PILGRIMAGE TO ROME

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 117, 13 November 1929, Page 16

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME

JUBILEE OF POPE PIUS XI.

A national pilgrimage to Eome, led by Cardinal Bourne, is to be made in December by Eoman Catholics in England,for the purpose of taking part in the priestly jubilee of Pope Pius XI., and of congratulating his Holiness on the settlement of the Eoman question. The pilgrims will very likely be present also at the solemn beatification of the English martyrs, says the London "Observer."

All arrangements for the pilgrimage are being made by the Catholic Association, who, referring -to the irresistible fascination of Borne and its wondrous charm for every traveller, points out that after more than 25 centuries have slowly run their course, Eome, tho ever-youthful, makes to-day a fresh appeal to pilgrims from all lands and seas. "Eome the mighty now encloses, as in a wondrous shrine, a tiny but precious State or City where Perpetual Peter is acknowledged again as Sovereign King. Henceforth there will be a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage, for arrived in Eome, our real objective will not be reached until we enter the sacrosanct little City of the Vatican." By a happy coincidence the Pope's ■sacerdotal golden jubilee falls within the centenary year of Catholic Emancipation. Pins XL will be glad, it is stated, to welcome in December the successors in faith of the Catholics of this country, who, under Pope Pius VIII., received the boon a hundred years ago. '

wTa + r*V Om the P^Jaage are reminded that for the audience with the Pope they should wear a black dress and mantilla. Hats are not allowed, and gloves are not worn.. The dresses must at to the neck, and sleeves must be lull length. Gentlemen should appear in evening dress (or at least in black) with white tie.

Pilgrims who desire to gain thr Jubilee Indulgence will make two visits to each- of tho Basilicas of St. John Lateron and St. Peter and St. Mary Major, and give alms according to their means, devoting it to some pious work such as that for the propagation and preservation of the faith. .For the benefit of the Franciscan Tertianes and others, arrangements will be made for a visit from Eome to Assisj. Similar opportunities will be given' for visits to Subiaco and Montecassmo for the Benedictine celebratioiis.

Tho pilgrimage itself will be made m two sections, the first consisting of those members who wish to spend Christmas at home, ana the second of those who will rejoice at the opportunity of spending the great feast in the Eternal City. Both sections will meet together on 20th December for the day of the Pope's Jubilee, and the audience with his Holiness.