Evening star., 1914-08-20

village Of Riese, in the Venetian prov
ince Of Treviso, which. in 1903, gave to
the church a pontir in Nicola Boccasini.
who assumed the triple crown under the
name Of Benedict xI.
Born June 2 1896, to poor and humble
family Of the name of Sarto, Plus 4
was christened Giuseppe GosepD. and
known throughout his life by the dialect
equivalent Of Giuseppe, "Beppo."
The early life of Pope Plus was filled
with activity The district OF Treviso is
one Of poverty, only those who have seen
1t realizing the struggle for existence that
ever prevails.
Little Giuseppe Sarto was one of a fam
fly of ten, to feed whose hungry mouths
the father could not earn anything ap-
preaching living wage" This fact
suggests what sacrifices the household
had to endure to insure the boy the
means Of education, finally secured him
through the kindness of a parish priest.
From an early age Giuseppe, bred to
sturdy outdoor life displayed bent for
the priesthood-a bent that for the most
part is religiously respected by Italians
Of the lower class. The educational re-
sources of his birthplace were soon ex-
hausted. and the lads studious leanings
demanded wider field for their develop
ment. He was sent to a college at CaStel-
Franco. and from there was transferred
to the Central Seminary, at Padua, the
world-renowned seat of Italian learning.
Received Priests Orders.
i,
! September 49, 1858, the young semi
narist received his priests orders in the
Cathedral of Castel-Franco. That year
was a memorable one for Italy. The ques-
tion OF Italian liberation had been forced
to the front by the attempt of orsini. to
assassinate Napoleon III.
The diplomats Of nations assembled.
but the young priest was not concern
ed in the movement. He turned his
back on the world. and took UP his
duties as curate in the village Of Tom
bolo. He soon was loved by his parish
toner's. to whom he endeared himself
by his unselfishness his self-sacrifice
and his tireless labor.
He was promoted as parish priest Of
salzano in 1857. only year after the
50 that the future Pope lived, for the
first thirty-two years Of his life, under
Austrian regime in his native province.
The able discharge of his office recon-
mended the pastor of Salzano to the
notice OF Mgr. Zanelli, at that time the
bishop of the diocese, who nominated
him to canonry in the Cathedral OF
Treviso. This promotion was supple-
mented by bestowal Of the deanery on
Father Sarto and his appointment as
episcopal chancellor. To him. also. was
confided the delicate and important
charge Of spiritual director to the
he was likewise given a professors
chair and an examinership.
Nor did his activities end here. for he
was chosen as Judge in the capitular
ecclesiastical court. and finally was
appointed vicar general of the diocese.
Won Reputation as Preacher.
Meantime. the recipient Of all these
disnities was winning great reputa-
tion as a preacher. His sermons. al
though delivered extempore. were distin-
guished for both learning and eloquence.
Yet. 1t is probable that the example Of his
self-denying and holy life preached the
most eloquent sermon Of all. During the
lnterregnum that supervened on the death
Of Mgr. Zanelli it fell to the vicar general
10 administer the diocese. and this he
did with such notable skill that he was
nominated coadjutor to the new BISHOP
Of Treviso.
After such an apprenticeship It was not
sslrprising that when the important see OF
Nantua became vacant, In 1884, Leo XIII
oiiose Giuseppe Sarto to fill the place. 1t
was no easy task to which he had been
called. for his predecessor had allowed
discipline to slack. His persuasive power
and administrative gifts were tested to
the utmost. but he was fully equal to the
ungrateful task.
Severe in personal taste. Signor Sarto
showed himself Jealous in maintaining
the gorgeous ritual traditions OF his
church. and In 1886 the eOOth solemn CEN
tenary of st. Anselm was celebrated un-
der his auspices, while in 1891 he pre-
sided at a like function in commemora-
ton Of St. Louis Gonzaga
Two years later Pope Leo recognized
Bishop Sarto's merits by raising him to
the sacred college. with the title Of San
Bernardo allie Terme. at a consistory held
June Is. 1888.
AT the same time he was chosen out Of
all the Venetian preiates to fill the pa
triarchate OF Venice.
In his nine years residence in the sea
sirt" city. the Pope Of the Gondoliers
was a beloved and familiar figure. His
nrm. dignifed. yet genial rule quickly
made him a force to be reckoned with.
He gave proof Of extraordinary tact in
isaling with the civil authorities. and he
succeeded in winning the support Of radf-
calls az well as clericals. Also he be-
came q favorite with King Victor En-
manuel and Queen Helena, when they
visited Venice, and It is an open secret
that news of his election to the pontifi-
cate was joyfully received by the king.
Venice Dear to Him.
A journalist who lately interviewed
Pope Plus at the Vatican thus recounts
the pathetic "reminiscences of the holy
father concerning his years and labors
In the City Of Water Avenues:
II brought up the memory of Venice.
When he heard that magic name his eyes
lighted up. his features glowed with
animation. He spoke to me with real
emotion Of the town in which he spent
the happiest hours Of his life. and as I
listened to him. I remembered a number
Of charming anecdotes that heard when
last visited Venice about his life there.
"He used to loathe display as much as
his predecessor in the patriarchate loved
II. Cardinal Sarto could never accustom
himself to luxury in any form. He was
Of race of bishops who have a wooden
crozier and a heart Of gold His pred
ecessor never went out but in a gon-
3ola with four roYers: he, himself, was
satisfied with one-oared gondola. And
when it passed down the Grand canal
hundreds of gondolieri would salute him.
Tort and encouragement from him. whom
they called Familiarity in their native dia-
fect IL nostro Sfor Beppo.'
Summoned to the conclave at Rome,
when he left Venice one blazing morning
In July, he was greeted by the prophetic
:ry Of Long live the Pope!' He did not
tor a moment believe he would not re-
turn again.
$50 little did I think that I should
never see Venice again. said the pontiff.
with q smile. that 1 too. a bigiietto