The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-05
VISITING THE POPE.
How Little American Girl Was Given
Special Audience by the Holy Father.


How a Little American Girl Was Given
Special Audience by the Holy Father.
Washington Star.
gentle, winning and brave little American
girl who is travelling in Europe caring devotedly
for her invalid father, a retired naval officer,
writes to a lady friend in Washington, giving
the following bright and ingenious description
of an interview she succeeded in getting with
the Pope:
went to another ante-room, waited mo-
ment, was called, and went through more mag
nifcent rooms to more simple, when Mon
signor Maechi, after speaking to two Passio mist
fathers came toward me, his pleasant face
lighted up and smiling. He asked me-
Have you not seen the Pope!"
''Oh. yes. y replied.
"And kissed his hand and received his bless
ing" he questioned
''Oh, yes" | said family.
''And what more27 he asked, but with such a
genial smile that was encouraged to tell him
wanted your cpReifx blessed specially and did
so want the Holy Father 10 say a word to mel
He laughed. but very kindly ask me all about
myself said was Americana; Catholic from my
birth; papa naval officer. a convert; and we
We're to leave Rome the next day He said the
Holy Father was much fatigued but he would
see, and If at ali possible should have the pleas
ure longed for, but not to be disappointed if /
were refused; but must wait while longer l
answered | could wait ever so long, and pa
tiently enough. Special audiences, you know,
mean several people who kneel about and the
rope goes around ana speaks TO eacn
one, and this l thought, was the way I
would have my pleasure. and while | was
regretted could not get more. moneignor sent
for me, and ! was led through more grand rooms
to one wherein found waiting the lady from
whom | got my idea of special audience. So. my
lady friend, had the satisfaction to know she
had not got very far behind me. She left the
room and l amused myself watching the three
ladies who were waiting Gheir turn, when, inn
agne-my dear. imagine-I was the second one
called | ]
called, was in the room with our thigh priest
He sat at one end of the apartment all
| in white, and looked so beHignly at me
while, in few words, mensignor made
girl, who wanted his Holiness to say
word to her Then he left The Holy
Father smiled and looked so gracious that my
fears vanished, and in moment was on my
knees at his side and alone with him. | don't
know if fulfilled a single point Of etiquette.
am sure | only called him mon peFe," and
didn't give him single title | could think of
nothing formal. knelt there half leaning on
his knee, on which laid my rosaries. In my
left hand L held your cFucifX and in my right
clasped his dear hand, which | might kiss at
WILL while his soft, beautiful keen eyes seemed
to read nay SOUL He asked me all about myself,
and dear papa and mamma, and my home and
my pleasures and looked distressed when told
him of the trouble which ever grieves me. He
said he would pray for each and every one,
then gave your erucihx a special blessing, lay
ing his hand on it and my precious little cross,
gave me benediction with both hands
on my head and then, with wave
of his hand and a sweet smile, dismissed me;
but before went many steps he called me
and sent particular blessing to papa did not
come out of the room at all in the proper way,
for, instead of courtesying myself out, turned
and dropped on my knees in the middle Of the
rooul when he again blessed me- and them with
my head up and my eyes full Of tears, ran out,
and don't believe the Holy Father liked it any
the less for monsignor called me is Ipaused to
wait and went into the Popes apartment, from
whence he hastily cane carrying a silver medal,
which he pressed into my hand, looking very,
very pleased as he todme the Holy Father sent it,
with a blessing for my very own. This is my
proof that have not dreamed all this. and the
precious gift to the little American girl hangs
on my rosary, a souvenir of visit to be remem
bered while lve | did have sense enough left
to thank the ehamberlainS, and all. as
passed. for their courtesy, and got down stairs
and out into my carriage, reaching home at II,
and wondering if all the happiness had been
mine.