PAPAL LEGATE’S VISIT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 48, 20 November 1928, Page 10

PAPAL LEGATE’S VISIT

CARDINAL CERRETTI AT AUCKLAND IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY CONGRESS PRAISE FOR AUSTRALIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS Dominion Special Service. Auckland, November 19. Cardinal Cerretti, who is on board the Aorangi, speaks in superlatives when mention is made of Australia, and the passengers aboard the Aorangi volunteered the information that all Australians speak in superlatives of the Papal Legate. Speaking of tlie recent Eucharistic Congress at which lie was tlie highest dignitary of the Church present, Cardinal Cerretti said he never expected to see such a demonstration of faith in any part of the world. “The different spectacles are almost impossible to describe in words,” lie said. "In many respects the Australian Congress surpassed that held in Chicago last year. There was the greatest respect and veneration from all sections of the community which was not wholly present at Chicago. I shall never forget the spectacle of over 500,000 people assembled at Hyde Park. From that great gathering there was not a whisper. not a word, and the great majority of tlie people were not members of the Catholic Church.” Continuing, Cardinal Cerretti said that imbued with tlie best qualities

and possessed of progressiveness and culture, tlie Australians liad a great destiny. He was surprised at the progress that had been made since lie left Port Jackson for Rome 13 years ago, especially in the direction of building. Cardinal Cerretti made special reference to the kindly attitude of State officials and local authorities in the Commonwealth. He referred especially to Mr. T. R. Bavin, Premier of New South Wales, whose welcome address at St. Mary’s Cathedral he described as a masterpiece. Then Cardinal Cerretti spoke about New Zealand—rather wistfully, one gathered—because at the outset lie said he deeply regretted that owing to pressure of Church affairs he would be unable to spend much time in this country. “I have tlie pleasantest recollections of my visit to New Zealand,” he said. He recalled also that during a visit to Christchurch lie had tlie pleasure of consecrating Bishop Brodie, an old Auckland boy. In a hundred and one incidents he recalled one would have imagined it was 13 months and not 13 years since he was last here. “Do you know that in some parts of Europe cultured people believe that these countries —the countries of the Southern Gross," as I like to recall them—are populated by savages?” Cardinal Cerretti added. "My opinion is that there is more culture here than there is in many parts of Europe.” Cardinal Cerretti displayed his knowledge of current affairs when he was asked if much was known about New Zealand in Italy. “Yes, tlie price of wool, for instance!” was his retort. Then the Cardinal dealt with his experience in France as Papal Nuncio, and he spoke of tlie admiration of tlie French for the Australians and New Zealanders. “Tlie French think that tlie best type of men who were engaged in hostilities camo from Australia and New Zealand.” lie said. “Everywhere one went one heard of your soldiers being spoken of in terms of admiration.”

Cardinal Cerretti was met on the Aorangi by Bishop Cleary, Dr. Liston, and a number of other clergy and lay people. Later he was taken to the Bishop’s House, Ponsonhy. where he will be the guest of Bishop Cleary during his stay in Auckland. He is accompanied by his secretary, tlie Rev. Father Vicenzi de Porenzo. Cardinal Cerretti will leave by tlie Aorangi for Vancouver on his way back to Rome.