QUOD
MULTUM
ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII ON THE
LIBERTY OF THE CHURCH
To
the Bishops of Hungary.
Venerable Brothers, Greetings and Apostolic Benediction.
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 then 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 nor 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 6e
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: leartting
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 acid 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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