Over 80,000 of the Cardinal's Crosses have so far been distributed, and mainly to members of His Majesty's Forces. The committee managing the distribution was bombed out of the premises it took in Devonshire. Place some time ago and is now working from Archbishop's House, Westminster, to which address applications and orders should be addressed.
Speaking to the secretary, Miss Crea, I asked her how things were going. " Better than we can easily cope with at present," I was told. " One of the factories with which we had placed large orders was bombed, but we hope to have another large consignment from them early in November. Another factory is now also on the job and despite transport delays we hope to meet all orders as soon as placed. At present the Cardinal's expressed wish is given to orders from chaplains. •
" They send in orders varying from a few hundred to one of 19,000. That was an Army order but the Navy and Air Force are getting their share, too." One naval chaplain 1VMEC to the secretary: " It is more than my life is worth to go aboard without a good supply of crosses, and I never return with any."
The secretary told me that with each consignment they are endeavouring to send one copy of the Cardinal's broadcast, introducing the cross. These copies of the broadcast go particularly well with the sailors, it appears, who always ask for them.
Eighteen Priests Honoured in One Diocese: The Pope recently announced honours for eighteen priests of the diocese of Brook lyn, U.S.A., at one time. Twelve priests were named domestic prelates and three were raised to the rank of Papal Chamberlain.