Exeunte iam anno

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Exeunte iam anno (At the end of the year) is an encyclical written by Pope Leo XIII. at the end of the year of his priesthood jubilee. It was published on December 25, 1888, with the subtitle: "On the Right Order of the Christian Life".

introduction

In the greeting, the Pope once again refers to his own 50th jubilee as a priest, which he had already recognized in his encyclical Quod anniversarius (April 1, 1888) and he thanks for the trust placed in the last period.

Higher duty

Leo XIII. takes the thought further and describes a higher duty that is still pending. He writes that obedience and truth are among the Christian virtues . These values ​​also include the defense of the truth and must be diligently implemented in families and fraternities. Public and private morality is clouded and must be restored through the gospel and the words of the apostles in a good that is important for the truth, but also in a behavior that is oriented towards the Christian life. On the basis of justice, consideration and mutual respect, the contempt for poverty and the rejection of luxury, the Christian life must lead to the freedom of all Christians .

Ills of society

The Pope expresses that the evil in this society is the deterioration of morality, society is corrupt and thus brings the state into extreme difficulties. In daily life he observes these social diseases and the poisonous doctrines . Rationalism , materialism and atheism produced doctrines like socialism and communism . The Pope calls for a return to the truth in Christian life and describes the hope for the renewal of religion .

Comfort and hope

But there is consolation in overcoming the reputation of evil, because the hope of God is ultimately to be found in the hearts of believers. The defense of the faith then also leads to the completion of the Christian community and supports the Christian life, he continues. But this requires a great effort and all men who are rooted in the Christian faith are called to take up the fight.

Service and responsibility

The Pope describes this task as a responsibility for the person and as a service to God and the Church . It should not be relinquished to carry out the service with all available strength. For this he asks for the thanks and support of God so that this task can be fulfilled for the good of humanity.

Farewell greeting

This year, which is now coming to an end, the Pope described as a year in which many signs were set. He hoped and wished that the spark would jump and the restoration of morality would be encouraged by these wholesome words. The “leaders of the flocks” (note: he means the bishops ) are now obliged to convey peace and tranquility to their congregations through clear speeches and orders . It is in their hands to carry out the will of God and to see to the restoration of natural peace.

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