Ubi primum (Pius IX, 1847)

Ubi primum is an encyclical from Pope Pius IX. on the discipline of the religious . The encyclical was published on June 17, 1847. It is addressed to the religious superiors in the Catholic Church .

About the medals

Based on the members of the religious orders , Pius IX. from the fact that among those there have always been people with outstanding gifts. “Aflame with burning love for God and the world, as shining examples for angels and people”, they wanted nothing more than to devote themselves to contemplation day and night and to endure suffering in order to become like Christ . They also spread the Catholic faith and taught to stand up fearlessly for it by willingly accepting bitterness, torture and punishment. In order to bring the gospel to the savages , they were even willing to give their own lives.

For this reason, Pius IX. continued that did Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church the right thing to praise the praise of those people who strove for evangelical perfection. Although the previous popes always showed respect, respect and protection for the order, they were nevertheless aware of the fact that “an enemy was secretly circling the wheat” and “little foxes destroyed the blossoming vines”. They would have turned their attention to what could threaten the harvest. Among these previous popes, Pius IX. for example Clement VIII. , Urban VIII. , Innocent X. , Alexander VII. , Clement IX. , Innocent XI. , Innocent XII. , Clemens XI. , Pius VII. And Leo XII. who issued corresponding decrees and constitutions.

Exhortation for spiritual renewal and observance of the rules of the order

Based on a passage from the book of Ezekiel ( Ez 34,16  EU ), Pius IX. Efforts for the spiritual renewal of the order members. Although there are many who are aware of their holy calling, who virtuously followed in the footsteps of their founders, and who undertake the toil of service, some forget their profession and rank and stray far from what they once embraced. In doing so, they inflicted great damage on their religious communities, since they gave themselves the paint of piety in front of the faithful, but in fact contradicted holiness, the good reputation of their class and their vows through life and morals.

Pius IX Finally, expresses the hope that observance and renewal of the Rule will contribute to the safety and prosperity of religious families and will produce hardworking and unremitting workers who “plant the Lord's vineyard”. For this reason the Pope announces the establishment of a Congregation for the Religious .

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Text of the encyclical