All Things in Christ: Encyclicals and Selected Documents of Saint Pius X

All Things in Christ

The present book of Reverend Vincent Arthur Yzermans, in which are gathered and explained the principal encyclicals and documents of Pius X, clearly demonstrates how beneficent and fertile was the pontificate of this saintly Pontiff. How fitting it is to recall these encyclicals and documents, the fruit of his pontificate and shining witness to the supernatural wisdom which guided him in his determined efforts for the sanctification of souls and the Christian restoration of society. They are documents full of vitality. They came forth from the Chair of Peter, and now, we might say, they resound from heaven.

His first encyclical, E Supremi Apostolatus (October 4, 1903), revealed the supernatural spirit which would animate his ideas and writings; it is a characteristic document, outlining the program of his eleven years in the papacy. Finally, enlightened and raised in spirit by Him who strengthens, he accepted the burden of Sovereign Pontiff with one purpose in mind—instaurare omnia in Christo—to re-establish all things in Christ (Eph. 1:10).

In this collection are gathered the principal appeals of the Holy Father to the clergy and laity. The saintly Pontiff on every occasion insisted on the urgent necessity “to re-establish all things in Christ.”

Saint Pius X noted that, “to restore all things in Christ” has always been the motto of the Church in her work. The Church lives on faith in God and on works of charity. This book shows how priests and laity must make their contribution to the life of the Mystical Body of Christ of which we are all members. It is a saintly Sovereign Pontiff who speaks to us, and the ways of the saints are the ways of God. May this fine volume carry his inspiring message to many hearts.