CIRCULAR BY THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXII, Issue 35, 1 September 1904, Page 3

CIRCULAR BY THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH

The following circular has been issued by the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, S.M., Bishop of Christchurch :— Dearly Beloved Brethren and Children in Jesus Christen the Feast of the Purification our Holy Father, Pius X., was pleased to announce the solemn indulgence of a Jubilee to be gained during the course of the present year.

The proclamation of this great privilege was intended to mark his own elevation to the Supreme Pontificate, and still more to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. In his beautiful Encyclical, which will be read in all the churches and chapels of the Diocese as soon as it will have been received by the Clergy, the Sovereign Pontiff expresses the hope that the renewal of the memory of the Immaculate Conception of the Motlher of God will fill the heartis of the faithful with a holy joy,i similar to that which was felt by the Catholic world fifty years ago. At the same time he looks forward to the repetition of the magnificent demonstrations which then took place to prove their children's love and devotion towards the glorious Virgin who, of old, was inspired to proclaim—' Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because He that is mighty hath done great things %o me : and Holy is* His name.'— St. Luke xi. 48-49.

Among the many motives urging us to a grateful devotion to- the Blessed Virgin, the Holy Father makes mention of the many gifts that come to us from on high through the Immaculate Mary. The first and chief is, that through our 'Blessed Lady all mankind is unitejd to Christ. Upon Mary, as a foundation, the noblest after her Divine Son, rises the edifice of the faith of Christians. Through her, more than any other means, we have offered to us a sure way of attaining to Jesus Christ. Through Mary we arrive at the knowledge of Jesus Christ ; and, therefore, the Holy Father declares that all solemnities everywhere being prepared in honor of the Immaculate Conception, should have in view the knowledge and love of Jeslus Christ.

The acts of devotion performed during the Jubilea are not to bear the mere appearance of piety ; they must be inspired by the heart and the will. Homage to Mary should work a change in our lives by the imitation of her virtues, more especially those of faith prid hope and charity to God and our neighbor. In the Immaculate Conception will be found great help for the preservation and right development of these virtues. Faith will be confirmed, hope aroiUßed, and the precept of charity fulfilled.

The Jubilee will begin in this our Diocese of Christchurch, September the 9th, and will end on the Feast of Ihe Immaculate Conception, December the Bth.

The Following are the Conditions to be fulfilled in order to gain the Indulgence of i the Jubilee :

L— All Avho live in the city of 'OhrisitchUrch must make three visits to the Church of the Pro-Cathedral. Those who live outside the city must make three distinct visits to their own parish church, or the church of the district in which they live.

2.— During those visits they must pray according to the intentions of our Holy Father, for the liberty and exaltation of the Catholic Church and the Apostolic See, fox the extirpation of heresy, the conversion of thtose in error, the concord of Christian princes, and the peace and unity of the faitlhful.

3.— To observe a rigorous fast on some one day at the choice of the faithful. On this Fast Day neither dripping *ior I'ard !nay be used, andt whitel meats', such as butter, eggs, cheese and milk, may be used at the principal meal only. ! 4. — Sacramental Confession and Holy Communion. — Children who hflve n'ofc yet made their First Conuniunion may be dispensed by their Confessor from the obligation of receiving Holy Communion, and gain the indulgence of the JAibilee, by fulfilling the other conditions.

Nota bene I.— Out Holy Father the Pope declares that the indulgence of the Jubilee can be gained only once, and that it may be applied by way of suffrage to the Souls in Purgatory ; and furthermore, that all other indulgences, even Plenary, may s*till be obtained by the faithful during the time of the Jubilee.

2.— The usual privileges are granted to Confessors and to religidus on the occasion of this .extraordinary Jubilee which, we earnestly hope and pray, will be a source of heaven's choicest blessings upon this Diocese, and all the faithful thereof.

3.— Though it is left to the discretion of the faithful to choose any time between the 9th of September and the Btßi of December for the gaining of the Jubilee, we

woiuld strongly urge our devoted Pridsts to announce a week'si retreat or Novena in each parish, by way of preparation for the fulfilling of the exercises of the Jubilee. Their own piety will prompt them to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception this year with moire than usual solemnity. Permission is hereby granted for Benediction 'every evening of the Novena preceding the Feast, with Solemn Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament during one whole day of the Novena or week chosem for the exercises of the retreat.

• 4.— This cirdular is to be road, and afterwards left in a conspicuous place in all the Churches, Chapelts, and Convents of the Diocese. ►J« . JOHN JOSEPH GRIMES, S.M., Bishop of Christchurch.

The Pro-Cathedral, Christchurch. Feast of St. Bartholomew, 1904.