Any account of the good influence of the Holy See on our ecclesiastical
conditions would be unjust and incomplete if the Congregation of the
Propaganda Fide were omitted. To it we owe an unceasing surveillance,
full of prudence and intelligence. From its offices have come to the
bishops regularly counsel, warning, encouragement, co-operation. It
has been eminently just and fair, also fearless in the application of
the principles, the spirit, and the letter of canonical discipline.
Its action is a calm and grave one, marked by reticence and patience
and that composure which belongs to the highest judicial decisions.
But the Catholic Church in the United States and in Canada owes it an
undisputed debt of gratitude. The most learned cardinals of the century
and the best ecclesiastical talent have co-operated in the creation of
its legislation, which need not fear the criticism of any learned and
honest judicial body of men.