MASS FOR POPE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 17

MASS FOR POPE

CATHEDRAL RITUAL A SOLEMN CEREMONY HUNDREDS PAY TRIBUTE CHURCH AND THE STATE With the impressive solemnity of the ancient Catholic liturgy Pontifical Kequiem Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick s Cathedral yesterday morning in the presence oi a large congregation representative of Church and State. Catholics in their hundreds thronged the cathedral to assist nt the Mass offered for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Pius XL, while representatives of the Government and local bodies, and members of the Consular Corps and other congregations, signified by their presence the widespread sorrow at the passing of a notable leader in world affairs. Half an hour beforethe commencement of the Mass the cathedral was packed to capacity, except for the portion reserved for those attending in an official capacity. Many had io remain outside the building. Representatives of all .Catholic organisations were present, while priests assembled from all parts of the diocese. In the procession of clergy were representatives of the Marist Fathers, the Mill Hill Fathers and the Franciscans. There was a large gathering of brothers and sisters of various religious communities, while Catholics of every station united in praying the Mass, imploring eternal rest for the Supreme Pontiff. Simple Austerity

The celebrant of the Mass was Bishop Liston, who was attended by the Rev. Fathers M. Murphy, S.M., and M. J. Furlong as deacons at the throne. The other officiants were as follows:—As-sistant-priest, the Rev. Father J. J. Bradley; deacon, the Rev. Father W. C. J. Dunphy; sub-deacon, the Rev. Father A. Wardle; master of ceremonies, the Rev. Dr. L. T. Buxton, as-sistant-master of ceremonies, the Rev. Father S. G. Gardiner. A choir ol' priests chanted the music. The cantors were Monsignor W. J. Ormond and the Rev. Father M. J. Lavelle. Bereft of flowers and the more lavish adornments associated with a joyful celebration, the high altar, in its simple austerity, manifested the sorrow of the occasion. Black and gold dossal curtains replaced the seasonal purple behind the altar. A black-draped catafalque reposed at the eastern end of the nave, with three tall candles on either side, The only contrast was afforded by the purple robes of the monsignori. The ceremonies concluded with the Absolutions at the Catafalque, which were conducted by Bishop Liston. Representative Assembly

The sympathy of the Anglican community "was expressed by tlie presence of Archbishop Averill, Primate of NewZealand, the Veil. Archdeacon W. J. Siinkin and the l?ev. Canon 11. G. Coats, while the Jewish faith was represented l>s" the Rev. A. Astor. „

The Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, was present, accompanied by Mr. J. A. C. A Hum, deputy-mayor, arid Mr. J. Melling, town clerk. The Government was represented by Mr. J. A. Lee, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in charge of Housing, who was accompanied by Mr. F. G. J. Temin, his secretary, and the Hon. W. E. Barnard, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Others present were .Mr. Allan J. Moody, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr, W. B. Din - low. chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, Mr. S, Donaldson, Mayor of Newmarket, and 'members of the Newmarket Borough Council, Mr. H< A. Anderson, Mayor of Mount Albert, Mr. 11. .J. Mills, Mayor of Mount Eden, Mr. H. F. W. Meikle, Mayor of Devonport, Dr. J. W. Craven, representing the Auckland Hospital and medical faculty, and Captain .J. A. Algie, representing the King's Empire Veterans. The Consular Co-ps The members of the Consular Corps present, were as follows: —The Dean, Mr. J. G. Groeninger (United States), the deputy-Dean, Mr. 11. M Algie (Czeclio-Slovakia), Mr. G. H. Baker (Peru), Mr. D. L. Nathan (Portugal), Mr. J. T. F. Mitchell (Sweden), .Mr. N. Heath (Latvia). Mr. C. K. Tudehope (Finland), Mr. A. M. Ferguson (Belgium), Mr. T. Davis (Japan), Captain F. Bauer (Netherlands), Mr. D. Millar (Norway), Mr, E. G. C'owell (Turkey), Mr. J. M. Totich (Yugoslavia), Senor Quiros v Quiros (Panama), and Air. W. F. Bull, Canadian Tracj-j Commissioner. Members of the committee ,of the Auckland Yugoslav Club also were present. The Mass was that usually sung by a bishop, the only variation being the special Collects for a deceased Pope, the first Collect reading, "0 God, Who in Thine unspeakable providence wast pleased to number Thy servant Pius among the high priests; grant, Ave be r seech Thee, that he who on earth was the Vicar of Thine only begotten Son, may be joined evermore to the fellowship of Thy holy Pontiffs." As the procession of priests filed out of the cathedral at the conclusion if Ihe ceremonies Professor Moor-PCaroly at the organ played a funeral march of his own composition. CHILDREN'S TRIBUTE REQUIEM MASS TO-DAY Senior children of Catholic schools in the city.and suburbs will pay their tribute to the late Pope Pius XI. at Pontifical Requiem Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral this morning. Ihe Mass will be only for senior pupils of those schools. The celebrant will be Bishop Liston. who will also deliver an address.