(2 of 3)
To All Creation: "Having in God's mysterious designs become the successor of the Prince of the Apostles, those Apostles whose doctrine and preaching were by Divine command destined for all nations and for every creature, and being the first in that position to use and employ this truly wonderful Marconian invention, we turn first to all things and all people and with the assistance of the holy scripture, here and in what follows, we say:
" 'Hear, o ye heavens, the things I speak; let the earth give ear to the words of my mouth.
" 'Hear these things all ye nations; give ear all ye inhabitants of the world, both rich and poor together.
" 'Give ear ye islands, and hearken ye people from afar to God.' "
After exhorting All Creation His Holiless proceeded to address, from the Roman Catholic premise, the various grades of humanity:
Ad Catholicos (To Catholics) : "Turning now to men: The Apostle commands us to do good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith. . . . We are pleased, therefore, to speak, in the first place to all such, namely, to those who have been received in the Master's family and the Master's fold of the Catholic Church and dwell there, and call us by the loving name of Father. . . ."
Ad Hierarchiam (To the Hierarchy): "We address you our fellow-laborers, Cardinals of the Most Holy Roman Church, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, prelates and priests of the various orders of the hierarchy, chief objects of our daily solicitude as well as sharers and helpers in our labors. We beg and exhort each one of you to persevere in the vocation in which he was called, and that you walk worthily in the vocation in which you were called: feed the flock of God which is among you, being made an example for the flock in your souls, so that when the Prince of Shepherds shall appear you may receive a never-fading crown of glory. . . ."
Ad Religiosos (To the Religious—i. e., monks, nuns): "We now speak to you, sons and daughters of our love, who, eager for the nobler graces, by the pledge of your holiest vows and by a lifelong religious discipline, faithfully obey, not merely the commandments, but also the desires and the counsels of your Divine King and Spouse. You fill God's Church with the fragrance of your chastity, you glorify her by your contemplations, you support her by your prayers, you enrich her with your learning and knowledge, you beautify and perfect her from day to day by the ministry of the word and by apostolic labors. . . ."
Ad Missionarios (To Missionaries): "Now our words go out to you, our dearest sons and daughters in Christ, who in mission fields are laboring in prayer to propagate the Holy Faith of Christ and to spread His kingdom. As the first Apostles of the Churches, so you too 'by dangers, by great patience, by necessities, by tribulations,' are made an example. . . ."
Ad Fidcles Universes (To All the Faithful) : "Our heart is opened to you all. . . . Like the first believers, men and women, whom the Apostle for that reason praises, you are God's people and the sheep of His fold. You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy family. . . ."