GORGEOUS RITUAL

Northern Advocate, 24 June 1932, Page 5

GORGEOUS RITUAL

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS INAUGURATION CEREMONY. PRO-CATHEDRAL SCENE. LEGATE’S ORATION. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received 9 a.m.) DUBLIN, June 22. The actual opening of the Eucharistic Congress was splendidly impressive. The Pro-Cathedral had been tastefully decorated. Dignitaries and visiting clergy comprised nine-tenths of the congregation, so that few tickets were left for laymen, apart from journalists, and fewer still were available for women.

The scene looking towards the High Altar when the Legate, cardinals and prelates had taken their places, with an orange light focussed on it like a lime-lighted theatre, will long be remembered. Immediately in front of the prelates were the President of the Dail, Mr de Valera, and the members of his Ministry on one side, and on the other side the Governor-General, Mr James McNeill,' the' Loader of the Oppositon, Mr W.-Tr Übsgrave, and former Ministers.

Behind these were. the Knights of Malta, the ' Knights of St. Gregory, and the foreign Ministers, all in full various richly robed Papal officials ' and - nobility, including Mr John • • MacCormaek, the ■ well-known tenor; in the scarlet and gold uniform of a papal count. Behind-these again were mayors in their-robes and then a solid phalanx of surplieed priests and members- of all religious- orders. After the singing of “Eeee Saeerdos” a papal letter appointing the Legate was'’read in Latin and English. Finally the Legate, in English, delivered an oration formally opening the Congress hhd con-chiding with the hope that not only Ireland, but all countries, would find in the Eucharistic celebrations . Hie -greatest' assistance and consolation, of which the whole world at present was in great need.

The Benediction and the Blessed Sacrament followed, the service closing with the hymn, “Faith of Our Fathers,” •

The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the evening, and at midnight Mass was celebrated in every church .in Dublin: .' ■ . ...

PILGRIMS DESPOILED. PICKPOCKETS IN DISGUISE. (Received 31.30 a.m,), DUBLIN, June 23. The activities of thieves are marring the harmony of the Eucharistic Congress. Pickpockets, masquerading as delegates to the Congress, and -wear-, ing crosses,, rob . unsuspecting ..pilgrims as they pray, reaping a rich harvest.