People, that he might at
least have the pleasure of seeing what was going on.
I must tell you about the ceremony of making an archbishop, which we
had the good fortune to witness. It took place at Notre Dame.
The nave of the church was full. Around the altar, all the priests
and dignitaries of the church were seated; the officiating
archbishop in a high seat, and an empty chair by his side for the
new archbishop when finished and prepared for the honor. All the
priests were in full dress. Their garments were stiff with gold and
silver. My eyes were dazzled with their splendor.
Perfect silence prevailed, and the ceremony commenced. The priest,
who was to be made into a bishop, had all sorts of things done to
him. He knelt, he prayed, he was prayed over, he was read to, he had
hands laid upon him, he was crossed; incense was thrown up, the
organ played, and all the priests and bishops knelt and rose from
their knees, and knelt and rose again, and again; high mass was
said, and the show was very remarkable.
Once the poor mortal, who was to be consecrated, knelt, and a large
book was put upon him, like a saddle.
