FROM THE ARCHIVES:The Eucharistic Congress in 1932 was one of the main events in the first decades of independence. This report described the arrival of the Papal legate, Cardinal Lauri, at Dún Laoghaire, marking the start of the ceremonies.
Guns booming the salvoes of the Royal Salute, aeroplanes droning overhead, and cheers rising from thousands of throats were the first intimations the little group on the pierhead at Dún Laoghaire yesterday afternoon, awaiting the coming of Lorenzo, Cardinal Lauri, Legate of His Holiness Pope Pius XI, to the 31st International Eucharistic Congress, received that the Royal Mail steamer Cambria, bearing the Legate and his suite, was in sight.
Flags of all nations, streamers and banners of every hue fluttered in the gentle easterly breeze which tempered the blazing heat of the sun. Crowds of closely-packed people thronged the promenade and its approaches.
Along the approach to the pier a squadron of Free State cavalry sat immobile on their horses, the gold facings of their St Patrick’s blue uniforms and the bright steel of their swords scintillating in the sunshine. Out in the harbour signal flags on the ships spelled out their message of welcome and good-will.
Beside me on the pier stood Eamonn [sic] de Valera, President of the Executive Council, with the Most Reverend Dr Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin, surrounded by Ministers of State. I noticed, however, that neither the President nor his Council wore full morning dress, as did most of the members of the Congress Reception Committee and the Dún Laoghaire Borough Council. It seemed a pity that Mr de Valera’s sartorial politics should have obtruded themselves on such an occasion. The National Army Band were grouped close to the gold and white shelter under which the gangway would be run aboard the ship, and on both sides of the long strip of red carpet leading from the pier were lined the guard of honour, under the command of Commandant McHugh.
The drone of the aeroplanes grew louder, and overhead six machines, with black fuselages and silver wings, flew low over the harbour – a perfect cross silhouetted against the brilliant blue of the sky. Slowly the ship swept around the heads of the piers and headed shore-wards. We could see on the upper deck the brilliant red of the Cardinal’s robes and the winking lights reflected by the orders and decorations of his suite. At the peak of the foremast fluttered the Eucharistic Congress flag.
The gangway was quickly run aboard, and the group on the upper deck went below. Headed by President de Valera, the little party passed up the red carpeted gangway to the deck and into the gold and white saloon, where His Eminence held his little court. What a sight to be remembered for all time!
The party filed past the Papal Legate, each being presented in turn, genuflecting and kissing the flaming ruby of his ring.
http://url.ie/bxu4