THE HOLY COATS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7964, 11 September 1891, Page 6

THE HOLY COATS.

No sooner did it become known a few weeks ago (says a despatch from London of August 18th) that the Ecclesiastical authorities of Treves, in Rhenish Prussia, were about to exhibit garments said to have been worn by our Saviour, than the French were alive to deprive the Germans as far as possible of the honor and profit. It appears that Argenteuil is within easy access by rail of Paris, and also possesses a Coat, said to have belonged to Christ. Arrangements were promptly made to exhibit this relic. Sunday was chosen as the opening day, several days ahead of the first public view at Treves, and crowds went from Paris and other localities to see the vestment. Preparations for public exhibition in Treves are going on hurriedly, and will be completed within the appointed time. It has been announced at Treves that each person seeking relief by touching the "Holy Coat" of the Saviour must beforehand petition the Bishop for permission to do so, and present a medical certificate describing the physical trouble of which it is desired to be relieved. A fragment of the Argenteuil " Holy Coat" was brought to Treves on Sunday, 13th, by a deputation tor comparison with the riyalgarmeat. There a microscopic examination revealed the fact that the Argenteuil coat was made of camel hair, while the vestment was made of linen. The members of the Argenteuil deputation remained to join in the adoration of the Treves Coat. This was exhibited with great pomp and ceremony in the Cathedral on August 20th. Over 100 priests assisted at the ceremony, and the Knights of Malta in full costume, with drawn swords, stood on either side of the shrine. There was a great concourse of visitors. In his address the Archbishop said the seamless vesture was a symbol of the unity of the Catholic Church. The police had some difficulty in preserving order, as the whole town of Treves wag in commotion, and pickpockets were rampant. Many of them were arrested.