APPOINTING A CARDINAL.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13930, 11 February 1914, Page 8

APPOINTING A CARDINAL.

In view of the announcement that the Pope % summoning a Consistory to elect ten cardinals, there is special interest in the account in the "Standard' ' of the elaborate procedure gone through on such occasions. The full number of cardinals is seventy; when vacancies occur and new cardinals are to be appointed, the Pope summons the "Secret Coisistory." Its members assemble in a hall in the Vatican, and gather round a dais at the head of the room. In perfect silence tho Holy Father enters and seats himself on the crimson chair. He then addresses the cardinals of the Consistory, referring to the dignity and responsibility of their high office, and the importance of their mission on earth. Finally he i.'ames the new cardinal or cardinals and the members of the Consistory rise, doff their red silk caps, and bow in acquiescence in his Holiness' choice. "By the authority of God Almighty and that of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, we create the following cardinals"—such is the solemn form used by the Pope to create the new cardinals. "There are other ceremonies after the Pope's decision is n ade kocwn. The most imposing takes place at the presentation of tbe scarlet hats. The Pope is seated in state on a canopied throne of gold, and all the great dignitaries of the Church, ambassadors to the Holy See, and leaders of Roman .society form an attentive and reverent audience. The elder cardinals approach, the throne and kiss the Pope's hand. The master of ceremonies gives the sign, and certain officials kneel before his Holiness and humbly road Latin petitions relating to the newly-appointed cardinals. "These now enter, one by one, escorted by their brother cardinals. Each bows in lowly obeisance before the throne, kisses the Pope's outstretched foot, and js embraced. When all of them have performed this ceremony, the Pope pre*ent# each.-with the famous scarlet hat. 'JFhe hat is of scarlet silk, adorned with many sfftdet tassels. It is worn for only a few minutes, but ever afterwards it is the cherished treasure of the recipients, and the symbol of their high position in the Church. "When a cardinal dies, the scarlet hat is placed on his bier and hung above his tomb