Litteras a vobis

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With the encyclical Litteras a vobis , Pope Leo XIII turned. on July 2, 1894 to the Brazilian episcopate and wrote "on the clergy in Brazil ".

Enlargement of the episcopate

The encyclical was created in reference to a letter from the Brazilian Synod of Bishops in São Paulo , with which they presented the situation in Brazil to the Pope and asked for the number of bishops in Brazil to be increased. In this letter he follows the request of the bishops and points out the importance and necessity that could lead to the increase in Christian good. At the same time he warns that the clergy must use all means to counter the spreading "evil".

The responsibility of the priests

A prerequisite is a holy discipline and a good education, which should enable the priests to perform their divine service. However, an education which is separate from holiness , from life and morality would not lead to the defense of the goals. It is the priests' responsibility to follow the principles of faith and not be influenced by what they see but by what they hear. The clear testimony of God must be given. You have to fight for Christ , but only under the guidance of those whom Christ has chosen as leaders (note: bishops).

Duties and authority of the bishops

The formation of the priests and the conscientious selection should be carried out by the bishops and for the formation the best teachers should be selected who are able to impart the divine doctrine faithfully to our commandments. It must be achieved that the young priests are given the best possible qualifications, can fulfill the true spirit of the Church and can carry out their office as “leaders of their flock”. In dioceses that do not yet have their own priestly formation, financial and infrastructural funds are made available, but it is also conceivable to let young students study in Rome . He again admonishes the authority of the bishops and urges them to admonish and encourage ( exhortation ) to pursue their task with discipline and rigor. In conclusion, he urgently suggests that the plans be coordinated during the Synods of Bishops in order to fulfill a common obligation.

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