De sacrarum stationum veteri instituto a Xisto Quinto pont. max. revocato oratio habita in templo S. Sabinae in die Cinerum

A decorative drop cap 'A' features floral and scrollwork motifs.THE acceptable time is here, most blessed Pontiff and most distinguished Fathers (to use an Apostolic beginning for an Apostolic Senate), the days of salvation are present. Their nature demands that we increase our efforts, and by almost countless things, it requires and requests a more diligent service of the Lord from us. Yet, both the place and the occasion admonish me to touch only on those things by which we can and should be excited to visit the Basilicas of the City more frequently in these days, and to embrace the benefits of the sacred stations more eagerly at this time. Today the Lenten fast begins, and by a custom handed down from the most ancient times, the heads of the faithful are sprinkled with sacred ashes. And indeed, as far as the ashes are concerned, whether we look to the present or the future, we are easily reminded of our mortal condition, and by that same sign, both what we are today and what will soon become of us is signified. But beyond the things that pertain to curbing the allure of the palate, much more excellent fasts are indicated to us regarding the mind and the spirit: that we must abstain from vices; that reins must be put on surging desires; that works of piety should be considered a delight; that we must assist the sicknesses of the bedridden, the weaknesses of the feeble, the labors of exiles, the destitution of orphans, the laments of widows; that war must be declared on all vices, and the progress of all virtues must be increased by all our zeal. But these things are far greater in number and magnitude than can be explained in the very short span of an oration. And since one thing must be chosen for us to pursue, what, I ask, could be more appropriately spoken of than the excellence of the Stations? Especially at this time, when you, most blessed Father, are striving, with your own great glory, to revoke and decorate their ancient institution, and in this place, into which this sacred assembly has been gathered for the sake of confirming that same custom, than which surely the circle of the earth has nothing more august.