It is common for religious communities to keep daily annals. Annals are daily recollections of the day’s events whether in the community, locally, nationally, or universally. Last year the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph posted selections each day to celebrate their centennial. The entry for March 2 was taken from 1939. Rather appropriate, considering our current sede vacante status.
Thursday March 2 1939
Weather: Bright, calm, ideal, high 55 degrees
Wireless Message from Rome about 10:30. Pope is elected! About 20 minutes later his name announced – Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli! He took the name of His illustrious Predecessor whose secretary he had been – Pius XII. Great, universal rejoicing especially in the United States – we can say for the first time in history – “The Pope has been to America!” Cardinal Pacelli visited the U.S. in the autumn of 1936.
Recreation at table, dinner and supper to celebrate the great, momentous event.
Holy Hour and Te Deum offered for Holy Father.
Cardinal Pacelli visits Philadelphia in 1936.