The New Liturgical Movement has an illustrated article that reminds its readers that today is the centenary of another monarchical accession in the twentieth century, the election of Pope Pius XI on February 6th 1922.
The article sets out the background of this mountaineering librarian who advanced so rapidly through the Papal diplomatic service, the See of Milan and the cardinalature to the Chaur of Peter. Here in Oxford he is remembered for his visit as Msgr Ratti in 1914 as a librarian to visit the Bodleian and his delayed departure due to a slight accident, which meant that he is the one future Pope - so far - to have celebrated Mass in St Aloysius Church, which is now the Oratory.
Poor Piys XI is, perhaps, a slightly forgotten figure these days, which is to be regretted. For good or ill he resolved the “Roman Question” with Italy and he was a forceful - very forceful - exponent of Catholic teaching and political involvement and commentary in those complex and troubled years that comprised his pontificate.
The article can be seen at The Centenary of Pius XI’s Election
Linking that to my previous post about the Platinum Jubilee it is worth pointing out that the illustrations to that article are a reminder that happily the British Monarchy had not made the mistake of the Papsl Monarchy of jettisoning its ceremonial expression on high and holy days, and of what had been lost in the Vatican - for the present.
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