h he blamed, although
indirectly, political opposition and party spirit. "If ever," said the
Holy Father, "it behooved you to maintain among yourselves agreement of
mind and will, it is, above all, now, when, through the disposition of our
very dear son in Christ, Napoleon, Emperor of the French, the Catholic
church amongst you enjoys complete peace, liberty and protection." In
speaking of the good education of youth, which he earnestly recommended as
being of the highest importance, he gave a practical solution of the vexed
question of the classics. "It is necessary," he insisted, "that young
ecclesiastics should, without being exposed to any danger of error, learn
true elegance of language and style, together with real eloquence, whether
in the very pious and learned works of the Holy Fathers, or in the most
celebrated Pagan authors, when thoroughly expurgated." In this same
Encyclical also, the venerable Pontiff, speaking of the Catholic press,
declared it to be indispensible. "Encourage, we most anxiously ask of you,
with the utmost benevolence, those men who, filled with a truly Catholic
spirit, and thoroughly acquainted with literature and science, devote
their time in writing books and journals for the propagation and defence
of Truth."

Catholic writers, in return, it is added, ought to acknowledge the
authority of bishops to guide, admonish and rebuke them. The anonymous
paper is then severely censured, and the Pope concludes by a new and
pressing appeal in favor of concord. As soon as this Encyclical of 21st
March, 1853, was published, M. Louis Veuillot and his fellow-laborers
addressed to Mgr. Sibour a letter expressive of respect and deference, in
which they promised to avoid everything that could render them unworthy of
the encouragement of their archbishop. This prelate immediately withdrew
the sentence which he had issued against them, and thus was peace
restored, once more, by the authority of the Supreme Pastor.

(M46) On the 12th of April, 1855, the fifth anniversary of his return from
Gaeta, Pius IX. drove by the via Nomentana, the beautiful Church of St.
Agnes and the Porta Pia, to a spot five miles from the city, where, on
grounds belonging to the congregation of Propaganda, catacombs had been
recently discovered. In these subterranean recesses were found, among
other venerated tombs, that which contained the relics of St. Alexander
I., Pope and Martyr, and those of the companions who shared his
su