CHILDREN’S MASS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 136, 5 March 1938, Page 13

CHILDREN’S MASS

Thousands Assemble At Auckland Service CATHOLIC CENTENARY (By Telegraph—Press Association.) * Auckland, March 4. The Homan Catholic centenary celebrations were marred slightly to-day by light showers. The children’s Mass at the Western Springs Stadium was nevertheless a beautiful feature of the functions. Ranged before the big white altar were thousands of children, the girls wearing the white dresses and veils of the Children of Mary or Guide uniform, and the boys in white shirts, blue shorts and blue sashes, or Scout uniform. They made a charming sight. Added to this wars the beauty of the Palestrina Mass, sung by a choir of 500 children under Professor Moor Karoly. Thousands of spectators on the terraces were entranced by the beauty of the scene as the procession of priests and prelates escorted the Apostolic Delegate to the altar, the glowing colours of their vestments contrasting strikingly with the green of the arena and the white and scarlet of the altar. As the solemn Pontifical Mass was said by Archbishop Murray, of St. Paul. Minnesota, the voices of the children rose sweet and clear, making a memorable impression on the listeners. The sermon was preached by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Farrelly, Coadjutor Bishop of Lismore, who spoke of the love of Christ and of the Church for children, and urged those present to devote themselves to the propagation of the faith by example 01/their own lives. As he was speaking a light shower of ram fell, but the children remained in their places, though some of the spectators sought the shelter of the trees. It soon passed, however, and the Mass was continued without interruption. APOSTOLIC DELEGATE IN HOSPITAL Slight Chill Contracted By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, March 4. His Excellency, the Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. J. Panlco, has contracted a slight chill and is at present in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. It is hoped he will be well enough to take part in the celebrations on Sunday. ________