The Vigil Of Saint James. Apostle. 24 July.

Text (unless otherwise stated) is taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
which is available from ST. BONAVENTURE PRESS

The Vigil of Saint James.
Apostle.
24 July.

Violet Vestments.

Saint James the Greater.

Artist: Rembrandt (1606–1669).

Date: 1661.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Like most of the Feasts of the Apostles, which were formerly of obligation, that of Saint James is preceded by a Vigil.

This Saint was one of the College of Twelve, who, like the twelve sons of Jacob, received his inheritance and had to evangelise part of the Church, figured of old by the Promised Land (Epistle).

With his brother, Saint John, and with Saint Peter, he was privileged to witness the Transfiguration of Jesus and His Agony in the Garden of Olives.

He was the first among the Apostles to have the honour of bearing witness to Christ by shedding his blood in the City of Jerusalem. He thus gave, like his Master, the proof of the greatest love, which consists in sacrificing one's life for those one loves (Gospel).

Let us, with the Church, prepare ourselves in Meditation and Prayer, for the Feast Day, tomorrow.

Mass: Of the Vigil of an Apostle: Ego autem.

Commemoration of Saint Christina. Virgin and Martyr.

      Mass: Collects of the Mass: Me exspectavérunt.

Saint Liborius. Bishop And Confessor. Feast Day 23 July.

Text (unless otherwise stated) is taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
which is available from ST. BONAVENTURE PRESS

Saint Liborius.
Bishop and Confessor.
Feast Day 23 July.

Simple.

White Vestments.

English: Saint Liborius, relief in the Trinity Chapel of the Paderborn Cathedral, Germany.

Deutsch: Paderborner Dom: Darstellung des heiligen Liborius in der Dreifaltigkeitskapelle.

Photo: 25 July 2006.

Source: Own work.

Author: ludger1961.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Liborius was born in the 4th-Century of a Gaulish family. He left everything to Consecrate himself to the Service of the Altar.

He became Bishop of Le Mans, France, and, after a life devoted to Preaching, Prayer, and austerities, he died in 397 A.D.

Mass: Státuit.

English: Stained-Glass Window, depicting Saint Liborius,

in the Church of Saint Jodokus, Saalhausen, Germany.

Deutsch: Bleiglasfenster in der Kirche St. Jodokus in Saalhausen,

einem Ortsteil von Lennestadt in Nordrhein-Westfalen,

Darstellung: hl. Liborius.

Photo: 26 October 2013.

Source: Own work.

Author: Reinhardhauke.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

Liborius of Le Mans (circa 348 A.D. – 397 A.D.) was the second Bishop of Le Mans. He is the Patron Saint of the Cathedral and Archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany.

He died in 397 A.D., in the arms of his friend, Saint Martin of Tours.

English: Interior of Paderborn Cathedral, Germany.

Saint Liborius is the Patron Saint of this Cathedral and the Archdiocese of Paderborn.

His Relics were Transferred to the Cathedral in 836 A.D.

Deutsch: Innenansicht des Doms.

Français: Intérieur de la cathédrale.

Photo: July 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Benchaum.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Liborius Roman Catholic Church,

Eaglehawk, Victoria,

Australia.

Photo: 2 August 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Mattinbgn.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Liborius Church,

Saint Louis, Missouri,

United States of America.

Photo: 15 September 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: BirgitteSB.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Apollinaris. Bishop And Martyr. Feast Day 23 July.

Text (unless otherwise stated) is taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
which is available from ST. BONAVENTURE PRESS

Saint Apollinaris.
Bishop and Martyr.
Feast Day 23 July.

Double.

Red Vestments.

Deutsch: Apollinaris von Ravenna, erster Bischof von Ravenna. Detail eines aus dem sechsten Jahrhundert stammenden Mosaiks in der Apsis der Basilika von Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

English: Saint Apollinaris, first Bishop of Ravenna. Detail from the 6th-Century

Byzantine 

mosaic in the Apse of the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe, near Ravenna, Italy.

Italiano: Sant'Apollinare, primo vescovo di Ravenna. Mosaico

bizantino nel catino absidale di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

This File: 4 September 2005.

User: MChew.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna, Italy.

Français: La Basilique Saint-Apollinaire in Classe à Ravenne (Italie).

Italiano: Ravenna, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

Photo: 6 March 2009.

Source: Own work.

Author: Berthold Werner.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Saint Apollinaris is said to have come from Antioch to Rome with Saint Peter, who anointed him Bishop (Introit, Gradual, Alleluia) and sent him to Ravenna, Italy, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, the Epistle chosen is that in which Saint Peter describes the duties of those who are to guide the Church, not domineering, but as models of the flock.

The Gospel also says "that the one who is greatest, shall be like the least, and the one who governs, like the one who serves".

English: The 6th-Century Byzantine mosaic

in the Apse of the Basilica of

Sant'Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy).

Italiano: Mosaico bizantino nel catino

absidale di Sant'Apollinare in Classe

 Ravenna (secolo VI).

Photo: 6 March 2009.

Source: Own work.

Author: Berthold Werner.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Arrested by the pagan priests, he was cruelly beaten and cast into prison, then exiled to the banks of the Danube and to Thrace. Having returned to Ravenna, he was again persecuted, and died in 79 A.D., from the effects of torture and fatigue. Thus, did he put to profit the talents entrusted to him by God (Communion).

In the midst of our trials, let us remain united to Jesus and He will prepare for us, as for this Saint, a place in His Kingdom (Gospel).

Mass: Sacerdótes Dei, benedícite Dóminum.

Commemoration of Saint Liborius. Bishop and Confessor.

English: Interior of the Basilica of 

Sant'Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy).

Italiano: Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

Photo: 8 January 2012.

Source: Own work.

Author: Sansa55.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text is from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.

The Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe, is an important monument of Byzantine art, near Ravenna, Italy. When UNESCO inscribed eight Ravenna sites on the World Heritage List, it cited this Basilica as "an outstanding example of the Early-Christian Basilicas, in its purity and simplicity of design, and use of space and the sumptuous nature of its decoration".

The imposing brick structure was erected at the beginning of the 6th-Century by order of Bishop Ursicinus, using money from the Greek banker, Iulianus Argentarius. It was certainly located next to a Christian Cemetery, and quite possibly on top of a pre-existing pagan one, as some of the ancient tombstones were re-used in its construction.

Sant'Apollinare in Classe was consecrated on 9 May 549 A.D., by Bishop Maximian, and dedicated to Saint Apollinaris, first Bishop of Ravenna and Classe. The Basilica is thus contemporary with the Basilica of San Vitale of Ravenna. In 856 A.D., the Relics of Saint Apollinaris were transferred from the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe to the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna.

The Exterior has a large façade, with two simple uprights and one mullioned window with three openings. The Narthex and building, to the right of the entry, are later additions, as is the fine 9th-Century round Bell Tower, with mullioned windows.

Sankt Anna Damenstiftskirche, Munich. From September 2014, This Glorious Collegiate Church Will Permanently Host The FSSP, With Daily Traditional Masses.

English: The High Altar,

Sankt Anna Damenstiftskirche, Munich, Germany.

Deutsch: Damenstiftskirche, München, Innenraum.

Photo: 26 June 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Rufus46.

(Wikimedia Commons)

News has come in from RORATE CAELI
that the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), that already had a small presence in the Bavarian Capital, Munich, will soon have a permanent basis in the City.

This will be the second major world Diocese to open up a permanent setting for the FSSP. The first having been LOS ANGELES

Starting on 1 September 2014, the glorious Collegiate Church of Saint Anne (Damenstiftskirche Sankt Anna), a historic Chapel in Munich, will host the FSSP, permanently, with daily Traditional Masses. The Apostolate will be headed by Father Christian Jäger, FSSP.

Further information will be posted on the FSSP GERMANY WEB-SITE

Heartfelt congratulations to the FSSP, Fr. Jäger, and the local community. And profound gratitude to the local Archbishop of Munich and Freising, Cardinal Reinhard Marx.

This Article also appears on
THE LATIN MASS SOCIETY RC DIOCESE OF MIDDLESBROUGH

Deutsch: Damenstiftkirche,

München, Deutschland.

English: The Decorated Ceiling,

Sankt Anna Damenstiftskirche,

Munich, Germany.

Photo: 10 July 2007.

Source: Own work.

Author: Andrew Bossi.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The following Text and Illustrations are from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

Sankt Anna Damenstiftskirche is a Chapel in Munich, Southern Germany.

It was commissioned in the 18th-Century by Elector Charles Albert, who became Emperor Charles VII, starting from 1733. A Monastery in the legal form of a Chapter of Nuns was set up. The architect was Johann Baptist Gunetzrhainer, while the Asam brothers were responsible for the Interior. The women's Collegiate Church was consecrated in 1735.

English: The Pulpit and The High Altar,

Sankt Anna Damenstiftskirche, Munich, Germany.

Deutsch: München, Damenstiftskirche St. Anna.

Photo: March 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Bbb at wikivoyage shared.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Abbey, Anjou, France. Final Resting Place Of Plantagenet King, Richard The Lionheart (Richard Coeur De Lion).

Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: The Abbey Church,

Fontevraud Abbey, France.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud -

Intérieur Église Abbatiale.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Vue aérienne oblique de l'Abbaye de Fontevraud.

Photo: 8 October 2005.

Source: www.pixAile.com.

Author: Pierre Mairé, PixAile.com.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Abbey, or Fontevrault Abbey (in French: abbaye de Fontevraud), is a Religious Building hosting a cultural centre since 1975, the Centre Culturel de l'Ouest, in the village of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, near Chinon, in Anjou, France. It was founded by the itinerant reforming Preacher, Robert of Arbrissel, who had just created a new Order, the Order of Fontevrault. The first permanent structures were built between 1110 and 1119.

Philippa of Toulouse persuaded her husband, William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, to grant Robert of Abrissel land, in Northern Poitou, to establish a Religious Community dedicated to The Virgin Mary. The Abbey was founded in 1100 and became a Double Monastery, with both Monks and Nuns on the same site.

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Arches de l'abbaye royale de Fontevraud

dans le département du Maine-et-Loire.

Photo: 18 August 2011.

Source: Own work.

Author: Sberth.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbatiale de Fontevraud.

Photo: 14 May 2010.

Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org

Author: Aurore Defferriere.

(Wikimedia Commons)

An international success, the Order established several "Fontevrist" Abbeys set up in England. Robert of Arbrissel declared that the Leader of the Order should always be a woman and appointed Petronille de Chemillé as the first Abbess. She was succeeded by Matilda of Anjou, the aunt of Henry II of England. This was the start of a position that attracted many rich and noble Abbesses over the years, including members of the French Bourbon Royal Family. It also became a refuge for battered women and penitent prostitutes, and housed a leper hospital and a home for aged Religious.

Tomb of Richard I of England, at Fontevraud Abbey, near Chinon, Anjou, France. The tomb of Queen Isabella of Angoulême, the second wife of King John of England, lies behind.

Richard died at Le Château de Châlus Chabrol, in Châlus, France, of a crossbow wound.

His entrails were buried at the Château, while his heart was taken to Rouen Cathedral

and the rest of the body to Fontevraud Abbey.

Photo: July 2003.

Source: Own work.

Author: AYArktos.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 6 July 1189 until his death. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes, and Overlord of Brittany, at various times during the same period.

Fontevraud Abbey and Cloisters,

Date: 2001.

Source: Own work.

Author: JC Allin.

(Wikimedia Commons)

He was the third of five sons of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was known as Richard Cœur de Lion, or, Richard the Lionheart, even before his accession, because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. The Muslims called him Melek-Ric (King Richard) or Malek al-Inkitar (King of England). He was also known, in Occitan, as Oc e No (Yes and No),

because of his ability to change his mind.

Armorial Bearings of The House of Plantagenet

Royal Arms of England (1198 - 1340).

Date: 20 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Sodacan.

(Wikimedia Commons)

By the age of 16, Richard the Lionheart had taken command of his own army, putting down rebellions in Poitou, against his father. Richard was a central Christian Commander during the Third Crusade, leading the Campaign after the departure of Philip II of France and scoring considerable victories against his Muslim counterpart, Saladin, although he did not reconquer Jerusalem from Saladin.

Richard spoke langue d'oïl, a French dialect, and Occitan, a Romance language spoken in Southern France and nearby regions. He lived in his Duchy of Aquitaine, in the South-West of France, and, while the King spent very little time, perhaps as little as six months, in England, preferring to use his Kingdom as a source of revenue to support his armies, he was seen as a pious hero by his Subjects. He remains one of the few Kings of England remembered by his epithet, rather than regnal number, and is an enduring iconic figure in England and France.

English: The Cloisters,

Fontevraud Abbey, France.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud - Cloître du Grand-Moûtier.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

In the early years, the Plantagenets were great benefactors of Fontevraud Abbey and, while Isabella d'Anjou was Abbess, Henry II's widow, Eleanor of Aquitaine, became a Nun there. Louise de Bourbon left her Crest on many of the alterations she made during her term of Office.

During the French Revolution, the Order was dissolved. The last Abbess, Madame d'Antin, died in poverty in Paris. On 17 August 1792, a Revolutionary decree ordered evacuation of all Monasteries, to be completed by 1 October 1792. The Abbey later became a prison, from 1804 to 1963, in which year it was given to the French Ministry of Culture.

Fontevraud Abbey.

Photo: 14 May 2010.

Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org

Author: Aurore Defferriere.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Fontevraud Church and Abbey

(Grand-Moûtier, on the right)

and Saint-Benoît Infirmary (on the left).

Photo: 24 July 2009.

Source: originally posted to Flickr as Panorama from Fontevraud Abbey.

Author: Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier

(Wikimedia Commons)

This city prison in Fontevraud, planned to hold 1,000 prisoners, required major changes, including new barracks, in addition to the transformation of Monastic buildings into dormitories, workshops, and common areas. Prisoners - men, women and children – began arriving in 1814. Eventually, it held some 2,000 prisoners, earning the prison the title of the "toughest in France after Clairvaux."

Political prisoners experienced the harshest conditions: Some French Resistance prisoners were shot there, under the Vichy Government. Following closure of the prison, came major restoration, an opening to the public in 1985, and completion of the Abbey Church's restoration in 2006, under architect Lucien Magne.

English: The Cloister Galleries,

Fontevraud Abbey,

Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire, France.

Français: Abbaye de Fontevraud,

Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire,

France. Galeries du cloître.

Photo: 20 September 2008.

Source: Own work.

Author: Tango7174.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: The West Front,

Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbaye Fontevraud - Eglise Abbatiale,

facade ouest.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Abbey was originally the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son, King Richard I of England, their daughter, Joan, their grandson, Raymond VII of Toulouse, and Isabella of Angoulême, wife of Henry's and Eleanor's son, King John. However, there is no remaining corporal presence of Henry, Eleanor, Richard, or the others on the site. Their remains were possibly destroyed during the French Revolution.

Henriette Louise de Bourbon, grand-daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, grew up here. Princess Thérèse of France, daughter of King Louis XV, is also buried here.

English: Decorated Walls,

Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Salle capitulaire de Fontevraud.

Photo: 14 May 2010.

Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org

Author: Aurore Defferriere.

(Wikimedia Commons)

English: Fontevraud Abbey.

Français: Abbaye de Fontevraud -

Entrée de la salle capitulaire.

Photo: 27 July 2010.

Source: Own work.

Author: Jean-Christophe BENOIST.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Pope Benedict XV (Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista Della Chiesa). Papacy From 1914-1922. (Part Seven.)

Text and Illustrations from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: Pope Benedict XV, circa 1915.

Français: Photo de Benoît XV prise vers 1915.

Photo: Circa 1915.

Source: Library of Congress.

Author: Unknown.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Many factors of Pope Benedict XV's life made him characteristically unique. In physical appearance, he was a slight man (the smallest of three Cassocks that were prepared for the Election of a new Pope in 1914). As a result, he became known as "Il Piccolito", or "The Little Man." Pope Benedict XV was dignified in bearing and courtly in terms of matters, but his appearance was not that of a Pope. He was undersized, with a sallow complexion, a mat of black hair, and prominent teeth. Yet, despite this, everything about him seemed crooked from his nose to his eyes and shoulders.

He was renowned for his generosity, answering all pleas for help from poor Roman families with large cash gifts from his private revenues. When he was short on money, those who would be admitted to an audience would often be instructed by Prelates not to mention their financial woes, as Pope Benedict would inevitably feel guilty that he could not help the needy at the time. He also depleted the Vatican's official revenues with large-scale charitable expenditure during World War I. Upon his death, the Vatican Treasury had been depleted to the equivalent in Italian lire of $19,000.

English: Adolf Bertram (1859–1945), made a Cardinal,

by Pope Benedict XV, on 4 December 1916.

Deutsch: de:Adolf Bertram: Kardinal,

Erzbischof von Breslau, Deutschland.

Date: 1916.

Photographer: Götz, H.

Institution: German Federal Archives.

Attribution: Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-2005-0065 /

Götz, H. / CC-BY-SA.

(Wikimedia Commons)

His relationship to secular Italian powers was reserved, yet positive, avoiding conflict and tacitly supporting the Royal Family of Italy. Yet, like Pope Pius IX and Pope Leo XIII, he also protested against interventions of State authorities in internal Church affairs. Pope Benedict XV was not considered a Man of Letters. He did not publish educational or devotional books. His Encyclicals are pragmatic and Down-to-Earth, intelligent, yet, at times, far-sighted. He remained neutral during the battles of the "Great War," when almost everybody else was claiming "sides." Like that of Pope Pius XII, during World War II, his neutrality was questioned by all sides then, and even to this day.

Pope Benedict XV had a strong devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary. He added the Title "Queen of Peace" to her Litany (Litany of Loreto) and gave his support to an understanding of Mary as "Mediatrix of All Graces" by approving a Mass and Office, under this Title, for the Dioceses of Belgium. Pope Benedict XV affirmed that "together with Christ, she redeemed the human race" by her immolation of Christ as His Sorrowful Mother, as described in his Apostolic Letter Inter Sodalicia.

Pope Benedict XV celebrated Mass with the Nuns at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, next door to Saint Peter's, and, while he waited for his driver out in the rain, he fell ill with 'flu, which turned into pneumonia. After a month of pain, he succumbed to that illness on 22 January 1922, at the age of sixty-seven, his nephews alongside him. After his death, flags were flown at half-mast. His body then Lay-in-State, before being moved for burial.

Giovanni Cagliero (1838–1926), made a Cardinal,

by Pope Benedict XV, on 6 December 1915.

Date: Edición de 1976.

Source: Foto extraída del libro

"Historia de la Iglesia en la Argentina".

Editorial: Don Bosco. Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Autor: Cayetano Bruno. S.D.B.

Author: Unknown.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Possibly the least remembered Pope of the 20th-Century, Pope Benedict XV is nevertheless an unsung hero for his valiant efforts to end World War I. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI recognised the significance of his long-ago predecessor's commitment to Peace, by taking the same name, upon his own rise to the Pontificate. 

Pope Benedict XV was unique in his humane approach to the world in 1914–1918, which starkly contrasted with that of the other great Monarchs and Leaders of the time. His worth is reflected in the tribute engraved at the foot of the statue that the Turks, a non-Catholic, non-Christian people, erected of him in Istanbul: "The great Pope of the world tragedy . . . the benefactor of all people, irrespective of nationality or religion." This monument stands in the Courtyard of Saint Esprit Cathedral.

Pope Pius XII showed high regard for Pope Benedict XV, who had Consecrated him a Bishop on 13 May 1917, the very day of the reported Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. While Pope Pius XII considered another Benedict, Pope Benedict XIV, in terms of his Sanctity and scholarly contributions, to be worthy as Doctor of the Church, he thought that Pope Benedict XV, during his short Pontificate, was truly a Man of God, who worked for Peace. He helped Prisoners of War and many others who needed help in dire times and was extremely generous to Russia.

Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa

(later Pope Benedict XV)

as Cardinal.

Source: Commons, from

Image:LA2-NSRW-3-0547.jpg.

Author: Frédéric.

(Wikimedia Commons)

He praised Pope Benedict XV as a Marian Pope who promoted the Devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, for his Encyclicals Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum, Humani Generis Redemptionem, Quod Iam Diu, and Spiritus Paraclitus, and, for the Codification of Canon Law, which, under della Chiesa and Pietro Gasparri, he (Pope Pius XII), as Eugenio Pacelli, had the opportunity to participate in.

Pope Benedict XVI showed his own admiration for Pope Benedict XV, following his Election to the Papacy on 19 April 2005. The Election of a new Pope is often accompanied by conjecture over his choice of Papal Name; it is widely believed that a Pope chooses the name of a predecessor, whose teachings and legacy he wishes to continue. Cardinal Ratzinger's choice of "Benedict" was seen as a signal that Pope Benedict XV's views on Humanitarian Diplomacy, and his stance against Relativism and Modernism, would be emulated during the reign of the new Pope.

During his first General Audience in Saint Peter's Square, on 27 April 2005, Pope Benedict XVI paid tribute to Pope Benedict XV, when explaining his choice: "Filled with sentiments of awe and thanksgiving, I wish to speak of why I chose the name "Benedict". Firstly, I remember Pope Benedict XV, that courageous Prophet of Peace, who guided the Church through turbulent times of war. In his footsteps, I place my Ministry in the service of reconciliation and harmony between peoples."

THIS CONCLUDES THE ARTICLE ON POPE BENEDICT XV.

Pope Benedict XV (Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista Della Chiesa). Papacy From 1914-1922. (Part Six.)

Text and Illustrations from Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia,
unless otherwise stated.

English: Pope Benedict XV, circa 1915.

Français: Photo de Benoît XV prise vers 1915.

Photo: Circa 1915.

Source: Library of Congress.

Author: Unknown.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Encyclical Humani Generis Redemptionem, from 15 June 1917, deals with blatant ineffectiveness of Christian Preaching. According to Pope Benedict XV, there are more Preachers of the Word than ever before, but "in the state of public and private morals, as well as the Constitutions and Laws of Nations, there is a general disregard and forgetfulness of the Supernatural, a gradual falling away from the strict standard of Christian virtue, and that men are slipping back into the shameful practices of paganism."

Copyright-expired-photo of birth-place

of Bishop Della Chiesa

in Pegli, Genoa, Italy.

Date: 1906 (7 September 2008 (original upload date)).

Source: Transferred from en.wikipedia (Original text : Anton de Waal).

Author: Anton de Waal. Original uploader was Ambrosius007 at en.wikipedia.

(Wikimedia Commons)

The Pope squarely put part of the blame on those Ministers of the Gospel, who do not handle it as they should. It is not the times, but the incompetent Christian Preachers who are to blame, for no-one today can say for sure that the Apostles were living in better times than ours. Perhaps, the Encyclical states, that the Apostles found minds more readily devoted to the Gospel, or they may have met others with less opposition to the Law of God.

As the Encyclical tells, first are the Catholic Bishops. The Council of Trent taught that Preaching "is the paramount duty of Bishops." The Apostles, whose successors the Bishops are, looked upon the Church as something theirs, for it was they who received the Grace of the Holy Spirit to begin it. Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Christ sent us not to Baptise, but to Preach the Gospel."

Council of Trent Bishops are required to select, for this Priestly Office, those only who are "fit" for the position, i.e. those who "can exercise the Ministry of Preaching with profit to Souls." Profiting Souls does not mean doing such "eloquently or with popular applause, but rather with spiritual fruit."

Copyright-expired-photo of Cardinal Ferrata in 1913.

Source: 1914 Book von Waal.

Author: Hofrat Hilsdorf Darmstadt.

(Wikimedia)

Under Pope Benedict XV,

Cardinals Domenico Ferrata

and Rafael Merry del Val

in 1914 switched positions in the Vatican.

The Pope requested that all the Priests who are incapable of Preaching or of hearing Confession be removed from the position. The Encyclical helps to draw out the message that Priests must concentrate on the Word of God and the benefitting of Souls, before their own selves.

Quod Iam Diu was an Encyclical, given at Rome at Saint Peter's Basilica, on 1 December 1918, in the fifth year of his Pontificate. It requested that, after World War I, all Catholics of the world Pray for a Lasting Peace and for those who are entrusted to make such during Peace Negotiations.

The Pope noted that true Peace had not yet arrived, but the Armistice had suspended the slaughter and devastation by land, sea and air. It is the obligation of all Catholics to "invoke Divine Assistance for all who take part in the Peace Conference," as the Encyclical states. The Pope concludes that Prayer is essential for the Delegates, who are to meet to define Peace, as they are in need of much support.

Statue of Pope Benedict XV

in the Courtyard of Saint Esprit Cathedral,

Istanbul, Turkey.

This File: 20 May 2007.

User: Sissyneck.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Maximum Illud is an Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XV, issued on 30 November 1919, in the sixth year of his Pontificate. It deals with the Catholic Missions after World War I. Pope Benedict XV recalled the great Apostles of the Gospel, who contributed much to the expansion of Missions. He reviewed the recent history of the Missions and stated so as the purpose of the Apostolic Letter.

The Encyclical first turned to the Bishops and Superiors in charge of the Catholic Missions, noting the need to train local Clergy. Catholic Missionaries, today, continue to be reminded that their goal is a spiritual one, which must be carried out in a selfless way.

Pope Benedict XV underlined the necessity of proper preparation for the work in foreign cultures, and the need to acquire language skills before doing such work. He requested a continued striving for personal Sanctity and praised the selfless work of the Religious Females in the Missions.

Aleksander Kakowski (1862–1938),

made a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XV

on 15 December 1919.

Date: Before 1938.

Source: http://www.polona.pl/dlibra/

doccontent2?id=15709&from=latest

Author: Anonymous.

(Wikimedia Commons)

"Mission," however, "is not only for Missionaries, but all Catholics must participate through their Apostolate of Prayer, by supporting Vocations, and by helping financially." The Encyclical concluded with the naming of several organisations which organise and supervise Mission activities within the Catholic Church.

PART SEVEN FOLLOWS.