26. We are perfectly
confident that on your way to this city (provided that the ministry of your
pastoral office permits it), whether on your journey or while you dwell in
Rome, you will want to emulate the mode of living which St. Charles Borromeo
decided to embrace on his pilgrimage to Rome for the year of Jubilee in 1575.
This holy pilgrimage of the excellent prelate is described by Charles of St.
Peter's basilica, bishop of Novaria, in the third book of the History he
composed on the life and deeds of St. Charles. We hope that in the course of
the journey and its various stopovers, the pilgrims will not trouble the
bishops there who must take watchful precautions against the development of
the scandals that in times past occasioned some to speak ill of holy
pilgrimages. When they arrive in Rome, We shall zealously see to it that they
lead an upright and moral life, perform the prescribed works properly, visit
the basilicas, and practice various acts of Christian penance. We devote
great zeal and effort to ensure that all pilgrims return home, permanently
improved by the example of holy living which flourishes in Rome, firm in the
faith, fervent in virtue, and confirmed in their obedience to the Holy See.
We share the desire of Our predecessor and fellow citizen Gregory XII as he
solemnized the year of Jubilee which recurred in his time, as is clear from
the annals of his reign, bk. 3, chap. 24. Now that these matters have been
decided in this way, We have a firm hope that with the Lord's help, to whom
We recommend this entire affair with Our most humble prayers, the pilgrims
will return to their own land undeserving of the censure with which St.
Jerome insults some who had made holy pilgrimages to the city of Jerusalem.
"It is not praiseworthy merely to have been in Jerusalem, but to have
led a good life at Jerusalem" (in epist. 58, ad Paulinum, Operum,
tome 1, p. 318, Verona edition).
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