on the threshold, and with
his arms extended towards the Pontiff, began to exclaim: "_Tu es Petrus!_"
("Thou art Peter!")

"Come to me, my brother," said the Holy Father. "_Tu es Petrus!_" replied
the Chinese bishop, "_Tu es Petrus!_" Needless to say that when he
approached the venerable Pontiff affectionately embraced him, whilst both
gave vent to their feelings in tears. The laity of all ranks and classes
were no less devoted. A very moving scene which was witnessed this same
year (1867) is beautifully described by the Protestant correspondent of
the London _Morning Post_: "It is truly delightful to meet Pius IX. in the
country on foot, walking faster than one would suppose his age could
allow, his majestic person arrayed in a white soutane, and protected by a
large broad-brimmed purple hat. The other day, when I was at Aricia, he
was proceeding towards Genzano, followed by his guards and his carriage.
The ex-Queen of Naples and the Infanta, lately Regent, were walking in the
opposite direction, followed by their equipages and domestics. At a turn
of the road, exactly below the Villa Chigi, the two groups met. In a
moment their Royal Majesties were on their knees. His Holiness quickened
his pace in order to raise them up. The peasants of the neighborhood, who
were returning from their vineyards and orchards, together with their
wives and daughters, were struck with admiration. They also advanced and
knelt on each side of the central group formed by the illustrious
personages, calling out with all their might: '_Santo Padre, la
benedizione_.' 'Holy Father, your benediction!' It was a splendid
tableau."

On occasion of the centennial, substantial proofs of devotedness abounded.
The numerous pilgrims not only gave the homage of their faith, but also
brought magnificent offerings, as Peter's pence, and presented addresses
with millions of signatures. One day fifteen hundred Italians were
received at an audience of the Holy Father, and made the offering of a
monumental album, together with one hundred purses filled with gold, as
the homage of one hundred Italian cities. Cardinal Manning laid at the
feet of Pius IX. L30,000--a generous testimony of English piety. The
Cardinal Archbishop of Mechlin brought to the centenary celebration
L16,000, the Archbishop of Posen L20,000, and the Mexican archbishop
L12,000, whilst Cuba offered 100,000 douros. "We are reversing the order
of nature," smilingly observed the Holy Father; "