- Acerrimo Moerore
Acerrimo Moerore (January 2, 1949) is an
Apostolic Letter ofPope Pius XII to the HungarianEpiscopate after thejail ing andtorturing of CardinalJoseph Mindszenty . [AAS 1949 29] Pope Pius XII asks the Catholicbishop s of Hungary to pray to theVirgin Mary and to include in their prayers to her those who persecute them. They should also pray for those who live inhate anddiscord , so that with divine assistance better and more peaceful times may descend over Hungary.The Pope is alarmed over the jailing and torturing of Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty, a violation of
human rights and dignity, and anaffront against religion itself. Not only the Catholics inHungary , decent people all over he world watch in horror. The Cardinal stood up for the freedom of he Church and the Hungarian people, and therefore all accusations are highly honourable. The Holy Father takes part in the continued suffering of the Hungarian bishops. [Acerrimo Moerore 3] Freedom is so important, that it may be necessary to sacrifice one’s life.The Pope is quite aware of the great tribulations and sufferings, which the Church has to endure in Hungary. But he is also aware of the great
loyalty and strength of its bishops, who are asked to combine courage with wisdom in this situation. He appeals to them to be united. He reminds them, that heir forefathers overcame similar problems. They knew that the Christian faith can be maligned and attacked, but never defeated. [Acerrimo Moerore 5] He appeals to them, to follow their examples. They will find the most wonderful consolation and help; the consolation to work for the peace and kingdom of Christ. His kingdom is not of this world, because of the mandate, to change behaviour and life, in order to reach through this earthly misery the heavenly kingdom. The Pope concludes his letter with the most cordialApostolic Blessing s to his brother bishops and their faithful, especially all those who are persecuted. [Acerrimo Moerore 7]References
* Acerrimo Moerore, Acta Apostolicae Sedis, AAS 1949 29
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