PAPAL MESSAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22974, 28 February 1938, Page 13

PAPAL MESSAGE

SOLEMN MOMENT VATICAN GREETINGS LETTER FROM CARDINAL SPLENDOUR OP RECORD One of the most' solemn, moments during the cerenionies in connection with the Catholic centenary celebrations yesterday was the reading of a message to Archbishop O'Shea from Cardinal Pacelli, Cardinal Secretary of State. In the message, which was read by the Very Rev. Father J, M. Reardon, of Minnesota, Ignited States, prior to the celebration of Solemn Pontifical Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral, His Holiness the Pope extended to the Catholics of New Zealand felicitations on the completion of the centenary of the Catholic faith in the Dominion. The following the message, which was read first in Latin ;ftnd then in English:— "You have recently informed the Supreme Pontiff that during the mouth of February next year- a large gathering would be held in the city of Auckland, at which the prelates of all Australia would assist, in order to commemorate in great joy the auspicious and happy day, when, a hundred years ago, the Eucharistio Sacrifice was first offered to God in New Zealand. The Source ot Blessings "The Holy Father, eager to «hare your joy and that of the other bishops and of all who bear the Catholic name in your beloved land, lifts up his voice to God, for this, that ever since that .distant day when the Most Blessed Eucharist had its beginnings in your midst, faith has flourished among your people, charity has shown bloom

and blossom, the light of truth hac touched minds with its purs splendour, good works, once begun, have f crown to be the adornment of reigion, which is the strength of every properly constituted State and which bestows blessings of every kind. "Such an abundance and outpouring of blessings is rightly ascribed, as to its source and fount, to tho Eucharist, which grows in the tru# Church like a tree of paradise, for ever bearing rich fruits of nourishment, healing, strength and joy. And the faithful followers of Christ, in the enjoyment of these treasures, may well repeat the golden words of the Royal Psalmist: 'We have thought, 0 God, jgf on Thy loving kindness in Thy temple. fa (Psalm xlvii., 10.) « A Pledge of Affection "The Supreme Bishop of the Church, mingling his praises with yours, proclaims the glory t>f the Eucharistio Sacrament and Sacrifice, out of wnicli has flown to you a. majestic stream of graces, and joyously takes this opportunity of urging you with his fatherly affection to promote our holy religion, the source of health and piety for the soul. "From the Altar, where, the veiled ' Majesty of our Redeemer dvrells, may holy inspirations come and strength to act; to it may the thoughts and resolutions and longings of the soul go out in earnest and unfailing striving; there, too, may you find without interruption the source of divine inspiration and peace. May there be among you the highest reverence for such a Sacrament; dignified worship, unsated, longing, constant use, and may /those who understand never fail to remember that It has been made for this end —that we may grow into what we receive. "With these thoughts in mind His Holiness earnestly desires the merits and joys of increasing virtue, for you, the prelates, priests and faithful assembled for this centenary celebration; and asking for you heavenly graces, imparts to you as a pledge of his affection, the Apostolic Benediction." ' ' V-'r VESPERS SUNG AN INSPIRING SERVICE MUSIC BY SPECIAL CHOIR One of the most beautiful ceremonies observed in . the Catholic Church, Solemn Pontifical Vespers, wzis suug in St. Patrick's Cathedral last evening and it was as inspiring devotionally as it was ornate musically. Some of tho most beautiful music heard in the cathedral was rendered by the special centenary choir under the baton of Professor Moor-Karoly. The singing of the Vespers followed the procession of prelates and priests into the cathedral and the celebrant was the Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Whyte. Bishop of Dunedin. The cantors were the Rev. Fathers V. Courtnav and M. Laveilo. Bishop Liston presided in the sanctuary and officiated at Solemn Pontifical Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Vespers is the evening portion of tho Divine Office, a form of prayer consisting of psalms, lessons, hymns, and it is recited dailv by priests and- chanted by many of the Oiders daily. The first psalm was the hymn telling of the coming of the Messiah and was followed by presses praise of the majesty, power and justice of God. After the sinning of other psalms there was an iaimrcs.sive . interlude when the beautiful Canticle of the Blessed Virgin, the Magnificat, was sung.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL PUPILS Every available seat at the Town Hall was filled on Saturday night at the Centenary Concert presented by 700 children from Catholic schools. His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate, the Most Rev. J. Panico, and a number of visiting prelates and clergy were present. Choral items by the massed school choirs conducted by Professor MoorKaroly were remarkably effective. Among the most popular features - of an exceptionally well chosen programme were the Maori action songs by pupils of the St. Joseph's Maori Gtirls' School. Napier, and the gymnastic display by boys from the Marist Brothers schools of Auckland.' ' '<> ' ■' ' r •