Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1962-12-23

lCy, through the visible church
founded by Christ.
That they may be one. This
is the design of divine provi-
dence that we must put into
effect, venerable brothers, and
1t rests as a serious obligation
upon each ones conscience. On
the day Of Judgment, particu-
lar and general, each one will
be asked not whether he
achieved unity, but whether he
prayed and worked and suf-
fered for it: whether he en-
forced a wise and prudent dis
cipline, patient and far-seeing,
and whether he was responsive
to the impulses of charity.
Unity Mark Of Church
This desire of the heart of
Christ should be an invitation
to us to dedicate ourselves
anew to the task OF establish
ing among Catholics a firm
and abiding love for, and wit
ness to, that unity which is
the first mark of the Church:
and of helping, in the vast field
of Christian denominations and
beyond, to bring about the
unity toward which the aspi-
rations Of upright and gener-
Gus souls reach out.
Venerable brothers and dear
children, as we look forward to
Christmas and reflect upon the
Ecumenical Council, the work
of which is still going on so
that it may come finally to a
happy conclusion, our heart
gees out to you with paternal
affection. 1t is our wish that
this Christmas of 1862 should
be one Of deeper, truer Joy and
peace of soul for all men and
especially for the families which
are the very foundation of
mankind.
1t is our wish that 1t should
be a Christmas of prayer and
reflection, to correspond to the
earnest desire of Jesus Christ
for the unity of believers in His
name and His gospel: That they
may be one. 1t is our wish that
it should be a Christmas Of
truer charity between members
of the mystical body, each seek
ing generously the well-being
of the community in the family
and in social and international
relations.
Our heart. which is touched
by the enchantment Of this
hour, comes close to each Of
you, venerable brothers and
dear children, by means Of the
powerful aid of radio and tele-
vision so that, present in your
homes, radiant with expecta-
ton for the birth Of Christ. we
are enabled to offer to you our
tender, fatherly greetings. We
should wish to pause a while
at the table of the poor in the
workshops, in the claSsrooms
and halls of science. by the
bedside of the sick and the
aged, wherever there are men
who pray or suffer, who work
either for themselves or for
others, who work nobly with
mind and heart and body. We
should wish to place our hand
on the heads of the little ones,
to look into the children's eyes.
to encourage the fathers and
mothers in the performance Of
theid daily duties.
"Tidings of Great Joy"
To all we should wish to re-
peat the angels words: 1--WE
bring you tidings Of great joy:
To you is born the Savior" and
then to add with st. Augustine:
Christ is born and lies in the
manger, but he rules the world.
He is wrapped in swaddling
clothes, but he is clothed with
immortality. He found no
room in the inn, but he will
make for himself remple in
the heart Of those who believe.
|. Let us stir up then our
love that we may attain to his
eternity"
Eternal Word of the Father,
Son Of God and Of man, re-
enact in the hearts of men the
miracle of Your birth. Clothe
with immortality the children
You have redeemed, enkindle
their love, bind all together in
the bonds of Your mystical
body, so that Your coming may
bring true Joy, secure peace and
industrious brotherhood to in
dividuals and nations. Amen.
/ Amen.
May the comfort Of the apos-
tolic blessing come down upon
you, venerable brothers and
dear children, as a reflection
of the Divine Child Of Bethle-
hens Heavenly favor. 1t is
that blessing which the humble
vicar of Him who Is the Prince
of Peace, the Father OF the
world to come, invokes now
upon you with all the fullness