Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-07-29
REQUIEM MASS
Celebrated at Rome for the
Late Pope's Soul.
Distinguished Gathering Of Cardinals
and Diplomats at Services.
No Such Mass There Since the Death
Of Plus TX.

Rome, July 2S-The first of the ehree
great requiem masses under the aus
pices of the Sacred College for the re-
pose of the soul of Pope Leo was cele-
hrated, Tuesday morning in the Sis
tine chapel. All the cardinals now in
Rome. the diplomatic corps. the Roman
nobility and many other other distin-
guished persons were present. No such
mass has been seen in Rome since the
death of Plus TX
In the Sistine chapel stood the huge
white catafalque, 80 feet high and on
it, upon two scarlet cushions rested a
triple crown of gold, shining brightly
in the light of 100 candles. The cata-
falque completely hid the alter. Flank
ing 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 We're the conclasists, or
secretaries, in violet. In the narrow
isle behind, between the benches and
the wall, the heads of the religious or
ders, patriarchs, monsignors and monks,
knelt or stood in picturesque confusion.
At the four corners of the catafalque
burned candles, 20 feet high.
less with drawn swords. Other Noble
Guards were posted at the chancel en-
trance. Immediately beyond in the re-
served places were all the diplomats.
The intermingled uniforms of France,
Russia, Prussia, Austria, Spain, Bel
GUM, Portugal and Columbia, Gaute-
mala and Bavaria formed a vivid con-
trast with the simple evening dress of
the Roman princes and crepe wells and
| draSCac nf no
directly across the isle. In addition
two galleries had been erected In the
one on the left were about 500 ladies all
in deep black; on the right was the
special missions, among them being Sir
Thomas Esmonde and Capt. Donolan,
representing the Irish parliamentary
party.
Beneath the gallaries the priests and
laymen who had been fortunate enough
to secure tickets were packed in dim
seclusion. Swiss Noble Guards, cham
berlains and other Vatican officials
lined the isle Archangel frescoes on
walls and ceilings seemed merely faint
reflections Of the brilliant maze of COL
or that stretched below from door to
alter.
The Able Perosia, Italy's famous or
atoric composer, waved his baton and
silence was broken with the notes of
the Dies Irie. Those who know the
Vatican well say the matchless choir
never sang as it did, Tuesday. Through
out the historic chapel the voice of
boys and men rose and fell and swelled
triumphantly as if with songs of para
disc, the voices dying away almost to
whisper at the mention of death.
Even the cardinals sat spell bound at
chant Not note of instrumental mu-
sic was heard throughout the mass.
At the altar, Cardinal Serafino VAN
nutelli was assisted by Cardinals Ag-
liardi. VincenZo Vannutelli, Satolli and
Richard, wearing white mitres and
glistening vestments. Satolli, always
erect and swarthy, looked doubly so be-
side the feeble frame and snow white
head of the aged Cardinal Richard,
archbishop of France.
AS the so cardinals and SO conclav-
lists gathered around the catafalque and
alternately knelt and arose, their move
ments resembled a massing kaleido-
scope of crimson and violet with colors
so bright as to be most trying to the
eyes.
Then came the singing of the sane
tus, modulated almost into whisper.
All present knelt as the choir ceased
informing it's grand chant and the dead
silence of the conservation which fol-
lowed by the clash of arms as the Noble
Guards presented swords. Then there
was another clatter of arms as the SOL
diers' scabbards clashed on the marble
flooring when they dropped to one knee.
lowered their swords and brought their
left hands to their helmets in rigid
salute.
Clouds of incense rose from the CEN
sers until Michael Angeles famous
Last Judgment was almost hidden
from view. Suddenly the sharp tink-
ling of bell rang through the edifice
and told the worshippers that the host
had been elevated.
At the conclusion Of mass the choir
again burst out into song, and Cardinal
Serafino Vannutelli, preceded by the
cross bearers. passed solemnly around
the catafalque, after sprinkling 1t with
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