The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1958-08-01
OFFICIAL
s
Nouena To Begin
For Prosecuted
July 81, 1858

Reverend dear Father and Beloved Faithful in Christ:
Our Holy Father has recently requested our
prayers for the prosecuted Church in his most recent
Encyclical, issued July IA, Feast Of Saint Bonaven-
ture.
Our Holy Fathers first concern is that, when
new dangers threaten the Christian people and the
Church, We as our predecessors have done in past
centuries, turn our prayer to the Virgin Mary, most
loving Mother, and We invite all the flock entrusted
to Us to place themselves confidently under her pro-
lection"
Putting his appeal in a practical way His Holt
ness urges that we pray especially during these days
before the Feast of the Assumption: "Since we trust
SO much in the p~atronal intercession of the Virgin
Mary, We express the ardent wish that in every
part of the earth Catholics during the novena which
precedes the Feast # the Assumption of the august
Mother OF God into heaven, should raise up public
prayers, particularly for the Church which is in
certain areas vexed and afflicted" meaning particu-
larly parts Of Europe and Eastern Asia.
The second theme of Our Holy Fathers letter
reminds us that it is not enough that VIZ pray, but
that we must also keep Gods Commandments if we
expect to live in justice, charity and peace: Christian
reform of customs must be added to these formal
prayers, without which our prayers are vain sounds
which cannot be wholly pleasing to God"
IF Christian customs flourish again as they did
at the time of the Apostles and martyrs, we can
then hope with certain trust that the Blessed Virgin
Mary will obtain for us a most benevolent fulfill
ment of our prayers, DESTROYS as she is that as many
of her sons as possible be preserved in virtue. And
in the ~solicitious prayers directed to her by so many
voices, we may also hope for more peaceful and
happier times for the Church Of her Only Begotten
Son and for the whole human society"
Accordingly, we hereby direct that throughout
the Diocese during the eight days preceding the
Feast of the Assumption and on the Feast itself, that
is, beginning Thursday, August Z, and ending Friday,
August Is:
/. The Litany Of the Blessed Virgin Mary be
rseited after every Mass, a chorus Of public prayer
during these days. The Prayer for Peace is to b
omitted on Sunday, August 10.
2. In all churches and ehapels, other public
dsvofions b held according to lesal conditions.
Religious services daily during the novena is fhe
ideal. Where the noyena IS not possible, it IS urged
that dsvotions 30 held as frequently As possible dur
ing these same days. There are no prescribed dsvo-
tions; their selection and order are left to the individ-
ual pastor and priest. Bensdieiion Of The Most
Blessed Sacrament is hereby permitted with these
dsvofjons.
fhrss in this weeks issue Of August ! Of THE
Catholic Times" It is suggested that Our Holy
Fathers letter be made the basis Of our Sunday SER
mons on August 3 and 10, using one Of The two main
themes on each Of these two Sundays.
Clearly our "%Suppliant prayers and our renewal
of Christian moral lives are not to stop with the
Feast of Our Lady's Assumption. AS a daily reminder
to pray for the prosecuted Church and for Gods
delverance from the "new dangers" we ask all our
priests to encourage among their people devotion
to lead them in that thrice-daily habit of recalling
the reason of Our Lords coming on earth to redeem
us from our sins, and from time to time to remind
them, and through their teachers also the school
children, of this praise-worthy voluntary prayer in
their lives.
Urging again a generous joining of all through
out the Diocese in these days of prayer for the
intention of Our Holy Father in calling for this united
devotion of the Universal Church, / am
Faithfully yours in Christ,
+ Clarence G.. Issenmann
R;sLnr cf rcIur,brs