HOPE FOR PEACE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20733, 17 February 1939, Page 9

HOPE FOR PEACE

POPE’S LAST WORDS MASS IN WELLINGTON OFFICIAL PARTIES ATTEND (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday About 2000, including the GovernorGeneral’s representative, the Prime Minister, Ministers of the Crown, members of the Consular Corps, members of Parliament and representative citizens were present at the celebration of Solemn Requiem Mass in the Church of St. Mary’s of the Angels this morning for the repose of the soul of the late Pope. The seating accommodation of the church was totally inadequate to accommodate the huge congregation and many were unable to gain admission. The celebrant was the Right Rev. Monsignor Connolly, Administrator of the Diocese in the absence of Archbishop O’Shea. The Deacon was Father J. Joyce, the Sub-Deacon, Father F. Wallace and the Master of Ceremonies, Father A. Robinson. The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father J. S. Spillane, Superior of the Marist mission staff in New Zealand. Balm to Discordant World In his sermon Father Spillane said: "As the 260th successor of St. Peter, Pius XI., for 17 years, has adorned his office with befitting dignity. He has indeed ‘Honoured the vesture o£ holiness when he put on the robe of glory and was clothed with the perfection of power.’ I "He has fulfilled our claims for the Papacy, claims exemplified throughout the long history of Christendom. May the dy’ng words of Pius XI., ‘Peace, peace,’ be as a balm of healing to a world torn asunder by discord and strife. May they be as words of prophecy and hope. May the sacrifice of his life for the peace of the world bring peace and goodwill to all, not mere mutual toleration of men and nations, but the peace of Christ — ‘That peace which surpasseth understanding’ and which the world cannot give.”