9. But if always, venerable brethren, now most of
all amidst such great calamities both of the Church and of civil society,
amidst so great a conspiracy against Catholic interests and this Apostolic See,
and so great a mass of errors, it is altogether necessary to approach with
confidence the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in
timely aid. Wherefore, we have thought it well to excite the piety of all the
faithful in order that, together with us and you, they may unceasingly pray and
beseech the most merciful Father of light and pity with most fervent and humble
prayers, and in the fullness of faith flee always to Our Lord Jesus Christ, who
redeemed us to God in his blood, and earnestly and constantly supplicate His
most sweet Heart, the victim of most burning love toward us, that He would draw
all things to Himself by the bonds of His love, and that all men inflamed by
His most holy love may walk worthily according to His heart, pleasing God in
all things, bearing fruit in every good work. But since without doubt men's
prayers are more pleasing to God if they reach Him from minds free from all
stain, therefore we have determined to open to Christ's faithful, with
Apostolic liberality, the Church's heavenly treasures committed to our charge,
in order that the said faithful, being more earnestly enkindled to true piety,
and cleansed through the sacrament of Penance from the defilement of their
sins, may with greater confidence pour forth their prayers to God, and obtain
His mercy and grace.
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