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Handout #249 |
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The missionary thought of Pope Gregory XVI |
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Gregory XVI, who might seem profoundly
reactionary in his political thought, proved to be a pioneer in the sphere
of mission. Before becoming pope he had been prefect of the Congregation of
Propaganda entrusted with mission. Written some month before his death, the
Propaganda instruction Neminem profecto of 23 November 1845 is
Gregory XVI's missionary testament. One can only regret that his directives
about local clergy were not followed.
In truth, each and every head of a mission, no matter what title they may hold, must, as the bishops have always desired, present to the episcopate as many candidates as possible, in order to promote and consolidate Catholicism. They must augment the number of bishops and one day at last establish the hierarchy of the church. Similarly, they must do everything possible, as one of their most important duties, to see that the Christians of the country are promoted to clergy status and the priesthood ... This is very urgent, and seminaries must be opened in which all young men with a priestly vocation may be well trained over the necessary period by studying the sacred disciplines ... In this way the long-standing wishes of the Holy See will be fulfilled, to have priests worthy to perform an ecclesiastical function and also worthy of promotion to the episcopate. We reject the custom which would make the clergy of the country auxiliary clergy; it must be abolished. All workers of the gospel are equal, whether they come from the country or are European. Missionaries associated with people of different political opinions must not themselves be involved in political and secular affairs. They must not join any party or be a factor of division in the nation. Care must be taken to see that missionaries make an effort to understand the social life of these peoples. In presenting the teaching of the gospel they must not fail to attach due value to the work and art of these faithful. Collectanea S. C. De Propaganda Fidei 1, 541-5. |
