EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20501, 31 August 1928, Page 9

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

CARDINAL CERETTI ARRIVES

MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND

SPECTACULAR SCENES

(United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, August 30.

Cardinal Ceretti, with other distinguished leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, arrived in Sydney this morning on board the Orama. They were welcomed by local dignitaries. Cardinal Ceretti, in a special message to the people of New Zealand, which was handed to the Press Association through the courtesy of Bishop Cleary, said; “It is indeed a very great pleasure to me to visit, after the absence of 13 years, the Commonwealth of Australia. If circumstances permit n_ no less pleasure should be mine in visiting the unforgettable islands of New Zealand. 1 can well remember the sentiments of surprise, and admiration experienced by me on visiting that privileged land of such wonderful beauty, with its lofty mountains, its flower-decked plains, and its crystal lakes, which reminded me forcibly of my own fair land—ltaly. The natural riches of the country astonish a visitor, and then there are the industries which are so /aried and so prolific But most of all does the stranger to its shores wonder at those marvellous thermal regions, for which the islands are famous. But far beyond the abundant fertility of the soil, yea! even more than the -mdrous energy of its people, do I recall the kindly and generous enthusiasm with which the people received me on my first—and I hope not my last —visit to Nw Zealand. The citizens, without distinction, class, or creed, bade me welcome, and did all in their power to make my visit agreeable.” (Received August 3C, at 5.5 p.m.)

“ In a special manner does my memory retain enthusiastic manifestations of the kind and brave Maori people and the lively impression in witnessing their quaint and significant customs lingers still in my mind, and speaks volumes for the noble traditions of the Natives of that interesting land. Truly New Zealand is a wonderful land—wonderful in what it has been and wonderful in what it i s —and as Nature seems to have showered her choicest blessings on it so may the good God send His abundant blessings on its generous and hospitable people. It is then with deep affection and with grateful memory that I pray our dear Lord to bless that beautiful land and its gentle, noble people.” A procession of motor cars containing the church dignitaries will leave the Peninsular wharf at ■ Woolloomooloo Bay at 10 ’clock for St. Mary’s Cathedral. The whole route for a mile and a-holf will be lined with children from Catholic schools. The rich dressing and insignia of rank of various Orders will be enhanced by many quaint national dresses from foreign lands, and will make this preliminary display wonderfully spectacular and snob as has never hitherto been seen in Australia.

MESSAGE FROM THE POPE. INTEREST IN THE PROCEEDINGS. SYDNEY, August 30. (Received August 30, at 8.30 p.m.) Cardinal Ceretti delivered a message from the Pope to the people of Australia in which his Holiness states: ‘‘Tell my far-distant but well-beloved children in Australia that 1 shall follow the progress of the congress day by day, and shall rejoice with them for the glory which will attach to the Sacred Host and for the graces which have been showered down with abundance on this beloved land and on its sons and daughters.” PROCESSION TO CATHEDRAL. HUGE CROWDS GATHER. AN JMPRESSIVE SERVICE. SYDNEY, August 30. (Received August 30, at 11 p.m.) An enormous crowd lined the route from the wharf to St. Mary’s Cathedral to welcome the papal delegation to the Eucharistic Congress. There was a brilliant spectacle when dignitaries from all countries, amid a blaze of colour, walked to 100 motor cars, and were driven slowly through the streets, which were lined with Catholic school children waving Australian Papal flags, to the cathedral, where enormous crowds were blessed by Cardinal Ceretti from Hie stops before entering for the Te Deum. The service was most impressive from beginning to end, every member of the Australian hierarchy and many from overseas being present. The service was broadcast by amplifiers, and every word was plainly hoard by the crowds who were unable to enter. HOME FOR THE CARDINAL. .SYDNEY WOMAN'S KINDNESS. SYDNEY, August 23. A Sydney woman has placed at Cardinal Cerretti’s disposal during his visit to Sydney for the Eucharistic Congress, one of that city’s most beautiful homes, at aristocratic Potts Point, overlooking the harbour. The whole house is being turned upside down for the comfort and happiness of the distinguished churchman. Die owner’s own nrivate writing room, for example, with its bizarre Chinese setting. lias, in the general metamorphosis, become a beautiful little chapel. The massive walnut table has been raised to form an altar. The cardinal will not even want for sea bathing at his door, if he is inclined that way. and the weather permits, for. among the amenities of this beautiful hom e is a big nrivate swimming pool. There, away from the nerve-racking whirl of ceremonials, the Cardinal will find what will be his heart’s desire at the close of the dav—perfect peace in one of Nature’s most glorious settings.