Vatican City Rome

[ctwaterman]

March 21st 1915

To the Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, Bishops, and Ordinaries in Peace and Communion with the Holy See.

Venerable Brethren, Health and Apostolic Benediction.

1.      It is with solemn heart that I call upon you the venerable brethren of the church in her time of need.  Since the unfortunate events of the 18th and 19th Century the Church has been without its most faithful protectors the Swiss Guard.  Since then the church has been dependent upon the beneficent charity of France and now Italia for the defense of its sacred relics and the persons of its Nuncio's, Bishops, Cardinals and the Holy See itself.  It is time for the Church to once again appeal to the faithful to form a new Regiment to protect the Holy See.

2.     To this end I call upon the Diocese and Arch-Diocese of the church to seek out intelligent, dedicated, and faithful young men between the ages of 13 and 16.  These young men must be in good health and of good moral character.  They will volunteer to serve between 5 and 10 year enlistments in the Guard of the Holy See.

3.     These young men will be sent to Rome where the Holy See will undertake there training both physical and mental.  Military trainers will be requested from all countries with strong Roman Catholic Diocese' but initially from the Military's of Italia, Iberia, and Austria.  In addition as the defense of the Holy See is as much a spiritual calling as physical one the Holy See will provide these young men with an education provided by the universities and colleges of Europe and the Society of Jesus.  A balance between Science, Ethics, History, and Math.  The guardians of the Church will not be simple soldiers but become young men of education.

4.     To this end Revered Brethren I request that the Cardinals and Arch-Bishops of each Diocese' prepare a list of those willing to volunteer for such service to the church and forward that list the Papal Nuncio in the countries to which that Diocese belongs.  The Holy See is looking to have at least 10,000 such persons volunteer every 2 years.

Given in St. Peters, Rome, in the 2nd year of Our Pontificate.

[ctwaterman]

To the Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, Bishops, and Ordinaries in Peace and Communion with the Holy See.

Venerable Brethren, Health and Apostolic Benediction.

1. Peace, the beautiful gift of God, the name of which, as St. Augustine says, is the sweetest word to our hearing and the best and most desirable possession; peace, which has been for years implored by the ardent wishes of all good peoples, by the prayers of pious souls and the tears of mothers, begins at last to shine upon the nations. At this We are indeed the happiest of all, and heartily do We rejoice. But this joy of Our paternal heart is disturbed by many bitter anxieties, for if in most places peace is in some sort established and treaties signed, the germs of former enmities remain; and you well know, Venerable Brethren, that there can be no stable peace or lasting treaties, though made after long and difficult negotiations and duly signed, unless there be a return of mutual charity to appease hate and banish enmity. This, then, Venerable Brethren, is the anxious and dangerous question upon which we wish to dwell and to put forward recommendations to be brought home to your people.

2. You know well, and We have frequently reminded you of it, nothing was so often and so carefully inculcated on His disciple by Jesus Christ as this precept of mutual charity as the one which contains all others. Christ called it the new commandment, His very own, and desired that it should be the sign of Christians by which they might be distinguished from all others; and on the eve of His death it was His last testament to His disciples to love one another and thus try to imitate the ineffable unity of the three Divine Persons in the Trinity. "That they may be one as we also are one . . . that they may be made perfect in one".

3. The Apostles, following in the steps of the divine Master, and conforming to His word and commands, were unceasing in their exhortation to the faithful: "Before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves". "But above all these things have charity which is the bond of perfection". "Dearly beloved, let us love one another for charity is God". Our brethren of the first Christian ages faithfully observed these commands of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. They belonged to different and rival nations; yet they willingly forgot their causes of quarrel and lived in perfect concord, and such a union of hearts was in striking contrast with the deadly enmities by which human society was then consumed.

4. What has already been said in favor of charity holds good for the inculcation of the pardoning of injuries which is no less solemnly commanded by the Lord: "But I say to you, love your enemies; do good to them that hate you; pray for those that persecute you and calumniate you, that you may be the children of your Father who is in Heaven, Who maketh His sun to rise upon the good and the bad"7. Hence that terribly severe warning of the Apostle St. John. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself."

5. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in teaching us how to pray to God, makes us say that we wish for pardon as we forgive others: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against Us." And if the observance of this law is sometimes hard and difficult, we have not only the timely assistance of the grace of Our Divine Redeemer, but also His example to help us to overcome the difficulty. For as He hung on the Cross He thus excused before his Father those who so unjustly and wickedly tortured Him: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." We then, who should be the first to imitate the piety and loving kindness of Jesus Christ, whose Vicar, without any merit of Our own, We are; with all Our heart, and following His example, We forgive all Our enemies who knowingly or unknowingly have heaped and are still heaping on our person and Our work every sort of vituperation, and We embrace all in Our charity and benevolence, and neglect no opportunity to do them all the good in Our power. That is indeed what Christians worthy of the name ought to do towards those who during war have done them wrong.

6. Christian charity ought not to be content with not hating our enemies and loving them as brothers; it also demands that we treat them with kindness, following the rule of the Divine Master Who "went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil", and finished His mortal life, the course of which was marked by good deeds, by shedding His blood for them. So said St. John: "In this we have known the charity of God, because He hath laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath substance of this world and shall see his brother in need and shall shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in him? My little children, let us love not in word nor by tongue, but in deed and in truth."

7. When one regards all these miseries by which the human race is stricken one inevitably thinks of the traveler in the Gospel who, going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves, who robbed him, and covered him with wounds and left him half dead. The two cases are very similar; and as to the traveler there came the good Samaritan, full of compassion, who bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, took him to an inn, and undertook all care for him; so too is it necessary that Jesus, of Whom the Samaritan was the figure, should lay His hands upon the wounds of society.

8. This work, this duty the Church claims as her own as heir and guardian of the spirit of Jesus Christ - the Church whose entire existence is a marvelously varied tissue of all kinds of good deeds, the Church, "that real mother of Christians in the full sense of the word, who has such tenderness of love and charity for one's neighbors that she can offer the best remedies for the different evils which afflict souls on account of their sins." That is why she "treats and teaches children with tenderness, young people with firmness, old people with great calm, taking account not only of the age but also the condition of soul of each." It would be difficult to exaggerate the effect of many-sided Christian beneficence in softening the heart and thus facilitating the return of tranquility to the nations.

9. All that We have said here to individuals about the duty of charity We wish to say also to the peoples who have been delivered from the burden of a long war, in order that, when every cause of disagreement has been, as far as possible, removed, and without prejudice to the rights of justice, they may resume friendly relations among themselves. The Gospel has not one law of charity for individuals, and another for States and nations, which are indeed but collections of individuals. The war being now over, people seem called to a general reconciliation not only from motives of charity, but from necessity; the nations are naturally drawn together by the need they have of one another, and by the bond of mutual good will, bonds which are to-day strengthened by the development of civilization and the marvelous increase of communication.

10. Things being thus restored, the order required by justice and charity re-established and the nations reconciled, it is much to be desired, Venerable Brethren, that all States, putting aside mutual suspicion, should unite in one league, or rather a sort of family of peoples, calculated both to maintain their own independence and safeguard the order of human society. What specially, amongst other reasons, calls for such an association of nations, is the need generally recognized of making every effort to abolish or reduce the enormous burden of the military expenditure which States can no longer bear, in order to prevent these disastrous wars or at least to remove the danger of them as far as possible. So would each nation be assured not only of its independence but also of the integrity of its territory within its just frontiers.

11. The Church will certainly not refuse her zealous aid to States united under the Christian law in any of their undertakings inspired by justice and charity, inasmuch as she is herself the most perfect type of universal society. She possesses in her organization and institutions a wonderful instrument for bringing this brotherhood among men, not only for their eternal salvation but also for their material well-being to the sure acquisition of eternal blessings. It is the teaching of history that when the Church pervaded with her spirit the ancient and barbarous nations of Europe, little by little the many and varied differences that divided them were diminished and their quarrels extinguished; in time they formed a homogeneous society from which sprang Christian Europe which, under the guidance and auspices of the Church, whilst preserving a diversity of nations, tended to a unity that favored its prosperity and glory. On this point St. Augustine well says: "This celestial city, in its life here on earth, calls to itself citizens of every nation, and forms out of all the peoples one varied society; it is not harassed by differences in customs, laws and institutions, which serve to attainment or the maintenance of peace on earth; it neither rends nor destroys anything but rather guards all and adapts itself to all; however these things may vary among the nations, they are all directed to the same end of peace on earth as long as they do not hinder the exercise of religion, which teaches the worship of the true supreme God." And the same holy Doctor thus addresses the Church: "Citizens, peoples and all men, thou, recalling their common origin, shalt not only unite among themselves, but shalt make them brothers."

12. Appropriate are the words which St. Paul used to addressed the Colossians: "Lie not to one another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds. And putting on the new, him who is renewed unto knowledge according to the image of Him that created it. Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all and in all."

Given at St. Peter's, Rome, April 4th 1915, in the 2nd Year of Our Pontificate.
Pope Gregory XVII

[Borys]

What Vienna understood from the above - "be firm and make them into Brothers".

About 3000 volunteers for instructors in the Papal Guard  stood forward. After consultations with unit Commanders Temporal and their Advisors Spiritual, the names of 736 men were given to the Nuncio at Vienna. Of these 513 are Regulars, and 223 are from the Militia.
Additionally, a further untrained 1449 volunteers have passed vetting by both their Diecesis and Health Commission.

[The Rock Doctor]

President Alizandro notes the size of the speech, hands it to an aide, and asks for a summary to be drafted.

The summary's key points are:

1.  Much talk of charity, forgiveness, etc.

2.  Brief recommendation of some kind of international government

3.  Implicit approval of intervention in non-Catholic states.

[miketr]

Patriarch of the West Indies and General Vicar of the Iberian Armies, Cardinal José Maria Salvador y Barrera sends the Vatican two lists of names.  All are Catholics in good standing, physically fit and without criminal records.  The first is a list of current Iberian Military officers and NCO's; all served in the Balkan War and they are willing to be seconded to Vatican Service as trainers and in time to join the guard itself if requested.  These men will continue to accrue seniority within the Iberian Military as long as they service the Vatican will be considered to be on active duty but they will not be recalled to Iberian colors unless they leave Vatican service first.  The second list is one of conscripts that have completed their terms of enlistment in the Iberian army but wish to join the Papal Guard.  All come with recommendations of their current or former commanders, chaplains and home Bishop. 

OOC Thought I replied to this some time ago...

[Kaiser Kirk]

OOC Thought I replied to this some time ago...

The basic subject has come up elsewhere, because I know I've indicated there would Bavarian support. I expect there to be Swiss, German, and even some Polish volunteers all hailing from "Bavaria". Lugwig III  would be most willing to loan out officers of the Alpenkorps as trainers, or allow some resignations to join the Papal Guard.

[ctwaterman]

Easter Sunday Vatican City Rome 1915

The nuptials of Prince Tommaso Cecilo Filberto Giovani, of the House of Savoy, and Princess Gundelinde Maria Josepha, of the House of Wittelsbach, were celebrated this fine day. For weeks past society in Rome has been in raptures over the presence of the more notable guests, with many balls held in the city.  For this day, Rome woke early. The first banners were streaming from the rooftops at dawn. The Wittelsbach field of blue and white lozenges graced not a few a few banners, and the Friulian eagle of gold on its field of blue flies cheerfully in places, but by far emblazoned with the arms of Savoy. 

This blessed event has been looked forward to with much anticipation by all parties. The couple met when the Princess toured Italy, and the fortuitous match has created an opportunity to address the legacy of nationalistic issues in the former Austrian Littoral and create a new Duchy of Friuli.

A soft rain the prior evening had scrubbed the ancient city to present her treasures in their best light. There are magnificent squares and famous monuments, baroque villas and palaces, Churches whose history is rooted deep in the past and are so overflowing with spirituality that they touch the soul.  In the hills in the immediate outskirts of the city, noble villas and palaces of incomparable beauty with breathtaking views of the city

From every quarter of the city the populace flocked to their holiday.  Troops of cavalry, the famed Novara Lancers, dashed up and down the streets and military bands promenaded the riverfront.

The walls are covered in announcements, the cafes are thronged with foreigners, and all day long the broad streets have poured into the Vatican City their endless stream of people and vehicles. The Roman is content to enjoy the golden hour as it flies, having turned out in throngs to pay his homage and in preparation for the festivals, which are to be the most memorable part of the royal marriage for most.

At 11 o'clock the Prince made his appearance, ensconced in a scrumptious carriage. Following him in similar conveyances, the guests made their entrance in great style, dressed in the most sumptuous attire. There was a heavy security detail present, understandable given recent events and allegations, but the natty dress uniforms merely blended into the pageantry. Behind these guardians, the crowd was massed to watch the passing.

The procession commenced at the Piazza d. Popolo and crossed the Tevere on the proceeded in a stately fashion along the riverside along the Lung d. Mellini and to the Via dei Concilliazione to the Piazza Pio XII, where it passed into the majestic space that is Saint Peter's Square. There the procession was met with that of the Bavarian Princess, which had approached from the opposite direction, proceeding from the Villa Abamelek along the Via di Formaci to the  the Piazza del Sant'Uffizio where it turned and passed along side the Basilica on the Via del Sant'Uffizio to Piazza Pio XII and entered the square.

The joint procession then moved across the square into the magnificent St. Peters Basilica.  The scene in the church was very fine and impressive. All the silk and velvet hangings placed for the wedding, which, with the rich uniforms of the Noble, diplomatic and military bodies, and with the beautiful rainements of the ladies, offered fine effects and contrasts of color.
Among the notables in attendance where  Queen Wilhelmina of the United Netherlands, and her Husband Duke Hendrick of Mecklenburg-Schwerin,  Emperor Jamie I of Iberia, Stefan II Kaiser of the Habsburg Kasierreich and his wife Yelena Vladimiryevna Romanova and their two daughters, and finally  President Rey Alizandro, his wife and son from Grand Columbia.

Emperor Gaius Marius Camila was first to enter the Church, followed by Prince Tommaso Cecilo Filberto Giovani.  The next couple to enter were King Lugwig III and his wife of 47 years, Queen Maria Theresia, followed by his 23 year old daughter Princess Gundelinde Maria Josepha escorted by her brother, Kronprinz Rupprecht , Generallfeldmaschall of  the Army of Tirol.

The young bride seemed to be laboring under great emotion, but managed more composure through the ceremony than expected. The bride wore a white dress with a seven metre long cloak embroidered with white gold. The wedding guests included a wide swath of nobles and dignitaries, with Italian and German nobility heavily represented. Princes and Archdukes sat in rapt attention next to their wives in their elaborate dresses with their garlands of precious stones.

Among the jewelry presented to the couple is noticeable.  It is a diadem made in the form of a wreath of roses and rose-leaves, and composed of diamonds and sapphires.  On viewing, it is hard to say which is more admirable, the size and splendor of the jewels or the artistic perfection of the workmanship.  Then there is a Ducal crown about five inches high, made of the most superb brilliants, which are set in such a fashion as to make he crown look as if cut out of one stone.  A superb piece of art is the hairpin and brooch to which Prince Frederich of Saxony gave the Princess. They are made of diamonds so set as to resemble and edelweiss. Conspicuous among the mass of jewelry is a diadem resembling a laurel wreath and featuring sparkling emeralds.  Among the most interesting of the gifts is a fan made of silk and provided with a delicate ivory handle and in the center is a superbly executed rendition of the Savoy and Wittelsbach arms.

The High Mass was delivered by Pope Gregory XVII, and the wedding party took communion at the side chapel of the Cappella del Coro (Choir Chapel), at the Altar of the Immaculate Conception.   The nuptial benediction was then pronounced by the Pope,  the rings were presented by a page garbed in the livery of Friuli, and the exchange of vows took place, the Prince in his clear firm tenor, the Princess in her soft lyric voice made her vows in clear Italian.

Everything was perfect, the solemn ceremony took place and the congregation was moved when the couple exchanged rings and the Pope gave them his blessing.

Then the happy couple appeared at the top of the stairs to greet the cheering crowds amid a flock of white doves which took to the air.

[The Rock Doctor]

I should repeat what I said to Charles in the Chat:  excellent work on the wedding.