INTRODUCTION
1. - Our most merciful Redeemer, after performing on the cross the salvation of mankind, before he ascended from this world to the Father, in order to raise the apostles and disciples from their affliction, said to know that I am with you every day, until the end of the world "(Mt 28.30).
Words like very and source of all hope and all security, without saying who come to our mind, Venerable Brethren, when from this, to call it, the highest observatory, we look at human society plagued by many ills and miseries, not that the Church made the object, without blinking, attacks and traps.
This divine promise, which lifted the spirits of the apostles, and so slaughtered them on and revived them cheering zeal to go over all the earth to spread the seed of the Gospel teaching, also advocated following the Church, to make it prevail over the powers of underworld.
2. - Also on the Lord Jesus Christ has seen his church, but more powerful was his help and his protection more effective when the Church has found in the most serious hazards and disasters. It was then that his divine wisdom, that "reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well with goodness" (Wisdom 8.1), offered the remedies best suited to the needs of the times and circumstances.
Not, "has shortened the hand of the Lord" (Isaiah 59:1) in times closer to us, as if penetrated and wide spread fear that the error was in the minds of men, away from the love and familiarity with God, were to dry up the sources of Christian life.
3. - There is the Christian people who ignore or do not care what the beloved Jesus lamented in his appearances to Margaret Mary Alacoque, and indicated that he wanted to wait and men, in view of their own advantage.
So we, Venerable Brethren, keep us talking with you rather than just repair that we have a duty to make to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that each of you procure diligently to teach and exhort their flock to put into practice what we have in mind to expose.
THE REVELATION OF THE HEART OF JESUS FOR OUR TIMES
4. - Among the testimonies of the infinite mercy of our Redeemer, emerges in a special way that Christians and emptied itself in cooling the love of God, was made the same divine love to be honored with a special worship, and were clearly revealed the riches of this divine goodness by means of that form of devotion with which we honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2.3).
5. - In fact, as a time to the human race coming out of the ark of Noah, God wanted to give the light of "the rainbow appears in the clouds" (Gn 2.14, as a sign of alliance and friendship, so in the frantic times recent wound When the Jansenist heresy-the most insidious of all, the enemy of love and devotion to God-a God who preached love as a father but not to be feared as the implacable judge, the most merciful Jesus showed His Heart to men Sacred, as explained banner of peace and love foretelling certain victory in the battle.
6. - So much about, our predecessor of happy memory, Leo XIII in his encyclical "Annum Sacrum" observing the wonderful opportunity of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, did not hesitate to say: "When the early Church was oppressed by the yoke of the Caesars, the young emperor appeared in the sky a cross, under the auspices and at the same time, the author of the splendid victory which followed immediately. Here now is offered to our view another consoling and divine sign: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, surmounted by the cross, gleaming white among the most brilliant flames. In it are placed all their hopes, it has to beg and wait for the salvation of humanity. "
7. - And it is right, Venerable Brethren. In fact, at that sign and happy in that form of devotion that comes, is it not the epitome of the entire contents of the rule of religion, and hence a more perfect life, since it is the more expeditious way to conduct the minds Christ the Lord and to know deeply the most effective means to move men to love him more intensely and to imitate him more closely?
No wonder, then, that our predecessors have always defended this great form of worship from the accusations of detractors, and have exalted with great praise and spread with great commitment, according to the needs of the times and circumstances.
8. - And it is by divine inspiration that the devotion of the faithful toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been increasing day by day, pious associations have emerged to promote the devotion to the Sacred Heart, as well as the practice, now widespread, of receiving communion first Friday of every month, according to the desire expressed by Jesus himself.
THE CONSECRATION TO THE HEART JESUS DL
9. - Among the acts pertaining to the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and show-and remember-the consecration, by which we offer to the Divine Heart of Jesus we and all our things, relating them to the eternal love of God, which we have received.
It was the same Saviour, who, moved by his immense love for us more than the right which he had, he showed the disciple of her innocent heart, Margaret Mary who yearn homage of devotion that he be bestowed by men. And she was the first, along with his spiritual father, Claude de la Colombiere, made this consecration. Over time, the example was followed by individuals, families and private associations, and later by the civil authorities, cities and nations.
10. - In the past, and even in our time, through the action of men wicked conspirator, She's come to deny the sovereignty of Christ the Lord and declare open war on the Church with the promulgation of laws and resolutions contrary to popular natural and divine law , until the whole cry of the masses: "We do not want this man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14). But the consecration, which we have spoken, and erupted striking contrast was the unanimous voice of the devotees of] S. Heart, intended to claim the glory and assert its rights: that Christ must reign "(1 Cor 15:25)," Thy kingdom come! " Hence the joyous event of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to all mankind - that birthright belongs to Christ, in which you summarize all things (cf. Eph 1.10) - the beginning of this century, including the applause of the whole Christian world, was accomplished by our predecessor Leo XIII
11. - These happy and comforting initiatives, we ourselves, as we said in our encyclical "Quas Primas" we have conducted, by the grace of God, to fulfillment, when adhering to the insistent wishes and votes of many bishops and faithful at the end of the Jubilee Year , we have instituted the Feast of Christ the King, to be celebrated solemnly throughout the Christian world.
With this act not only highlights the supreme authority which Christ over all things, both civil and domestic society and the individual men, but also the joy of anticipation quell'auspicatissimo day when the whole world, freely and consciously, will submit to the domain sweetest of Christ the King
So we ordered also that at this festival, every year you renew this consecration. in order to collect more surely and more abundantly the fruit, and shake in the heart of the Sovereign King of kings and rulers, all people in Christian love and fellowship of peace.
REPAIR
12. - In these respects, and particularly that of consecration - so fruitful in itself and has been reconfirmed as the Solemnity of Christ the King - agrees that it adds another, which, Venerable Brethren, we want to speak somewhat more at length: of duty, ie, the just satisfaction or reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
In the consecration of means, primarily, return the love of the Creator with the love of the creature, but when that love is uncreated been forgotten or neglected outraged with the offense, naturally follows the duty to compensate the injuries no matter how which have been traveled.
It is the duty which we commonly call "repair".
13. - They are the same reasons that push us to the consecration which is to repair. It is true however, that the duty of reparation and atonement are required for a stronger way of justice and love. Of Justice, because we have to atone for the injury done to God by our sins by penance and to restore the violated order; love to suffer along with the suffering Christ and "saturated with opprobrium" and bring him, as can our weakness, some comfort.
We are, in fact, burdened with many sins and sinners so we have to honor our God with the worship that is directed both to worship, with due respects, his infinite Majesty, is to recognize, through prayer, his supreme dominion and praise, with thanksgiving, his boundless generosity, but it is also necessary that we offer to God the just Judge, to our satisfaction "numberless sins, offenses and negligences."
For this reason, the consecration whereby we offer ourselves to God and become sacred to him - with the sanctity and stability that is characteristic of the consecration, as taught by the Angelic (2-2, q. 81, a. 8, c. ) - must be added atonement in order to extinguish the blame entirely, so that the infinite holiness and justice of God has not arrogant to reject our unworthiness and refuse, but rather to accept, our gift.
14. - This duty of atonement burden of all mankind, since, as taught by the Christian faith, after the fatal fall of Adam, mankind, the guilt-stained hereditary, subject to the passions and in a state of grave depravity, should have ended in 'eternal ruin.
Do not allow this state of things the proud scholars of our time, who, following the old error of Pelagius, a good claim to congenital human nature, which would push to perfection inside pulse increasing.
But these false inventions of human pride, which are rejected by the Apostle warns that we were by nature children of wrath "(Eph. 2.3). And in fact, from the beginning, men have acknowledged the debt in some way they had of a common atonement, and moved by natural instinct strove to appease God out of public sacrifices.
15. - No created power, however, was sufficient to atone for the sins of men, the Son of God had assumed human nature to redeem it.
This is what he proclaimed himself the savior of mankind through the mouth of the Psalmist: "You wanted no sacrifice or offering, but a body hast thou prepared me. You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin. Then I said, 'Here I come "(Heb 10.5 to 7).
And really, "He bore our sufferings, has borne our griefs, was wounded for our transgressions" (Isaiah 53:4-5). He bore our sins in his body on the tree "(1 Peter 2.24)," having canceled the written approval of our debt, whose conditions were unfavorable to us. He has taken away, nailing to the cross "(Col. 2:14)," because they no longer live for sin, should live unto righteousness "(1 Peter 2.24).
16. - It is true that the plentiful redemption of Christ abundantly forgiven us all our sins (cf. Col 2.13), however, by virtue of that wonderful disposition of divine wisdom for which you must complete in our flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ in favor of his body, which is the Church (cf. Col 1, 24), we can, indeed we must add our praise to praise and rewards and satisfactions that "Christ bestowed on behalf of sinners."
17. - However, one must always keep in mind that everything depends on the value from the only atoning blood sacrifice of Christ, which is renewed without blinking in our altars. Indeed, "one and the same is the victim, the same is the bidder who was once offered on the cross and now offers through the ministry of priests, only different is the way to offer" (Council of Trent. Sess. XXII , c. 2).
In this most August Eucharistic sacrifice, so, you must join the immolation of both ministers and the faithful, so that they too will prove a living victim, holy and pleasing to God "(Rom. 12.1).
Indeed S. Cyprian does not hesitate to affirm that "we celebrate the sacrifice of Christ and the sanctification of cost, if the passion of Christ does not match our offer and our sacrifice" (Ep. 63, No 381).
So the Apostle admonishes us that "always carrying in the body the dying of Jesus" (2 Cor 4.10), and buried with Christ and united with him with a likeness of his death (cf. Rom 6.4 - 5), not just crucify our flesh with its passions and desires (cf. Gal 5:24) to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust "(2 Peter 1.4), but also that" life Jesus may be manifested in our body "(2 Cor 4.10) and made partakers of his eternal priesthood, offer" gifts and sacrifices for sins "(Heb. 5.1).
18. - Take part in this mysterious office of the priesthood and to offer rewards and sacrifices, not only those people whom our Pontiff Christ Jesus uses as ministers to give the pure oblation to the divine name, from east to west in every place (cf. Mal 1.11), but all Christians - rightly called the Prince of the Apostles "a chosen race, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2.9) - must provide for their own sins and those of the whole human being (cf. Heb 5.2), at how each of a priest and pontiff "taken from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in things pertaining to God" (Heb 5.1).
And the more perfect our offering and our sacrifice will be in accordance with the sacrifice of the Lord-which is accomplished sacrificing our self and our passions and crucifying the flesh with that kind of crucifixion is talking about the 'Apostle to the more-abundant will be the fruits of reconciliation and atonement for us to collect for others.
19. - There is indeed a wonderful relationship with Christ of the faithful, similar to that which exists between the head and limbs of the body. Likewise, the mysterious communion of saints, who profess the Catholic faith for both single men that people are not only united among themselves, but also with the One "who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and connected together by every joint with the proper functioning of each member, is empowered to grow and build itself up in love "(Eph 4:15-16). That is what the same mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus, near death, asked his father: "I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one" (Jn 17:23).
REPAIR IN THE HEART OF WORSHIP JESUS DL
20. - Consecration expresses and makes a stable union with Christ, the atonement begins this union with the purification of sins, perfects participating in the sufferings of Christ and leads to the last peak, offering sacrifices for others.
This was precisely the intention that the merciful Lord Jesus chose to make known to show his heart with signs indicating the flames of passion and love, that we recognize that a part of the infinite evil of sin and the other admiring the infinite love of the Redeemer, hateful sin more vividly and to answer you more ardently to his love.
21. - The spirit of atonement and reparation has always had the first and most important part in the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and that spirit is undoubtedly more consistent with the origin, character, effectiveness and practices characteristic of this devotion, as appears from the history, practice, from the liturgy and in the acts of the Popes.
In fact, occur at the Margaret Mary, Jesus, and proclaimed the immensity of his love, at the same time, in an attitude of sorrow, he complained of many serious outrages that were visited by men ungrateful, and spoke these words that should remain always carved in pious souls and never forget: "That's the Heart that so loved mankind and has filled with all kinds of benefits, and that in exchange for his infinite love not only had no gratitude, but, on the contrary, neglect, indifference, outrages, and they went, sometimes, even by those who are bound by duty, to respond with a special love. "
22. - In the repair of such faults, among many other things, recommended these acts, most welcome to him, namely, that the faithful, with the intention to repair should approach the Holy Communion - so called "Communion of Reparation" - and prayers and acts of reparation for an hour, that's why it is rightly called "holy time". Such practices not only the Church has approved but has also enriched with spiritual favors.
23. - But, if Christ reigns in glory in heaven, as these can be consoled by our acts of reparation? "It gives a soul lover, and understand what I say," respond with the words of St. Augustine (On Vang. John, tr XXVI, 4) that there are about.
In fact, a soul burning with love of God, sees the past and looking exhausted contemplates Jesus for the good of humanity, hurt and subjected to the toughest tests; sees "for us men and for our salvation" overwhelmed by sadness, anguish, almost annihilated by opprobrium, "crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53.5) and with his stripes we healed. These pious souls ponder these things with greater adherence to reality by the fact that the sins and crimes have been committed at any time, constitute the cause for which the Son of God was given to death, and even to this cause for Christ death accompanied by the same pain and anguish, because every sin in a way repeats the passion of the Lord: "For their behalf crucify the Son of God and contempt" (Heb 6.6).
Therefore, if by reason of our sins that were committed in the future, but that was expected then, the soul of Christ became sorrowful unto death, there can be no doubt that he also tried some comfort even then because of our also provided for repair, when "an angel appeared from heaven" (Lk 22.43) to comfort his heart oppressed by sorrow and anguish.
So, even now, in an admirable way, but true, we can and we must console that Most Sacred Heart which is continually wounded by the sins of ungrateful men. And it is Christ himself, as we read in the Liturgy, which the mouth of the Psalmist laments the abandonment of his friends: "Reproach has broken my heart and I am not. I looked for love, but in vain, comforters, but I found none "(Ps 68.21).
24. - Add to this that the expiatory passion of Christ is renewed and in some ways continues and is completed in his mystical body, which is the Church. In fact, to use again the words of St. Augustine, "Christ suffered all that had to suffer, now nothing more than missing the number of afflictions.
So the afflictions are complete, but in the end, there were still suffering in the body of Christ to be accomplished "(In Ps 86).
That is what the Lord Jesus himself wished to declare when speaking to Saul "still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples" (Acts 9.1), said: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9.5) . With this clearly meant that the persecutions against the Church, were to strike and afflict the head of the Church.
Right, then, that Christ, suffering even now in his mystical body, wants us expiation of his companions, the same thing that requires our union with Him, because we being the "body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Cor 12:27) , which suffers from the head must also suffer with him, the members (cf. 1 Cor 12:26).
REPAIR REQUEST FOR OUR TIMES
25. - How is urgent, especially in our time, atonement or reparation becomes manifest, as we said earlier, anyone with eyes and look at the mind that this world is in the power of the devil "(1 Jn 5 19).
We come from all over to the cry of the afflicted people, where are the leaders and rulers, in the true sense, insurgents and conspire together against the Lord and against his Church (cf. Ps 2.2).
We see in those regions trampled all rights human and divine. The temples demolished and destroyed, the men and the holy virgins driven from their homes, insulted, tortured, starved, imprisoned, torn from the womb of Mother Church ranks of boys and girls, forced to deny and blaspheme Christ and commit the worst crimes of lust and the Christian people severely threatened and oppressed, and in constant danger to apostatize from the faith or face death even in the most atrocious.
Things so sad, it seems that with such events and announces advances from now on "the beginning of sorrows", which will bring "the evil man that rises above every so-called god or object of worship" ( 2 Thes 2.4).
26. - But the fact is all the more painful, Venerable Brethren, that among Christians themselves, washed with the blood of the spotless enriched in baptism and of his grace, there are many, belonging to each class, such as ignoring the incredibly divine truths and infected by false doctrines, living a vicious life, away from the house of the Father, a life that is not enlightened by true faith, not comforted by the hope of future happiness, not sustained or revived by the ardor of charity, so it seems very that they are in darkness and the shadow of death.
Moreover, it is increasingly growing among the faithful the neglect of church discipline and the ancient institutions, which is supported by the whole Christian life, adjusted the domestic society and defended the sanctity of marriage.
Is also not neglected or distorted by too many delicacies and flattery, and even the education of children removed to the Church the right to educate Christian youth.
Unfortunately forgotten Christian modesty in dress and way of life, especially in women. Insatiable greed transient goods, civil predominant interest, unbridled research rejected the popular favor of legitimate authority, despised the word of God, that faith itself falters or is placed in grave danger. The complex of these evils there is sloth and laziness of those who, like the apostles asleep or fugitives, sore firm in the faith, abandon Christ overwhelmed by pain and surrounded by satellites of Satan. And there is also the wickedness of those who follow the example of Judas the traitor, with sacrilegious daring approach the altar or go to the enemy camp.
And so, even unintentionally, is to mind the thought that we are approaching the time predicted by the Lord: a For the spread, the love of many shall wax cold "(Mt 24.12).
27. - Reflecting on these things the good people, inflamed with love for the suffering Christ, can not help but devote more effort to atone for his sins and those committed by others, compensate and promote the honor of Christ's salvation of souls .
And we can really describe our age adapting in some way the Apostle said: "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Rom 5.20).
Indeed, it is true that has grown far the perversity of men, but it is also true that goes wonderfully increasing, the impulse of the Holy Spirit, the number of the faithful of both sexes, who are working to achieve with a willing mind give satisfaction to the Divine Heart for so many injuries that go and come to Christ, also give their own people as victims.
Of course those who reflects the spirit of love for what we have been reminded and impressed, so to speak, into the heart, not only come to abhor sin as the greatest of evils and escape, but also to surrender totally to God's will and compensate the injured honor of the divine Majesty with constant prayer, penance and the volunteers to bear patiently with any disaster, to live life in a spirit of reparation.
And so arose many religious families of men and women, who, with field service, we propose to do in some way, day and night, the guardian angel comforting Jesus in the garden.
Hence also the pious associations of men, approved by the Apostolic See and enriched with indulgences, which assume the task of atonement with appropriate exercises of piety and acts of virtue.
Hence, finally, not to mention other, religious practices and solemn proof of love, introduced in order to repair the divine honor violated, frequently used not only by individuals but also the faithful from parishes, dioceses and cities.
28. - Well, Venerable Brethren, how the practice of consecration, which started from humble beginnings and then spread widely, it has reached the desired splendor with our confirmation, so greatly we desire that the practice of this atonement or reparation, had long devoutly introduced and propagated , with our apostolic authority, has the firmest pledge and becomes more solemn and universal in the Catholic world.
Therefore establish and ordain that every year, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - that on this occasion we have stipulated that it is elevated to the rank of first-class double-octave - in all the churches of the world is recited solemnly, with the formula when we combine original in this Letter, prayer, or expiatory fine honorable, as it is called, to express with it repentance of our sins and compensate the violated rights of Christ the High Kings and Lord beloved.
29. - We do not doubt, Venerable Brethren, that this practice devoutly renewed and extended to the whole Church, and many have reported that the property will not only individuals, but also to the religious society, civil and domestic.
The same is our Redeemer, in fact, has promised to Margaret Mary "was filled with an abundance of heavenly graces all those who had made the honor to His Heart."
Sinners "looking upon him whom they have pierced" (Jn 19:37) and moved by the tears and groans of the whole Church, repent for wrongs done to the High King, "will cover themselves" (cf. Is 46, 8), lest that persisting in their sin, when they see "coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mt 26.64) who pierced too late and useless to cry over him (cf. Rev 1.7). The righteous become more righteous and more holy (cf. Rev 22:11) and will consecrate themselves with renewed fervor in the service of their king, who despised and fought, and they see the object of so many and such serious injuries. Especially inflamed with zeal for the salvation of souls, meditate in the lament of the divine victim: "What is the benefit from my blood" (Ps 29.10), and reflect the joy that Sacred Heart will have that "one sinner who repents" (Luke 15.7).
But mostly what we wish and hope is that the divine justice, which would have been merciful for ten righteous in Sodom and forgiven, much more willing to forgive all men, in view of the petitions and repairs throughout the community of the faithful rising , together with Christ, the Mediator and Head.
30. - Be propitious to our wishes and our dispositions the most gracious Virgin Mother of God, which by giving birth to our Redeemer, with feed and offer it as a sacrifice on the cross, for the wonderful union with Christ and his grace as a wholly unique , has become too Reparation and as such is piously invoked.
We trust in her intercession with Christ, who despite being the only "mediator between God and men" (1 Tim 2.5) would be associated as the Mother of sinners, advocate, mediator and dispenser of grace.
31. - A pledge of heavenly gifts and witness of our paternal benevolence, to you, Venerable Brethren, and the whole flock entrusted to your care, I cordially impart the apostolic blessing.
Given at Rome at St. Peter, on the 8th of May of 1928, the seventh of Our Pontificate.
Pope Pius XI
MOST SACRED HEART TO REPAIR ACT OF JESUS DL
Prostrate before Your altar, we intend to tinker with special certificates of honor to such a cold and unworthy insults with which he was wounded on all sides by men your beloved heart.
Sweet Jesus: your immense love for men is, unfortunately, with such ingratitude, rewarded with oblivion, neglect, contempt.
Mindful, however, that we too sometimes there is sullied by ingratitude, we feel pain and lively implore your mercy.
We want to tinker with voluntary expiation not only the sins committed by us, but also of those who strays from the path of salvation, refuse to follow you as a shepherd and guide, obstinate in their infidelity, or trampling on the promises of baptism, have shook the very sweet yoke of Thy law.
E mentre intendiamo espiare il cumulo di sì deplorevoli delitti, ci proponiamo di ripararli ciascuno in particolare:
l'immodestia e le brutture della vita e dell'abbigliamento;
le insidie tese alle anime innocenti dalla corruzione dei costumi; la profanazione dei giorni festivi; le ingiurie scagliate contro di Te ei tuoi Santi;
gli insulti rivolti al tuo Vicario e l'ordine sacerdotale; le negligenze e gli orribili sacrilegi con i quali è profanato lo stesso Sacramento dell'amore divino
e in fine le colpe pubbliche delle nazioni che osteggiano i diritti e il magistero della Chiesa da Te fondata.
Intanto come riparazione dell'onore divino conculcato, Ti presentiamo quella soddisfazione che Tu stesso offristi un giorno sulla croce al Padre e che ogni giorno si rinnova sugli altari: Te l'offriamo accompagnata con le espiazioni della Vergine Madre, di tutti i Santi e delle anime pie.
Promettiamo con tutto il cuore di voler riparare, per quanto potremo, con l'aiuto della tua grazia, i peccati commessi da noi e dagli altri e l'indifferenza verso sì grande amore, con la fermezza della fede, la santità della vita, l'osservanza perfetta della legge evangelica e specialmente della carità.
Inoltre d'impedire, con tutte le forze, le ingiurie contro di Te e attrarre quanti più potremo, a seguire e imitare Te.
Accogli, te ne preghiamo, o benignissimo Gesù, per intercessione della BV Maria Riparatrice, questo volontario ossequio di riparazione, e conservaci nella fedele obbedienza a Te e nel tuo servizio fino alla morte, col dono della perseveranza, così che possiamo un giorno pervenire a quella patria, dove Tu col Padre e con lo Spirito Santo vivi e regni, Dio, per tutti i secoli dei secoli.
Amen.
