3. With respect to Italy, it is now most necessary to implore the intercession of the most powerful Virgin through the medium of the Rosary, since a misfortune, and not an imaginary one, is threatening-nay, rather is among us. The Asiatic cholera, having, under God's will, crossed the boundary within which nature seemed to have confined it, has spread through the crowded shores of a French port, and thence to the neighbouring districts of Italian soil. - To Mary, therefore, we must fly - to her whom rightly and justly the Church entitles the dispenser of saving, aiding, and protecting gifts - that she, graciously hearkening to our prayers, may grant us the help they besought, and drive far from us the unclean plague.