Beschrijving

Wherever the standard of the Cross has been carried, there divine Providence has chosen heroic souls to imitate the sacrifices and charity of the Crucified. For centuries these elect of God were banded together in Institutes called Orders which demanded of their members the profession of Solemn vows and generally also the observance of the Cloister. With the changed conditions of society it frequently became very difficult, and in some countries even impossible, to adhere to this ancient and approved mode of Religious life and still render to society that multifarious service which Christian charity inspires. Hence divine Providence. As the Holy Father tells us, came to the rescue by providing Institutes which were adapted to our times and necessities.For a long time, however, the Church was extremely’ reluctant to recognize officially some of the new Institutes that had sprung up in the various parts of the Christian world. She ever appreciated the good they performed and repeatedly confirmed their rule of life as well adapted to the purpose of their Institutes.But it was only after years of probation that She gradually placed Her official approval on single Communities and their mode of living. Especially was this Her attitude towards Institutes of women.But it remained for the celebrated Pontiff, Leo XIII. By his decree \