We wish to repeat to you again the sublime and beautiful words of the Apostle of the Gentiles, “Whatever things are true, whatever of good repute, if there be any virtue, if there be anything worthy of praise, think upon these things.” “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is to say, “Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience… But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts; unto that peace, indeed, you were called in one body.”
If anyone is so unfortunate as to wander far from his divine Redeemer in sin and iniquity, let him return to Him who is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” If anyone is lukewarm, slothful, remiss, or neglectful in the practice of his religion, let him arouse his faith and, by the grace of God, nurture, rekindle, and strengthen his virtue. He who “is just, let him be just still, and he who is holy, let him be hallowed still.” This is Our earnest plea.
