f land, of
regions up to that time unexplored and uncultivated, but whose
civilization, renown, and riches were to rapidly attain that
immense development which we see to-day.

In all this, the magnitude of the event, the efficacy and the
variety of the benefits which have resulted from it, tend assuredly
to celebrate he, who was the author of it, by a grateful
remembrance and by all sorts of testimonials of honor; but, in the
first place, we must recognize and venerate particularly the divine
project, to which the discoverer of the New World was subservient
and which he knowingly obeyed.

In order to celebrate worthily and in a manner suitable to the
truth of the facts the solemn anniversary of Columbus, the
sacredness of religion must be united to the splendor of the civil
pomp. This is why, as previously, at the first announcement of the
event, public actions of grace were rendered to the providence of
the immortal God, upon the example which the Supreme Pontiff gave;
the same also now, in celebrating the recollection of the
auspicious event, we esteem that we must do as much.

We decree to this effect, that the day of October 12th, or the
following Sunday, if the respective diocesan bishops judge it to be
opportune, that, after the office of the day, the solemn mass of
the very Holy Trinity shall be celebrated in the cathedral and
collegial churches of Spain, Italy, and the two Americas. In
addition to these countries, we hope that, upon the initiative of
the bishops, as much may be done in the others, for it is fitting
that all should concur in celebrating with piety and gratitude an
event which has been profitable to all.

In the meanwhile, as a pledge of the celestial favors and in
testimony of our fraternal good-will, we affectionately accord in
the Lord the Apostolic benediction to you, venerable brothers, to
your clergy, and to your people.

Given at Rome, near St. Peter's, July 16th of the year 1892, the
fifteenth of our Pontificate.

LEO XIII., _Pope_.

TO SPAIN.

CAPEL LOFFT.

O generous nation! to whose noble boast,
Illustrious Spain, the providence of Heaven
A radiant sky of vivid power hath given,
A land of flowers, of fruits, profuse; an host
Of ardent spir