« AB IPSIS. - The opening words of the apostolic letter which Pius XI addressed on 15 June 1926 to the apostolic vicars and prefects of China, concerning the duty always to demonstrate, in word and deed, the universality and supernatural character of the Church, whose missionaries neither have nor should have any earthly aim and, though foreigners, are in no way emissaries of their respective countries. Positively, moreover, the apostolic vicars and prefects, together with the missionaries, are urged to promote, on their part and in accordance with their vocation, the constructive moral work of the new China. Only thus will it be possible to dispel the prejudices of many Chinese, especially among the young, that missionary activity is a longa manus of the respective countries and governments.
BBL.: Text in AAS, 18 (1926), pp. 303-307; commentary: G. B. Tragella, La lettera « Ab ipsis », in Il Pensiero Missionario, 1 (1929), pp. 165-70. Giovanni B. Tragella