THE INTERMENT OF PIUS IX.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 260, 26 April 1878, Page 7

THE INTERMENT OF PIUS IX.

The crowd which had gathered together in St. Peter's on the Wednesday morning, to take a last farewell glance at the beloved features of Pius the Ninth, were gradually persuaded to leave the Basilica during; the afternoon. Then the doors were shut, and preparations commenced for the final ceremony. The Pontifical Gendarmes, good and faithful men, some of whom had never been outside +he Vatican since 1870, once again in lull uniform came and took possession of St. Peter's. A little before sis the Cardinals came down to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and then commenced the procession and the ceremonies, of which a full account is given in another column. The Noble Guard, the Swiss Guard and the Palatine G uard mustered in full strength, and the Roman Aristocracy M r ere at their posts. Princes Colonna and Orsini, Princes- Assistant at the throne, were there"; together with Prince Chigi, Prince Massimo, Director of the Post-Office, Prince Ruspoli, Marquis Patrizi Montoro and others, too many to make mention of. The Senator of Rome was there in his official robes ; and General Kanzler, for thirty years faithful companion of the Pope. All the Household were present also, including many who had come from far. And some few strangers were there as well, Poles and Russians, Germans and Americans — of, high rank and devoted loyalty. For a moment, it seemed as if the days before the Usurpation had come back again, and that the Holy Father was about to be carried in triumph through the Basilica : but a glance at the doors o£ St. Peter's bolted and barred, and then at those assembled, all bathed in tears, was sufficient to dispel the allusion. And so the Sovereign Pontiff was laid to rest, in the same tomb and place as his predecessor. The same cushion and tiara is on the lid. The inscription only is changed. And thither the faithful go and kneel and pray.— Tablet .