n, in order to obtain, through the light of
the Holy Ghost, such a decision as could tend only to promote the glory of
God, the honor due to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the salvation of
mankind. The bishops at one of their sessions gave a very practical
utterance as regards the infallible authority of the Pope. The question
having arisen whether the bishops were to assist him as judges in coming
to a decision, and pronounce simultaneously with him, or leave the final
judgment solely to the word of the Sovereign Pontiff, the debate, as if by
inspiration from on high, came suddenly to a close. It was the Angelus
hour. The prelates had scarcely resumed their places after the short
prayer, and exchanged a few words, when they made a unanimous declaration
in favor of the supremacy of St. Peter's chair: _Petre, doce nos; confirma
fratres tuos_--"Peter, teach us; confirm thy brethren." The teaching which
the Reverend Fathers sought from the lips of the Supreme Pastor was the
definition of the Immaculate Conception.

(M44) The 8th December, 1854, was the great triumphal day which, according
to the fine language of Bishop Dupanloup, "crowned the expectation of past
ages, blessed the present time, claimed the gratitude of the centuries to
come, and left an imperishable memory--the day on which was pronounced the
first definition of an article of Faith which no dissentient voice
preceded, and which no heresy followed." All Rome rejoiced. An immense
multitude of people of all tongues crowded the approaches to the vast
Basilica of St. Peter, which was by far too small to contain the imposing
host. Then were seen advancing the bishops, in solemn procession, placed
according to seniority, and followed by the cardinals. The Sovereign
Pontiff, surrounded by a brilliant cortege, closed the procession.
Meanwhile was heard the grave chant of the Litanies of the Saints,
inviting the heavenly court to join with the Church militant in doing
honor to her who was Queen alike of angels and of men. Pius IX. ascended
his throne; and as soon as he had received the obedience of the cardinals
and bishops, the Pontifical Mass began. When the Gospel had been chanted
in Greek and in Latin, Cardinal Macchi, Dean of the Sacred College,
accompanied by the deans of the archbishops and bishops, by an archbishop
of the Greek rite, also, and an Armenian archbishop, advanced to the foot
of the throne, and begged of the Holy Father, in the name of the whole
churc