Mirae Caritatis is an encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on the Holy Eucharist given on 28 May 1902. The Pope explores several aspects of eucharistic theology

Eucharistic theology

Eucharistic theology is a branch of Christian theology which treats doctrines concerning the Holy Eucharist, also commonly known as the Lord's Supper...

, citing the sacrament as the sacrifice of the Mass, the bond of charity, the mystery of faith and the source of life. The expression mirror of charity itself was popularized by Ailred of Rievaulx

Ailred of Rievaulx

Aelred , also Aelred, Ælred, Æthelred, etc., was an English writer, abbot of Rievaulx , and saint.-Life:...

 during the Middle Ages

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...

. Leo XIII's encyclical has been subsequently cited by Popes Pius XII and Paul VI in their own teaching documents, respectively Mediator Dei

Mediator Dei

Mediator Dei, a papal encyclical was issued by Pope Pius XII in 1947. The encyclical suggests new directions and active participation instead of a merely passive role of the faithful in the liturgy, in liturgical ceremonies and in the life of their parish. The encyclical also emphasizes the...

 and Mysterium Fidei

Mysterium fidei

Mysterium fidei is a Latin phrase which may refer to:*Mysterium Fidei , Encyclical letter of Pope Paul VI on the Eucharist*Mysterium fidei , Latin phrase meaning "mystery of faith"...

.

External links

• Mirae Caritatis