Many thousands of Catholics in the midlands took part, last Tuesday. in the third Birmingham Diocesan Eucharistic Congress. From practically every part of the city and the surrounding parishes, with no small number from places further afield, they made their way to Father Hudson's Homes at Coteshill, where the Archbishop of Birmingham and many of the clergy conducted or assisted at the ecclesiastical ceremonies.
About six thousand persons, it is estimated. formed the congregation at the solemn High Mass, sung by the VicarGeneral, Mgr. Canon Cronin. The Archbishop preached. His Grace's sermon made reference, among other things. to the great part taken by the late Canon W. Rowley O'Keeffe, of Stourbridge. in organising these diocesan Eucharistic Congresses in the past: the previous Coleshill gathering, in 1933, and the Congress held at Hednesford two years ago.
Catholic Loyalty His Grace spoke also of the Coronation, a Christian ceremony from Catholic times, now shorn, alas! of the great homage to God by the Holy Mass. For Catholics, Mgr. Williams said, it was no mere matter of choice to support lawful government. It was part of their duty to he obedient to lewful authority, and while they reminded themselves of that. they should thank God for the liberty He gave them in the Empire.
They hod only to read of the sufferings of their fellow-Catholics in other parts of the world to be grateful to God for the freedom of worship and liberty to practise theftreligion which fie gave them in the British Empire.
A solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the grounds, followed by Pontifical Benediction at the Congress altar, was the concluding function of the day.