The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-03-28
EASTER-TIME IN ROME.

Easter in Rome does not end with
Sunday. During the days that
followed there were numerous SER
vices, and for us an especially in
teresting function, the celebraticn n
of the thirteenth centenary of Gre
CORY the Great, held in St. Peters
eight days after Easter.
We were SO fortunate as to have
seats in the tribunes, and as the
mass was to be celebrated at the
high altar and we were to be in the
fourth row from the front, we were
sure of a good view of the Pope.
| All around us were the Swiss
Guards, in the picturesque costume
of red, yellow, and black designed
| by Michelangelo, and the Pope's
Guardia Mobile. The accoutrement
of the Gendarme Pontificio is some
what like that Of the old Philadel-
phia City T. oop, a handsome uni
torn of black and white, with an
immense shake adorned with red
plume. Most gorgeous of all were
the chamberlains, in black Spanish
costume Of the period of Philip II,
with velvet cape thrown over one
shoulder, superb lace cuffs and col
lar, and an immense ruff around
the neck, and gold cords and chains
without end.
After long wait there was a
rustic and stir Of expectancy over
the vast assemblage, then breath
less stiffness, when all eyes strained
toward the eastern door, through
which entered the gorgeous process
sion. The Palatine Guard lined
the way down the central aisle,
some of the Swiss Guard being
stationed at different points. First
came the Gusrdia Mobile, then the
mitred abbots, the bishops and
archbshops in copes and mitres of
white and gold, the patriarchs and
cardinals, these latter with long
capes of cloth of gold worn over
their scarlet robes. Then came the
canons and m0nStgnori in lace and
fur tippets, after them the prince in
attendance on the papal throne,
Don Flippo Orsini, followed by the
secret chamberlains bearing the
precious tiaras and mitres covered
with gold and jewels. The triple
crown, borne upon Cushion, was
blaze of the most brilliant jewels,
diamonds, emeralds, and rubies,
too heavy in its richness to be
borne long by any mortal head.
Finally, announced by blast from
silver trumpet. the Pope appear
ed, seated in the Sedia .geStat0ria,
born above the heads of the multi
tude by members of the household
III livery of scarlet cloth, the huge
white feather fans or flabella being
carried on each side.
The Pope was pale, and first ap
peared to be somewhat agitated.
1t is said that he very much dislik-
es to be carried into the church,
and it must. indeed, be trying
position. The chair is lifted high
above the heads of the people, that
everT one may see the Holy Father:
it is borne slowly, pausing alto
getber at intervals. There was a
stop near Our seats of minute or
more. which gave us an opportunity
to see the noble, benevolent face of
the one man stands for so much to
millions of the faithful. Less hand
some and distinguished in appear
ance than some of his pictures,
Plus x has that in his face which
is worth infinitely more than manly
beauty or aristocratic bearing; one
cannot look into it without being
impressed by his earnestness and
sincerity.
When the Holy Father had been
carried to the apse, he descended
from the Seaia geSlatoria> and knelt
in prayer before St. Peters Chair.
At this moment bright ray of
sunshine fell upon, the group Of
prelates in their rich and varied
vestments; jewels flashed back their
many.hued lights, making gor-
geous mass of color, in the midst of
which are the white robed, triple
crowned figure of the kneeling
Pope.-ANNE HoLLINGswoRTH
WHARTON in. april LiRpineOHS.
|