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Title: |
Quod Multum
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Descr.: |
On The Liberty Of The Church
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Pope: |
Pope Leo XIII
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Date: |
August 22, 1886
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To
the Bishops of Hungary.
Venerable
Brothers, Greetings and Apostolic Benediction.
1.
We have long and ardently desired an opportunity to address you
with an apostolic letter. Just as We have addressed the bishops of
many other nations, We desire to inform you of Our plans, which
concern the prosperity of the Christian cause and the salvation of
the Hungarian nation. These days present Us with an excellent
opportunity, since Hungary is celebrating the liberation, two
centuries ago, of Budapest. That victory will stand out forever
in the memory of the Hungarian people. It was granted to your
ancestors, because of their strength and perseverance, to
recapture their capital city, which for a century and a half had
been occupied by their enemies. That the grace and memory of this
divine blessing might remain, Pope Innocent XI justly decreed a
celebration throughout all Christendom in honor of St. Stephen,
the first of your apostolic kings, on the second day of September,
the anniversary of this great event. Moreover it is well-known
that the Apostolic See took a significant part in the almost
spontaneous victory three years before over the same foe at
Vienna. This victory, rightly attributed in great part to the
apostolic efforts of Pope Innocent, began the decline of the
influence of the Mohammedans in Europe. Besides, even before
that age and under similar circumstances, Our predecessors
assisted the Hungarian forces with counsel, aid, money, and
treaties. From Callistus III to Innocent XI, many Roman Ponfiffs
are recorded whose names deserve to be honored for their activity
in such affairs. Let Clement VIII serve as an example. When
Stregan and Vincentgraz were liberated from the domination of the
Turks, the highest councils of the kingdom decreed that public
thanks be given to him for he alone had come to their aid
opportunely at a time when the situation was almost beyond hope.
Therefore, just as the Apostolic See never failed the people of
Hungary whenever they had to fight the enemies of religion and
Christian morality, so now, when happy memories inspire the
people, We gladly join you in sharing their joy. Taking into
account the differing conditions of time, We desire to confirm the
people in their profession of the Catholic faith and also to
assist them in warding off common dangers. In this way We shall
serve the public good.
Stephen
2.
Hungary herself knows that no gift of God either to individuals or
to nations is greater than to receive by His grace the Catholic
faith, and having received it, to keep it with perseverance. This
gift contains an abundance of other gifts by means of which
individual persons receive both eternal happiness in heaven and
greatness and prosperity for their state on earth. When Stephen
first clearly grasped this truth, he asked God for nothing more
vehemently, indeed he labored for nothing more energetically and
consistently, than to obtain the Catholic faith for his whole
kingdom and to establish it on a firm foundation from the very
beginning. Therefore very early he began a change of studies and
offices among the Roman bishops, the kings, and the people of
Hungary which future ages did not abolish. Stephen founded and
built a kingdom, but received his crown only from the Roman
Pontiff, for he wanted to offer his kingdom to the Apostolic See.
He established many Episcopal Sees, endowing munificently, and
founding piously. Accompanying these many good works was the good
pleasure and indulgence of the Apostolic See in many matters
altogether singular. From his faith and piety, this holy king drew
the light of counsel and the best norms for ruling his kingdom. He
acquired his strength from diligence in prayer, by which he put
down the evil plots of public enemies and returned as victor from
the attacks of his foes. Thus under the auspices of religion,
your state was born. Under the same guardian and leader, you have
come at quick march not only to maturity, but also to the strength
of empire and the glory of your name. Hungary has kept holy and
inviolate the faith received from her king and parent as an
inheritance, and this despite the great difficulties of the times,
when neighboring nations were drawn from the bosom of the Church
by pernicious error. Faith, obedience and devotion to the
Apostolic See have remained constant in kings, bishops, and all
the people. In turn We see the predilection and paternal
benevolence of the Roman Pontiffs for the Hungarian people
confirmed by many testimonies. Today after many centuries and many
events, the original intimate friendship remains, by the blessing
of God. The virtues of your ancestors are by no means lacking in
their descendants. There are many laudable and fruitful labors of
the episcopate: relief in calamities, zealous defense of the
rights of the Church, and your constant and courageous
determination to preserve the Catholic faith.
Current
Evils
3.
When We recall these things, Our soul is filled with joy. To you
and to the people of Hungary, We gladly pay the tribute of praise
for things well done. But We cannot remain silent. Everyone
knows how inimical to virtue these times are and how the Church is
attacked. We have much to fear amid such dangers, lest a shaken
faith languish even where it has taken strong and deep roots. It
is enough to recall rationalism and naturalism, those deadly
sources of evil whose teachings are everywhere freely distributed.
We must then add the many allurements to corruption: the
opposition to or open defection from the Church by public
officials, the bold obstinacy of secret societies, here and there
a curriculum for the education of youth without regard for God. And if ever, then surely now is the time to realize not only how
appropriate, but entirely necessary the Catholic religion is for
public safety and tranquility. Daily experience proves to what
lengths they who fear no authority nor have ever restrained their
passions will go to undermine the state. Indeed, everyone knows
what they intend, what means they employ, and with what
perseverance they labor. The mightiest empires and the most
flourishing states are compelled to contend almost every hour with
such societies of men, joined together in unity of intention and
likeness of deeds. Thus, the public safety is always in danger.
Against such audacity of evil men, a good plan has been perfected
in some places, that the authority of magistrates and the force of
laws be well prepared.
Effective
Means of Restraining Socialism
4.
Nevertheless to restrain the danger of socialism there is only one
genuinely effective means, in the absence of which the fear of
punishment has little weight to discourage offenders. It is that
citizens should be thoroughly educated in religion, and restrained
by respect for and love of the Church. For the Church as parent
and teacher is the holy guardian of religion, moral integrity, and
virtue. All who follow the precepts of the Gospel religiously and
entirely are, by this very fact, far from the suspicion of
socialism. For religion commands us to worship and fear God and to
submit to and obey legitimate authority. It forbids anyone to act
seditiously and demands for everyone the security of his
possessions and rights. It furthermore commands those who have
wealth to come graciously to the aid of the poor. Religion aids
the needy with all the works of charity and consoles those who
suffer loss, enkindling in them the hope of the greatest eternal
blessings which will be in proportion to the labor endured and the
length of that labor. Therefore those who rule the states will do
nothing wiser and more opportune than to recognize that religion
influences the people despite all obstacles and recalls them to
virtue and uprightness of character through her teachings. To
distrust the Church or hold it suspect is, in the first place,
unjust, and in the second, profits no one except the enemies of
civil discipline and those bent on destruction.
Keep
Religion Flourishing
5.
By the blessing of God great civil unrest and the gathering of
fearsome mobs, which have occurred elsewhere, have been spared the
people of Hungary. But threatening dangers force all of us to
strive by daily zeal to assure that the name of religion
flourishes there and that honor endures in its Christian
institutions. For this reason the Church should enjoy full and
integral freedom in the whole kingdom of Hungary as it did in
former times, and this for the common good. As for Us, We are most
anxious that those things which conflict with the rights of the
Church, diminish its liberty of action, and impede the profession
of the faith be removed from the laws. To attain this end both We
and you must constantly labor, as far as We legally can and as so
many illustrious men have already done. Meanwhile, as long as
these laws remain, it is your duty to see to it that they injure
the common security as little as possible and to admonish the
citizens what they have to do in this matter. We shall mention
some statutes which seem more injurious than others.
6.
To embrace religion is a most serious duty, which is not to be
restricted by age. No age is unfit for the kingdom of God. As
everyone knows this, so he ought to act without delay, for from
the will to act is born the right to act for everyone, which
cannot be violated without the greatest injury. Therefore, if
pastors of souls are forced to make a choice in the matter, they
must choose to endure the penalties prescribed by civil law rather
than provoke the wrath of an avenging God.
Marriage
7.
You must labor, venerable brothers, that Catholic teaching about
the sanctity, oneness, and perpetuity of matrimony takes firm root
in souls. Remind the faithful frequently that the marriage of
Christians is subject solely to ecclesiastical authority. Remind
them also what the Church thinks and teaches concerning so-called
civil marriage and with what mind and heart Catholic people should
obey such laws. Further remind them that even for the gravest of
reasons it is not permitted to enter into marriage with Christians
who are not Catholics; those who do so without the authority and
indulgence of the Church sin before God and the Church. Since
these issues are so vital, all who have a concern in this matter
should most diligently see to it, as far as they can, that no one
sins here for any reason. For in this especially, obedience to the
Church is necessarily bound to the public interest. This is the
reason why the beginnings and best principles of civil life depend
in great part on domestic society, so that the peace and
prosperity of the state result in large part from marriage. Nor
can marriage succeed except under the care of God and the Church.
Deprived of such care and entered upon contrary to the will of
God, matrimony is reduced to the service of various passions, is
deprived of necessary heavenly aids, and is despoiled of that
common life which is of greatest concern to man, i.e., religion.
Of necessity it produces bitter fruit, to the great harm of the
family and of the state. For this reason We must commend those
Catholic men who, when the legislative assembly of Hungary was
asked two years ago whether it would consider the marriage of
Christians with Jews valid, rejected the proposal unanimously and
freely and succeeded in having the old marriage law retained.
Their vote received the approval of the vast majority of people
from all parts of Hungary, proving with admirable testimony that
the people thought and felt as they did. May there be like consent
and similar constancy whenever the Catholic cause is in
controversy, for then victory will be at hand. At least civil life
will be more vigorous and fruitful when languor and sloth have
been banished, for these are the means by which the enemies of the
Christian name certainly wish to stupefy all Catholic virtue.
Catholic
Education of Youth
8.
Nor will less profit accrue to the state if the education of youth
is wisely and rightly provided for from the beginning. Such are
the times and customs that too many people with too much effort
strive to keep studious youth away from the vigilance of the
Church and the salutary virtue of religion. Schools called neuter,
mixed, and lay are popular and sought out here and there,
doubtless with the intention that the students grow up ignorant of
all things holy and of all religious concerns. Since this evil is
more widespread and greater than its remedies, we see a progeny
growing up uninterested in spiritual goods, without religion and
often impious. Keep so great a calamity out of Hungary with all
your energy! The education of youth from childhood in Christian
habits and Christian wisdom is today of the greatest possible
concern not only to the Church, but also to the state. All who are
truly wise understand this. That is why We see many Catholic men
in many places who are deeply concerned about the proper
upbringing of youth, devoting special and constant effort to this
matter, undismayed by the greatness of the labor or by the cost.
We also know of many in Hungary who are working toward the same
goal with similar proposals. Permit Us nevertheless to rouse your
episcopal zeal even more. In this grave situation, We desire
that in the public education of youth, that part be reserved to
the Church which has been divinely assigned to it. All We can do
is to exhort you to deal vigorously with this matter. Meanwhile
continue to admonish fathers again and again not to permit their
children to study and learn so as to threaten injury to their
Catholic faith. At the same time see to it that the schools which
are under your or the clergy's direction be commendable for their
soundness of doctrine and the uprightness of their teachers. This
is to be understood not only of primary schools, but also of those
of higher learning.
Centers
of Study
9.
With God-fearing generosity, and especially with the liberal
contributions of your kings and bishops, many noble institutions
devoted to the study of letters have been established. The memory
of Cardinal Pazmany, Archbishop of Esztergom, is still alive among
you, not only as the founder of the Catholic University at
Budapest, but also as its generous patron. It is inspiring to
recall that he undertook so great a work out of the pure and
sincere motive of advancing the Catholic religion. King Ferdinand
II confirmed this when he said of its purpose that the truth of
the Catholic religion would remain unshaken where it flourished;
where weakened, it would be strengthened, and divine worship would
be propagated everywhere. We realize how diligently you have
labored to ensure that these excellent centers of study retain
their original nature, the kind that their founders intended,
namely that they remain Catholic Institutions. Their household,
administration, and faculty are entirely under the control of the
Church and the bishops. Therefore We exhort you to continue to
encourage this noble and excellent venture. And you will succeed
because of the goodness of the Apostolic King and the prudent men
in charge of the government; also, what has been given to
non-Catholic communities will not be denied to the Catholic
Church. If the tenor of the times demands that some new
institutions are to be founded or old ones expanded, We have no
doubt that you will imitate the example of your fathers and their
devotion to religion. In fact We have received reports that you
are already planning a school for the training of teachers; this
is an excellent plan, one worthy of your wisdom and virtue. That
you may accomplish it quickly with the Lord's help is Our prayer
and exhortation.
Education
of Priests
10.
If the education of all youth in general contributes a great deal
to the true welfare of the state, this is much more true of the
education of those aiming at ordination. To this matter you must
give special attention; it should occupy the greater portion of
your vigils and labors, since the youths destined for orders are
the hope and, as it were, the incomplete form of future priests.
You surely know how much the reputation of the Church and the
eternal salvation of her people depend on priests. - In the
education of clerics, two elements are absolutely necessary:
learning for the development of the mind and virtue for the
perfection of the spirit. To the ordinary humanistic subjects in
which youths are educated must be added Sacred and Canonical
studies. Care must be taken that their content is sound and
everywhere pure, in full harmony with the documents of the Church
and eloquent, so that the priest may be able to [exhort] even
those who contradict. Holiness of life, without which knowledge
puffs up and does not edify, consists not only in good and
honorable habits, but also in that group of sacerdotal virtues
which makes good priests exemplars of Jesus Christ, the eternal
High Priest. For this purpose there are sacred seminaries. You
have some for youths preparing for the priesthood and others for
the education of seminarians, all of them well-founded. Choose
teachers and spiritual directors for these institutions
thoughtfully. They should be men of sound doctrine and good
morals, men to whom you can confidently entrust a matter of such
great importance. Choose rectors and spiritual guides who are
outstanding in prudence, counsel, and experience. The common life
and discipline should be so arranged by your authority that not
only will the students never offend against piety, but that there
will be an abundance of all aids which nourish piety. The students
should thus be encouraged to make daily progress in acquiring the
sacerdotal virtues. Your industrious and diligent labors in the
education of priests will bear much desirable fruit, making your
episcopal office easier to administer and producing a richer
profit for all.
Assistance
for Priests
11.
But it is necessary that your paternal care extend further, namely
to the assistance of priests in the exercise of their duties.
Skillfully and sweetly, as becomes your love, see to it that they
are not exposed to worldly temptations and that they are not led
by selfish desires or concern for secular affairs. See to it that
they excel in virtue, providing an example of deeds well-done.
Further, see to it that they never fail in their devotion to
prayer and that they approach the sacred mysteries spotlessly.
When supported and strengthened by these defenses, they will
gladly fulfill their daily sacred duties and fittingly turn to the
studious cultivation of the spirits of their people, especially by
the ministry of word and sacraments. But to renew the strength
of soul which human weakness does not allow to flourish
constantly, nothing seems more effective than that they retire
from time to time to meditation, devoting all of their time solely
to God and themselves. This is the custom in other places and has
proven very successful. Furthermore you will easily and
spontaneously get to know the talents and the habits of individual
priests as you go about administering your dioceses. You will also
learn what you have to do by way of prohibition in this matter,
and what evils have to be eradicated. To do this and to save
ecclesiastical discipline from violation, you must use the just
severity of canon law where necessary. All must understand that
both the priesthood and the various grades of dignity are no more
than a reward for useful labors. For this reason they are reserved
for those who have served the Church, who have labored in the care
of souls, and who are distinguished for their learning and the
holiness of their lives.
Concern
for the Faithful
12.
When the clergy is distinguished by these virtues, the people will
profit in no small measure, since they love the Church, are very
devoted to the ancestral religion, and easily and willingly submit
to the directives of their pastors. However you must never fail
to make sure that the integrity of Catholic doctrine is preserved
in the people and that Evangelical discipline is retained in their
actions, life and character. Let frequent sacred retreats for the
care of souls be undertaken. To direct this work, choose men of
tried virtue, animated by the spirit of Christ, and inflamed with
love of neighbor. Well-written pamphlets to guard against errors
or to extirpate them should be widely disseminated. They must be
in accord with the truth and encourage virtue. Some societies have
already taken up this laudable proposal, with fruitful results. We
wish therefore that their number increase and that their success
continue from day to day. Another thing We wish all of you to
do, but especially those of you who excel in learning, dignity,
and authority, is that in both private and public life, you be
solicitous for the good name of religion. Let the cause of the
Church be more vigorously prosecuted under your leadership. Let
all present and future institutions founded to promote the
Catholic cause be willingly aided and increased. In like manner
you must oppose certain false opinions, perversely proposed to
safeguard each one's dignity, but which are entirely contrary to
the precepts and faith of Christian customs and which open the
door to many pernicious and criminal acts. Finally you must
assiduously and vehemently oppose improper organizations,
particularly those which We have mentioned in our encyclicals to
other places, whose contagion must be averted by every means. In
this matter, We desire that you exercise care in proportion to
their number, power, and resources.
13.
Urged by Our love, this is what We have to prescribe for you,
venerable brethren, and which We trust will be accepted by the
whole nation of Hungary with prompt obedience. The fact that
your forefathers triumphed so magnificently over bitter foes at
Budapest was not solely due to their warlike fortitude, but also
to the strength of religion. Just as in the beginning religion
gave birth to the strength and authority of a great empire, so it
also promises for the future prosperity at home and glory abroad.
All of these things, whether they are for your honor or for your
advantage, We desire for you, and We pray that you obtain them
with the assistance and under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin,
Mother of God. The kingdom of Hungary has been consecrated to her
and received its name from her. For the same reason We earnestly
ask the aid of St. Stephen, who has blessed your kingdom with
every kind of gift for its glory and growth. We have the certain
hope that he will look down from heaven and guard you with his
strong patronage.
14.
Relying on this hope, venerable brothers, We impart to you
individually, to the clergy, and to all your people, as a sign of
heavenly gifts and a proof of Our paternal good will, Our
apostolic benediction.
Given
at Rome at St. Peter's, August 22, 1886, in the ninth year of Our
pontificate.
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