DUBLIN CONGRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1932, Page 6

DUBLIN CONGRESS

new zeala'nd delegation

VAST ASSEMBLAGE EXPECTED

WELLINGTON, March 16

Announcement has been made in the Homan Catholic churches urging all those who'intend to attend the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in June next to register at once. From the present outlook it is estimated that the New Zealand delegation ito the congress will number between 70 and 100 persons. The number would probably have been line re,'used /considerably hut /for the economic situation in this country. The delegation will be/ headed by the doyen of the hierarchy of New Zealand, and one who has been longest a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the world, his Grace, Archbishop Redwood, who is ninety-three years old. 'His Grace will be accompanied by the |Rev. Father Smyth, parish priest of Tborndon. Archdeacon Holbrook, of Auckland, has' been appointed chaplain to the delegation, and he and Bishop Liston, of Auckland, have been entrusted with (the preparation of the paper to be read on behalf of the Roman Catholic community of New Zealand during the congress. Other -sections from all parts of the world will also read papers. Between 20 and 30 of the' delegation will take "in Rome and the Italian tour en route for Ireland, but the majority will proceed direct. Most of the New Zealanders will leave Wellington for Sydney by the Maunganui. on April 22, and ithence proceed by different steamers and routes to the Old Country. His Grace lihe Archbishop and Father (Smyth will proceed to England by the Mataroa on May 27, and will then go on to Rome, where they will remain until it is time to leave for Dublin.

A 'BEAUTIFUL BANNER

• The New Zealand delegation will take with it an t'-xfi'eniely beautiful •processional banner to be carried in the various processions at Dublin. Of white silk velvet, the banner itself has been exquisitely embroidered in green and gold by the sisters of the Sacred Heart Convent, at Island Bay. This emblem of faith and steadfastness will be flown on a staff of New Zealand wood, made and polished by hand by /the apprentices of J. H. Meyer and Go., of Tasman Street. It is surmounted by a -silver cross, &ie figure on which has been presented by Mr P. 0. Hoskins.

Another banner (being prepared for the congress is one from the Roman Catholic -schools of New Zealand. The fabric of the banner will be covered with the badges of all the schools' of the Dominion.

' THE BIGGESjI congress. m. m. m ■>_ > 4 au v w It has been stated tba>t- the Dublin congress will be the largest ever held in the {history of the- church as far a» active participators are concerned. There were enormous gatherings, at

Chicago a few years ago, but many were merely spectators who regarded the gatherings solely as a spectacle.

In Dublin it is safe to assume that 05 per cent, will be active and devout participants. Preparations . have been made to accommodate 80,000 persons !(in sections) in Phoenix Park, where the High Altar is to be erected. This vagt .concourse will converge upon the park from four different routes, and, on arrival, the women will take up their places on one side of the ground, and the men on -the other, all in ordered sections.

This vast influx of people into Dublin will make an enormous demand on available accommodation and food supplies. Dublin is now very actively preparing to meet the demand, while no fewer than 19 ocean liners will he utilised as hotels as they lie at anchor in Scotsman’s Bay. Schools and colleges are also being adapted to provide •sleeping quarters, and thousands of private residents arc to become board-inghouse-keepers for the nonce.

The American section has reserved three steamers, and will use them residentially during congress week.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

- The Archbishop of Dublin lias beep notified that his imminence Cardinal ‘Verdier, of Paris, intends (to lie present at the congress. Other notable visitors from France will be the Abbe Flynn, euro of Notre Dame dc s Champs, and >tho Dishops jpf Tarbes a::d Lourdes, Cardinal van Huey, of Alalines, will attend as the head of the Belgian delegation. Other cardinals who have intimated their intention of being present on this great occasion are the five cardinals of the United States of America, and the Primate of Hungary, Cardinal lllond. The whole of the hierarchies of Fngland and Scotland will attend the; congress. In America (the 'St. Ooiumbaii’s Mission lias chartered the Nebraska which will have no less itlnm eleven bishops among her passengers.