Sports at the Vatican

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 40, 7 December 1905, Page 27

Sports at the Vatican

The closing function in connection, with the sports at the Vatican (writes a Rome correspondent) was extremely impressive. At eleven o'clock punctually his Holiness, preceded by the Swiss and Noble Guards, and accompanied by Monsignor Cogiano de Azevedo, Majordomo, and Monsignor Bisleti, Master of the Chamber, and by two Chamberlains, Monsignors MisciatelU and Sanz de Samper, entered the Sala Regia, where all the athletes, numbering over 600, were assembled, lining three sides of the vast hall. His Holiness was dressed all in white and wore a satin band round his waist embroidered in gold, red shoes, and a handsome pectoral cross. He looked. about him smiling with satisfaction at the fine display of young men. All the athletes knelt down and kissed in turn the Holy Father's hand as he passed through, their ranks, caressing , the youngest and exchanging a few words almost with each. Then, smiling pleasantly, he ascended the throne, while tremendous applause and cries of ' Long live his Holiness ! ' burst forth from all the lads present. Commendatore Pericoli read an address. The Holy Father then rose, and in a clear voice delivered a discourse, saying it was indeed a sweet consolation to him to find himself among them, who represented the age of generous inspirations and of brilliant and powerful victories. ' Our Lord Jesus Christ,' said be, ' used to meet with His best friends amongst the young, and I, looking at you now, can tell you that I love you. More than a father, lam a brother and a friend to you, and as such I admire, praise, andy bless you with all my heart, all your noble sports and matches, as all bodily exercises tend to prevent anything bad from finding a place in your hearts and to keep you from sloth, which is the father of all vices. Be good, have faith, piety, and reli-i gion, and you will be strong to overcome human prejudices, and never feel ashamed that you are Catholic Christians. Your actions will bear fruit, and even your adversaries will be obliged to bow before your virtues. I bless you all here present, also your families at home, your friends, your clubs, and your sports. I bless you all, my dear children, with a father's love ! ' The Holy Father's speech was greeted with great applause and enthusiastic shouts of ' Long live the Pope ! ' His Holiness was visibly affected and expressed his high satisfaction at the great success of the sports. In the afternoon all the athletes assembled in the Court of San Damaso for the distribution of prizes, but owing to the uncertain weather only the three grand prizes were handed personally by the Pope to the winners.