The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-02-16

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MADAME sWETcH1NE.
The eminent position which this lady held
in the highest circles Of Paris, as well in a
social ms literary point of view-her great
virtues, and the unbounded influence which
she exercised in sphere so seldom accessi-
bic to swomsn-renders all particulars or
her life and surroundings of remarkable in
terest. A Russian by birth, schismatic
| through education, her conversion to the
Catholic Church, seemed one of the most
improbable of events. Endowed by nature
with great good sense-a logical mind and
quick perceptions-the investigation once
commenced, was pursued with ardor, and o
frank desire to arrive at truth-the conclu-.
sion was inevitable, as it must ever be with
those who do not resist cooperating grace
she =courageously renounced the Greek
schism, and abiding the worst consequences,
embraced the Catholic faith. A change of
abode became necessary, and Paris, the
scene Of her future genial influence; was
Fohosen-.-.the Gear yielding reluctant con-
sent. Belonging to the highest aristocracy
of the Empire, it was deemed necessary to
ffown down and punish the innovation; but
the worst consequences were cheerfully &C
cepted. In Paris her saloons were the re-
sort of all eminent in theology, philosophy,
politics and science|Chatealbria Berry
ere, Father Lacordaire, DeBrogie, Mont
morency, and hosts Of prominent foreigners,
constantly thronged the delightful reunionA
of . hostess, who had the art to reconcile
the most opposite sentiments. Amid al
this apparent turmoil and worldliness, asys-
ten,atic and rigidly consistent Christian life
was led; and such was the esteem in which
she was held, that eminent ecclesiastics
sought her advice.
The following comments are by a Pretes-
tant, reviewing her life recently published:
We have perused this interesting volume with
uncommon pleasure. The life of Madame
Swetchine embraced the most extraordinary
eventful period in the history of modern times.
Born in 1872, her childhood was passed during
the French Revolution; and as she grew to
womanhood, the splendid star of Napoleon be-
gan to dazzle the world, and to go on increasing
in brillianey, until it was quenehed forever in
the blood of Waterloo; she rejoiced at the res
toration of the Bourbons, and wept at the rev.
olution of July. She continued to reside in
Il
lived to witness the revolution of 1S4S, and the
establishment Of the second Empire under Ma
poleon Ill. Descended from one of the most
distinguished families of Russia, the youth of
Madame Swetchine was spent at the court,
where her father filed an important position
At the early age of seventeen she was married
to Gen; swetchine, the military -commandant
drew around the most brilliant society of tho
capital, which was then graced by the presence
of many ilustrious Frenchmen, which the rev.
4. kol ,,,.. I, frN,v, thASr ,ay,frx
In . few years Gen. Swetehine fell under tho
suspicion Of the court, and they removed to
Paris. Madame Swetchines salon soon became
as famous as II adame Recamier,s.-Sh did not
possess the adorable beauty of Madame Rcca-
mier, which brought to her feet poets philoso-
pliers, painters, prirces, aud emperors, but she
possessed a singulariy gifted mind, classical
lightly qualities of Homer aud Virgil, Shake
speare and Dante, Goethe and~Schiller, and a
beautiful disposition, which won the hearts of
all who approached her. "Few women have
lived SO deep, SO wide, SO crowded a life<as
Madame Swetchine, and with profound an
appreciation of it; as character, she must
hold front place among the most original,
pure, and fascinating, revealed in all history
The combination in her of natural force, intense
passion, acquired knowledge, resignation. and
repose, is truly wonderful. The life Of Madame
Swetchine, her lonely studies, aud sublime as
pirations; her extraordinary personal attain
inents, her phiianthropic labors, her literary
productions her sweet social charm ard vast
influence, her thrice royal friendships with
kings, philosophers, and saints; the sober rap
lures of her religious faith, form an example
whose edifying interest and value are scarcely
surpassed in the minds of her sex"
Madame Swetchine's beautiful and exemplary
life was closed by q holy death, at Paris, in
1857, surrounded by weeping relatives and
friends.
D1sINTERMENr OF THE MEDIcI FAMILY OF
FLoRENcE.-The London Morning Post has
interesting letter from it's Tuscan correspondent,
giving an RECOUNT of tho disinterment OF the