The Warning Was Given

In eighteen thirty-two, the warning was given, By Pope Gregory the 16th, watchful for heaven; In Mirari Vos, his voice rang clear, Against “liberty of conscience” that led souls astray here. He named “that shameful font of indifferentism” wide, Where truth and falsehood are placed side by side; And warned of a world where error is crowned, While drifting souls lose the solid ground. Stand firm in the Church, where truth is one, Unchanged through the ages, till time is done; Her voice unbroken through shadow and flame, Proclaiming forever Christ’s holy name. In eighteen forty-six, the warning was given, By Pope Pius the ninth, watchful for heaven; In Qui Pluribus, his voice rang clear, Against modern confusions rising that year. He warned of “absurd and erroneous opinions” spread wide, Where reason alone becomes man’s only guide; And “that pernicious error called indifferentism” declared, Where truth is diminished and salvation impaired. Stand firm in the Church, where truth is one, Unchanged through the ages, till time is done; Her voice unbroken through shadow and flame, Proclaiming forever Christ’s holy name. In eighteen eighty-four, the warning was given, By Pope Leo the thirteenth, steadfast for heaven; In Humanum Genus, his voice rang clear, Exposing new errors that gathered near. He warned of “naturalism’s” proud deceiving claim, Where man exalts reason and dethrones God’s name; And spoke of “the sect of Freemasons” abroad, Opposing the kingdom and sovereignty of God. He also warned of indifferentism’s spreading deceit, Where all religions are treated as if they compete in equal seat; A system that weakens both faith and the law, Leaving souls without truth or moral awe. Stand firm in the Church, where truth is one, Unchanged through the ages, till time is done; Her voice unbroken through shadow and flame, Proclaiming forever Christ’s holy name.