Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1846-03-30
FOREIGN ESPO.NDE.NCE. =
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FORElCf.N CORRESP O.NDE.NC u.
ROME, Dec. Id. 1915.
Time did not permit me TO give you. my last, an
accoun, of the Pope of Rome him. Sui
day, the 7th OF December. in his private chapel, called
the Sexne chapel, the celebration of High Mass. on
the anniversary of The conception Of the Virgin Mary
The service to be performed by The Archbishop
We started early in the morning before breakfast, hav
ing put the prescribed uniform of black dresses. with
wells Of the color. which alone gave aJaliance TO
his holy presence. On our ARRIVAL we found great
number OF ladies' already collected in their rich black
habits, waiting with iupaence for the doors to be
pened. accompanied by many gentlemen dressed in the
usual black CARDS prepared for such occasons guard
Of soldiers stationed each side Leading 10 the
door. and, when 'ha, at length opened they
" viewed each entered-where found sea is
assigned US. OR attention was immediately attracted
by the Cardinals coming H. three IA time,
dressed in crimson silk flowing rohes irimnied with Whte
erInine, which were held by ue Buys in purple gars
mens. They were all grey headed cid men, except
one, who was pointed 10 me. and though with
grey head, was sud to be quite young and great
scholar, understanding fouy>wo different lanenages-
lie was OF very small STATURE bui had most nteIlecu-
al connenance After they had taken their s. some
time elapsed before the Pope made his appearance THIS
interval employed in viewing the interior Of Me chap
ell 1t struck me to be more elegant than beantlfu.-
The ceiling Vas very l"fty. adorned with p1inngs OF
great merit Over the altar Michael Aogeo's eel
ebra'ed pece-the Last JuI GA side If the
chapel is elevated of crimson velvet reserved for
Ambassadors and other great personages. My auen-
uoh however, was SOON called from gazing at these in
ereslns scenes by the arrival Of the Pope. As he
tered, assisted by several Cardnas-some holding up
his magnificent robes Of white san embroidered in gold
he was conducted to THRONE on which there was
placed large white satin chair embroidered ike his
robes. The steps ascending the throne covered
with crimson velvet embroidered with gold and herr
sal his Holiness, while Mass performed by the
Archbishop was much pleased with his appearance
lie looks like the best old in the wurId-so meek
ahd humble and good, could bat feel respect for
him-so different from the fat, saucy happy nuking
Cardinals. The choif performed heav
eny music. 1t well merits its far famed celebrity It
seemed to sound as if every musical instrument was
combined with the voice in strains sweet and unear,hly
The good old Pope sat perfectly moonless, with his
hands clasped whilst the Cardinals each in his turp
kissed his robes. HIS head white snow; and to
my view. he has not red nose, as many speaking
think from sheer prejudice, have related lie made
one movement, evidence that some humanity still
dwelt with him he-pardon the expression-bew
was taken by one OF the Cardinals sitting on his right
and handed back 10 him similar occasion required.
When he rose IN different parts Of the mass anoher
ook of his cap and held -while another Cardinal adj.
]usied his robes but he touk off his specaces himself
and vi hen he read held he book while ,yo o,b.s
Il stood on each side with lighted iapers Incense was
hrs offered up on the altar and then him. Mass was
soon finished, and at the end he very feengly and fer
/ 'en'ly gave all his blessing in firm and audible
Tone Each word was heard very distinctly though was
standing some distance from him You must not seold
NE when get home for having recrved the benedction
VI me Pope OF Rome. hope il will do me no harrn-
we intend to be here at Carnival. the ll Of Februa
~ ana Will then be presented and have an interview
win hl'n 1t Is much talked Of and interesting event
hno all me cofd try To be in Rome that occasinn-
A"e ce'enra'ed danseuses, Taglon, Eser and Cerito
"e 10 perform here then. The Empress Of Russia
WIN hef beautiful daughter. will likewise be here. We
''a men nave better Opportunity Of seeing the eny
'ons OF Rome in all their velnal beauty, and visit
VINO" we cannot now do-s9me private paa .es that
contain paintings of all the old masters. But above all
s"'" prize me presentation to The Pope. ! want to
/ va" W "'h and tell hun about the al Georpe
WV" a"u us accomplished Direclfess, Sister Cecilia
"'c" institution it is said he takes much interest
"s' 10 mention, in speaking of our visit To tho
'e""' Inc great painting OF Raphael considered The
~" IN home-the Transf! nrallon-whi was 50
guy esteemed that it carried in procession before
through the streets OF Rome to the place of So.
'''o there were several other splendid pieces and
"eal OF iTesco there, by the same ARTIST, The col.
s''" VI paintings in the Vatican Museum is not ex.
"'slve but choice
Inc Emperor of Russia is sill here and it is expect.
""' remain two or three d ys longer 1t is lutte
""'esng event for tho two heads of the n,iuh,v
sc" a"' Roman churches 10 meet amicaby together
MAJ! ssats n b.siili'y. The E.n1er7f's re.or