Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-04-09
Celebration OF Candlemas, at 81. Peters,
40 % In Rome.
The following is an extract of letter da-
ted Feb. 14th, 1889:

ted Feb. 14th, 1889:
'" Although the climate of Rome, at this
season is decidedly less agreeable than that OF
| Naples, vet there are many things here to
| compensate so;ourncr for this interiority.-
TO say nothing Of the grander associations,
more magnificent and more numerous Speci-
mems of art, the buildings are far better, the
streets wider and cleaner, and last but not
least, the beggarS iawer and less importunatc
Heavens! to- what proof do the Napolitan
beggarS put stranger. He hardly knows
whether to applaud or reproach himself for
resisting their assaults on his purse. But
they are more modest in Rome and one feels,
| in occasionally bestOwing trite, that he is
not encouraging the entire population to make
\ arush at him. OF course you know that
Rome is full of churches and priests The
rity seemS 10 exist for taem, rather than they
for the. city and indeed, but for them--I
mean churches and priests,-the city would
be of little present interest, for the churches
| afford the grandest sights, and the priests the
most amdsing spectac.es. How magnificent
is St. Peters, dare not attempt to describe
But will venture a description of a specta
Gle lately witnessed there
1t was that of candlemas, in which his
Holiness, the Pope, was the chief performer.
The ceremony Was not to begin until after
eleven o'clock ; but as early as eight an as
semblage was gathered, and in such numbers
as might alarm one ignorant of the unfilla-
blc space of the curch, lest he should not find
a place.
When reached, about half past nine, a
detachment of French troops, in full uniform,
was drawn up in a line, in the nave On each
side of the front altar, were raised seats for
ladies to whom permission had been given to
occupy the position. Among these ladies',
observed Mrs. B. and Miss H. of Buffalo,
dressed in black, as was required of all and
their heads-not their aces-shrouded with
lace veils Behind the altar ,and on one side the
chancel, were the Presidents Ambassadors,
with their ladies and suites in full court Gus
tune. Among these representatives, the
French Minister-the Due de Government
was conspicuous, both for richness of dress
and magnificent personal appearance. On the
opposite side sat the Generals and Colonels of
the French troops, with their staffs. Any
person in full dress was permitted tostand in
the space next the altar. -.
At half past eleven the Swiss Guard enter
ed the Church, and stationed themselves ina
line with the French soldiers. Then came the
grand procession : first, simple priests then
bishops ; then cardinals, in scarlet, with their
coveted yet indiscribable hats and, lastly,
the Pope himself, in canoped chair, or
throne, borne upon the shoulders of sixteen
men. He was surrounded by his select body
guard of thirty men, denominated the Guard
Noble, as every member of it is the son of
some noble Roman family. They were most
richly dressed, wearing breeches with top
boots, and green coats of the finest texture,
and manficent helmets.
The Pope was dressed in white, richly en-
broidered and, as he was borne along, he
with waving hand, blessings on the
thrOnging multitude. He was born in 1892,
and is consequently 67 years old, but in ap-
pearance much younger. lie is quite full in
person, and his countenance is expressive Of
benevOlence and easy good nature, rather
than depth of intellect or energy of charac-
ter.
When the procession reached the throne
behind the altar and the Pope was seated in
it, the choir, composed wholly of male per-
formers, struck up Il beautiful chant. When
completed, the candles were brought to him
to receive his blessing, the representatives of
foreign courts taking part in the proceed
iags.
A procession was then formed again, the |
Pope again carried around the altar, every per- |
son in the procession carrying in his hand
Il lighted candle, making it most imposing if |
not mStructing pageant. The Pope was then
returned to his lhroned seat, when high mass
was performed by the cardinal-not Cardinal |
Antoneil, the Pope'S principal Secretary of
State, although he also was on hand assist |
ing his Holiness through the whole ceremo-
ny.
After the mass, which lasted half an hour,
the Pope WAS borne from the Church in the |.
same form That ic entered, and the multitude |
dispersed; some them, perhaps thinkingas
did-how that was, shall leave you to
Courier.