CATHOLIC CONGRESS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19430, 3 December 1934, Page 7

CATHOLIC CONGRESS

EUCHARISTIC SERVICE.

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIAL.

PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS

United Press A'-n.—K’ec. Tel. Cncv tight, MELBOURNE, 'Dec. 2.

With all the solemn ritual of the Roman Catholic Church, the Melbourne Eucharistic Congress opened this morning at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Pontifical High Mass. Five thousand people were accommodated in the cathedral. Ma-ny thousands who were unable to gain admittance took part in the .service in the cathedral grounds by means of amplifiers. Traditional Pageantry. Preceding" the service was a P ro_ cession to the cathedral by members -of the hierarchy, Cardinal Macßory being a striking figure. The bishops were robed in a m-antelletta, a ‘tightfitting garment over the shoulders, and a rochet, -a surplice-like garment benea-th the mantelletta. On the arrival at the altar, while Cardinal M-acßory was vesting for the Mass, priests donned him with a cope and mitre. The spectacle was one of striking magnificence, like a scene from ancient times. The effect was heightened by impressive music swelling through the great solemn building from a choir and .orchestra conducled by Dr. Gerhard von Keussler.

An address of welcome to the visitors was read by Archbishop Mannix, and the Papal brief, appointing Cardinal Mac-Rory the Vatican’s' Legate, was read by Monsignor Lonergan, the cathedral administrator. Stage by stage the Mass proceeded, with ° all its traditional pageantry, liturgical significance and grandeur, profoundly stirring the vast reverent congregation within and without the cathedral. The whole solemn service was a remarkable demonstration of faith.

Pontifical Vespers

A -similarly impressive (Pontifical vespers service was held to-night. 'Cardinal Mac-Rory, in an address, expressed the hope-that the happy occasion would strengthen the .friendship of Australia and Ireland and bind more -closely the faithful in both countries to the chair of St. 'Peter and the/»Vicar of Christ. In the space -of a century, a virile -church had grown up -in Australia. For all who believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Eucharist—as all Catholics and not a few non-C-at,holies did —no other centennial -celebration -could equal this- in solemnity. He congratulated Archbishop Mannix and the faithful who came from far and near 'to take part in a celebration which he trusted would form one of the brightest -chapters in the glowing -s-tory of Catholic piety and prayers in these southern lands.