The Ottawa Journal, February 3, 1947
Archbishop's Pastoral Letter Announces Marian Congress
Archbishop Vachon of Ottawa, announced Sunday that a National Marian Congress will be held in 'Ottawa from June 18 to 22 next. 'Announcement was made in a pastoral letter read In the Roman Catholic churches of the archdiocese on the eve of the Archbishop's return from Rome where he discussed the project with the Pope. The gathering Is expected to mark the first revival of the Catholic religious demonstrations which were held, from time to time in various countries before the war ' and which frequently attracted hundreds' of thousands of worshippers. Examples were the Marian: Congress of Washington, the International Eucharistic Congresses in Chicago, Buenos Aires, Budapest, Dublin and the National Eucharistic Congress organized in Quebec in 1930 by the late Cardinal Villeneuve.
The Occasion for the Ottawa Congress will be to mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Catholic Diocese of Bytown when this community was chosen as the headquarters of Catholics activities In the area long before it was thought of as a political .capital
The Theme of the Congress will be a lasting peace. The purpose is to unite the prayers of the people of Canada and of other nations for peace and In this letter the Archbishop calls on the priests of the diocese to begin now to prepare for the Congress - by a crusade of prayers fort the peace for which all men long; " peace in the truth, Justice and charity of Christ." since the assembly Is to be a "Marian Congress" the .principal spectacles and demonstrations will relate to devotion to the Blessed Virgin. There will be out door processions, a parade of floats on the Rldeau canal, lectures and theatrical presentations mainly associated with the life and character of Mary. All the Bishops and Archbishops of Canada are expected to attend and take part in the congress as well as Catholic dignitaries from other countries. "His Holiness Pope Pius XII In his paternal goodness has blessed and encouraged our common desire to invite to our. Congress dignitaries of other nations", said the Archbishop in his letter. . : "During our journey we have had the pleasure of discussing our project with, cardinals and prelates of the Roman Curia, with Bishops and laymen of England, the United States, France and Italy, the spiritual leaders of the Church in Belgium, Cuba, Scot land, Ireland and Mexico." Those, to whom we 'have spoken; have applauded our efforts and promised to do their utmost to join us in Canada's Capital in raising, to Almighty God, to Jesus through Mary, the fervent homage of our love and prayer,"
Msgr. O'Neill Speaks on Congress
Msgr. John O'Neill preached the sermon at every mass in St Theresa's Church on' Sunday morning on the Marian Congress. ' Msgr. O'Neill told of the purpose of the Congress and appealed for the co-operation of the parishioners. He explained the dire need for this event to assist in bringing about a condition of international peace. Msgr. O'Neill is touring the parishes, of the city and will have covered every, parish delivering his sermons on the Marian. Congress before the event begins. '.