The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1903-08-14
Seventy Thousand Persons Saw
Pope Plus x Crowned.
A MAGNIFICENT CEREMONY
People Manifested Great Enthusiasm
as Pope ppeared-CardinaI Macchi
Placed Crown Upon His Head-Pon-
tiff Exceedingly Fatigued.

the coronation OF rope PluS X look
place Sunday in the Basilica of st.
Seter's in the presence of the princes
and high dignitaries of the church,
diplomats and Roman mobiles and with
all the splendor and solemnity associ-
ated with this the most magnificent
rite in the Roman catholic church.
It is fifty-seven years since the
Romans and Europe assisted at such a
function as was beld at ST. Peters Sun
day. The great Basilica, popularity
supposed never to have been quite full,
was overlooking with humanity.
The central figure in the long cor
tege was Plus X, borne in the Sedia
Gestatoria. His heavy white robes
and the red and gold mitre were worn
without an effort. Over the pontiff'
head canopy was held by eight men,
while the historic ostrich feather
fans, with peacock tips, gave a touch
Of barbaric splendor to western eyes.
Surrounding Pope Plus were the
noble guard in new red uniforms,
while in front marched the cardinals.
Another figure which evoked murmurs
Of admiration was the chaplain in his
crimson cape, proudly bearing the
cushion on which reposed the famous
triple crown, so soon to rest on the
head Of Plus. He was followed by the
choir of the Sistine chapel in white,
which sang as 1t went along.
On the appearance of the pontiff
himself it seemed as though the people
would seek to carry him in their arms,
so great was their enthusiasm. Cries
of "Pius, our pope, our father" and
'long live Plus X" were heard, not
withstanding the large placards posted
all over the Basilica saying: "Accla-
nations are forbidden" The cries
continued until the pontiff was COM
PEELED to rise and bless the multitude.
The quaint ceremony was then carried
out.
The scene presented on his mount
ing the throne formed a magnificent
picture, to which no pen could do
justice. The central figure was the
venerable pontiff seated on the throne.
Two lines of cardinals clad in silver
and scarlet reached to the high altar
with its burden of burning candles and
papal guards, the pontifical court,
monks and officials. Over head was
the most magnificent dome in the
world, up to which fioated the har-
mony of the music.
Cardinal Deacon Segna then raised
the pontiff's mitre and Senior Cardinal
Macchi placed on the venerable white
head the triple crown. At this mo-
ment the church was filled with the
ringing of bells, the blowing of silver
trumpets, the triumphant strains of
the choir and the acclamations of the
multitude, which could no longer be
represed.
When comparative silence had been
restored Cardinal Macchi addressed
the pope in Latin as follows:
Receive the tiara ornamented with
three crowns. Remember thou art the
father of princes and kings, the rector
of the world, the vicar on earth of our
Savior. Jesus Christ, who is the honor
and glory of all centuries"
Aueu, amen, puISI loIlH lIOH lHe
concourse.
Pope Fius was quite overcome and
had scarcely strength left to impart
the apostolic benediction. Cardinal
Macchi and Segna granted a plenary
indulgence TO all present, and the pro-
cession then reformed and left the
Rasilica in the same form as it came.
The pope was visibly fatigued and
his right hand sEoCh as he raised 1t
time after time to bestow his blessing.