Coordinates: 29°59′22″N 90°5′58″W / 29.98944°N 90.09944°W / 29.98944; -90.09944

Eighth National Eucharistic Congress

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Eighth National Eucharistic Congress
DateOctober 17–20, 1938 (1938-10-17 – 1938-10-20)
Duration4 days
VenueCity Park Stadium
LocationNew Orleans
Coordinates29°59′22″N 90°5′58″W / 29.98944°N 90.09944°W / 29.98944; -90.09944
TypeEucharistic congress
Papal envoyGeorge Cardinal Mundelein

The Eighth National Eucharistic Congress was an event from October 17–20, 1938 (1938-10-17 – 1938-10-20) in New Orleans meant to foster devotion to the sacrament of the Eucharist. The congress was held in City Park Stadium. Chicago's George Cardinal Mundelein, served as a special Papal legate for the Congress.

Congress

Opening ceremonies

Pope Pius XI opened the Congress with a six minute address over radio, stating that while he wept at the evils caused by the wickedness of men spurning and rejecting the gospel, he saw "a promise of better things for the universal church" in the "daily increases of ardent devotion of the august sacrament of the altar."[1]

The opening solemn pontifical high Mass, attended by 50,000 people including sixty bishops, was celebrated by Cardinal Mundelein.[2]. Cardinal Mundelein's opening address declared that the world must return to God to avoid another world war.[3]

James Farley, United States Postmaster General, read remarks from Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said "I doubt if there is any problem in the world today, social political, or economic—that would not find happy solution if approached in the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount."[2]

Other events

Speakers at the congress condemned nazism, racism, communism, fascism, naturalism, and materialism.[3] Archbishop John Joseph Mitty of San Francisco preached that the salvation of the world depends on the Blessed Sacrament.[3]

A Maronite Rite Mass was celebrated by Fr. Elias Nagem of San Antonio, Texas.[3]

The Mass for youth was celebrated by Archbishop Edward Howard, and preached by Bishop Bernard Sheil. More than 150 people fainted when attempting to attend the Mass.[3]

The 2.7 mile closing procession was marched in by 80,000 people, including 18,000 children[3]. The Goodyear Blimp broadcast sermons, music and the rosary over special loudspeakers along the route.[4]

Pope Pius XI closed the congress over radio with a special blessing from Castel Gandolfo.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Pope Deplores 'Wickedness'". The Shreveport Journal. 18 Oct 1938. p. 1. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b "High Mass Opens the Eucharistic Congress". The Emporia Gazette. 18 Oct 1938. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Catholic Speakers Rap Isms At Big New Orleans Eucharistic Congress". Weekly Town Talk. Alexandria Rapides Parish, LA. October 22, 1938. p. 6. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b Paterson, Seale (September 30, 2022). "The 8th National Eucharist Congress". New Orleans Magazine. Renaissance Publishing. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
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