The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-06

differs from other crowns. History tells US
that the emblem of papal priesthood origi-
nally had but a single gold band. Pope Bone
iface added a second ito denote the prerog.
atives of spiritual and temporal power.s
Urban a third 'in reference TO the mystical
number three The triple crown IS richly
gemmed and the one now in use dates from
Urban VIII, who spent much time and
money in adjoining it. 2
WORE TIARA BUT ONCE.
Vatican gossip says that the late Leo XIII
wore the tiara but once. viz, on the day Of
his coronation. the crown worn by him oc.
casionally afterwards being of lighter ma
terial. Like Leo. many former popes avoided
the use of the tiara. One of his namesakes,
Leo y, used to wear a crown made of pea.
cock feathers, signifying that the eyes of
the Pope were directed to all quarters OF the
world.
One emblem of spiritual power seems
strangely wanting among the Pope's attri-
butes Of office. namely, the pastoral
staff. He never carries one in
Rome. The bishopric OF Treves is
the only place In the world where the
Holy Father may carry a stan. The reason
is this: Several years before 81. Peters
death he heard Of the illness OF one of his
disciples preaching at Treves, and as a
token of his remembrance sent the sick
man his staf. When it arrived, il was laid
on the invalid and the touch seemed 70 re.
vive him. At any rate he felt no more pains
and was able to take up preaching again.
This disciple became afterwards the first
Bishop Of Treves and the staff of ST. Peter
has remained in the keeping of that diocese
ever since. IL is shown there at rare occa-
sions- 1t is a simple wooden STAFF. straight
as an arrow, without hand rest. This Is
taken as an indication that the Roman
bishops power is unlimited while the curv-
allure on an ordinary bishops stan indi-
Gates the ecclesiasdc's limited empire. On
his walks in the Vatican gardens, Plus y
carries a stick for convenience, but the
usual curvature is avoided thereon also. the
stick terminating in a globe and cross.
The Pope has three official rings. to be,
used on different occasions. but aside from
them the Holy Father wears several others.
as he is extremely fond Of gems and beau
tiful settings. His favorites are a solitaire
ring Of great value. a pigeon-blood ruby
and an immense emerald, surrounded by
briIliants. OF his official rings that OF the
fisherman is most frequently mentioned. IL
derives its name from the representation on
the stone. showing ST. Peter in the act OF
fishing from a boat. The Holy Father seals
all his letters with this ring-aII except
those that should have the great official
seal Cbulla) attached. Leo's hsherman's ring
was destroyed at the first meeting Of the
conclave. TO elect a new Pope.
AS soon as the election was completed, the
new Pontiff was presented with another
hsherman's ring. inscribed with his name.
The second ring Is merely remarkable as a
fine piece of jewelry. while the third Is worn
at audiences and on state occasions, the
same as a bishops ring. Plus allowed some
of the American pilgrims, who visited him
soon after the coronation, 90 kiss this ring,
but the majority kissed the slipper. or.
rather the cross on ii. This should BE- kept
in mind: The act OF humiliation u not done
To the mortal man, but 10 Gods son.
HELOISE CoMTEssE D'ALEMCoURr.
{. w. KRIEL.