AUGUSTISSIMAE VIRGINIS MARIAE - Pope Leo XIII - promotes the practice of praying the Rosary

This excerpt comes from an encyclical written by Pope Leo XIII on the Rosary Sodality. The encyclical, addressed to the Catholic Church hierarchy, promotes the practice of praying the Rosary and explains its importance in combating both internal and external enemies. The Pope emphasizes the historical and spiritual benefits of the Rosary Sodality, arguing that it is a powerful weapon against evil and a means of obtaining God's grace. He also addresses concerns about the devotion to Mary being a distraction from the true God, clarifying that praying to saints is a way of interceding with God. Finally, the Pope exhorts the Church hierarchy to continue promoting the Rosary Sodality and encourages Catholics to join the "living Rosary" movement.