the Pope invites the Catholics of the world to come to Rome "in throngs," and hopes "that an immense multitude from every corner of the world may flock to this beloved city.
As briefly reported last week, 1950 was officially proclaimed a "great and universal jubilee" on Ascension Thursday by the public reading of the Bull Jubilaeum Maximum in the four major basilicas of Rome.
The Bull, a beautifully designed and illuminated parchment document, signed by the Pope in most solemn manner, "1 Pius, Bishop of the Catholic Church," was presented to the Pontiff by the Regent of the Apostolic Chancery in the throne room.
The Holy Father then gave a short address of thanksgiving that it was possible to proclaim a Holy Year after so many vicissitudes, and handed the Bull to Archbishop Carinci, who read it in St. Peter's Basilica.
Among the intentions. which which in the Built the Pope asks all pilgrims to pray, are : (1) loyalty in fighting " intrigues, plots and attacks on the Church (2) peace " everywhere but specially in the Holy Places of Palestine," and (3) peace " among the various social classes."
THE FULL TEXT OF JUBILAEUM MAXIMUM IS GIVEN BELOW.
THE great jubilee, which will be celebrated in this beloved city
during the coming year, has as its special purpose to summon all faithful not only to expiate their faults and amend their lives but also to lead them to acquire virtue and holiness, according to the words of Holy Scripture : " Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy because I am the Lord your God." From this, the nature and importance of advantages which derive from this very ancient institution can be easily seen. For, if men will only listen to this call of the Church and turn from fleeting things of this world to those that are eternal, then. assuredly, a most desirable spiritual renewal will take place and not only private but public morality will be in harmony with the teaching and spirit of the Gospel. . When righteousness guides the convictions of individuals and directs their conduct, it must necessarily follow that new life and vigour will be infused into the whole of human society and that a better and happier state of things will ensue.
Today, as never before, there is a most urgent need that all things be refashioned in the truth and power of the Gospel. Human efforts, even when they are laudable and not inspired by motives that are fallacious, are unequal to this great undertaking; it is august religion alone, aided by Divine Grace, that can prove equal to the greatness of the task, and, with the active co-operation of all, bring it to a happy conclusion.
Appeal To All Bishops
HENCE it is Our earnest desire that the Bishops all over the world, together with their clergy, should instruct with great diligence the flock entrusted to their care on the subject of the coming jubilee : Let the faithful be urged to participate in the jubilee in the best possible way, whether they come to Rome or remain in their own country; let them offer more fervent prayers to God, multiply their works of penance and charity and put into practice all that We have already recommended as fitting for the Holy Year. Foreseeing abundant and salutary results. which We implore from our Divine Redeemer, and following closely to the tradition of the Roman Pontiffs who have gone before Us, and after taking counsel with Our venerable brothers, their Eminences the.Cardinals, by authority of Almighty God and the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and by Our own authority, We proclaim and desire to have promulgated by this letter a great and universal jubilee to be held in this beloved city from Christmas, 1949. to Christmas, 1950, accordingto the provisions of Canon 923.
Holy Year Indulgences
nURING this year of expiation, to all the faithful who duly confess their sins in the Sacrament of Penance, who receive Holy Cornmunion and visit once on that day, or on different days, in the order of their choice. the basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Peter's in the Vatican, St. Paul's on the Ostian Way, and St. Mary Major on the Esquiiine, and recite in each basilica three times the " Our Father," " Hail Mary " and " Glory be to the Father." and as well one " Our Father," " Hail Mary" and " Glory be to the Father," for Our intentions. and will add in each basilica a " Credo," We grant and bestow in the Lord the full indulgence and pardon of all punishment due for sins. In favour of those who, when in Rome or on their way to Rome. through illness or death or some other just cause, are prevented from completing or even beginning these visits. We reduce aforesaid .condi thins so that, provided they go to Confession and receive Communion, they may gain the jubilee indulgence just as those who visit the four abovementioned basilicas. We also declare that the faithful may gain the jubilee indulgence either for themselves or for the faithful departed as often as they fulfil the prescribed conditions.
The Pope's Intentions
BELOVED children, you are certainly not unaware of the general intentions of the Roman Pontiffs. We desire, nevertheless, to lay before you with greater clearness and precision Our particular intentions regarding the coming Holy Year, Let petition be made to God in the first place that all, by prayer (Continued an back page)