Augustissimae Virginis Mariae

Augustissimae Virginis Mariae is an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII. It was issued 12 September 1897 in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.[1] This is an encyclical on the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary.

Augustissimae Virginis Mariae
Latin for 'Of the Most August Virgin Mary'
Encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIII
Date12 September 1897
SubjectOn the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary
Number63 of 85 of the pontificate
Text

Benefit of pious associations

While recognizing the natural tendency of people to associate in groups of like-minded interests, he notes the beneficial usefulness of various Catholic associations. Among these, however, he gives prominence to the Rosary Sodality. "Everyone knows how necessary prayer is for all men; not that God's decrees can be changed, but, as St. Gregory says, "that men by asking may merit to receive what Almighty God hath decreed from eternity to grant them"[2]

"We are taught by the Catholic faith that we may pray not only to God himself, but also to the Blessed in heaven (Conc. Trill. Sess. xxv.), though in different manner; because we ask from God as from the Source of all good, but from the Saints as from intercessors. ... Wherefore, it is said in the Apocalypse (viii., 4): "The smoke of the incense of the prayers of the Saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel" (Summa Theol. 2a tae, q. lxxxiii. a. iv.). ... Now, of all the blessed in heaven, who can compare with the august Mother of God in obtaining grace? ...For, so great is her dignity, so great her favour before God, that whosoever in his need will not have recourse to her is trying to fly without wings.[3]

Leo also likens concerted communal prayer to the office of the angels. "With what confidence may we not hope that those who on earth have united with the Angels in this ministry will one day enjoy their blessed company in Heaven?"[4]

In “Augustissimae Virinis”, Leo contrasted the growth of the society devoted to the Rosary, The Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, versus the evil societies of his time, the Socialists and Freemasons:

The natural tendency of man to association has never been stronger, or more earnestly and generally followed, than in our own age. This is not at all to be reprehended, unless when so excellent a natural tendency is perverted to evil purposes, and wicked men, banding together in various forms of societies, conspire "against the Lord and against His Christ" (Ps ii., 2). It is, however, most gratifying to observe that pious associations are becoming more and more popular among Catholics also....[5] (5)

•                   We do not hesitate to assign a pre-eminent place among these societies to that known as the Society of the Holy Rosary. If we regard its origin, we find it distinguished by its antiquity, for St. Dominic himself is said to have been its founder.[6]

Diuturni temporis

The following year, Leo issued Diuturni temporis on 5 September 1898, his last encyclical devoted to the Rosary

The Rosary "...affords a powerful protection to faith and conspicuous models of virtue in the mysteries proposed for contemplation. We showed also how easy the devotion is and how suited to the people, offering an absolutely perfect model of domestic life in meditation on the Holy Family at Nazareth, and that therefore Christendom had never failed to experience its salutary effects."[7]

Pope Leo indicated his intention to issue a "Constitution" regarding the rights, privileges and indulgences pertaining to the Rosary Sodality:

We have decided upon carrying out what We have long contemplated, namely, the publication of a "Constitution" concerning the rights, privileges and indulgences which are enjoyed by the members of the Rosary Sodality. This Our "Constitution" We intend to be a testimony of Our love to the most august Mother of God, and at the same time an encouragement to all the faithful and a reward of their piety, so that in the last hour of life they may be aided by her assistance and sweetly rest in her embrace.[8]

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See also

Notes
  1. Matthew Bunson, 2008, The Catholic Almanac, ISBN 978-1-59276-441-9 page 249
  2. Pope Leo XIII. Augustissimae Virginis Mariae, 12 September 1897, §7, Libreria Editrice Vaticana
  3. Augustissimae Virginis Mariae, §9.
  4. Augustissimae Virginis Mariae, §10.
  5. "Augustissime Virginis Mariae, para. 5".
  6. "Augustissime Virginis Mariae, para. 7".
  7. Pope Leo XIII. Diuturni Temporis, 5 September 1898, Libreria Editrice Vaticana
  8. "Diuturni Temporis, para. 7".
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