Apostolic Delegate Arrives In City

Press, Volume C, Issue 29643, 13 October 1961, Page 14

Apostolic Delegate Arrives In City

The intention of the Roman Catholic Ecumenical Council to be held in Rome next year was not to change any part of the constitution of the Church, the Apostolic Delegate to Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania (the Most Rev. Maximilian de Furstenberg) said in Christchurch last evening. He had been met earlier in the day at Oamaru by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. E. M Joyce). The council will be attended by all Roman Catholic bishops in the world. Observers from Protestant churches have been invited. “The Church cannot be changed,” Archbishop de Furstenberg said. “The bishops will sit in the council as the successors of Peter. They will not represent their own diocese but the Church as a whole.” Pope John XXIII was well, and paid many surprise visits, Archbishop de Furstenberg said. Archbishop de Furstenberg arrived in Auckland on September 21, and has since visited Rotorua, Hamilton,

Lake Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Dunedin. He has met the Governor-General (Lord Cobham), the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake), and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash). This is his first visit to New Zealand since he was appointed the Apostolic Delegation in Sydney in 1959. While in Christchurch he will visit Roman Catholic institutions. On October 17 he will visit Timarti, and leave for Westland on October 19. About 1000 persons attended a liturgical reception to Archbishop de Furstenberg in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament last evening- Among them were 90 students from the Holy Name Seminary and 60 priests from the diocese. The cathedral was full, a number of persons standing, and there were about 50 to 100 in the gallery. Archbishop de Furstenberg was escorted from the presbytery, and was met at the door of the cathedral by the Cathedral Administrator (the Very Rev. D, M. Kane) and was presented a crucifix, which he kissed. After sprinkling water on those near him he walked to the sanctuary. After the reception Bishop Joyce welcomed Archbishop de Furstenberg and he replied. He changed his robes and conducted the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.