BETURN OF THE POPE FROM AVIGNON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 177, 18 August 1876, Page 13

BETURN OF THE POPE FROM AVIGNON.

— *-+ — In 1876 occurs the fifth centenary of the return of the Popes from Avignon to Rome, after an absence of seventy and more years, a period known in the mediaeval history of the Eternal City as " The Babylonish Captivity." On October 18, 1376, Pope Gregory XI. arrived in Genoa on board a galley, manned by knights of the celebrated order of St. John of Jerusalem. St. Catherine of Siena had written many letters to the Pope entreating him to go back to the capital of the Church ; and at last he yielded to her entreaties and to the inspiration of God. In 1376 she went towards France to meet the Pope ; but in Genoa she stopped some days in company with the Blessed Raymond, a Dominican, who was her confessor. They stayed in the house of Madam Orietta, a most pious and noble widow, and the mother of two sons, one of whom took the name of Centurione, and became the founder of the illustrious family of that name which still exists in Genoa. The house in which tie saint remained during these days has been destroyed and an oratory built over it, which is dedicated to her. On October 18 the Pope arrived. He was met by several priests and ecclesiastics from Rome who .endeavored to per-

suade him not to proceed on his journey, a* they declared it might prove dangerous to him. The Pope, who was much agitated by their representations, insisted upon seeing St. Catherine and went privately and in disguise to the house where she was staving. St. Catherine comforted him and assured him that no danger would attend bis return to the capital. He was much struck by her confidence, and after waiting eight days in Genoa, set out on his journey and reached Rome fir* days later. The Italian Catholics propose keeping the centeuarv of this most important event with much solemnity, and it is even thought that it will be celebrated beyond the city of .Rome by the Catholics of all nations. — ' Catholic Review.'