The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-07-29
SISTINE CHAPEL
SEFSACLORY Of
COLOR AND SOUND
First of the Three Great Re-
QUEEN Masses for the Repose
of Pope Leo's Soul Conduct
ed by the Sacred College.

ROME. July 2S.-The first of the
three great requiem masses under the
auspices of the sacred college for the
repose of the soul of Pope Leo was
celebrated this morning in the Sistine
chapel. All the cardinals now in Rome,
the diplomatic corps. the Roman no
bility and many other distinguished
persons were present. No such mass
had been seen in Rome since the death
of Plus TX.
In the Sistine chapel stood a huge
white catafalque thirty feet high, and
on It upon two scarlet cushions rested
triple crown of gold shining brightly
in the light Of hundred candles. The
eatafalque completely hid the altar.
Thanking the catafalque on benches
specially constructed, sat almost all
the members Of the sacred college,
wearing scarlet capes over their violet
robes. At their feet on stools were the
conclavists or secretaries in violet.
In the narrow aisle behind between
the benches ond the wall. the heads of
the religious orders, arehbishops, pa
triarchs, monsignors and monks knelt
or stood In picturesque confusion. At
the four corners of the catafalque
burned candles ten feet high. Besides
these stood noble guards, motionless,
with drawn swords. Other noble
guards were posted at the chancel
entrance. Immediately beyond in re-
served place, were all the diplomats.
Contrast of Apparel.
The intermingled uniforms of
France, Russia, Prussia, Austria,
Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Brazil, Chill,
Colombia, Guatemala and Bavaria
formed vivid contrast with the sim
TNIo ;pcr Of he
and crepe wells and black, dresses Of
the princesses, who sat directly across
the aisle. In addition two galleries
had been erected. In the gallery on the
left were about hundred ladies, all in
deep black. On the right gallery were
special missions, among them being
Sir Thomas Esmonde and Capt. Done
Ian, representing the Irish party in
parliament
Beneath the galleries the priests and
laymen who had been fortunate enough
to secure tickets, but who were not
distinguished enough for special places,
were packed in dim seclusion. Swiss
and noble guards, chamberlains and
other vatican officials lined the aisle.
Michael Angeles frescos on ceiling
and walls seemed merely faint reflec-
lions of the brilliant maze of color
that stretched below from door to al
ldI lie <tDDc CIOSlJ Italy IdlllOuo
oratorio composer, waved his baton
and the silence was broken with the
notes of the "Dies Irae."
Sang Its Best
Those who know the Vatican well
say the matchless Sistine choir never
sang as it did then. Through the his
toric chapel the voices of boys and men
rose and fell, sWelled triumphantly as
If with song Of paradise, the voices dy-
ing away almost to a whisper at the
mention of death. Then the cardinals
sat spellbound at the rendition of the
Gregorian chant. Not note of instru-
mental music was heard throughout
the mass.
At the altar Cardinal Vannutelli was
assisted by Cardinals Agliardi, Vim
cesso, Satolli and Richard, wear
ing white mitres and glistening
vestments. Satolli, always erect and
swarthy. looked doubly so beside the
feeble frame and snow white head of
the aged Cardinal Richard. archbishop
of Paris. AS the fifty cardinals and
fifty conclavists gathered around the
catafalque their movements resembled
an amazing kaleidoscope of crimson
and violet, with colors so bright as to
be almost trying to the eyes.
Then came the singing of the Sane
tus, smodulated almost into a whisper
All present knelt as the choir ceased
intoning it's grand chant, and the dead
silence of the conservation which fol-
lowed was suddenly broken by the
clash of arms as the Noble guards pre-
scented swords. Then there was an
other CHATTER of arms as the soldiers
scabbards clashed on the marble floor
ing when they dropped on one knee,
lowered their swords and brought their
left hands to their helmets, in rigid
salute.
Filled With Incense.
Clouds of incense rose from the
censers until Michael Angeles famous
Last Judgment" was almost hidden
from view. Suddenly the sharp
tinkling of bell rang through the edi-
flee and told the worshipers that the
host had been elevated.
At the conclusion of the mass the
choir again burst out as Cardinal Van
nutelH passed around the catafalque,
after sprinkling it with holy water
Each of the officiating cardinals fol-
lowed in turn, and the ceremony was
concluded with the chanting of the
Oremus. 1t was after midday when
Cardinal Vannutelli pronounced the
final absolution.
celebration of the mass. He sat be-
side Cardinal Martinelli, among the ex-
traordinary array of cardinals. Cardi"
nal Rampolla, one of the handsomest
Of these princes of the church, walked
with set face and with head bent
down. The clear, strong voice with
which Cardinal Vannutelli chanted the
mass created no little admiration
During the ceremony, Count Stampa,
one of the Noble guards on duty be-
side the catafalque was overcome by
the heat and had to be led out. An
other guardsman took his place Count
Stampa. a few days ago. was placed
under arrest for feigning illness.