An Imposing Ceremony.

Evening Star, Issue 7183, 11 April 1887, Page 4

An Imposing Ceremony.

The 3rd of March was the tenth anniversary of the coronation of the Pope, and the occasion was celebrated with great ceremony at St. Peter’s. The Pope said a mass in the Sixtine Chapel, this being the only occasion in the year when he appears with Papal tiara on his head. The garb of Lent was thrown aside for the time being and the grand altars wero decorated in magnificent style. The grand Pontifical mass was set for 11.30 a.m., but long before that time the chapel was crowded. The Swiss Guards appeared in their handsome uniforms, and the ambassadors and church dignitaries occupied front pews. The scene when the procession entered the great sanctuary was really magnificent. Preceded by censers and cross-bearers, came a long line of prelates in gorgeous apparel. Every eye iii the vast audience gazed expectantly toward the sacristy as the procession passed through into the sanctuary. Toward the cud of the brilliant retinue appeared the white-robed figure of the Pope, borne on the sedia, the great white ostrichfeather fans, or flabelli, as they are called, being borne on either side of his chair. As lie entered the sanctuary His Holiness bowed his head, aud solemnly raising his hand made the sign of the cross. This moment afforded an excellent opportunity to study the man who now is the head of the Catholic Church. The pictures seen of him do not do him justice, They pourtray him b'owed and feeble with old age, but do not show the keen intellectuality of expression and the brilliant black eyes, which light up his countenance and which have lost none of their youthful brightness. His features are strongly marked, but there is a paternal expression about his countenance which evokes confidence and admiration. The great white robe he wore completely enveloped his frail frame. When he descended from the sedia and walked toward the altar his feebleness became apparent. His strength is sustained by his will power. The Pope intoned the “Gloria” in a voice of surprising firmness. His movements in celebrating the mass were slow and majestic. The entire service was the quintessence of splendor in the Catholic ceremonial. The music was of a high order. The Pope pronounced the benediction on a kneeling throng of prelates, priests, ambassadors, and laymen.