Avignon / Rome

[maddox]

October the first 1912

Your holiness, a Letter from the bishop of Rome has arrived by airship mail.

[ctwaterman]

Encyclical of Pope Pius X promulgated on 11 October 1912.

To the Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops and other Ordinaries of the Catholic World.

1. That for which the whole world has long sighed, which Christianity has implored with such fervent prayer, and for which We too, interpreter of the common sorrow, have never ceased to pray with the heart of the father intent on the good of all - that has come in a moment: at last, the clash of arms has ceased.. Many and various reasons could be given to explain the suddenness of this event; but if the supreme reason be sought there is no other way but to look above to Him who rules all events. Moved to compassion by the unceasing prayers of His servants, He now lets humanity breathe again after so many trials and sorrows. While, then, all thanks are being given to the Lord for this wondrous boon, We are glad that many imposing demonstrations of piety have taken place in the Catholic world to that end. Brothers, in order that there may come from the Congress shortly to be held that great gift of heaven, true peace founded on the Christian principles of justice, that enlightenment from the Heavenly father may descend on them, it shall be your care to order public prayers in each parish of your dioceses in the way you may think most convenient. As for Us, representing, however unworthily, Jesus Christ, King of Peace, We shall exert all the influence of Our Apostolic Ministry that the decisions which are to be taken to ensure for ever in the world the tranquility of order and concord be willingly accepted and faithfully carried out by Catholics everywhere.

2. As harbinger of celestial favors' and pledge of Our benevolence, to you, Venerable Brethren, and to you, clergy and people, We impart from Our heart the Apostolic Benediction.

Given at Avignion on the 11th day of October, 1912, the 13th  year of Our Pontificate.

[ctwaterman]

French and Rome Newspapers 15 October 1912

Papal Nuncio announces acceptance of invitation to return to Rome and St Peters.

Pope Pius X today in Avignon announced a planned month long state visit to the City of Rome and the Vatican City.  While plans for the visit are still underway it is rumored that several Catholic Heads of State have received private correspondence from the Pope inviting them to Christmas Mass in St. Peters.

[miketr]

Nice find Charles its in part from Quod Iam Diu by BENEDICT XV after the armistice was signed in 1918.

[Borys]

OOC
:o :o :o :o :o
Wow! You guys are erudites!
Borys

[ctwaterman]

Yes mike you have it in one guess I have a few more Im gently plagerizing. :)

[ctwaterman]

Papal Sermon Friday 6th of December 1912, Feast of St Nicholas of Myra.

Opening Prayer.
God Our Father we pray,
That through the intercession of St. Nicholas,
You will protect our children.
Keep them safe from harm,
And help them grow,
And become worthy of Your sight.

Give them strength,
To keep their Faith in You,
And to keep alive their joy,
In Your creation.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

We are gathered here brethren and sisters to celebrate on this day the life of Saint Nicholas Bishop of Myra and patron Saint of Greece, Children, and the Poor.   It is altogether fitting at this time that we should do so with the recent ending of the war that has seen the creation of a New Greek state at the cost of so very many lives.  Saint Nicholas was Born in Asia Minor in the Third Century in the Greek Colony of Patara a Roman Province in what is now Antalya Turkey.  His life was one dedicated to Charity and Piety for which he is renowned in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

Our lesson for today is on the gift of charity.   In one of the many stories told about the life of St. Nicholas the one that most becomes this occasion is the giving of the three bags of gold.  Many of you know this story it's a simple one really.  A poor man has three daughters and no money for a dowry.  Without a dowry the daughters cannot find husbands and without any other means of support would eventually be reduced to working as Harlots to support themselves upon their father's death.   St. Nicholas heard of the poor mans plight and secretly went one night and threw  three bags of gold one for each daughter through the window of the poor mans house.   Thus the daughters were dowered and saved from a life of degradation and sin.

I ask you revered brothers and sisters to consider this act of charity and what it could mean to the poor and displaced of Greece, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Thrace, and all the displaced persons of those territories where ever they may now reside.   Charity to the Poor and Children of these places  can as the Charity of St. Nicholas did save these poor innocents from a life of degradation and sin.

Let us Pray.

Man of God and faithful servant,
Man of love,
Chosen vessel,
Strong pillar of the Church,
Most-brilliant lamp,
Star that illumines and enlightens the whole world;
Thou art a righteous man
That did flourish like a palm tree
Planted in the courts of the Lord;
Dwelling in Myra thou hast diffused
The fragrance of myrrh,
And thou pourest out the ever-flowing myrrh
Of the grace of god.

By thy presence most-holy Father,
The sea was sanctified
When your most-miraculous relics
Were carried to the city of Bari,
From the East to the West
To praise the name of the Lord.

O most-superb
And most-marvellous wonderworker,
Speedy helper,
Fervent intercessor,
Good shepherd that saveth
The rational flock from all dangers
We glorify and magnify thee
As the hope of all Christians,
A fountain of miracles,
A defender of the faithful,
A most wise teacher,
A feeder of the hungry,
The gladness of those that mourn,
Clothing of the naked,
Healer of the sick,
Pilot of those that sail the sea,
Liberator of prisoners,
Nourisher and protector of widows and orphans,
Guardian of chastity,
Gentle tutor of children,
Support of the aged,
Guide of fasters,
Rest of those that labor,
Abundant riches of the poor and needy.

Hearken unto us
That pray unto thee
And flee to thy protection,
Show thy mediation on our behalf
With the Most High,
And obtain through thy God-pleasing intercessions
All that is useful
For the salvation of our souls and bodies;
Keep this holy habitation (or this temple),
Every city and town,
And every Christian country,
And the people that dwell therein,
From all oppression through thy help;
For we know
That the prayer of a righteous man
Availeth much for good;
And after the most-blessed Virgin Mary,
We have thee as a righteous mediator
With the All-Merciful God,
And to thy fervent intercession
And protection we humbly hasten.

Do thou, as a watchful and good shepherd,
Keep us from all enemies and pestilence,
Earthquake and hail,
Famine, flood and fire,
The sword and invasions,
And in all our misfortunes and affliction
Do thou give us a helping hand
And open the doors of God's compassion;
For we are unworthy
To look upon the height of heaven
Because of the multitude of our sins;
We are bound by the bonds of sin
And have not done the will of our Creator
Nor kept His commandments.

Wherefore, we bow the knees
Of our broken and humble heart to our Maker,
And we ask thy fatherly intercession with Him;
Lest we perish with our sins,
Deliver us from all evil,
And from every adverse thing,
Direct our minds and strengthen our hearts
In the Orthodox Faith,
Which, through thy mediation and intercession,
Neither wounds, nor threats, nor plague,
Nor the wrath of our Creator shall lessen;
But vouchsafe that we may live a peaceful life here
And see the good things in the land of the living,
Glorifying the Father,
And the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
One God glorified and worshipped in Trinity,
Now and ever,
And unto the ages of ages.

Amen.


Lord, God of peace,
who has created man,
the object of your kindness,
to be close to you in glory,
we bless you and we thank you
because you have sent us your beloved son, Jesus,
making him the mystery of the pasch,
the architect of all salvation,
the source of all peace,
the bond of true brotherhood. 
We thank you for the desire,
the efforts, the realizations
which your spirit of peace
has roused in our day:
to replace hatred with love,
diffidence with understanding,
unconcern with care. 
Open yet more our hearts
to the needs of all our brothers and sisters,
so that we may be better able
to build a true peace. 
Remember, Father of mercy,
all who are in pain,
who suffer and die
in the cause of a more brotherly world. 
For the men of every race,
of every tongue - may your kingdom come:
your kingdom of justice,
of peace, of love;
and may the earth be filled with your glory. 

Amen.

[ctwaterman]

Encyclical of Pope Pius X promulgated on 6 December 1912.

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

1. It was the expectation and hope of Our paternal heart that, once the terrible conflict was at an end and the spirit of Christian charity restored, the regions desolated by famine and misery, especially in Central Europe, might little by little improve their condition, thanks to the united efforts of all good men. But this Our hope has not been realized by events. As a matter of fact, information reaches Us from all sides that those populous regions are deprived of food and clothing to a degree beyond all imagination, so that a most lamentable decay of health is the result among the less hardy, and especially among the children. This their misfortune afflicts Our heart all the more as they are altogether innocent and even ignorant of the sanguinary conflict which has desolated their whole world; and, moreover, they represent the germs of the future generations, which cannot but feel the effects of their debilitation.

2. Nevertheless, Our distress has been somewhat relieved by learning that men of good will have banded themselves in societies in order to "save the children." We have not hesitated to approve and confirm with Our authority, as was fitting, this noble plan. Indeed, it corresponds with the grave duty of affection which We feel towards that tender age which is most dear to our Divine Redeemer, and which has least strength to bear and suffer ills. In fact, We had done this formerly. You will remember that at no distant date we endeavored with Our means to succor the little children in Greece who were in extremity of hunger and of misery, and recommended them to the public charity of Catholics. The generosity of the latter was such that in great part it was owing to it that it was possible to provide for the necessities of so many innocent children and to preserve their life and health. In fact, as soon as We had addressed Our exhortation for this noble purpose to the Episcopate of the Confederate States of America, United Norman Kingdoms, Republic of France, and Empire of Italia, and Grand Columbia.  Our desires were generously met by the widest correspondence. We record this happy result to-day, not only to pay the tribute of Our praise to men worthy of being remembered in the annals of Christian charity, but also by Our voice and authority to invite the Bishops of the whole world to take steps in order to carry into effect Our proposal, and for this purpose to employ all their prestige with their flocks. With the approach of the season of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, our thoughts spontaneously fly to the poor little children, especially in Central Europe, who are most cruelly feeling the wants of the necessities of life; and We embrace this tender age with all the more solicitude inasmuch as it more exactly recalls the image of the Divine Infant supporting for love of men in the cave at Bethlehem the rigor of winter and the want of all things. No other circumstance could be more opportune than this to induce Us to solicit for innocent children the charity and pity of Christians and of all who do not despair of the salvation of the human race.

3. Wherefore, Venerable Brethren, with the purpose of attaining in your respective dioceses the object of which We have spoken, We direct that on next December 28, the feast of the Holy Innocents, you should order public prayers and gather the alms of the faithful. In order to help on a larger scale so many poor children in this most noble competition of charity, in addition to money it will be necessary to gather food, medicines and clothing, all of which are so greatly wanting in these regions. We need not delay in explaining how such offerings may be conveniently divided and forwarded to their destination. This task may be confided to the committees which have been formed for this object, and may provide for it in any manner whatsoever.

4. Finally, We trust that the exhortation which, moved by duty of that universal fatherhood which God has confided to Us, We have made, although addressed principally to Catholics, may be benevolently listened to by all who have the sentiments of humanity. Moreover, in order to afford an example to others, notwithstanding the continual requests for help which reach Us from all sides, We have determined, to the extent of Our means, to contribute to the relief of these poor children the sum of 100,000 Francs.

5. Meanwhile, as an auspice of the happy results which We expect from your benevolence, We impart with all affection to you, Venerable Brethren, and to your clergy and people, the Apostolic Benediction.

Given at St. Peter's, Vatican , on the 6th of December, in the year 1912, in the 13th Year of Our Pontificate.

[Borys]

The Imperial andRoyal copuple took the SMS Frankreich to Napoli. They wil disembark there. And after visiting the nearby renowned archeological site, Yelena and Stefan wll take the train to Rome.
Taking a maritime route is a gesture of aproeciation for the fleet, for its victory (together with Iberians) at Kap Matapan.

[miketr]

HIIMS Vasco Núñez de Balboa "Balboa"

Wing outside of the Bridge
Emperor Jaime I
Infante Fernando, Prince of Asturias
Vicealmirante Antonio Bermejo
Contraalmirante Picanco
General de Ejército Julio Macías

Harbor tugs guided the 16,000 ton armored cruiser to an anchorage in the harbor. 

The entire group was in dress uniform even the eight year old prince.  He wore the uniform of an Alférez de Fragata but he had a seaman's blue cap with the word "Balboa" stenciled across the front and with two tassels down the back with anchors on them.  Held up by his father so he could look around the harbor the prince pointed at the Hapsburg Pre-Dreadnought Battleship SMS Frankreich ridding at anchor.   "Which one is that?"  "It's the battleship that brought your god father and his wife from Austria, Frankreich."  The boy paused to consider this bit of information before asking "But father I thought the captain said that his ship was fast how did she beat us here?"  The Emperor laughed at the question, "Fernando we sailed all the way from Barcelona while that ship didn't sail as far and left before we did in any event."  The prince nodded in reply.

The ships captain stepped out on to the wing, "Your Majesty the launch is ready to take your party ashore the guardsmen are waiting."

"Thank you captain and see to it that our things are sent along."

"Of course sire."

The party went down to the ship side where a set of stairs was lowered to allow the group to board the waiting launch.  A side party of the ships marines saluted the emperor and his party.  Waiting in the launch were several members of the Lifeguard in their bright and gleaming clamshell armor.

"Major I assume all is ready?"

"Yes Your Majesty, the embassy found a noble's villa just outside of the city, my men came ahead two weeks ago and are already there.  The Italians have provide some additional troops and some police."

"A great deal of effort Major but whatever keeps you and Colonel happy."

The Major merely nodded. 

Soon the imperial party was on its way north towards Rome.       

[ctwaterman]

Rome Times Friday December 20th 1912

The Emperor of Italia Gaius Marius was on hand to greet the arrival in Rome of Emperor Jamie I of Iberia and his family as well as Kaiser Stefan II of Austria.   After a short parade and speeches of welcome the Royal Families proceeded under very tight security to the Vatican City and St Peters Basilica for a tour and a short meeting with the Pope.   After a light dinner with the Emperor Marius the Royal Families departed downtown Rome for Villa's on the outskirts of Rome.  The Royal Families are scheduled for several tours of historic Rome in the following days and will be attending a Papal Mass on Christmas Day.  The exact Itinerary of the Tours is shrouded in secrecy but expect heavy security delays if you intend to visit the Forum or Coliseum in the days leading up to Christmas.

[ctwaterman]

Christmas Mass Wednesday December 25th 1912

The Mass in St Peters' Basilica was beautiful the Choir beautiful and sermon on this Cold Wet day in Italy was about Peace on this Earth and the Birth of Jesus our Savior.   The Emperor of Italia, Emperor of Iberia, and Kaiser of the Hapsburg Empire and all their families and all the Nobles' of Italia were resplendent in their Christmas best.  The Pope was regal in the pristine white regalia of his office.  But for now the sermon was over and it was time to address the crowd in St Peters Square on this the glorious day of celebration.
The Royal Families were escorted to balconies to either side of the one the Pope would be utilizing to address the masses gathered reverently in St. Peters Square on this most reverent of holidays.   The Pope came out onto the balcony to the jubilant cheers of the crowd.  It took several minuets for the Pope to quiet the crowd so he could begin his address.
"Let Us Pray"

"Moonless darkness stands between.  Past, the Past, no more be seen!  But the Bethlehem star may lead me To the sight of Him Who freed me  From the self that I have been.  Make me pure, Lord: Thou art Holy;  Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;  Now beginning, and always, Now begin, on Christmas day."


"A holy day has dawned upon us. Come you nations and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth."

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
"A holy day has dawned upon us." A day of great hope: today the Savior of mankind is born. The birth of a child normally brings a light of hope to those who are waiting anxiously. When Jesus was born in the stable at Bethlehem, a "great light" appeared on earth; a great hope entered the hearts of those who awaited him: in the words of today's Christmas liturgy, "lux magna". Admittedly it was not "great" in the manner of this world, because the first to see it were only Mary, Joseph and some shepherds, then the Magi, the old man Simeon, the prophetess Anna: those whom God had chosen. Yet, in the shadows and silence of that holy night, a great and inextinguishable light shone forth for every man; the great hope that brings happiness entered into the world: "the Word was made flesh and we saw his glory" (Jn 1:14).

"God is light", says Saint John, "and in him is no darkness at all" (1 Jn 1:5). In the Book of Genesis we read that when the universe was created, "the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep." "God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light." (Gen 1:2-3). The creative Word of God – Dabar in Hebrew, Verbum in Latin, Logos in Greek – is Light, the source of life. All things were made through the Logos, not one thing had its being but through him (cf. Jn 1:3). That is why all creatures are fundamentally good and bear within themselves the stamp of God, a spark of his light. Nevertheless, when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, the Light himself came into the world: in the words of the Creed, "God from God, Light from Light". In Jesus, God assumed what he was not, while remaining what he was: "omnipotence entered an infant's body and did not cease to govern the universe" (cf. Saint Augustine, Sermo 184, No. 1 on Christmas). The Creator of man became man in order to bring peace to the world. For this reason, during Christmas night, the hosts of angels sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those whom he loves" (Lk 2:14).

"Today a great light has come upon the earth". The Light of Christ is the bearer of peace. At Midnight Mass, the Eucharistic liturgy begins with this very chant: "Today true peace has come down to us from heaven" (Entrance Antiphon). Indeed, it is only the "great" light manifested in Christ that can give "true" peace to men: that is why every generation is called to welcome it, to welcome the God who in Bethlehem became one of us.

This is Christmas – the historical event and the mystery of love, which for more than two thousand years has spoken to men and women of every era and every place. It is the holy day on which the "great light" of Christ shines forth, bearing peace! Certainly, if we are to recognize it, if we are to receive it, faith is needed and humility is needed. The humility of Mary, who believed in the word of the Lord and, bending low over the manger, was the first to adore the fruit of her womb; the humility of Joseph, the just man, who had the courage of faith and preferred to obey God rather than to protect his own reputation; the humility of the shepherds, the poor and anonymous shepherds, who received the proclamation of the heavenly messenger and hastened towards the stable, where they found the new-born child and worshipped him, full of astonishment, praising God (cf. Lk 2:15-20). The little ones, the poor in spirit: they are the key figures of Christmas, in the past and in the present; they have always been the key figures of God's history, the indefatigable builders of his Kingdom of justice, love and peace.

In the silence of that night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born and lovingly welcomed. And now, on this Christmas Day, when the joyful news of his saving birth continues to resound, who is ready to open the doors of his heart to the holy child? Men and women of this modern age, Christ comes also to us bringing his light, he comes also to us granting peace! But who is watching, in the night of doubt and uncertainty, with a vigilant, praying heart? Who is waiting for the dawn of the new day, keeping alight the flame of faith? Who has time to listen to his word and to become enfolded and entranced by his love? Yes! His message of peace is for everyone; he comes to offer himself to all people as sure hope for salvation.

As the Pope paused for Breath there was a few screams from the crowd followed by a muted explosions and a huge cloud of smoke from the area just in front of the Royal viewing balconies.   Two guards lay prone next to the site of blast.   Abruptly shots begin to ring out from the crowd as dozens of people in the crowd attempt to subdue a person in the front of the crowd who trying to shoot his pistol.  The lone individual is quickly overpowered by dozens of civilians near him in the crowd and only manages to fire off 3 or 4 un-aimed shots.

The Panic in the crowd was short lived the bomb thrown at the Royal Box had exploded with a great deal of smoke but very little force and the shots had all apparently gone wild and the perpetrator was in the custody of the crowd.  Members of the Praetorian Guard were moving in to arrest the man the crowd had apprehended while someone called for doctors for the two men injured by the bomb.  Suddenly, the crowd began to scream again and point to the Pope on his balcony all dressed in white clutching at the Bright Red Splotch on his right breast just before he collapsed into the arms of the Cardinals on either side of him.   And then the Crowd holding the assailant became a Mob bent on vengeance.

[Tanthalas]

uhoh killing the pope = Bad, Somehow i'm sure the NS will be blamed for this, or the Muslims in which case even the NS might be forced to join the Holy Crusade against them (Eyes the other half of Australia thoughtfully)

[The Rock Doctor]

"This could be a problem", thought the player of a large, mostly Catholic republic.

[Tanthalas]

"This could be a problem", thought the player of a large, mostly Catholic republic.

I can definetly see Marius throwing the mother of all fits, maybee even loosing his assasins on some poor unsuspecting country.  btw Ctwaterman the head of Mariuses bodyguard is actualy the head of the Italian inteligence service (aka the chief assasin) that might be usefull to you in the future, and this definetly WAS NOT an Italian "job" way way way to messy (not to mention the assasin got caught alive)