ROMAN CATHOLIC OBSERVANCE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27642, 26 April 1955, Page 14

ROMAN CATHOLIC OBSERVANCE

SOLEMN REQUIEM MASS CELEBRATED A record number of veterans of the two wars, who with cadets from St. Bede’s College and Xavier College filled the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, attended Solemn Requiem Mass yesterday morning. Mass was celebrated by the Bishop, the Most Rev. E. M. Joyce, the Rev. J. Kelly acting as deacon, and the Rev. J. McHale as sub-deacon. The Bishop was attended at the throne by the Rev. J. Bourke, S.M., and the Very Rev. T- Hanrahan. The Rev. G. Harrison was master of ceremonies. Students from the Minor Seminary chanted the Mass and cadets from St. Bede’s College and Xavier College formed a guard of honour at the catafalque.

Returned servicemen, headed by the Canterbury Caledonian Society Pipe Band, and cadets under the direction of Major A. J. Steele, paraded at Latimer square and marched to the Xavier College grounds, and then to the cathedral.

In his sermon, the Rev. C. F. Duggan, S.M., of St. Bede’s College, said the example set by the men of Anzac and in the Second World War was one of courage and sacrifice that would be emulated by the younger generation if the necessity arose. He hoped it never would arise. Anzac Day was a day of realisation of the debt owed to the men who had borne the burden of the day, especially to those who had given their lives and for whom Mass was being celebrated. During the Mass, “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded by Flight Lieutenant J. L. Napier, of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Congratulating former servicemen on the big attendance, Bishop Joyce said it seemed that with the passing of the years men of two world wars were showing increasing reverence for the memories of men with whom they had shared hardships. Earlier in the morning. Requiem Mass had been celebrated in all parishes.