I FELT A REAL PLEASURE IN MAKING THE STREETS OF THE CHRISTIAN WORLD RE-ECHO MY VOICE, SINGING THE PRAISES OF GOD.

In the evening of the beatification, Eugene participated in a jubilee pilgrimage walk to St Peter’s.

The Monsignor Dean of the Rota, in his prelate’s garb, carried the crucifix, I was beside wearing my soutane and long coat. As we went along, we sang the litany of the saints and I felt a real pleasure in making the streets of the Christian world re-echo my voice, singing the praises of God. When we arrived at Saint Peter’s we were presented for veneration by the faithful the famous relics of the Passion, such as the wood of the true cross, the holy lance, etc.

 I was deeply moved by the profound silence which reigned in that entire basilica during this ceremony. Everyone was kneeling in the most pious prayer. Nevertheless, it was an immense crowd. I should remark in this regard, what I have noticed ever since I came to Rome, continually making the rounds of churches; that I have noticed always and everywhere there has been the greatest respect, and that the piety of the faithful, who are however all ordinary people, poor peasants, most of them in rags, always edifies me more and more.

Roman Diary, 18 December 1825, EO XVII