We will end with the words of Pope Leo XIII, the venerable and
zealous Apostle of the Rosary in the nineteenth century.
Speaking to the rulers of the Church, the Pope says: "For these
reasons the Roman Pontiffs have ever given the highest praise to
this Sodality of our Lady. Innocent VII called it 'a most devout
Confraternity.' Pius V declared that by its virtue 'Christians
began suddenly to be transformed into other men, the darkness of
heresy to be dispelled, and the light of Catholic faith to shine
forth.' We also, Venerable Brethren, moved by the example of our
predecessors, earnestly exhort and conjure you, as we have often
done, to devote special care to this sacred warfare, so that by
your efforts fresh forces may be daily enrolled on every side.
Through you and those of your clergy who have the care of souls,
let the people know and duly appreciate the efficacy of this
Sodality and its usefulness for man's salvation." To the
faithful laity the Pontiff's fatherly words are no less strong:
"For this reason do we exhort all Christians to give themselves
to the daily recital of this pious devotion either in public or
privately in the home or family of each. We believe it to be in
the designs of Providence that, in these times of trials for the
Church, the ancient devotion to the august Virgin should live
and flourish.
"May the Christian people, excited by our exhortations and
inflamed by your appeals, now seek the protection of Mary with
an ardor growing greater day by day. Let them betake themselves
more and more to the protection of Mary, and trust in Her. Let
them cling more and more to the practice of the Rosary, to which
our ancestors had recourse as an ever-ready refuge in misfortune,
and as a glorious pledge and proof of Christian faith and devotion.
"The heavenly Patroness of the human race will receive with joy
these prayers and supplications, and will easily obtain that the
good grow in goodness, and that the erring repent and be brought
back to salvation; that God, who is the avenger of crime, moved
to compassion and mercy, shall deliver Christendom and civil
society from their present dangers, and restore to them that
peace which is so much desired.
"Encouraged by this hope, we beseech God Himself, with the
earnest desire of our heart, to grant you, Venerable Brethren,
every gift of heavenly blessing, through Her in whom He has
placed the fullness of all grace."
Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, September, 1915.