Acta Pii Pp. XII 179

represents a well-nigh miraculous growt from the humble beginnings of

a century ago. Not only have the faithful multiplied numerically but

their common struggle for the sound establishment of the Church and

especially for the maintenance of their schools has united them together

in closely-knit bonds of solidarity. The people of today are reaping the

fruits of the sacrifices made by their forefathers on behalf of Catholic

education, and the graduates of the present-day schools and colleges are

young men and women well instructed in the truths of their religion

and imbued with a sensitive awareness of their duties as Catholics.

Religious and lay confraternities and charitable organizations have been

active in the Archdiocese for many years, while various forms of Catholic

Action have been firmly established and are producing consoling fruits,

particularly amongst the working classes, whom the Church has always

cherished with especial care and whose interests she has always defended

and promoted with maternal solicitude.

Very cordially indeed do We congratulate you, Venerable Brother,

on the noble part you have played in the spiritual and material advan-

cement of the Archdiocese entrusted to your pastoral care thirty one

years ago, and in the organization and direction of every aspect of its

intense Catholic life. On this happy occasion of the Centenary, We

rejoice with you and with the clergy, religious and faithful of Melbourne,

and, while expressing to each and all of you Our sincere felicitations,

We join Our voice with yours in rendering heartfelt thanks to

Almighty God.

We have learned of your intention, Venerable Brother, of consecrat-

ing your Archdiocese and the entire Continent of Australia to the

Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is Our earnest prayer that the Mother

of God may deign to accept your devoted offering, and that, under Her

especial protection and under your enlightened guidance and that of

your Brothers in the Hierarchy, your beloved country may be preserved

immune from the erroneous political and social doctrines of our time

and May continue on its path of prosperity and spiritual progress.

We pray, furthermore, that Almighty God may continue to bless and

prosper the Archdiocese of Melbourne, that the people may persevere

in the faithful practice of their religion and in that spirit of undying

attachment to the Holy See which has always characterized them, that

the Catholic Action movement may further grow and develop, and that

an abundance of priestly vocations may provide a zealous native clergy

to carry on the laudable work begun by the brave-hearted Irish missio-

naries of the past.