erous associations were formed under the auspices of the civil and
ecclesiastical authorities, for the purpose of collecting offerings in aid
of the Sovereign Pontiff, impoverished as he was by the privation of his
revenues. These associations extended not only throughout Europe, but were
established also in North and South America, India, China and the
Philippine Islands. The poorest even, like the widow of the Gospel,
insisted on contributing their mite.

Many touching instances are quoted. Some young persons, who were only
humble artisans, managed by great economy to save some thirty-five livres,
and sent them, accompanied with a very feeling address, to the association
of their locality. "If, at this moment," they said, "we were near the Holy
Father, we would say to him, whilst reverently kneeling at his feet: Most
Holy Father, this is the happiest of our days. We are a society of young
persons who consider it our greatest happiness to give proof of our
veneration for your Holiness. We claim to be your most affectionate
children; and notwithstanding the efforts of ill-disposed persons to
separate us from Catholic unity, we declare that we recognize in your
Holiness the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Jesus Christ. We are
prepared to sacrifice all that we possess, and even our life, in order to
prove ourselves worthy children of so good a Father." The testimony of
youth and innocence is precious in the sight of heaven. Hence, allusion is
made to this case in preference to so many others. _Ex ore infantium et
lactantium perfecisti laudem._ On occasion of receiving such genuine marks
of filial devotedness Pius IX. was often moved to tears.

The revival of the offering of "Peter's Pence" recalls to mind the piety
of the early ages. This practice was in vigor when the world had scarcely
yet begun to believe. It is not a little remarkable that it has been
renewed in an age when so many have fallen from belief. The more the
Church was persecuted in the early days the more were her ministers held
in honor. Such, one is compelled to say, is her destiny in all ages. Pius
IX., when an exile at Gaeta, was the object of the most respectful and
devoted attentions of all classes of Christians in every land. Bishops,
ecclesiastical communities, religious congregations, all orders of
Christian people, vied with one another in their zeal to do him honor. As
many as six, eight, eleven thousand signatures were often appended to