The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-02-21


a'Ripa, where he displayed such an nnusn
al and successful administrative ability tina
in 1927 Leo MI. created him Archbishop 0
Spoleto. from which See Gregory XVI trans
lated him in 1882, to the more importan
one OF Imola. He continued to govern tlii
portion of the Lords Vineyard. now givel
him, with the zeal and vigilance of a tru
Apostle and disciple Of Jesus Christ. In TIN
faithful discharge Of the duties Of Chic
Pastor of this See, he continued seven years
when he was created Cardinal, Dec. 23d
1889, and proclaimed the year following,viz
December 14th, 1910, under the title Of S
S. Peter and Marcellinus.
Now raised to the dignity of Prince Of tin
Church, and honored with the confidence o
the Chief Pastor OF Christendom, Cardna
Ferretti continued the same course Of polio!
and prudence in the affairs of his dOcese..ant
what concerned the general good of his PEG
pie. A new dignity was yet reserved fo
him, one which his humble and pure sou
never for moment aspired to. But Coz
knows those whom he has destined for grea
and noble ends, and on whom he confers his
choicest gifts. Gregory XVI. was at this
time called to his reward, having died June
lst., 1916, after a reign OF about fourteen
years.
The Cardinals, as usual, met in solemn
conclave to elect his successor. The choice
fell on Cardinal Ferrett, then the young
est OF the Sacred College, he himself being
chosen to count the ballots cast for the new
Pope. What must have been his surprise
when he found his own name first on the
role. nay, the one having the majority Of
votes after the short session OF As hours
His humility was too great, his sense OF the
weight Of responsibility henceforth to rest
ON his shoulders, was more than his meek
heart could bear. He falls PROSTATE on the
| altar, unable to give vent to his emotions Of
| surprise. On June 10TH, 1916, he was un-
animously elected Pope, and on the 2lst. OF
same month, his coronation at st. Peters
took place, amid the applause OF the hun
dreds of thousands present. and to the JOY OF
1 Italy and the whole of Chrstendom. Never
was king hailed by his subjects with more
| rejoicines and congratulations, than was
| Plus X. on his first appearance in their
midst. Not only Rome, Italy, France, and
| Spain, but all the nations of the civilized
| world, seemed to vie with one another in
paying homage to the new successor of st
| Peter Plus IN. was hailed as the Sovereign
| OF Italy, and the Father OF all Christians.
| Even those most hostile, in times gone by,
| to the church and to the chair Of St. Peter,
seemed to take the warmest interest in the
new Pope and were not even wanting to
express their feelings in the kindest way.
| All was bright and promised we'll for the
| future. But how soon things were to assume
| different aspects. Even in the clearest sky,
there may be distant cloud which is the har-
binger of approaching storms. The true
| Captain knows its meaning and places no
confidence in the existing appearance OF the
heavens. So it was with Plus TX. He too
Tko1t ,o1,o n0fo In
| stability of human affairs, to be deceived by
| present indications. Nor was he mistaken.
His bark was scarce launched from land,
when the threatening storms began to raise
their swelling waves and beat furiOusly
against the ship of. which he had just taken
charge. Europe at this time was given up
to series OF political disturbances and rev.
Olutions. In various parts of the continent,
either discomfort under the pressure OF mis-
esy, or more frequently spirit Of restless
ness and INSTRUMENTATION, and inordinate
desire of social change, gave rise TO many
violent outbreaks against governments. In
dependently Of several incidents OF this
kind, that occurred in Switzerland, Ger
many, Prussia, etc, such had been the case
particularly with France, the Austrian do
minions and the different states Of Italy,
not excepting those known as tie States of
the Church. All Europe was on the eve of
civil war, and discontentment seemed to be
the ruling passion Of the day. Reforms in
every department were demanded even at
the sacrifice of law and order. Plus IX.
used every means in his power that prr-
dence and ecclesiastical discipline could sug-
gest or sanction, to pacify and quell the
gathering storm; but in vain. Rome is
filled with an armed mob, contending armies
are marching in every direction. Plus him
self is made prisoner in the Quirinal; his
prime minister, Ross, falls at a moment
when his presence is most needed, by the
stiletto of vile assassin. Monsignore Palma,
the Pope's Latin secretary, is shot dead at
his side on the very steps of the Qurinal
Palace, and he himself is every moment in
danger OF losing his life. He is forced at
length in the darkness of night to abandon
Rome in disguise of an humble Priest, and
seek shelter and protection in Gaeta on the
shores OF the Mediterranean, in the kingdom
OF Naples. These were years OF insubordi-
nation, r..pine, and slaughter. No country
or nation seemed exempt during the years
lS4S and 1S49 from the dreadful havocs of
war and oppression. The very demons of
the abyss must have been let loose to goad
meu's minds to deeds OF cruelty and blood.
Through the interventions, however, of
Catholic princes, with whom Russia in
directly cooperated. peace was more or less
restored, and Plus TX. saw himself again in
his beloved Rome, having re-entered that
city April 18TH, 1850, to the Joy and salts
faction of his people. Nevertheless, although
restored to his throne, he was obliged to
struggle without ceasng for the preserva-
ton Of his sovereign rights and his Pontiti-
cal independence against the same party
of conspiracy and revolution, more or less
openly countenanced and abe tied by several
European Cabinets.
After the expulsion OF the Austrians from
onbardy, Victor Emmanuel, the same
whose death the press has no later than Il
month ago. recorded and represented prior
to his last moments making peace with the
Pope and Church, (how far as to restitution
we are rot informed seized on large part
of the States Of the Church, and massacred
the heroic band OF Pontifcal troops under
Lamoriciere at Castelfidardo. Again, in
1867 a numerous body Of Garlbaldians. with
eminent of Victor Emmanuel, and if VIC
mistake not. with the conniyance of the
Emperor of the French, who since also has
| gone before the tribunal of justice, and we
know under what circumstances, made an
attempt to seize upon Rome, but were bad
ly defeated by the ability and valor Of the
small Pontifical army, scarcely numbering
10000 men. Finally on September Goth,
1870, the troops of Victor Emmanuel turned
their arms against Rome, having taken adj
vantage of tie Franco Prussian war then
in actual progress, opened breach in the
walls, and took possession of the city on the
same day. under the leadership OF General
Bixo, brother of whom, we all know, was a
most active and Jealous priest in The diocese
OF Richmond short time before, and resi-
dent pastor in Staunton.
Notwithstanding the revcrses which the
Church experienced in her temporal do
mains during this eventful period of her his
tory. never. perhaps, did she make more
rapid progress in her spiritual welfare, never
was her authority more respected abroad or
her standard unfurled in more kingdoms of
the earth, than during the 30 years OF the
reign of Plus TX. There is no country from
the hitherto almost unknown regions OF ia
pan, to the distant shores of the Pacific,
that has not experienced the Christia nizing
| influence OF her rule. TO enumerate all the
important actions Of his Pontificate, would
require voumns, and more time and study
than we can afford Or find it convenient to
give. Besides the press of the country has
already cxhausted.the subject, and there
are few features OF his life and character
that have ROT already been given to the pub
lie. There are some, however, which claim