Lavalette, in a
diplomatic circular, were not ashamed to congratulate themselves publicly
on the stipulations of the treaty of Prague. In their mania for Italian
unity, these wise statesmen became blind to the interests of their own
country--condign punishment, surely, of their disloyal and unprincipled
policy.

(M100) Whilst the political world was extraordinarily agitated, and a
great potentate was endeavoring to destroy the last remnant of Papal
sovereignty, and was himself at the same time, hastening blindly but
surely to ignominy and ruin, the Pontiff against whom he warred calmly and
successfully continued to accomplish the sublime work of his spiritual
mission.

(M101) Nothing tends more to the instruction and edification of the
Catholic people than the canonization of saints and martyrs. But for the
care which the church bestows in bringing to light the acts and sufferings
of those heroes of the Christian faith, many of them, remaining unknown,
would be lost as examples to the rest of mankind. It is also due to the
saints themselves that the church should honor them, although, indeed,
earthly celebrity and true fame which lasts throughout all time is as
nothing compared to the glory which they enjoy. John Baptist de Rossi (de
Rubaes) was a canon of the Collegiate Basilica of Saint Mary, _in
cosmedin_. The venerable John Baptist de Rossi was in every respect a
worthy minister of God. He labored last century at Rome, in the vineyard
of the Lord, with so much, patience, longanimity and meekness, and was so
filled with the Holy Ghost and sincere charity, that he spent his whole
life in evangelizing the poor, to the great gain of souls. He instructed
others unto righteousness, and God willed that he should shine for
evermore as a star in the firmament. And not only was he crowned with
light in heaven, in order that, transformed to the Divine image, he should
appear in God's presence environed with heavenly splendor; but God,
through His unspeakable bounty, appointed that His servant, enriched by an
abundant harvest of merits, illustrated by triumphal honors, and glorified
by miracles, should also enjoy upon earth a name glorious in the
estimation of mankind, and should thus be a new ornament to the church
militant. The process of canonization was commenced in the time of Gregory
XVI., and completed by Pius IX., when in March, 1859, the name of John
Baptist de Rossi was inscribed on the sacred diptychs.

(M102) Jo