ROMAN CATHOLIC CENTENARY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22338, 28 February 1938, Page 12

ROMAN CATHOLIC CENTENARY

Celebrations Begun At Auckland GATHERINGS OVER • WEEK-END Arrival of Apostolic Delegate G?KK£3 ASSOCIATION TELEOBAM.) AUCKLAND, February 27... The Auekland Harbour, bathed in summer morning sunshine, was a brilliant setting for the arrival of his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Panico, and a large delegation of prelates and clergy on Saturday, for the New Zealand Roman Catholic centenary celebrations. Escorted by aeroplanes and a fleet of fishing vessels, the Wanganella presented a majestic spectacle as she moved up to the wharf, where a stirring ovation to the visitors was given by the assembled crowds. After a spectacular procession through streets lined by waving and cheering children and people, a formal welcome, with elaborate religious ritual, was given to the Apostolic Delegate by the Catholic hierarchy, clergy and people of New Zealand in St. Patrick's Cathedral. In the afternoon Archbishop Panico met the clergy and laity at a garden party at the Sacred Heart Convent, Remuera, and in the evening he attended a centenary concert presented at the Town Hall by 700 children from the Catholic schools.

At Pontifical High Mass, which was the official opening of the centenary at St. Patrick's Cathedral this morning, the splendour of Catholic ritual was seen in a setting unusually brilliant. A special centenary message from Cardinal Paccelli, Papal Secretary of State, was read at Mass.

In the afternoon, Archbishop Panico was present at the opening session of the first national congress in New Zealand of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Solemn vespers and the Benediction were held at 7 p.m., Archbishop Panico presiding. At the conclusion of the service, the Apostolic Delegate, prelates, and clergy attended a mass meeting of the New Zealand Council of the Society for the Propagation of'the Faith.

SCENE IN THE - CATHEDRAL

CELEBRATION OF SOLEMN PONTIFICAL MASS

THOUSANDS AT DIGNIFIED CEREMONY

AUCKLAND, February 27,

Marked by historic ritual that is centuries old and mystic symbolism of significance to every devout Roman Catholic, the celebration of Solemn Pontificial Mass at St. Patrick's Cathdfal this morning was at once an affirmation of faith, a service of thanksgiving for the establishment of that faith by Bishop Fompallier in New Zealand 100 years ago, and a conferment of honour upon his memory. There was the majesty and beauty of Palestrina's "Missa Brevis," sung by the centenary choir of 70 voices, under Professor Moor-Karoly, which, because of its intricacy, is not often performed. The rich vestments of his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate, the. Most Rev. J. Panico, the celebrant, the Most Rev. T. O'Shea, Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and the Metropolitan of New Zealand, and many merrfbers of the New Zealand and oversea hierarchies. Two thousand or more Catholics were gathered outside the Cathedral. In the harsh white glare of the sun the bright hues of the Prelate's robes, the black and white habits of the Redemptorists, Passionists, and Vincentians, and the brown of the Franciscans blended in an arresting picture, whose tones were changed as the Units in the procession passed. Every seat was filled, although the heat of the day made the interior of the cathedral very oppressive. The dignity of the Mass, its pathos and exaltation, the unblemished white of -the altar candles, the golden tapestries and the altar furnishings lent their supnort to the devotion of the congregation. The most solemn act in the ceremony was the elevation of the Host, which was signalled with the chiming of a warning bell used by Bishop Pompallier in early missionary days. Into this act were concentrated the adoration, the repentance, the petition for blessing, and the thanksgiving for blessings received.—a symbolic representation of Calvary, performed while a deep hush enveloped the congregation. To those present—many had come from the farthermost parts of the Dominionit was the most dramatic moment of the Mass. - . , Complex harmonies in music developed towards the triumphant conclusion, and when the celebrant 'had given his triple blessing the Apostolic Delegate was escorted from his throne to the sanctuary. The procession reformed and slowly passed through .the church, his Excellency, with raised hand, silently blesinp the people as he walked along the aisle.

ARCHBISHOP PANICO'S ATTENDANTS SYDNEY MEN AS GENTLEMEN-IN-WAITING AUCKLAND, February 27. A toUch of the mediaeval was lent to the Roman Catholic cehtenary gatherings during the week-end by the attendance upon the Apostolic Delegate, his Excellency the Most Rev. John Fahico, of two gentlemen-in-waiting, clad in uniforms of Papal orders. They are both promineht Sydney Catholics and are Knight Commanders of St. Gregory. Mr E P. Hollingdale, beside being a Papal Knight, is also a Papal Chamberlain and serves at the Vatican lor one week in each year. He was decorated by the Pope after the Eucharistic Congress at Sydney in 1928. Mr Frank Gilmofe, the other gentle-man-in-waiting, is a prominent businessman in Sydney and was honoured by the Pope two years ago for special services as a Catholic layman. ' The position of gentlemen-in-wait-ing is ceremonial and corresponds in some measure to that of aides-de-camp.