OPEN-AIR HIGH ALTAR.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12569, 9 February 1934, Page 5

OPEN-AIR HIGH ALTAR.

GREAT PROCESSION. ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD'S DIAMOND JUBILEE. On Sunday fortnight (February 25) assuming that the weather prove fair, the Basin Reserve wili present one of the most unique sights in the history of the city. On that day will be witnessed the great procession through the streets of Wellington, from Hill Street to the reserve, by way of Lambton Quay, Willis and Manners Streets, Courtenay Place, and Rent Terrace, to be held in conjunction with tlie celebrations which are to mark the completion of his Grace Archbishop Redwood’s term of sixty years as a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, a world record in the history of the Church. This procession, which will take place on Sunday afternoon, will include the whole of the Roman Catholic* organisations, including the visiting prelates and priests, students attending the schools and colleges, the Hibernian Society, tlie Children of Mary, and other groups from the district of Wellington. There a high white altar is to be erected in the centre of the front of the grandstand. This altar, in order that it may be visible to all concerned, will stand ata least twenty feet above the ground. Therei has been some perturbation among cricketers as to the extent to which the playing area might suffer as the result of the presence on the Basin Reserve of the. great concourse of people, but there need be no apprehension on that score. The only people who are to be allowed on the flaying area will be those taking part in the organised procession, and they will be located in certain marked positions. The playing wickets will be roped off altogether, and carefully guarded from any possible encroach men t. The visiting prelates and priests who will take part in the service will probably number 100. They and other of the visiting priests and members of the laity will be accommodated in the space between the high altar and the picket fence, while the general public will be afforded a good view from either side. As a good deal of accommodation will be required for the visiting clergy, an gppeal has been made to the various Roman Cathodic congregations to provide sleeping quarters for a guest. Meals will bo provided for the visiting clergy at St. Francis Hall, Hill Street. The celebrations will last from Sunday, February 25, until Wednesday, February 28, inclusive.