TO LEO THE THIRTEENTH

SUPREME PONTIFF

THE GREAT PRIEST

WHO IS

THE PRINCE OF BISHOPS, THE HEIR OF THE APOSTLES,

IN PRIMACY AN ABEL, IN GOVERNANCE A NOAH,

Primacy refers to being first in rank. The text compares the Pope to various biblical figures to show his spiritual lineage.

IN THE PATRIARCHATE AN ABRAHAM, IN ORDER A MELCHIZEDEK, IN DIGNITY AN AARON,

IN AUTHORITY A MOSES, IN JUDGMENT A SAMUEL,

IN POWER A PETER, IN ANOINTING A CHRIST,

original: "unctione Christus". In this context, "Christus" refers to being an "anointed one," following the ancient tradition of anointing kings and priests.

TO WHOM ARE

THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN DELIVERED,

THE SHEEP OF CHRIST ENTRUSTED*

THIS BREVIARY

A MONUMENT TO HIS FIFTIETH SACERDOTAL JUBILEE

A "sacerdotal jubilee" is a celebration of a significant anniversary of a priest's ordination. Pope Leo XIII celebrated 50 years as a priest in 1887.

IS DEDICATED BY

THE MOST OBEDIENT AND HUMBLE

PUBLISHERS.

* These are the words of Saint Bernard, Abbot, in Book 2 of "On Consideration" addressed to Pope Eugenius III, Chapter 8, Number 2.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux wrote "De Consideratione" in the 12th century as a guide for his former pupil, who had become Pope. The list of biblical titles used above is a direct quote from this famous work.