PILGRIMS IN ROME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 30 November 1933, Page 10

PILGRIMS IN ROME

BRITISH UNEMPLOYED POPE’S MOVING WELCOME "Welcome all!” were the English worejs with which Pope Pius XI. began iris discourse to a party of British unemployed at the Vatican City recently. The occasion was made one. of special honour, for llis Holiness gave each man his hand to kiss, a custom which is normally suspended during the enormous pilgrimages of Holy Tear. Moreover, the Pope spoke for the unusually long period of 34 minutes—relapsing into Italian alter the first sentence, for, though the Pope writes English with complete facility, he docs not speak it fluently. "You are men without. work, but with a vocation,” was the theme, and the word “apostles” recurred again and again. From drawn, tired faces, eyes burning with faith hung' on the Pope's every gesture, while here and there some recognisable phrase such as “apostoli” or “Divina Provvidenza” gave a key to a fresh turn in the discourse, and a ripple of comprehension ran through the crowded hall.

It was just 2 o’clock when the Pope entered the Sala Ditealc, after receiving a number of other pilgrimages. A tremendous roar of British cheers burst forth and His Holiness passed slowly along the ranks of the kneeling men. INSPECTION OF BANNERS The Pope was accompanied by Mr William Teoling, the leader of the pilgrims, by Father Martindalo, their chaplain, and by Monsignori Godfrey and Clapperlon, the heads of the English and Scottish colleges in Rome, in attendance, wearing tho uniform of Gentlemen of the Sword and Cape, wero Sir Martin Melvin and Major Vaughan. In tlie front row of the pilgrims was Mr Devlin, M.P. for Belfast, who had accompanied the Irish group.

Firstly, llis Holiness inspected the three banners carried by the party, turning them over with his hand. One < these had been made out of plain canvas by an unemployed sign painter who refused to take money or even to accept a. place in the pilgrimage, saying that others were more deserving. A paternal touch of the hand greeted five deafliuits further along tlio hall, and it was u-quarter of an hour -before the Pope had completed his round. His Holiness looked extremely well, and liis appearance confirmed the remark which he made to Cardinal O’Connell of Boston earlier in tho week, “1 find that these large pilgrimages stimulate me,” lie said to the cardinal, “and I do not feel in the least tired.” The atmosphere was ono of intense emotion, which spread to the entourage of the Pope and made tho men hold back for a moment with their cheers, though they were lusty enough when they came. There was not a rustle as the Pope spoke, though the party were visibly tired, having been on their feet and without food since 7 o’clock. APOSTLES OF THE FAITH The Pope exhorted the pilgrims to return to their homes as apostles of the faith. “You are sons of labour and come under'its banner, even though your own labours are impeded and suspended,” he said. “Nevertheless. Providence has given you another task —that of spiritual labour among your comrades.” Without mentioning: the word Communism, the Pope Warned his listeners against “those who talk much about work but are devoid of comprehension for its divine character, who are not only without God, but against God.” Nevertheless, they must show charity, as befitted ministers of redemption returning from tlie Centro of Christianity. “Take back my blessing,” His Holiness said, with a catch in liis voice, “to your homes, your towns and your comrades. And tell those of your comrades who do not yet believe that I sent them my blessing, too. I charge you to convey it to them, that one day they also may believe.”

A short pause and once more three cheers were given in the best British style. It was now 3 o’clock and the pilgrimage had virtually come to an end.