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
We have it clearly established at the last Synod, which was held in the apostolic vicariate of Kirin in Manchuria with several missionaries and indigenous priests present from its jurisdiction, that the aforementioned vicariate has chosen the Most Blessed Virgin Mary as the principal Patroness and Saint Peter the Apostle and the Holy Guardian Angels as secondary Patrons; and therefore those gathered at the same Synod resolved that annually on the feast day of the Assumption of the Mother of God into heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary be solemnly commemorated as Her Patron. Which indeed we heartily approve as an excellent initiative…
Portuguese Translation
The Apostolic Vicariate of Kirin is constituted with the Most Blessed Virgin Mary as its principal patroness, and Saint Peter the Apostle and the Holy Guardian Angels as secondary patrons.
PIO PAPA XI
In perpetual memory. We take full knowledge that in the last Synod, held in the Apostolic Vicariate of Kirin in Manchuria, with the presence of several missionaries and indigenous priests from the same jurisdiction, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen as the principal Patroness and Saint Peter the Apostle and the Holy Guardian Angels as secondary Patrons of said vicariate. Therefore, those gathered at the same Synod established that annually, on the feast day of the Assumption of the Mother of God into heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary be solemnly celebrated as Patroness. We approve with ease and good will such an excellent initiative…
O pai padroeiro secundário: os anjos custódios
The choice of Guardian Angels as secondary patrons of an apostolic vicariate has profound theological-pastoral significance:
- 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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