Rector Major Publishes Letter on Cardinal's Life and Virtues
(ANS – Rome – July 18) – On May 19, Pope Francis authorized the Congregation for Saints’ Causes
to promulgate the decree concerning the heroic virtues of the Servant of God August
Joseph Hlond, SDB, archbishop of Gniezno and Warsaw, primate of Poland,
cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, founder of the Society of Christ for the
Emigrants.
Regarding the decree, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime
sent a letter to the Salesians and the entire Salesian Family in which he traces
the stages of Cardinal Hlond’s life, both as Salesian and as archbishop-primate
of the Polish Church and then highlights several traits.
Cardinal Hlond was a virtuous man, a luminous
example of a Salesian religious, and a generous, austere pastor, capable of
prophetic visions. Obedient to the Church and firm in the exercise of
authority, he showed heroic humility and unequivocal constancy in moments of
greatest trial. He cultivated poverty and did justice to the poor and needy.
The two columns of his spiritual life, learned at the school of St. John Bosco,
were the Eucharist and Mary Help of Christians.
In the history of the Polish Church, Cardinal
August Hlond was one of the most eminent figures for the religious witness of
his life, the greatness, variety, and originality of his pastoral ministry and
for the sufferings he faced for the Kingdom of God with an intrepid Christian
spirit. Apostolic ardor distinguished the pastoral work and spiritual
physiognomy of Venerable August Hlond, who, taking as his episcopal motto Da
mihi animas coetera tolle, as a true son of Saint John Bosco, confirmed it
with his life as a consecrated person and bishop, giving witness of tireless
pastoral charity.
In this year in which the strenna invites all to
cultivate the art of listening and accompanying, the testimony of Venerable
August Hlond shines forth as a true guide and pastor of his people, committed
to defending the freedom of the Church and the dignity of man in an era marked
by great trials and persecutions, such as Poland experienced under the Nazi
occupation first, and then under the Communist regime.
The full text of the RM’s letter is available here.
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