CONGRESS OPENS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 259, 24 June 1932, Page 5

CONGRESS OPENS

(Press. Assn.-

PAPAL LETTER ABEQINTING LEGATE READ 1^ GATHEDRAL. ECCLESIASTICAL SPLEND.OUR.

— By Telegraph—- CotjyriEht).

(Received June 23, 7 p.ip. ' LONDQN, Thjuysday. The actual opening of the Eucharistic Congress was inost Impressive, and the pro-Cajthp-dral wag tastefully jjjBpoyat^. fJignitaries and vlsitmg clergy composed nine-tenths of the congregation. Thus fe"w tickets were left for the laymen, apart from pressmen, and fewer still for women. The scene, looking toward the high altar when the Papal Legate, cardinals and prelates had taken up their positions, will long be remembered. An orange light was focussed on the scene and lit up the interior of the church like a lime lighted the■atre. Immediately in front of the prelate, were Mr. de Valera and his Ministers on the one side, and on the other side were the Governor-General (Mr. James McNeill), and Mr. W. T. Cos- ... grave and his ex-Ministers. Beyond these were the Kpights of Malta and the Knights of Gregory, foreign officials, and various xepresentatives and officials, including John McCormack, the well known singer, in the searlet and gold uniform of the Papal Court. Beyond these, were mayors in full dress and a solid phalanx of priests and members of all religious orders. Following the signing of the Ecce Sacerdos, the Papal letter appointing the Legate was read in Latin and in English. Finally, the Papal Legate, in English, delivered an oration, formally opening the Congress, and concluding with the hope that, not only Ireland, but all countries would find the Eucharistic celebration of greatest assistance and consolation, of whieh the whole world is at present greatly in need. The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was followed by the closing hymn, "Faith of Our Fathers.-" The Blessed Sacrament was exposed at night, and Mass will be celebrated in every Roman Catholic church in Dublin.