« MAXIMUM ILLUD ». - These are the opening words of the apostolic letter of Benedetto XV, dated 30 November 1918, concerning the propagation of the faith in mission territories. It consists of a general introduction, presenting a historical synthesis of the Catholic apostolate, and of three parts with a final conclusion.
The first part is addressed to the heads of missions and indicates their personal qualities and duties for the development of the missions and the formation of the indigenous clergy. The second part is addressed to missionaries, to remind them of their duty to propagate solely the Kingdom of Christ. To this end, they must acquire profound learning and thoroughly learn the languages of the peoples, and above all lead holy and heroic lives. The third part, addressed to all Christians, speaks of the duty to assist the missions through prayer, by promoting vocations to the apostolate, and through offerings; it also recommends the missionary union of the clergy. The prosperity of the missions, it concludes, depends upon the fulfilment of their duties by the faithful and by missionaries. The apostolic letter, published just after the end of the First World War, rekindled throughout Christendom zeal for the missions and also encouraged missiological studies.
MAUSOLEUM — Interior of the m. of S. Costanza (4th century), after recent restorations — Rome.