Saeculo Exeunte

Saeculo Exeunte is an encyclical of Pope Pius XII in which he honors Portugal at the celebration of its 800th anniversary. A large part of the encyclical deals with the missionary activities of Portugal and the need to modernize missionary work. It was given at Rome, June 13, 1940, in the second year of his Pontificate.

ummary

The Pontiff reviews Portuguese history, mentioning among others explorers like Henry the Navigator and Vasco Da Gama, who took missionaries along while making discoveries: Their illustrious example greatly inspired the Catholic world, including the spirited citizens of your fatherland, to promote more widely the works of the apostolate. [Saeculo Exeunte 7] Alphonsus of Albuquerque and John de Castro governed the Portuguese colonies, giving protection and assistance to the Catholic missionaries. [Saeculo Exeunte 10] But now there is a shortage of missionary priests especially in Africa. The pope recommends missionary societies such as "Portuguese Society for the Promotion of the Catholic Foreign Missions," in order to improve the quality of preparation and training and interaction among clergy in missions. The selection of decent candidates is of special concern to Pius XII, who suggests that only persons with perfect character aptitudes should be sent. [Saeculo Exeunte 30-35] He appeals to the people of Portugal, to support their missionaries generously. He entrusts them and all of Portugal to the protection of Our Lady of Fatima, [Saeculo Exeunte 52] who, as Pius XII said in a radio address, may have aided in keeping Portugal out of World War Two.

ignificance

World War Two meant drastic reductions in Catholic missionary activities, as nationals from belligerent nations were either interned or expelled in Africa and Asia. Portugal was a neutral country and its missionaries could work relatively free from poltical reprisals. Therefore, Pius XII turned to Portugal in 1940, as one of the few Catholic countries which could help to linit the consequences of the war in the missions.

Quotes

References

* [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_13061940_saeculo-exeunte-octavo_en.html Saeculo Exeunte on the Vatican Website]