SEE OF ICELAND

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1929, Page 11

SEE OF ICELAND

RECONSTITUTED BY POPE PIUS. After 379 years the Pope has. reconstituted the See of Iceland which became decadent when Danish reformers in'lsso beheaded Bishop John Arason. The ceremonial of the consecration of Consignor' Martin. Meullenberg as Bishop of Iceland, in direct succession, to Bishop John Arason, began with the reading of an-edict by Pope Pius . re; constituting the See of Iceland.. At the same time a- new Roman Catholic Cathedral, built of concrete but in Gothic style, was consecrated. It is the first time that concrete has been used as material for an entire building in Iceland. A great concourse was .present at the consecration, in which Cardinal Van Rossiim officiated, assisted by three bishops and seven priests. The sermon Was preached in Icelandic and' Dutch by Father Dressens. The Pope has sent a crucifix, carved out of cedar by a Spanish artist, and juany-other gifts have-, been received for the- cathedral from all over the world. The. cathedral, the work of Icelandic architects. is. one. of. .the-. mo<st imposing.edifices yui the- island.-- ■ .... ’ -. tmri i or'* ’■