The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-29
FOR REPOsE OF LEO's SOUL.


hOME1, July Zo-Ihe nrSt 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 NOM
ing in the Sistine Chapel. All the cardi-
mails now in Rome, the diplomatic corps,
the Roman nobility and many other dis
tinguisheG 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,tw scarlet
cushions rested a triple crown of gold.
shining brightly in the light of hundred
candles. The catafalque 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
ligious orders, archbishops, patriarchs,
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 reserved places.
were all the diplomats. The intermingled
uniforms of France. Russia, Prussia, Aus
tria, Spain. Belgium, Portugal. Brazil.
Chill, Colombia, Guatemala and Bavaria
formed a vivid contrast with the simple
evening dress OF the Roman princes and
crepe wells and black dresses of the prin-
cesses. who sat directly across the aisle.
In addition. two galleries had been erect
ed. In the gallery on the left were about
one hundred ladies, all in deep black. In
the right gallery were the special mis-
sions, among them being Sir Thomas Es-
monde and Captain Donelan. representing
the Irish party i'm Parliament. Beneath the
galleries the priests ard laymen who had
been fortunate enough TO secure tickets,
but who were not distinguished enough for
special places. were packed in dim seclu-
sion. Swiss and noble guards, chamber
lains and other Vatican officials lined the
aisle. Michael Angeles frescos on ceiling
and walls seemed merely faint reflections
of the brilliant maze of color that stretched
below from door to altar.
AS the fifty cardinals and fifty conclavists
gathered around the catafdlque and alter
nately knelt and rose their movements re-
sembled an amazing Kaleidoscope of crimson
and violet with colOrs so bright as to be al
most trying to the eyes. Then came the
singing of the sanctus, modulated almost in
to whisper. All present knelt as the choir
ceased intoning its grand chant and the dead
silence of the conservation which followed
was suddenly broken by the flash of arms as
the noble guards presented swords. Then
there was another clatter of arms as the
soldiers scabbardS clashed on the marble
flooring when they dropped on one knee,
lowered their swords and brought their left
hands to their helmets in rigid salutes.
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
edifice and told the worshipers that the
host had been elevated.
At the conclusion of the mass the choir
again burst into song and T4rdinal Ser
afino Vannuetelli, preceded the cross
bearer, passed solemnly around the cata-
falque after sprinkling it with holy water.
Each of the officiating cardinals followed
in turn and the ceremony was concluded
with the chanting of the Oremus. 1t was
after midday when Cardinal Vannuetelli
pronounced the final absolution.
Cardinal Gibbons had no part in the cele-
bration of the mass. He sat beside Cardinal
Martinelli, among the extraordinary array
of cardinals among whom Cardinal Gotti.
who. instead of a scarlet cape, wore the
white mantle of the Carmelite order, which
is one of the most prominent.
Cardinal Oreglia, dean of the Sacred Col
lege sat at the head of the left row of car
dinals, near the altar steps II was noticed
that he walked with an erectness which be-
lied his years
Cardinal Rampolla. one of the handsomest
of these princes OF the church, walked with
a set face and with head bent down.
The clear. strong voice with which Car
dinal Vannuetelli chanted the mass created
no little admiration.
During the ceremony one of the noble
guards on duty beside the catafaique was
overcome by the heat and had 10 be led out.
Another guardsman instantly took his place