“A STARRY CARPET.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 81, 4 March 1938, Page 2

“A STARRY CARPET.”

GREAT OPEN-AIR GATHERING. 10,000 MEN LIGHT CANDLES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 3. The first great open air gathering of the Catholic Centenary, a grand rally of men in Western Springs Stadium, tonight. richly fulfilled the expectations of those who had planned it. Probably never before in the history of Auckland, or of New Zealand, have so many people assembled in one place for a religious purpose. It was not merely a demonstration of devotion, but also a marvellous spectacle in which light, colour and music combined to produce an unforgettable effect. It is estimated that 10,000 men, members of the Holy Name Society, and many others participated in the arena and fully an equal number of spectators wore massed upon the terraces and took part in the devotions. The eyes of early arrivals travelled at once to the imposing temporary altar under its lofty white baldachin surmounting a broad triple flight of steps. There was a scarlet dossal behind the great crucifix and six tall candles glowed in the light of many floodlamps, making a fine splash of colour which was reflected by the carpeting all the way down from _ the sanctuary to the arena. The latter was illuminated by two large military searchlights whose bluish rays contrasted v'ith the warm glow of the other lights. Well before 8 o’clock, to the music of a distant band, the procession of men began to wend its way on to the ground. A dark blue banner, lettered in gold, headed each qiarisli contingent. The men marched two abreast and formed up rank by rank upon markers facing the altar. In due course more and more markers had to be provided, and at .a quarter past eight, when the last of the marchers took their places, the phalanx extended almost to the full depth of the arena. Next a long procession of clergy in cassocks and surplices, headed by a cross-bearer, made its appearance, crossed the southern part of the ground and passed through the centre of the mass of men, who made a lane for it. Behind the clergy came bishops in purple and white, followed bv archbishops and last of all His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate (Most Rev. John Panico) whose appearance was greeted with loud handclapping. To the strains of , a religious march played on an electric organ, the procession made its way to the seats in the sanctuary and on the arena at either side. A figure in black and white habit of the Dominican Order then mounted the pulpit. It was Very Rev. Father W. B. McEvoy, 0.P., of Melbourne, national director of the Holy Name Society for Australia and New Zealand, who was to lead the devotions. Father McEvoy led the great congregation in 10 minutes of prayer, thousands making the responses in unison. This was followed by a hymn a.nd an address by Very Rev. Father Owen Dudley, Superior of the Catholic Missionary Society, London. Telling of the Church’s fight against moral evil and social injustice, ho was heard with rapt attention. At its close nearly all the lights were extinguished except those illuminating the altar. Each of the thousands rof men lighted a candle and all together repeated the Holy Name Society’s pledge of faith and duty. At the final words every man lifted bis candle above bis head. The effect was surprisingly beautiful, the myriad points of fire making a sir.rrv carpet like lamps of the citv viewed from a nearby hill. After the Tantrum Erog. “Faith of Our Fathers” was sung with obvious feeling and the men spontaneously lifted their candles on high once more. Archbishop Panico advanced to the altar and lifting the monstrance containing the blessed sacrament which had rested there throughout the _ service, he lifted it in solemn pontifical benediction and with this the ceremony ended. The return of the procession of clergy and dignitaries across the ground led to further scenes of enthusiasm. men breaking the ranks and applauding continuously.