THE GOLDEN WEDDING OF THE POPE.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
To-day, June 3, the Catholic Church in France celebrate, with great pomp, the fiftieth anniversary of the episcopal consecration of Pope Pius IX., who is receiving the congratulations of a great number of sovereigns. Valuable presents have been sent him for the occasion. Among these are the following: A magnificent gold cup enriched by precious stones, presented by the Duke of Aoste, the second son of Victor Emmanuel, in execution of a vow expressed by his dying wife; a rich carpet from the President of France; and a gold throne presented by the Catholics of Marseille, France. France, who proudly styles herself “the pope’s eldest daughter,” takes the lead in this idolatry, and will not be backward in acting her part in oppressing commandment-keepers in their last conflict with the power of darkness. God pity France, and help us in persuading some of her children to flee from the wrath to come. D. T. BOURDEAU.