"It is stated that VICTOR EMMANUEL sent GENERAL PRALORMO to the
Vatican on New Year's Day to wish the POPE the compliments of
the season on behalf of His Majesty. On arriving there, he was
informed by CARDINAL ANTONELLI that the Holy Father was
indisposed, and could not, therefore, receive him personally.
The Cardinal undertook to deliver the compliments of the King,
and the General left. A few hours after, the POPE was completely
recovered, and held his usual receptions."
THE faithful should congratulate the POPE upon his rapid, almost
miraculous recovery. From the moment the wicked King's emissary was out
of the precincts of the Vatican, the symptoms became more favourable,
and the Court physicians were released from their attendance. We notice,
only to dismiss it with scorn, an impression which appears to exist that
the Holy Father was "indisposed," in the primary sense of the word, as
worldly sovereigns have been before now; for it is not for an instant to
be supposed that a Cardinal would put forth, and a Pope sanction, any
excuse which was not in accordance with the strictest truth.
* * * * *
=Theological News.=
HIS GRACE the DUKE OF SOMERSET, some time First Lord of the Admiralty,
has come out as a writer on theology. Needless to say that he is not
ceremonious in his treatment of eminent persons. He is by no means
complimentary to the Apostles. His teaching may be condensed into his
own motto, _Foi pour Devoir_, translated subtly. In these days everybody
seems ready to instruct us in religion--except the Bishops.
* * * * *