxen with gilded hooves-indi-
. eating to peasants they would have
excellent crops.
Cardinal Pacelli will celebrate the