PAPAL LEGATE WELCOMED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 1 March 1938, Page 9

PAPAL LEGATE WELCOMED

Tumultuous Reception

In Town Hall

SCENES UNSURPASSED IN CITY’S HISTORY (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 28. Six'thousand'Roman Catholics united in an exultant welcome to the Apostolic Delegate (the Most Rev. J. Panico), in the Town Hall to-night. Nearly 4000 people packed the building long before the start of the function. Thousands more waited hopefully for entrance and, when this hope was not realised, listened to the enthusiasm within, on the footpaths of Queen street or in the vestibules of the hall. Unsurpassed in the history of Auckland were the concourse of people, the enthusiasm of the children, the splendour of the procession of prelates as they moved amidst thunderous applause to take their place oh the platform. Here they were joined by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. JSavage), the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis), Lady Davis, the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sul livan). several members of Parliament, and representatives of local bpdies. An hour before the reception was timed to begin crowds Imed Queen street awaiting admission. When the doors were opened, there was a rush for seats, and any who arrived even half an hour before the start of the proceedings found it almost impossible to secure even standing room. . A score or more of, monsignori, bishops, and archbishops, representing dioceses in Europe, Asia, and the islands of the Southern Seas, were greeted with round after round of applause as, clad in their rich vestments, they took their places on the dais. Four hundred children grouped around the grand organ led the clapping and cheers as Commandant Auphan and a group of officers from the French cruiser Jeanne d Arc appeared. Here there was significance that was fully, appreciated. France was remembering one who, to New Zealand Catholic eyes, was one of her greatest sons. They were accorded an ovation that must have been unequalled in volume and sincerity, as they went up the aisle. Spontaneous as' this welcome was, it proved but a prelude to the tumult that arose when the Apostolic Delegate, accompanied by a group of Archbishops, and Bishop Liston, who acted as chairman, arrived. Simultaneously thousands of men. women, and children rose to their feet, clapping and cheering. Long after the party had reached the platform the uproar continued. subsiding only when the Bishop appealed for silence with upraised hand. Message From Lord Galway A message received from the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) was read by the Archbishop of Wel’•ngtcn, the Most Rev. Thomas O’Shea, S.M. His Excellency said: “I send to »ou my very best wishes for the success of the Catholic centenary celebrations. which are about to take place, and my warm congratulations- on the outstanding progress made by the Catholic Church in New Zealand since its establishment by Bishop Pcmpallier. •■'■ The splendid record of achievement made, by the Church in such a comparatively short space of time is one of which all may feel -./ellproud.” His Grace went on to speak of the sincerity of the welcome to the representative of his Holiness the Pope from all sections of the Catholic community, clergy, and laity; With his Excellency, they desired to associate many other distinguished visitors. The cheering was renewed as he spoke of the expectation that the presence of Archbishop Panico would give fresh zest to the efforts of • the Church in New Zealand.

“The largest and most amazing assembly of distinguished ecclesiastics," was the description applied by" Sir Ernest Davis to the gathering. The three speakers who followed were representatives of the Catholic laity—Mr Justice Callan, Mr Justice O’Regan, and Mr Robert McVeagh. “The goodwill'of all New Zealanders who know the history of their country is assured,” stated the Prime Minister. He referred to the historic nature of the centenary, and said that in pioneering service, the Catholic missionaries and Church, and the great institutions for social welfare which were their enduring monuments, had played their full part. Associated in the welcome to Archbishop Panico was Captain Auphan, of the Jeanne d’Arc.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF FOUNDERS

CATHEDRAL THRONGED FOR REQUIEM MASS

AUCKLAND, February 28.

Dedicated to prelates, priests, members of religious orders, and people who have played a part in building up the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand, Solemn Pontifical Mass _of Requiem was celebrated this morning at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, opening the second day of the centenary celebrations.

Archbishop Panico presided. The celebrant was Bishop Liston, assisted by the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy (Christchurch) and the Rev. Father M. Murphy (Whangarei) as deacons, the Rev. Father A. Wardle (Mill Hill Society) as sub-deacon, the Very Rev. Dr. Courtney (Holy Cross College, Mosgiel), and the Rev. Father Ferrari (Sydney) as rasters of ceremony. Iri an ‘eloquent tribute, the Very Rev. D. H. Hurley, provincial of the Society of Mary, referred to past prelates, priests, religious orders, and the laity, using as his theme, “By their works shall ye know them.” The Cathedral was packed, and again there were remarkable scenes as the procession entered and left.