Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/461

Rh second centenary of the blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque’s reception of the divine command to propagate the worship of the Sacred Heart, many letters from all parts, not merely from private persons but from bishops also, were sent to Pius IX. begging that he would consent to consecrate the whole human race to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was thought best at the time to postpone the matter in order that a well-considered decision might be arrived at: meanwhile permission was granted to individual cities which desired it thus to consecrate themselves, and a form of consecration was drawn up. Now, for certain new and additional reasons, We consider that the plan is ripe for fulfilment.

This world-wide and solemn testimony of allegiance and piety is especially appropriate to Jesus Christ, who is the Head and supreme Lord of the race. His empire extends not only over Catholic nations and those who having been duly washed in the waters of holy Baptism, belong of right to the Church, although erroneous opinions keep them astray, or dissent from her teaching cuts them off from her care; it comprises also all those who are deprived of the Christian faith, so that the whole human race is most truly under the power of Jesus Christ. For He who is the only-begotten Son of God the Father, having the same substance with Him and being the brightness of His glory and the figure of His substance, necessarily has everything in common with the Father, and therefore sovereign power over all things. This is why the Son of God thus speaks of Himself through the Prophet: ''But I am appointed king by Him over Sion, His holy mountain. ... The Lord said to Me, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for Thy possession.'' By these words He declares that He has power from God over the whole Church, which is signified by Mount Sion, and also over the rest of the