Pius XI – Apostolic Letter on the Vicariate of Kirin (1932): Guardian Angels as Patrons (AAS 24)
On January 21, 1932, Pius XI promulgated the Apostolic Letter *Litterae Apostolicae* constituting the Blessed Virgin Mary as the principal patroness of the Apostolic Vicariate of Kirin (Manchuria, China), and Saint Peter Apostle and the Holy Angels Custods as secondary patrons. Source: *Acta Apostolica Sancta Sitia* vol. 24 (1932), p. 266. This is one of numerous magisterial cases illustrating how contemporary papal teaching institutionalized devotion to the Angels Custods throughout the world mission.
| Pope | Pius XI (Achille Ratti) |
| Document | Apostolic Letter *Litterae Apostolicae* “We have come to a firm decision” |
| Date | January 21, 1932 |
| Location | Apostolic Vicariate of Kirin (Manchuria, China) |
| Primary Source | *AAS* vol. 24 (1932), p. 266 |
Original Latin Text
VICARIATUS APOSTOLICI DE KIRIN PATRONA PRINCIPALIS B. M. V. CONSTITUITUR, PATRONI VERO SECUNDARII S. PETRUS APOSTOLUS ET SANCTI ANGELI CUSTODES
PIUS PP. XI
Ad perpetuam rei memoriam. Plane compertum habemus in ultima Synodo, quae in apostolico vicariato de Kirin in Manciuria celebrata est, pluribus missionariis ac sacerdotibus indigenis adstantibus ditionis eiusdem, memorati vicariatus Beatissimam Virginem Mariam Patronam principalem ac Sanctum Petrum apostolum Sanctosque Angelos Custodes Patronos secundarios electos esse; proindeque congregatos in synodo eadem statuisse ut quotannis, die festo Assumptionis Deiparae in caelum, Beata Virgo Maria qua Patrona sollemniter recoleretur. Quod sane optimum inceptum ultro libenterque probamus…
Portuguese Translation
O Vicariato Apostólico de Kirin é constituído com a Beatíssima Virgem Maria como padroeira principal, e São Pedro Apóstolo e os Santos Anjos Custódios como padroeiros secundários.
PIO PAPA XI
Em memória perpétua. Tomamos pleno conhecimento que no último Sínodo, celebrado no Vicariato Apostólico de Kirin na Manchúria, com a presença de vários missionários e sacerdotes indígenas da mesma jurisdição, foi escolhida a Beatíssima Virgem Maria como Padroeira principal e São Pedro Apóstolo e os Santos Anjos Custódios como Padroeiros secundários do referido vicariato. Por isso, os reunidos no mesmo Sínodo estabeleceram que anualmente, no dia da festa da Assunção da Mãe de Deus ao céu, a Beata Virgem Maria fosse solenemente celebrada como Padroeira. Aprovamos com facilidade e por boa vontade tão excelente iniciativa…
O pai padroeiro secundário: os anjos custódios
A escolha dos Anjos Custódios como padroeiros secundários de um vicariato apostólico tem profundo significado teológico-pastoral:
- Biblical Tradition: Guardian Angels protect not only individuals but also nations and peoples (cf. Dan 10:13; 20-21: Michael as “prince” of the people of Israel)
- Patristic Tradition: Origen developed the doctrine of “angels of the nations” in his work Against Celus
- Recent Magisterium: John Paul II, in his 1986 Catecheses, revived this doctrine
- Missionary Application: In missionary territories, Guardian Angels are particularly invoked as protectors of new Christians
Other vicariates with Guardian Angels as patron saints
The case of Kirin was not unique. Prior to and after 1932, several apostolic vicariates chose the Guardian Angels as secondary patrons:
- Various apostolic vicariates in China (1920s-1940s)
- Apostolic vicariates in Central Africa (1930s-1950s)
- Apostolic prefectures in the Pacific (Polynesia, Micronesia)
- Numerous missionary dioceses in India
Historical Context: The Church in Manchuria 1932
In 1932, Manchuria was separated from China by the Japanese Empire, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. Catholics in the region, served by the Vicariate of Kirin (established in 1898 and founded by the Society for Foreign Missions of Paris MEP), faced delicate circumstances. Pius XI, sensitive to this situation, gave particular attention to Chinese missions:
- 1922: Maximum Illud (Pius XV) and Rerum Ecclesiae (Pius XI) on missions
- 1924: General Council of the Chinese Church in Shanghai
- 1926: Pius XI consecrated the first six Chinese bishops
- 1932 (Kirin): this Litterae Apostolicae
- 1939: Beatification of the first Chinese martyrs
Legacy
Devotion to Guardian Angels in Manchuria and China survived Japanese invasion (1937-1945), civil war (1946-1949), and communism (1949-present). The underground Catholic Church in China continues to invoke the Guardian Angels as national protectors. This 1932 document is a primary historical source for Marian/angelic theology of Asian missions.
Magisterial Implications
Beyond the specific case of Kirin, this document demonstrates that:
- Guardian Angels can be invoked as patrons of territories (not just individuals)
- The papal magisterium can formalize this invocation with Litterae Apostolicae
- Devotion to Guardian Angels is an integral part of missionary pastoral care
- In areas of persecution, angelic invocation holds special significance
Further Reading
Angels of Guard | JP2 1986 Catecheses | SCR 1883 Feast Angels Custods | St. Michael the Archangel
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