Reminiscences and Impressions

The very name, too, of Rome, has a magical influence, and bears with it an interest that can never wane; for what city can for a moment compare in attraction with the venerable capital, coeval with so many centuries, whose pavement has been trodden by so many generations, and from whose bosom have gone forth those sacred, mysterious influences which for so many centuries have swayed the minds and hearts of the civilized, yes, and even of the uncivilized world? The subject, then, of this discourse, bears with it its own interest. I propose to present to you a rapid sketch of my journey to the Holy City, some incidents of the way, my impressions during my sojourn in Rome, the imposing scene of the canonization, in the grandest temple which the art of man has raised for the purposes of religion, or for any other purpose whatever including with a view of the present position of the Holy Father in relation to "the patrimony of St. Peter," and to his own subjects-a topic of vital importance to many at the present time, and of liyely interest to all