Roman And Byzantine Rite Masses At International Eisteddfod

From a Special Correspondent At the first International Eisteddfod at Llangollen in 1947, the Cistercian Monks took possession—for a day—of their ancient abbey, Valle Crucis, for the first time for 400 years.
Last year a 14 ft. cedar Cross was carried in procession from the Valley of the Cross and permanently erected at the temporary Church of the Holy Cross on Castle Hill, overlooking the town.
Solemn High Mass coram episcopo and a Liturgy (Mass) in the Byzantine Ukrainian Rite — both broadcast over loudspeakers— were celebrated at a recently erected permanent open-air altar on the Field of the Holy Cross.
This altar is part of a big project to build an open-air church on the site.
The festivities concluded with tIoly Hour preached by Fr. Leo Hargarten, Vice-Provincial of the Fathers of the Society of the Divine Word, Carrog, and Pontifical Benediction given by Bishop Petit.
SPANISH CHOIRS
On the Feast of Corpus Christi a Spanish choir from the Provinces of Maleorca and Cobazon de la Sal sung Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Bishop Petit at the openair altar On Sunday High Mass was sung to the Gregorian chant by the girls' choir from the Pro-Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Dolours, Wrexham.
The Byzantine Mass was chanted by the Ukrainian choir from St. Martin's Hostel, near Oswestry.
Bishop Petit, who preached, on the Feast of Corpus Christi and on Sunday, said such international gatherings gave the people of the world a chance to discount those lies told about each one of them. Those gatherings were cemented together by the Faith, and the Mass was the essence of that Faith and of their spiritual growth.
ATTACK ON THE MASS
The Mass was the main point of attack in this country centuries ago, and it was now the main point of attack by their enemies in other parts of the world. There need, however, be no fear if the spirit shown among the Catholic people of the Eisteddfod prevailed.
There were many non-Catholics at all the services. The C.T.S stall, from Cardiff, reported a brisk business in the sale of a pamphlet " How to Follow the Mass " to nonCatholics. Another best seller was "The Welsh Martyrs."
At Holy Hour on Sunday the Sacred Host was carried in procession by Fr. Richard Copeland. S.J. (St. Beuno's College, St. Asaph), from the temporary church—a converted army hut—to the open-air altar.
A guard of honour was formed by schoolchildren from Llangollen and neighbouring parishes, from Wrexham and Denbigh, and the " Bishop's Own " Scout Troop from Wrexham, who had camped the night on the site.
The Mass on Sunday was sung by Canon Adolph A. Evans, Administrator of the Pro-Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Dolours, Wrexham. The Mass in the Byzantine Ukrainian Rite was sung by Fr. Voice dymyz Dzioba, from Manchester. who serves the 1,200 Ukrainians in the 35 hostels in Wales.