The Irish standard., 1916-01-22

| writing desk in the chamber of a
sumptuous old Italian palazzo in
Genoa. The subject under discussion
was that SO close to the heart of a
good father-the future of his son.
Perhaps it was that the Marquis Della
Chiesa thought little Giacomo untitled
for the rig0rs which, with all its at
fractions, a seminary life certainly has
for frail boy. Or was he thinking of
the family estates and great place in
the world for this excellent son of his?
Whatever the reason was, the marquis
would not consent to the boys plead
ing.
Some time before this interview took
place, Giacomo, sitting at the foot of
the statue of the Blessed Virgin in one
Of the churches of Genoa, had heard
the call of Christ in his heart, and
there he planned out his future.
But his words were useless go,
my boy" said Marquis Della Chiesa,
first win your degrees in law, and
then return to this subject. We shall
see if you will be of the same mind as
now"
Whether or not the matter was ever
| drawn down for discussion during the
next few years, I know not. But, as
we all know, Giacomo Della Chiesa,
now a young lawyer, stood by the same
desk some years later and placed his
diplomas in the hands Of the marquis.
No. There was no change in his old
resolution; he still wished to become
priest. And the parental consent to
this end was then asked and obtained.
The Keen Diplomat.
Years have gone by; the young
priest is placed in the College of Noble
Ecclesiastics in Rome to train for a
diplomatic career, for Leo XIII, that
leader of the worlds statesmen, has
seen something exceptional in this
small, keen-looking priest. France and
Spain have seen his labors. Now the
Vatican has his services in the office
Of one to whom Msgr. Della Chiesa
feels especially devoted, viz, the great
Secretary of State, Cardinal Rampolla
Energy and accuracy characterized
Msgr. Della Chiesa's work in the Vat.
lean. Matters calling for the most
delicate touch were placed In his
hands, matters which, If once bungled
would spell the end of his diplomatic
career
But to the character of this ecclesi.
astic of long training and experience
In the world of diplomacy there was
another side. side which has been
we'll said to contain the hidden chap.
ter In the life of him who will one day
ascend the throne of st. Peter to rule
00.0OO,000 Catholics of all nations.
During these years, while official in
the Apostolic palace, Msgr. Della
Chiesa had his residence in the vicin.
fty of the parish church of st. Eusta.
chic. In which the ashes of the bravest
soldier in the army of Titus. the mar.
tyred Eustace rest under the high altar
with those Of his wife and two sons.
In corner of this church a frail
young prelate used to take seat every
morning at $3.50 to make his media.
ton. At o'clock he vested for mass.
After the celebration of the holy sacri.
flee he entered the confessional, and
soon 1t became noised around the
parish that there was a young mon.
signor Of great zeal and piety who min.
istered to the public every morning,
although this line Of labor was not
supposed to run in that direction.
His spare time was not put at the
disposal Of the pastor. When the viati.
cum was to be borne to sick parish.
Toner, it was carried in procession
from the parish church to the persons
house. Young Msgr. Della Chiesa in.
variably oficiated as deacon in the
procession, nor would he ever accept
from the pastor the honor of being
the bearer Of the sacred host.
LEO the Fourteenth"
1t will be two years next December
since he woke up one morning to learn
Cardinal Rampolla had died suddenly
during the night. Az special compli.
ment to the dead, Plus x arranged that