The anniversary of the elevation of Pius IX. to the Christian priesthood
happily occurred during this interval of peace. There was but one feeling
throughout the whole Christian world. The warmest expressions of love and
devotedness proceeded from every land. All the sovereigns of Europe
conveyed by autograph letters their dutiful congratulations, whilst the
joy of the people everywhere knew no bounds. At Rome the feast of the
golden wedding of Pius IX. lasted three days. Everywhere else, as it fell
on the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, it was celebrated in the churches, and
often in public places or on the mountains by illuminations or bonfires.
Under the name of handsel to Pius IX., the Catholic press opened
subscription lists. Notwithstanding the regular payment of Peter’s pence,
the public generosity was not exhausted.
One journal might be quoted, which alone collected more than one hundred
thousand francs. The Archbishop of Cologne, Monsigneur Melchers, observed,
in a pastoral instruction which he issued on the occasion, that never
before had a Pope been in such intimate and universal relation with the
heart of humanity. And indeed it was more consoling to the Supreme Pastor
than all other demonstrations to reflect that so many millions on millions
of faithful united with him in prayer at the Mass of the 11th of April,
all on the occasion participating in the Holy Communion. He felt that the
whole universe prayed with him and for him. “O God!” he exclaimed, in
presence of some pilgrims who had come to congratulate him in person, “O
God! have mercy on me! This is too much happiness! I dread when, ere long,
I shall appear before Thy judgment-seat, lest Thou say to me: Thou hast
had thy reward on earth! Not to me, but to Thee, O Lord! belongeth the
love of Christians.” He fully appreciated the numerous offerings and
congratulations of the Catholic world. His servants conceived the happy
idea of placing in symmetrical order throughout the apartments of the
Vatican the rich and numerous gifts which were presented to him on the
occasion of his jubilee. Beholding them, he exclaimed: “I also have my
universal exposition! It is the fruit not of my industry but of the love
of my children.” Then, as he turned over the leaves of the gigantic
manuscripts which were covered with addresses of devotedness, he added:
“This is the true expression of the universal Catholic suffrage.”
This auspicious time of peace and rejoicing was not without its sorrows.
Among these were the fearful massacres of Christians in China. Nor were
these the worst, for they carried with them their consolation. If the
Church was cruelly persecuted in China, she won new glory in adding
martyrs to the Triumphant army in heaven. The many scandals that occurred
throughout Christendom were more truly afflicting. Above all, were truly
trying to the paternal heart of the Holy Father those which happened among
the Catholic people, who protected him in the possession of what remained
of his dilapidated patrimony. A court and a political system which were
destined soon to disappear were laboring to put an end to Christian
education. The prince, cousin of the Emperor, Napoleon III., and the
Senator and Academician, Sainte Beuve, held heathenish orgies in the
Lenten season, even on Good Friday. To crown the list of evil, apostacy
was not wanting. It was of little consequence that one who fell away,
although a vehement declaimer, was a shallow theologian; his loss was,
nevertheless, to be deplored. The progress of a low sect in Belgium called
Solidaires, the success of a new revolution in Spain, under favor of which
the members of religious communities, both of men and of women, were
driven from their homes in the name of liberty, together with the opening
of revolutionary clubs in Paris, caused Pius IX. to dread catastrophes in
the near future. Severe domestic affliction came this year (1869) to
aggravate the sorrows of Pius IX. His brother, Count Gabriel Mastai, met
with an accident which, at his advanced age, ninety, proved to be serious.
The Holy Father, immediately traversing Rome, ascended on his knees the
_scala sancta_. A few days later the death of the patient was intimated to
him. He shut himself up several hours in his private apartment, in order
that none might witness the tears which grief made him shed. Finally, he
repaired to the Vatican Basilica, where he prayed for a long time, both
before the Holy Sacrament and at the tomb of the apostles.