EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 199, 23 August 1926, Page 9

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

DR. LISTON'S IMPRESSIONS.

A WELCOME FROM ALL.

SCENES OF MAGNIFICENCE

The Rev. Dr. Liston, co-adjutor Bishop of Auckland, gave some impressions of the Eucharietie Congress, which he attended in Chicago, in a sermon at St. Benedict's last evening. He said that he could only tell of the fragments of the story of the Congress, which was carried out on such a scale of magnitude and magnificence that it wa>> impossible for anyone to gather a full picture of the great gathering and the effects of its deliberations. The extremely warm welcome was not confined to the Catholic residents of Chicago. The reception accorded the visitors by the non-Catholic people was rnoet generous, and was appreciated by all. Great preparations were made by the city of Chicago, the main streets from end to end being decorated with national and Papal flags and the shield of the congress. In perfect sunshine the congress was opened on a Sunday morning. High Mass being solemnised in 304 churches simultaneously. An appeal had been made for at least a million communions. However, the reports showed that about one million and a half men, women and children attended at the altar rails. Opening of Congress. The Congress was officially opened by the Papal Legato in the Chicago Catho- ■ dral at 10 o'clock, said Bishop Liston. i The cathedral was magnificently deco- I rated, and it appeared to be clothed in a veritable fabric of gold. Flapping banners conveyed the impression that it ' was clothed with a living fabric.

The service was transmitted to millions who waited outside and throughout the whole of the United States by means of wireless amplifiers in the pulpit, at the altar and in the choir gallery. Entrance to the cathedral was obtained by only 2500 bishops and priests. A priest explained the service to a mixed multitude in New York as it was heard over the loud speakers.

Dr. Liston said that while he was assisting in that service he could not help his thoughts going back 250 years when a Jesuit Father from Quebec landed where Chicago now stands. He was the first white man to tread that soil, and one felt that, as he looked down on the Congress, lie must have felt thankful for the transformation which had taken place. Impressive Services. Out-of-door celebrations were held in the Soldiers' Field, a stadium which provided for at least half-a-million people. Services were conducted before a high altar which had been erected. The singing of 62,000 children on the children's day had made a wonderful impression, so sweet and fresh were the voices of the children.

Dr. Liston described the men's service as being as impressive as any. Over 400,000 men, holding candles aloft on a calm moonlight night, recited their declaration of faith. The service broke quietly and nervously, the men appearing to be held with a deep religious fervour.

The celebration of Pontifical High Mass a few miles from the city brought the Congress to a close. In order to be early for the service thousands slept in the open and there were at least 800,000 people present when the Mass was read. After the service a great procession was formed, Roman Catholic societies from all -parts of the world being represented. The Sacred Host was carried and as It was borne past, the crowd knelt in adoration.

As the procession was moving a thunder storm was seen to be approaching and there were anxious moments as under the storm the people might become a rabble. But, although there was thunder, lightning, hail and rain for nearly half-an-hour, the people remained steady with bared heads, and knelt in the mud as the Host passed them.