Catolica_ states that allusion to a census levied for its cost
may be found in the annals of a still earlier period. The Pontiffs used
formerly to present it annually to the Prefect of Rome, after singing
Mass, on this Sunday, at the Lateran, and pronouncing a homily, during
which they lifted the consecrated object in one hand whilst expounding
to the people its mystic significance. Pius II. (1458) is the last Pope
recorded to have thus preached in reference to and thus conferred the
Golden Rose; and the first foreign potentate recorded to have received
it from the Holy See is Fulk, Count of Anjou, to whom it was presented
by Urban II. in 1096. A homily of Innocent III. also contains all
explanation of this beautiful symbol--the precious metal, the balsam
and musk used in consecrating it, being taken in mystic sense as
allusion to the triple substance in the person of the Incarnate
Lord--divinity, soul, and body. It is not merely a single flower, but
an entire rose-tree that is represented--the whole about a foot in
height, most delicately wrought in fine lamina of gold. This being
previously deposited between lighted candelabra, on a table in the
sacristy, is taken by the youngest cleric of the camera, to be
consigned to his Holiness, after the latter has been vested for the
solemnity, but before his assuming the mitre. After a beautiful form of
prayer, with incense and holy water, the Pontiff then, holding the
object in his hand, imparts the Benediction, introducing into the
flower which crowns the graceful stem, and is perforated so as to
provide a receptacle, balsam of Peru and powder of musk. He then passes
with the usual procession into the Sistine, still carrying the rose in
his left hand; and during the Mass it remains beneath the crucifix over
the altar. If in the course of the year no donation of the precious
object is thought advisable, the same is consecrated afresh on the
anniversary following. Some have conjectured that the Empress of France
will be selected {481} by Pius IX. to receive this honour in the
present instance; but this is mere conjecture. On a former occasion, it
is true, the Golden Rose was conferred by him on another crowned head
of the fairer sex--one entitled to more than common regards from the
Supreme Pastor in adversity--the Queen of Naples."

WILLIAM J. THOM