Page:The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII.djvu/583



REVIEW OF HIS PONTIFICATE. 577

while she is progressing on her way deprived of all human help and assistance, is she not in effect carrying on her gigantic work in the world and is she not extending her action in every chme and every nation? Expelled by Jesus Christ, the prince of this world can no longer exer- cise his proud dominion as heretofore; and although doubtless the efforts of Satan may cause us many a woe they will not achieve the object at which they aim. Al- ready a supernatural tranquilhty due to the Holy Ghost, who provides for the Church and who abides in it, reigns not only in the souls of the faithful but also throughout Christianity; a tranquillity whose serene development we witness everywhere, thanks to the union ever more and more close and affectionate with the Apostolic See; a union which is in marvellous contrast with the agitation, the dissension, and the continual unrest of the various sects which disturb the peace of society. There exists also between bishops and clergy a union which is fruitful in numberless works of zeal and charity. It exists like- wise between the clergy and laity who, more closely knit together and more completely freed from human respect than ever before, are awakening to a new life and organ- izing with a generous emulation in defence of the sacred cause of religion. It is this union which We have so often recommended and which We recommend again, which We bless that it may develop still more and may rise like an impregnable wall against the fierce violence of the enemies of God.

There is nothing more natural than that, like the branches which spring from the roots of the tree, these numberless associations which we see with joy flourish in our days in the bosom of the Church should arise, grow strong and multiply. There is no form of Christian piety which has been omitted whether there is question of Jesus Christ Himself, or His adorable mysteries, or His divine Mother, or the saints whose wonderful virtues have illumined the world. Nor has any kind of charitable work been forgotten.