Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-08-19
Plus x. Is CROWNED.
GREAT CROWD IN 81. PETERS TIC
WITNESS CEREMONY.
Gorgeous Spectacle Never "a Be For
gotten FIfty-seven Years Since
Similar Function Many Fainf in
h crush-MeHorable Day in Rome.

INT -heEfOrdDAe Day IN Rome
The cerereeDy Of the coronation Of
Pope Plus X. taof place Sunday IN the
basilica Of 81. Peters. Rome. In the pres
enee Of the princes and high dignisaries
Of the church, diplomats and Roman no
bles. and with all the solemnity and
splendor associated with this, the most
magnificent rite in the Roman Catholic
Church.
As Cardinal Macchi, the dean of the
carGinal-deacons, placed the triple crown
on the head Of the venerable pontif. the
throng of 10000 persons gathered within
the cathedral burst into unrestrained ac-
CARNATIONS, the choir intoned a hymn Of
triumph and the bells Of Rome rang out
a joyful peal.
Ii is ffty-seven years since the Romans
and Europe assisted at such a function
as was held in St. Peters Sunday. The
great b~asilica. popularity supposed never
10 have been quite full, was overlooking
with humanity. The papal throne, a be-
wildering mixture Of gold, red and silver,
was erected in front of the high altar.
Contrary TO custom on these ceremonious
occasions, there were no galleries. and the
basilica consequently bore more of its
norna.l aspect. On the altar, which was
dressed IN white, stood the famous silver
gilt caadlestieks and a magnificent cru
ci6x.
When the doors were opened the in
rush was terrific; many who started from
the bottom of the steps outside were lift
ed off their feet and carried into the ca-
thcdral. 1t was a great human torrent
let loose, thousands of people rushing,
crushing and squeezing amid screams,
! protests. ge~sticulations and cries for help.
I,at once in the whirlpool there Was no
escape and the eompactness of the crowd
proved 10 be the safety of those caught
IN il.
Inside the Vatican palace there was
movement and hustle az the papal process
sion. composed Of about 500 persons,
al of whom had gathered early in the
apostolic paiaces. was formed. Tie pro-
epssion was a long time getting under
way, but afterward, as it moved through
the magnificent halls and corridors Of the
Vatican, it recalled former days. when
MI was color and pic%turesQueness within
the palace.
Pope the Central Figure.
The central figure in the long cortege
was Plus Y, borne in the sedia gestato-
ria. Ills heavy white robes and the red
aEi geld inter were worn without an
effort. making n vivid contrast to those
memorable occasions On which Pope Leo
XIII. wore them. for Leo seemed always
unable to support their weight. Over
the ponIif's head a canopy was held Ivy
eight men. while the historic feather fans
with peacock tips gave a touch or bar
Z harie SDlpndor IN western eyes.
Surrounding Pope Plus were the noble
guard in new red uniforms and cleaning
helmets and carrying drawn swords,
while in front marched the cardinals, a
gorgeous bit of color with many hand
some faces among them, the cardinal
bishops in their capes, the cardinal
priests, wearing chasub es and the eardi-
+ nal-deaeons in their delmatics.
The cathedral was illumlned with
twinkling lights, while the marf,1 col
unns and walls rendered the color
scheme more vivid. overhead was the
most magnificent dome in the world. mp
TO which fioated the harmony of the mu-
sic.
From the throne Plus X. surrounded
by his suite, walked to the high altar
standing over the crypt Of ST. Peter. into
which meanwhile Cardinal Macchi de-
seconded to pray. The altar was sur
amounted by n baldacchino supported by
four historic bronze pillars taken from
the Parthenon. The appearance of the
Pipe in that elevated position called forth
another b1rst of enthusiasm. The Pope
then blessed the altar, and after saying
tile "indulgentiam' the maniple, a sym
Dol of the cord with which Christ was
bound on His capture, was placed, with
great ceremony. Upon the Pope's arm. Al
the same time prayers for the coronation
were recited by Cardinals Nannutelht
Mocenni, Agliardi and Satolli. Return
ing from the crypt. Cardinal Maechi plac
ed upon the shoulders of the Pope the
pontiiieal pallium al ] attached it with
three golden jeweled pins.
Mass was then celebrated with great
romp and ceremony. the voice OF the
Pope becoming gradually more firm and
son0rous until it was even audible in the
most distant corner of the inlmense
church. Following this Cardinal slacch
performed the rite of ineensing the Pope
whom he subsequently kissed three times
on the checks and chest, as didsGardinals
Segna and Vannutelli.
The whole sacred college gathered
about the Pope. ringing Pedestrians Go
rona Anrea Super Caput Ejus, while
the choir burst forth into song. Cardina
Macchi then recited the "Pater Nostei
Nostcr'' and offered prayer
Placed the Crown.
Cardinal Deacon Sagna then raised the
pontiff's lnitre. and Senior Cardinal Dea
con Macchi placed on the venerable white
head the triple crown. ~ this moment
the church was filed with the ringing Of
bells, the blowing of sir eg trumpets. the
triumphant strains of the Choir and thu
acclamations of the multitude which
could no longer be rcpressed. When com
paratiye silence had been restored Car
dinal Macchi addressed the Pope il
Latin as follows:
Receive the tiara o-namcnted with
three crowns. Remember thou art tbs
father Of princes and kings, the rector
of the world, the vicar on earth of ON
Saviour. Jesus Christ, who is the honol
and glory of all countries.
Amen burst forth from the con
course.
When the ceremony was over all th'
exits ~ the basilica were opened an6
within less Than an hour the vast ea,he
dral was empty.