HOPES FOR PEACE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1960, 3 April 1919, Page 3

HOPES FOR PEACE.

THE POPE AND CONGRESS

AN ENCYCLICAL LETTER

An Encyclical letter from His Holiness the Pope was, by direction of: His Grace Archbishop Redwood, read in all the Catholic Churches on Sunday last. The Public Prayers were enumerated, and the times fixed for the same as decreed by the Pope. The letter is as under: —

That for which (he whole world has long sighed, which Christianity has implored with such fervent prayer, and for which we, too, interpreter of the common sorrow, have never ceased to pray with the heart, of the father intent on the good of all —that has come in a moment; at last the clash of arms has ceased. True, peace has not yet in solemn fashion brought to an end the great war, but to peace the road has been opened happily with the Armistice, which has, meanwhile, suspended slaughter and devastation' by land, sea, and air. Many and various reasons could be given to explain the suddenness of this event; but if the supreme reason be sought there is no other way but to look above t,o Him who rules all events. Moved 'to compassion by the unceasing prayers of His servants, He now lets luynanity breathe again after so many trials and sorrows. While, then, all thanks are being given to the Lord for this wondrous boon, we are glad that many imposing demonstrations of piety have taken place in the Catholic world to that end. It remains now to implore the divine mercy that the crown be put on the great gift accorded us. Soon the delegates of the various nations will meet in solemn congress to give the world

a. just and lasting peace; no human assembly Ims ever had before if Mich serious and complex delerminations as thev will have lo hike.

Words, liieii, are not required lo show how groat need they have oi' being illumined from on high that (hey may carry out (heir great (askwell. And, as their decisions will he of supreme inleresl: (o all humanity, (here is no douht that; Catholics, from whom (he support of order and civil progress is a duly of conscience, must invoke divine assistance lor all who take part in (he I’eace Conference. Wo desire (hat that duly he brought before all Catholics. Therefore, venerable brothers, in order that there may come from (he Congress shorlly to be held (ha( great gift of heaven, (rue peace founded on (he Christian principles of justice, that enlightenment from the Heavenly Father may descend mi them, il shall be your care lo order public prayers in each parish of your dioceses in (he way you may think most convenient. As for Us, representing, however unworlhily, Jesus Christ, King of Peace, We shall exerl all the inllue;ice of Our Apostolic Ministry that the decisions which are to be taken to ensure for ever in the world the tranquility of order and concord be willingly accepted and faithfully carried out 1)V Catholics everywhere.

As harbingers of celestial favours ami pledge of Our benevolence, to you, venerable brethren, and to yon, clergy and people, We imparl from Our heart the Apostolic Benediction. Given at Home at St. Peter's on the Ist day of December, 1918, the fifth year of Our Pontificate, BENEDICTUS, P.P., XV.