Publisher's Synopsis
The Sovereign Pontiff, Leo XIII., in his admirable Encyclical, Divinum illud munus, addressed to the entire Catholic world under date of May 9, 1897, expresses his ardent desire to see faith in the august ministry of the Trinity revived in men's souls, and piety towards the Holy Ghost increased in their hearts. To this end he drew the attention of the Faithful to the presence of the Holy Spirit, His wonderful power, as well as His activity, throughout the Church; and also in the soul of each of the Faithful, imparting the abundance of His celestial Gifts. Furthermore, the Vicar of Jesus Christ reminded Catholic preachers and others who have charge of souls, of the duty incumbent on them to explain carefully, and with clearness and completeness, all that relates to the Holy Spirit, avoiding difficult and subtle controversies, and taking special pains to treat of the innumerable benefits we have received from Him and do constantly receive; so that, as the Holy Father added, ignorance and error about these sublime things may be expelled from the minds of the faithful, who are so rightly called. "the children of light" (Ephesians v. 8). Words as wise as they are opportune. As a matter of fact, how many Christians of our day have any notion, however vague and imperfect, about the Holy Spirit, His Gifts, His wondrous works in the souls of men, the spiritual riches and joys which He lavishes upon whomsoever shows himself docile to His inspirations? "Perhaps," insists Leo XIII., "it would not be impossible even in this our era, to come across Catholic Christians, who, if questioned, as were the proselytes of old by the Apostle, whether or not they had received the Holy Ghost, would answer in the same words: We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost'" (Acts xix. 2). At any rate, there are many who are either entirely ignorant or have but a very superficial knowledge about Him, and thereby, to a certain extent, fall short of the fruits of their religion, lacking the knowledge of that truth so beautiful and so consoling-His invisible sending and His indwelling in souls in the state of grace. And yet what can be more worthy of their deepest attention? Is not this God's supreme Gift, the chief Girt and the crowning Gift of all-God Himself coming within us, giving Him- self to us, making Himself our Guest infinitely sweet, our Friend, our Consoler, the active principle of our sanctification, and the pledge of our eternal happiness, nay, its very origin. Is this not the supremely important subject of a reasonable being's thought, the object of his most passionate devotion?
