The Celebration of the Emperor's Birthday in Meran

Austria.

x Meran, 20 August. Although I cannot report any extraordinary or singular event this year by which the celebration of our most beloved Emperor might have distinguished itself, as was the case in the past two years, I nevertheless cannot refrain from allowing you to share in the joy of our hearts; for while I relate nothing of the day's festivities, of the banquet held in honour of the Emperor, or of the splendid tattoo that concluded the proceedings, I shall mention instead a circumstance that in my eyes outweighs the costliest triumphal arches and illuminations, and which moved our hearts beyond words — I refer to the earnest, religious devotion with which the local citizenry took part in the ecclesiastical celebration of this day. It is indeed an elevating sight to behold the civil officials appearing on this day in full official attire; yet when a great number of citizens voluntarily set aside all business, prompted by a feeling of filial love, not merely to gawk at the military pageant or to delight in the tunes performed by the brass band, but to attend the solemn high mass and there beseech light and strength for the father of the land from Him in whose hands the hearts of kings rest; when mothers at home with their little ones do not forget to add a special Lord's Prayer for the Emperor to their customary daily prayer; when, finally, there shines forth from almost every face that heartfelt joy which Christian and well-bred children usually feel on the birthday or name day of their parents — oh, then, however dark and sorrowful the times may be, one cannot resist the joyful exclamation: “Land of filial love for our dear sovereign, land of living faith, despair not, all shall be well with thee!” Yet another considerable gathering of suppliants — even if hidden from the eyes of the crowd — raised their hands to heaven, imploring grace upon the beloved Emperor: a company of sixty priests who, from the 16th to the 20th of this month, were engaged in spiritual exercises at the local Benedictine college under the guidance of the venerable Father Thuiner. Fully conscious of their sublime calling, like Moses raising his arms in prayer to God while the youthful strength of the people plunges into fierce combat against the foe, they prayed on this day with particular fervour for the beloved father of the land. Spare me any detailed account of the priestly retreat itself, which would be superfluous to many and inexplicable to most. As the assembled priests offered their warmest gratitude to the enlightened man of God for his efforts, he made this admirable remark: “Yes indeed, I know from experience that the graces bestowed by the Lord during spiritual exercises are beyond measure; the exercises,” he added, accurately characterizing their friends and foes, “are a most commendable abuse!” May God reward him for it, and bless and preserve our dear Emperor!