EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17436, 26 September 1928, Page 6

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

150.000 IN CHORUS

AMAZING SCENES

A Sydney paper says:—The demonstration accorded to the Papal Legate, Cardinal Cerretti, by 150.Ul!0 people at the Showground, was the cnminlation id' amazing scenes of enthusiasm and reverence. Nothing like it had never before been witnessed in Australia.

Most amazing of all was the singing of the popular song, “For He’s a Johy Cood Fellow,” as his Eminence passed through the huge crowds at the close </f the night. Whole-hearted devotion to die Blessed Sacrament marked the proceedings, and the demonstration occurred with a spontaneity, which swept nwav all emotional barriers.

It had been a wonderful night, marked by the-reverential attitude of the crowd, the fervour of the singing, and the extraordinary unity of the vast assemblage.

The singing had been as with one thundrous voice, and the sermon of Bishop O’Doherty—in .eloquent anti measured phrasing—had pierced to the most remote corners of the ground.

Solemn Pontificial Benediction had been given, and the huge gathering had. finished singing “Hail Queen of Heaven,” and “Faith of Qur Fathers,” when the Cardinal left the resplendent altar to pass through the human avenue for home.

The representative of the Holy Father came slowly and deliberately down the steps t.o the level of the crowd. Suddenly the pent up feelings of the people broke down all restraint, and mighty cheers swe pt the ground. A tall man near the chief enclosure started the demonstration, when he

called for three cheers for the Cardinal. The response was such that the Cardinal stood astonished, and visibly moved. ' ALL CREEDS UNITE.

Not only Catholics, but members of all creeds and political faiths, joined in this mighty demonstration, and it was a long tine before the Cardinal was able tc move on his way. Even the cheering pursued him, and he stopped frequently to give his blessing to the throng. Finally thousands joined in singing: “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”