THE CATHOLIC CENTENARY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22344, 7 March 1938, Page 10

THE CATHOLIC CENTENARY

♦ 11,000 PERSONS JOIN IN PROCESSION. BENEDICTION OF BLESSED SACRAMENT GREAT OPEN-AIR GATHERING FOR FINAL CEREMONY tfBESB ASSOCIATIOH TKLEGRAK.) AUCKLAND. March 6. Perhaps the most inspiring religious demonstration ever presented in Auckland was the procession this afternoon of 11,000 members of Catholic societies and schools, in varied and picturesque regalia, in the final function - of Ihe Catholic centenary celebrations. In ranks, marching four abreast, the moving pageant took one and quarter hours to pass the dais in Upper Symonds street, on which Bishop Liston and his assistant clergy attended the Blessed Sacrament. The route led down Upper Symonds street and across Grafton bridge to the domain. where a huge white cross and altar had been erected for the final ceremony of the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Commencing at 2.30, the procession ended, and its component bodies were in position before the altar, at 4.30 p.m.

A deacon in a dalmatic of white and gold and ber.ring a large crucifix, which shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun, led the march. Behind him came 2000 girls from the Catholic schools in white dresses and gold sashes, and bearing small flags, also in white and gold of the Papal colours. At intervals, fluttering picturesquely in the wind, were large white and gold banners Gearing religious emblems. Then came 1000 boys in white with blue sashes, the colours of the blessed Virgin Mary. Many Varied Groups

The next unit was composed of about 2000 Children of Mary, young women and girls, wearing the striking regalia of a blue cloak and white veil The members of this unit came from many parts of New Zealand and were arranged in sections according to their district, each section being preceded bv its elaborate banner in white and blue, beating a large picture of the Virgin Mary. In contrast with these was the next group, of young women wearing white dresses and scarlet cloaks, whose banner in red and gold showed that they were a special guard of the Blessed Sacrament. Union Jacks and a large variety of troup flags heralded the approach of about 800 girl guides, cubs, and boy scouts. One of the most impressive units in the procession was made up by the men of the Holy Name Society, whose banners bore the symbols of their special pledges of loyally to thenchurch and their country. About 4000 men of all walks of life, singing the inspiring hymn, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name,’’ marched side by side m a striking demonstration of faith, Jugoslavs and Maoris No group was more picturesque than the Jugoslav girls in their flowing white dresses, scarlet vests and caps, and blue sashes, bearing white crosses, These were followed by a large group of Jugoslav men _ .. Then came a notable group of Catholic Maori men and women in full native costume and bearing a historic flag. The most elaborate banner in the procession was the green and gold symbol of the Hibernians, who wore the special regalia of their society. A vivid reminder of Catholic loyalty in the Great War was the marching of about 400 returned soldiers, who held a position of special honour in the procession, just in front of the religious and the priests in soutane and white surplice. Immediately before the Blessed Sacrament was a pretty group of flower girls and pages in white satin. They curtseyed at the tinkling of bells to spread flower petals before the approaching canopy containing the monstrance in which the Sacred Host was carried by Bishop Liston, who was clad in a cope of white and gold. Around the canopy six candle bearers in large scarlet cloaks formed a special guard of honour. After the canopy followed the Most Reverend T. O’Shea, Catholic Archbishop of Wellington, and Metropolitan of New Zealand, accompanied by other archbishops and bishops, wearing the striking cerise of episcopal robes. The boys of the Sacred Heart College brought up the rear of the procession. Altar Erected In Domain There were about 13,000 spectators at the Domain, where, for more than an hour a large choir of nuns, occupying nearly all the seats in the grandstand, had maintained a devotional atmosphere by singing hymns. The music was amplified by loud-speakers across the ground. The Blessed Sacrament, reverently escorted by prelates, priests, and laymen,' was borne across the ground at the domain while the vast concourse of spectators stood or knelt. The gold monstrance was placed upon the altar, which was surmounted by a cross 30 feet high, by Bishop Liston, while trumpets sounded a fanfare and the Papal and New Zealand flags were hoisted, one on each side. After the hymn the Most Rev. Norman Gilroy, Coadjutor Archbishop of Sydney, ascended the pulpit and conducted Eucharistic devotions, the people making responses in unison. The preacher, the Very Rev. Owen F. Dudley, Superior of the Catholic Missionary Society, London, spoke upon the Catholic Church and its four marks of unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity. Father Dudley reminded Catholics of their obligations as members of the Church, and earnestly appealed to those non-Catholics who had heard the Church’s witness during the centenary week to pray for light and grace to do what Christ would have them do—return to the one true fold, A Solemn Pontifical Benediction was then given by Bishop Liston, and at the climax of the rite, as the Host was raised, the silence was broken only by the threefold chiming of the altar bell.