This document is much too little known. Britain has much for which to thank Leo XIII: the red hat given to Newman, the solemn definition of the nullity of Anglican orders, St Bede’s elevation to Doctor of the Church but it is seldom remembered that almost the first act of Leo’s pontificate was the restoration of the Scottish hierarchy. This measure had been delayed for many years after the restoration of the English hierarchy because of the much greater hostility of the Protestants north of the border. It is interesting the importance Leo gives to the unflinching preservation of the Church’s doctrine concerning the unlimited material inerrancy of Sacred Scripture as “the starting-point for a return to unity“. Leo’s obvious belief in the sincerity of Scottish Protestants’ reverence for scripture causes him to lay out with unusual frankness the logical connection of such reverence to the acceptance of the infallible magisterium of the Church.
January 18, 2012
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January 18, 2012 at 11:16 pm
That is interesting. It seems that Cardinal Manning had some influence in these matters.
Also Leo XIII should be praised for the beatification of St John Fisher and Thomas More and sixty-one other martyrs and he made 263 martyrs venerable signing their cause for canonization. There are letters of Cardinal Newman encouraging him to do this.
And the Letter to the English people and this prayer attached are not very well known
TO THE ENGLISH PEOPLE WHO SEEK THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH.
The below prayer attached to this letter recited daily receives a plenary indulgence monthly or indulgence of 300 days every time recited (under the usual conditions of sacramental Confession,Communion at Mass and prayer for the intentions of the Pope).
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England “thy Dowry” and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and our hope, was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the Supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home.
January 19, 2012 at 12:13 am
Probably depends where you’re from (the well-knownness of the prayer for England) – not much call for it in the rust belt that lies to the south of Canada, I expect. I used to know most of it off by heart from it being recited in churches.