New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-01-17


from the authority of their presty custodians, as
the sacred relics themselves not admitted to the
gaze of the profane. They are deposited in costly
urn of silver and crystal, adorned with golden
image of the infant Jesus which is carried in solemn
procession on Christmas eve. During the whole OF
the next day, they remain on the High Altar, ex-
posed TO the alteration of the faithful who look for
saving virtues from their presence. The whole scene
was of the most imposing character, even to those
who could boast of but little sympathy with the
occasion. The brilliant lights of the High Altar and
the side chapels were reflected from the scarlet
brocade which draped the marble columns OF the
nave the air was tremulous with the strange, I'M
earthly music, which oated from the peculiar voices
of Roman choir, while the antique, and often
picturesque, costumes of the peasantry from the
| neighboring hills transported one back to times
which live only ID history. Not a few
penitents, some in rags, some IN vel
vet and silk. as they passed up and down
the aisles, knelt before confessional, and after
moment of silent recollection, were touched on the
head by long wand in the hands Of an aged priest
who looked an image of faith and charity. and who
without uttering word, or relaxing muscle of his
countenance relieved them Of the burden OF their
SINS and sent them their way rejoicing II left the
Church with feeling of almost personal attachment
to its sacred beauties such is not always enkndled
by the oftier pile of st. Peters. Though devoted to
the expression of the supernatural it is not without
q certain relish Of humanity. You not oppressed
by the incomprehensbe grandeur of its proportions
nor elevated to painful emnence above the earth
The decorations are in style of superlative mag
nifcence, but neither numerous, nor so gigantic
as to clOthe the walls Of the edifce in intolerable
glory or to bewlder the intellect by the agony of
preternatural admiration.
81 Oh oir of
ter lingering amid these tempting displays
of ecclesiastical ambition. and l determined
to close my Christmas excursions with a
visit to the miraculous babe, which on this day is
enthroned in state in the Church of Ara Cell.
drive of more than usual length through the peltng
rain brought me to the Capitoline Hill. On entering
the Church, found al moro quiet style of architec-
ture, and less ostentatious profuson of ornament
The edifce bears marks of age, and is supposed by
many to date as far back the sixth century. The
floor was occupied by a crowd of persons evidently
in humble life. but looking less like the peasants OF
the neighborhood than the poorer classes of the city,
With the exception of the strangers, who had come
to enjoy the spectacle the company HAD no preten-
siOns to being weldressed if indeed they might be
regarded as we-washed The center of attraction
was one of the side chapels on the left hand, in
which was displayed rude image of the infant
Christ which, according to the Catholic legend was
carved out of tree from the Mount of Olives, and
which still possesses the power of curing the sick that
have been given over by the physicians and such,
is favorte object of popular yeneration. The
blessed babe is carried from house to house. and the
patient who looks upon its face is Immediately made
well. At this time, the image was gaudy dressed
in costly robes adorned with glitterng jewels, and
surrounded by the Shepherds and Wise Men, who
came TO pay their homage to the new.b born Christ.
On the other side of the nave temporary platform
was fitted up as n stage on which several brief dla-
ogues were recited in celebration of the Nativity
by Young children of both sexes. The exhibition
was remarkablefor nothing but its nsipidity. The
little performers meanly clad. None of them
were models of Roman beauty. They had dull, in
expressive faces, and their bearing was heavy and
mechanical Their voices were no better than their
looks or manners. Their Rotations were vehement,
but without force and had nothing of the sweet art
essness which is often charming in juvenile elo-
cution The whole performance bore the
stamp of intense commonplace, and appeared
10 excite but little enthusiasm, except among
the infatuated parents of the young artists.
Nor did the sacred Babe receive tho admiration to
which he was accustomed from Roman families
There was no rush of devotees around the scene as
is usually found before the statue of St Peter The
audience seemed stless and dull with no interest In
the exhibition or with sympathies exhausted by too
frequent appeals. was glad TO leave the Church
before the Christmas sun went down IN clouds, ana
satated with pious exercises TO return TO the secular
life of my hotel My ZEAL however, revived on Sun
day, and made a dutful pilgrimage to 81. J0hn
Lateran and other celebrated churches but ID each
case the hour was indiscreetly chosen, as l found
them comparatively empty and no BELL book or
candle in exercise, except to a little handful of
Ioro
tparv. Yesterday was the celebration of St
John the Evangelist, all the services OF the
church were devoted to his memory. the shops
and public places rehgiously closed
the streets and promenades almost deserted
the heads of ST. Paul and st. Peter exposed to
the gaze of the faithful, a moro than Purtanlc
Sabbath gloom br0oded over the city, although no.
ticed no increase of the sweetness and peace which
formed the atmosphere of the Beloved Disciple.
I have no information since my last letter, OF the
proceedings of the Council. RumOrs indeed, are as
"plenty as blackberres" and if Irecounted 1.-THE
of what | hear might soon ill quires Of letter
paper portion of truth has doubtless leaked out
i'm the abundance of gossip but who has the crucIble
TO divide the gold from the drOssf was told yes
terday for instance that sixty OF the pelates had
left the Council. and had packed their trunks LOT
home To-day am informed that there Is no d0nbt
of the correctness of the report but gave II no ere
dence and repeat it here only to show YOU specimen
of the current rumors which nest the city Some wise
ones pretend to believe that compromise has been
effected and that the question of lnfallibiity is to
subside without discussion provided that the pre-
lates will pledge themselves to maintain the supreme
authority of the Pope. This cuts the knot which 1t
is 80 hard to unite but at present, cannot think it
solves the problem. The arrangement, certainly.