PILGRIMAGE TO ROME

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 October 1929, Page 3

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME

CELEBRATIONS OF JUBILEE

A national pilgrimage to Rome, led by Cardinal Bourne, is to be made in December by Roman 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 Roman 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 pilgrim;)>ge are being made by the Catholic Association, who, referring to the irresistible fascination of Rome and its wondi'ous charm for every traveller, points out that after more than 25 centuries have slowly run their course, Rome, the ever youthful, makes to-day a fresh appeal to pilgrims from all lands and seas: “Rome 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 bo a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage, for arrived in Rome, 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. Pius XI. 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.

Women who join the pilgrimage 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 fit to the neck, and sleeves must be full length. Gentlemen should appear in evening dress (or at least in black) with white tie. Pilgrims who desire to gain the Jubilee Indulgence will make two visits to each of the Basilicas of St. John Lateran 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 Tertiaries and others, arrangements will be made for a visit from Rome to Assisi. Similar opportunities will be given for visits to Subiaco and Montecassino for the Benedictine celebrations.

The pilgrimage itself will be made in two sections, the first consisting of those members who wish to spend Christmas at home, and 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 December 20 for the day of the Pope’s Jubilee and the audience with his Holiness.