Haerent animo

Haerent animo is an Apostolic Letter from Pope Pius X , in which he wrote on August 4, 1908, on the occasion of his golden jubilee as a priest, about the " holiness of the priest ".

The Pope explained and issued important exhortations ( Exhortation ) to the cleric . In it he shows in detail which means are capable of promoting and guaranteeing the internalization of priestly life, which is indispensable for profitable activity. The main idea is that with perseverance and energy, Christ must be formed in those who are properly destined to shape Christ in others.

The priests should strive for a pious and holy walk, cultivate prayer and contemplation, practice pious reading, frequently search their conscience , do retreats and monthly exercises, and form associations. Here the members should receive support, repel hostile attacks and demand studies and pastoral tasks. In addition to striving for holiness (not for positions of power!), Thorough theological training is required. The principle is:

"A holy priest makes the people holy, an unholy priest is not only useless, but harmful to the world."

Web links

• Roman Documents and Decrees, Edited by Rev. D. Dunford, Vol. III (July, 1908 - June, 1909) , Haerent animo is on pp. 38–54 of the book (original text in Latin)
• Text of the Apostolic Letter (Italian)