Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-08-01

the basilica, was waiting outside the
gates. in violet robes, surrounded by
the chapter of the cathedral, which was
led by Mgr. Cepetelli, who conducted
the service. Drs. Lapponi and Mazzoni
directed the work of the removal of the
bier. which was executed by eight Sc
diari, or pope's carriers, attired in their
brilliant red robe costumes. Then, to
the strains Of the "Miserere." which
walled through the lofty church, and
preceded by glittering cross held aloft,
the procession, carrying candles and
torches, slowly left the chapel and went
up the church, passing the bronze stat
ue and beyond the shrine of St. Peter
The scene in the chapel was remarkably
effective. The bier bearing the body
was received by Cardinal Oreglia.
Last Rites.
The body was sprinkled with holy
water, absolution was given and the
foot of Leo XIII. was kissed for the
last time by Major-domo Cagiane, Mas
ter of the Chamber Bisleti and Count
Camille Pecoi. The major-domo then
covered the venerable features and
hands with white silk veil, bordered
with gold. Over this the project of cere-
monies spread large red silk veil,
which covered the whole person Fire
was lighted in brazier and blown by
bellows, the sparks rising almost to
the ceiling, while Mgr. Bartolini read for
20 minutes the "Orato Brevis," eulo-
giving the dead pontiff, and Notary Pc.
poni. 81 years old, read out the burial
record, service which he performed
upon the occasion Of the deaths of Pope
Gregory XVI. and Pope Plus TX. The
monsignors Of the basilica, aided by
the noble guard, then laid all that was
mortal Of Leo XIII. in cypress cofflr
lined with red satin and bearing on the
cover an inlaid cross, the entire sacred
college and Prince Colonna rising tc
their feet as last tribute and sign OF
respect. When all had been ar.
ranged the supreme prayer was said
and the last benediction given, all
present joining in. Unsurpassed
sobs were heard on all sides. The sec.
ond coffin was of lead and very heavy
This coffin was sealed personally with
the arms of the camerlengo. The ma
jor domo Of the chapter of the BASIL
lea lighted a brasier which was used
In soldering the coffin, PRODUCING
sounds and sights strange to hear and
see in q church. These two collins
were Enclosed in third casket of pol.
ished walnut without decorations.
With Song and Prayer.
The sad duties were softened and
smoothed by the sweetness of the
singing of the choir and the prayers
of the clergy. When the last supreme
moment came the heavy collins, weigh
ing In all 1922 pounds, were rolled out
of the chapel, preceded by mace bear
ers and choirs singing as they went
and followed by all the cardinals. Pull
legs were attached to the coffin, and
soon, to the strains OF tho "Benedictus
Dominus Deus Israel" it was hoisted
into the stone sarcophagus above the
door, where it will remain until the
grateful cardinals, created by the late
pontiff, shall erect q suitable tomb in
the basillca OF st. John Lateran,
which was chosen by tho pope himself
as his final resting place. Thus was
Pope Leo consigned to his long rest
Mass IL Celebrated.
Not many people assisted Monday
at the fifth of the novem diales, which
was celebrated in the chapel of the
choir at St. Peters, Mgr. Constaatini.
the papal almoner, pontifcating, as at
tention was centered in the solemn
funeral mass at the church of st. John
Lateran, where the Pecci family, the
diplomatic body, the Knights of Malta
and the Roman aristocraey were pres
ent. Cardinal Gibbons celebrated
early mass in the private chapel of the
Sulphicians and then drove to the vat
lean, where he participated in the
meeting of the congregation of car
dinals.