The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-15
STORIES OF Pho MONO.
Told by His Confidential Friend, the Late
Abbe Rumeli.


Edward Kings Letter In Boston Journal.
Among the bright books published a few years
ago was one containing interesting "reminiscences
of the late Plus TX, by a certain Able Rumeii,
who was a kind of confidential clerk and com
panion of the great Pope. This Able Rumeli
died recently, and both the Italian and Austrian
papers, for he was well known in Rome and in
Vienna, are filled with anecdotes of his curious
career. He was educated at the College of Vol
terra with Count Mastal Ferretti. the gay and
genial soldier student, who afterwards became
Plus TX. When these youths had finished their
studies they vowed themselves to a military ca
reer. and that they would begin in the Papai
navy. which at that time had two war-ships.
the Holy Trinity and Saints Peter and Paul.
But being SO diminutive, the navy scarce
men whose talents were of first order; and SO
Mastai Ferretti pursued his ecclesiastical career.
and became successfully Bishop of Spoleta,
Archbishop of Imola and then cardinal. Able
Rumeli gave up all hope of attaining distin-
guished honors. and went TO live near Imola. in
such a profound seclusion that he soon was called
the hermit; but he remained an intimate friend
of his old college companion, and was made ia
miliar with all his projects. Gifted with a YER
liable second-sight. he one day predicted d. Fer
retti's election to to the Papal dignity.
One Of the stories which the Able Rumeli was
most fond OF relating concerning the Pope re-
lated to the time when Plus TX was still Arch
bishop of Imola. and had received from Pope
OFcSoEy Az du OruST VI Examine luLO the case
Of a young girl who said that she had the gift of
miracles and a divine mission. This girl had in.
stalled herself in q little wood near Imola. was
said to live without food, and claimed to heal all
maiadies by the laying on of hands. The pill
grims came by thousands from the neighboring
provinces to see this great wonder. and for q
time the girl was at the summit of glory. But
one day the future Pope. accompanied by his
faithful hermit, both dressed in shabby cloaks
and dusty shoes. dropped in upon the mystical
young lady and began to question her. She was
meek enough until the Archbishop of Imola
ordered her to take off his shoes and those of
his companion, and to prepare water to wash
their feet. The young mystic rose up
full of anger, and answered very tart
ly: 81 am the servant of God, and
not of man." ''Then." said the Archbishop,
'tGet out of this country at once. You are only
an impostor. The first of Christian virtues, that
of humility. is entirely lacking in your compost
tion.p He had the girl imprisoned, and then
expelled from the province.
Another bright story which the Able told OF
Plus TX, was of the time when the Pope was a
simple priest He told this tale very often to visi-
tors at the Vatican. and always told
it with much simple eloquence and
pathos. One morning when he was in the
confessional. q feminine figure. yelled from head
to foot, kneeled against the grating and said:
"Father. / have come. not 20 confess q past sin.
but TO demand absolution for a great crime that
l am about to commit" What is itfH said The