3-028-657 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Candlemas at St. Peter's, Rome, 1870. 'The Special Artist of this Journal attending the proceedings of the Pope and the great Ecclesiastical Council at Rome sends an Illustration of the scene in St. Peter's Cathedral on Wednesday, Feb. 2, the festival of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, which is vulgarly called in England Candlemas...Two imposing lines of Zouaves and of the Papal Infantry kept a broad avenue the entire length of the nave...tall candles were being lighted; the Pope was raised aloft in his chair, candle in hand, and, preceded by the Fathers, everyone with his candle, was carried down the nave and back again to his throne. The red flare of the candles made a pretty contrast with the white mitres. As for the principal personage, as he had nothing to do but hold his candle, and had not his right hand at liberty, he seemed to be enjoying a little of that rest which he certainly requires...the Fathers resumed their seats in a forest of burning candles, casting a slightly lurid light around. The candles were burning long. After the usual service, in which the Pope's voice was often audible...there was a short sermon or address, which sounded like his voice. He was raised aloft again...and carried out of the church'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.