By FRANK DOOLIN
Separated from the former diocese of Newport and Menevia and From the diocese of Shrewsbury, formed into the Vicariate of Wales, by Pope Leo XIII, in 1895, and three years later erected into the diocese of Menevia, this elevencounty ecclesiastical territory of Wales, "the mission geld of England," commemorated its golden jubilee with glorious liturgical ceremony ,on Monday last, feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, patroness of the diocese.
Assisting His Lordship at the altar were the Very Rev. Fr. Malachy, O.F.M. Cap. (Deacon), Guardian and parish priest at Pantasaph; Fr. P. Glasheen, 0.M.I., M.A. (Sub-Deacon), President of Mary Immaculate College, Colwyn Bay; Mgr. F. Cashman, V.G. (Assistent-Priest), parish priest of Holywell, and custodian of the shrine of St. Winefride; and Deacons at the Throne the Very Rev. W. Malachy Lynch, 0.Carm, Prior at Llandilo, and the Very Rev. Matthew Crilly, C.P., Rector of St. Mary's Retreat, Carmarthen.
CONVERSION OF • WALES
Special preacher the Rev. Fr. John Maddock, C.SS.R., Superior at Machynlleth, said the day was indeed a joyous occasion. For fifty long years the work of God's Church had been faithfully carried on in one small part of the world. The purpose behind the establishment of the diocese was the great and glorious one of the conversion of Wales.
Addressing his clergy at a luncheon in the Pro-Cathedral hall Bishop Petit paid tribute to his predecessors and said his inheritance was made possible by their work. His task, and that of the priests was to take the Faith to the nine hundred thousand people among whom they lived.
Catholics and non-Catholics unable to gain standing room in the Pro-Cathedral for the Pontifical High Mass were compensated in the afternoon when Bishop Petit gave Pontifical Benediction at an altar in the church grounds.
Sung Rosary preceded procession of the Blessed Sacrament from the Pro-Cathedral to the grounds where the blue and white dresses of the Children of Mary, and the vivid sashes of the guilds contrasted with the white. brown and black robes of religious. Prior to the Benediction Dr. Petit presented "colours" to his new troop of scouts, to be known as The Bishop's Own."