We have presented for your consideration the real nature and excellence of this kind of Devotion -- beautiful teachings filled with consolation.  But before we close this Letter, mindful of the Apostolic Office, which was first entrusted to St. Peter after his threefold protestation of love for Christ the Lord, we deem it fitting to exhort you again, Venerable Brothers, and through you all of our dearly beloved children in Christ, to strive ever more earnestly to promote this most gratifying Devotion.
    We are confident that in our day, as in others, a great many Blessings will flow from it.

A DUTY OF RELIGION
    Indeed, if the evidence on which Devotion to the wounded Heart of Jesus rests is rightly weighed, it is clear to all that we are dealing  here, not with an ordinary form of piety which anyone may at his discretion esteem less than other Devotions, or regard lightly, but with a duty of Religion most conducive to Christian perfection.
    For if devotion, according to the common Theological definition which the Angelic Doctor gives, "is apparently nothing else but the will to give oneself readily to things concerning the service of God," (Sum. Theol. II=II, q. 82, a. 1.)  can there be a service to God more required and necessary -- and at the same time nobler and more pleasant -- than that which pays homage to His Love?

LOVE IS A FIRST GIFT
    What is more pleasing and acceptable to God than that service which submits to divine Love and is rendered for the sake of love, since every service freely rendered is, in a sense, a Gift, and love "has the nature of a first Gift in strength whereof all free Gifts are given"? (Sum. Theol. I. q. 38, a. 2.)
    That form of Religion must be held in highest honor by virtue of which man honors and loves God the more; by which he Consecrates himself more easily and readily to divine Love; and which our Redeemer Himself deigned to propose and recommend to Christianity and the Sovereign Pontiffs have defended in memorable writings and extolled with highest praise.
    Therefore, whoever considers of little value this wonderful favor which Jesus Christ has bestowed upon His Church does a rash and harmful thing and offends God Himself.

"WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART"
    In view of this, there is no doubt that the faithful who honor the Sacred Heart of the Redeemer comply with the very grave obligation by which they are bound to serve God: they dedicate themselves and all they have, both their inner thoughts and outward actions, to the Creator and Redeemer; and thus they obey the divine Commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole mind, and with your whole strength." (Mk. 12:30; Mt. 22:37.)

THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING AND THE WRONG
    In addition to this, they know with certainity that they are primarily led to worship God not for any personal advantage, be it spiritual or physical, temporal or eternal, but on account of the goodness of God, whom they strive to serve by loving Him in return, by adoring Him and the by thanking Him.
    If this were not true, Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus would not be in accord with the true nature of the Christian Religion, since by such Devotion divine Love is not primarily venerated.  And so, those who do not correctly understand the superior nature of this Devotion or practice it in the wrong way are not unjustly, as sometimes happens, accused of excessive love and concern for themselves.
    Let all therefore be firmly convinced that in showing devotion to the most august Heart of Jesus external acts of piety do not play the first and foremost role.  Nor is the reason, for this Devotion to be sought primarily in the Blessings which Christ the Lord promised in private Revelations in order that men might fulfill more fervently the principal duties of the Catholic Faith, namely, the obligations of love and expiation, and so be especially mindful of their own spiritual advancement.

CHERISH THIS DEVOTION
    We therefore urge all our sons in Christ to cherish this form of Devotion eagerly, both those who already are accustomed to drink the saving waters which flow from the Heart of the Redeemer, and especially those who, in the idle manner of spectators, look on from a distance with misgivings.
    Let them seriously consider that we speak of a Devotion as we have already said, which has long flourished in the Church and is firmly based on the Gospel and which Tradition and the Sacred Liturgy openly encourage.

THE POPES SPEAK
    The Roman Pontiffs themselves praised it most highly on numerous occasions, and were not content merely to institute a Feast in honor of the august Heart of the Redeemer and extend it to the Universal Church, but also Solemnly Consecrated and dedicated the whole human race to the Sacred Heart. (Cf. Leo XIII, Enc. Annum Sacrum: Acta Leonis, vol. 19, 1900, p. 71 sq.; Decr. S.C. Rituum, June 28, 1899, in Decr. Auth. 3, n. 3712; Pius XI, Enc. Miserentissimus Redemptor: Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 1928, p. 177 sq.; Decr. S.C. Rit., January 29, 1929: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 21, 1929, p. 77.)

FRUITS OF THE DEVOTION
    Finally, there are additional rich and joyous blessings which this Devotion brings to the Church the return of countless souls to the Religion of Christ, the reanimated faith of many people and the closer union of the faithful with our most loving Redeemer. All of these, especially in recent decades, have appeared before our eyes in ever increasing and richer profusion.

GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING
    As we look upon this marvelous spectacle of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so widespread and so ardent among all classes of the faithful, we are filled with a gratifying and joyous sense of consolation.
    After rendering fitting thanks to our Redeemer, who is the infinite Treasure of goodness, we cannot refrain from extending our Paternal congratulations to all, both of the Clergy and of the laity, who have actively contributed to the spreading of this Devotion.

THE TASK AHEAD
    But even though Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has everywhere produced the salutary fruits of Christian living, nonetheless, Venerable Brothers, it is clear that the Church Militant here on earth, and especially civil society, have not yet achieved that full and complete measure of perfection which corresponds to the wishes and desires of Jesus Christ, the Mystical spouse of the Church and the Redeemer of the human race.

THE RETURN OF SINNERS
    Not a few of the Church's children mar the beauty of their mother's countenance, which they reflect in themselves, with too many blemishes and wrinkles.  Not all the faithful are resplendent with that sanctity of life to which they have been called by God.
    All sinners have not returned to their Father's house, which they wrongly left, there to put on once more the best robe (Lk. 15:22.)  and to receive for their finger a ring, the Sign of fidelity to the Spouse of their soul.

THE CONVERSION OF PAGANS
    Not all of the pagans, not even a goodly number, have yet been joined to the Mystical Body of Christ.  For if we are caused bitter grief by the languishing faith of the good, whose souls have been led astray by a deceptive desire for worldly possissions so that the fervor of Charity grows cold and is gradually extinguished, the machinations of the wicked wrack us with even greater pain.
    As if goaded on by the infernal enemy, these men, especially now, are on fire with an implacable and open hatred for God, the Church, and especially for him who takes the place of the divine Redeemer on earth and represents His love for men according to the well-known words of St. Ambrose: "For [Peter] is questioned in a matter about which he feels uncertain; but the Lord who put the question has no doubt.  He asked not to find out, but to point out before His Ascension him whom He left us as the Vicar of His Love." (Exposit. in Evang. sec. Lucam, 1, 10, n. 175; P.L. XV, 1942.)

THE GREATEST SIN
    Indeed, hatred of God and those who lawfully take His place is so great a sin that man, created in the Image and Likeness of God and destined to enjoy His friendship which is to last forever in Heaven, can commit none greater.
    By hatred of God, man is separated completely from the highest good and driven to cast from himself and his fellow men whatever comes from God, whatever joins us to God and whatever leads us to enjoy God, whatever joins us to God and whatever leads us to enjoy God, that is, truth, virtue, peace and justice. (Cf. St. Thomas, Sum. Theol. II-II, q. 34, a. 2: ed. Leon. tom. 8, 1895 , p. 274.)
    Unfortunately, since it is possible to see increasing everywhere the number of those who glory in being enemies of God, the false tenets of materialism being propagated in practice and theory, and unbridled freedom of lust everywhere extolled what wonder of Charity -- the Supreme Law of the Christian Religion, the surest Foundation of true and perfect justice, the chief source of peace and chaste pleasure -- grow cold in the souls of many?  For, as our Savior warned, "because iniquity will abound, the Charity of the many will grow cold." (Mt. 24:12.)

THE REMEDY: DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART
    In the face of so many evils which today more than ever deeply disturb individuals, homes, nations and the whole world, where, Venerable Brothers, is a remedy to be sought?
    Is there a Devotion more excellent than that to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one which is more in accord with the real nature of the Catholic Faith or which better meets the needs of the Church and the human race today?  What act of Religion is nobler, more suitable, sweeter and more conducive to salvation, since this Devotion is wholly directed to the Love of God Himself? (Cf. Enc. Miserentissimus Redemptor: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 20, 1928, p. 166.)
    Finally, what can bring the faithful to live the Law of the Gospel more effectively than the Love of Christ, which Devotion to the Sacred Heart daily increases and fosters?
    If this Law is rejected, is it possible to have genuine peace among men?  As the Words of the Holy Ghost clearly teach, "The work of justice shall be peace." (Is. 32:17.)

SOURCE AND STANDARD OF UNITY, SALVATION, PEACE
    Therefore, following the example of our immediate predecessor, we choose to address again to all our Beloved Sons in Christ the words of admonition which Leo XIII of immortal memory spoke to all the faithful at the end of the last century.  We likewise address these words to all who have a genuine concern for their own salvation and that of civil society.  "Behold another most auspicious and divine standard presented to our view today: the Sacred Heart of Jesus gleaming with dazzling light, surrounded by flames.  In it all hopes must be placed, in It man's salvation must be sought and looked for." (Enc. Annim Sacrim: Acta Leonis, vol. 19, 1900, p. 79; Miserentissimus Redemptor: Acta Apostolicae Sedis 20, 1928, p. 167.)
    It is also our most ardent desire that all who glory in the name of Christian and who zealously strive to establish the Kingdom of Christ on earth consider Devotion to the Heart of Jesus as the standard and the source of Unity, Salvation and Peace.

DOES NOT DETRACT FROM OTHER DEVOTIONS
    Nevertheless, let no one think that this Devotion detracts anything from other Devotions with which Christian people, under the leadership of the Church, honor the divine Redeemer.
    On the contrary, ardent Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will without doubt, encourage and promote Devotion to the most Holy Cross and love for the most august Sacrament of the Altar. For we can definitely state a fact which the Revelations made by Jesus Christ to St. Gertrude and St. Margaret Mary marvelously confirm: that no one ever fittingly loves Christ hanging on the Cross but he to whom the Mystical Secrets of His Sacred Heart have been unfolded.

THE EUCHARISTIC HEART OF JESUS
    Nor will it be easy to grasp the force of that Love by which Christ was impelled to give Himself as our Spiritual Food except by fostering in a special way Devotion to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
    The purpose of this Devotion, to use the words of our predecessor of happy memory, Leo XIII, is to recall to our minds "that supreme act of Love by which our Redeemer, pouring forth all the Riches of His Heart, instituted the adorable Sacrament of the Eucharist to remain in our midst to the end of time." (Litt. Apost. Quibus Archisodalitas a Corde Eucharistico Jesu ad S. Joachim de Urbe erigitur, February 17, 1903: Acta Leonis, vol. 22, 1903, p. 307 sq.; cf. Enc. Mirae Caritatis, May 22, 1902: Acta Leonis, vol.22, 1903, p. 116.)
    For "not the smallest portion of His Heart is the Eucharist which He gave us from the overflowing Love of His Heart." (St. Albert the Great, De Eucharistia, dist. 6, tr. 1. c. 1: Opera Omnia, ed. Borgnet, vol. 38, Paris, 1890, p. 358.)

A SCHOOL OF DIVINE CHARITY
    Finally, greatly impelled by the desire to set up a firm defense against the wicked machinations of the enemies of God and His Church, and at the same time to lead back domestic and civil society to the love of God and neighbor, we do not hesitate to state emphatically that Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a most effective school of divine Love.  On this Love must rest the Kingdom of God which is to be established in the souls of individuals, in families and in  Nations.
    As our same predecessor of blessed memory most wisely teaches: "The Kingdom of Jesus Christ draws its Power and distinctive characteristics from divine Love; Its Foundation and chief Doctrine is to love holily and in proper order.  From this it necessarily follows that we must fulfill obligations faithfully, detract nothing from the rights of others, consider human matters inferior to divine and place love of God above everything else." (Enc. Tametsi: Acta Leonis, vol. 20, 1900, p. 303.)

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
    That graces for the Christian famaily and for the whole human race may flow more abundantly from Devotion to the Sacred Heart, let the faithful strive to join it closely with Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God.
    By the Will of God, the most Blessed Virgin Mary was iseparably joined with Christ in accomplishing the work of man's Redemption, so that our salvation flows from the Love of Jesus Christ and His Sufferings, intimately united with the Love and Sorrows of His Mother.
    It is, then, highly fitting that after due homage has been paid to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Christian people, who have obtained divine life from Christ through Mary, manifest for the most Loving Heart of our heavenly Mother similar affections of Devotion, love and a spirit of gratitude and expiations.
    The memorable act of Consecration in which we ourselves, in the most wise and loving dispositions of divine Providence, Solemnly Dedicated the Church and the whole world to the untainted Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is in perfect accord with Devotion to the Sacred Heart." (Cf. Acta Apostolicae Sedis 34, 1942, p. 345 sq.)

CENTENARY OF THE FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART
    Since in the course of the present year, as previously mentioned, we are joyfully completing the first century since our predessor of happy memory, Pius IX, ordered the celebration of the Feast of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus throughout the entire church, it is our fervent desire, Venerable Brothers, that this Centenary be Solemnly Celebrated by the Faithful everywhere with public acts of Adoration, Thanksgiving and Reparation to the divine Heart of Jesus.
    With all the Faithful united in bonds of love and common prayer, these Festivals of Christian joy and piety will be celebrated with special Religious fervor in that country where by God's special Providence the Holy Virgin who was the promoter and indefatigable herald of this Devotion was born.
    In the meantime, strengthened with joyous hope and in spirit already anticipating the Spiritual Fruits which we are certain will grow abundantly in the Church from Devotion to the Sacred Heart, if correctly understood according to our explanation and zealously practiced, we humbly pray God lovingly to grant His Grace for the fulfillment of our most ardent desire.
    With God's help may this year's celebration increase from day to day the love of the Faithful for the  most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  And may His Kingdom, a Kingdom "of Truth and Life, a Kingdom of Holiness and Grace, a Kingdom of Justice, Love and Peace," (Roman Missal Preface of Jesus Christ the King.)  be extended further to all in the whole world.
    As a pledge of these heavenly Graces, we most lovingly impart to each of you, Venerable Brothers, to the Clergy and people entrusted to your care, and in particular to those who zealously encourage and promote Devotion to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, our Apostolic Benediction.
    Given at Rome from St. Peter's, May 15, 1956, in the eighteenth year of our Pontificate.

                                                                                                      Pius PP. XII

    As Peter was given a new name so does the new Supreme Pontiff become known by another.  After the election he extends his first blessing to the people -- a Benediction which was not given in the open for years until Pope Pius XI established the custom.
    The Coronation, one of the most magnificent of Vatican Ceremonies, takes place shortly after the election.  With the Pope carried high in a golden chair and attended by brilliantly attired chamberlains and soldiers, the Coronation Mass is an unrivaled spectacle of beauty, dignity, and ancient pageantry.  At the Coronation, in the midst of the pomp and splendor, a master of ceremonies recites in Latin: "Holy Father, thus does the glory of the world pass away."  As the first Cardinal Deacon places the three-crowned Tiara on the head of the Pope, he says: "Receive the three-crowned Tiara, and know that thou art the Father of Princes and Kings, the Pastor of the earth, and Vicar of Jesus Christ, to whom be honor and glory forever.  Amen."
    THE CORONATION of Pope Pius XII took place on the balcony of St. Peter's in March, 1939.  (From the book "The Vatican and Holy Year" by Stephen S. Fenichell & Phillip Andrews. -- 1950 edition.)

    (Tradition is an equal part [along with the Bible] of the Authoritative Teaching of the Church -- From the book "The Immaculate Way" by Brian Farrelly, S.M.M. -- 1963 edition.)

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