JUST more than half of an expected 20,000 pilgrims descended onDublin's RDS yesterday for the opening event of the InternationalEucharistic Congress. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and the Papal Legate Cardinal Marc Ouellet addressed an audience made up largely of overseas pilgrims from123 countries, in a ceremony where numbers were noticeably lessthan anticipated. The attendance is a far cry from 1932 when more than a quarter ofthe population,or one million, attended the international event. A ceremony celebrating Irish Catholic cultural and spiritualheritage, which organisers had expected to attract 20,000, openedthe congress in Dublin. The event is expected to attract between 10,000-12,000 each dayover its eight-day run. More than 236 cardinals and bishops and 1,200 priests and deaconsare in Dublin for the €11.8m festival. Dr Martin, president ofthe congress, admitted that numbers were far below that seen in1932. "The numbers are certainly nowhere near the 1932 numbers but theturnout is considerably higher than you had in Quebec for the 49th Congress four years ago," he said. "We expect the numbers will increase as the week goes on." Among the congregation was a group of pilgrims who had attended the1932 Eucharistic Congress in Dublin as children. Mary McConville (91) was 11 years old and living in Mayo at thetime. "I remember the excitement of it when I was 11 years old as if itwas yesterday. "It was all anyone was talking about. Faith "It is absolutely amazing to be here today. I have as much faith in the church now as I ever had. This is a marvellous occasion," she said. Mary Donovan from Galway said: "I remember the sun shining justlike it is today. I am so happy and proud to be able to attend thisevent 80 years on. It is nothing short of a miracle." Musical performances included the Three Tenors and the PalestrinaChoir. Earlier, it emerged Pope Benedict XVI would not be making a live broadcast to the congress, as had beenexpected. Instead, a pre-recorded message from him will be shown at theclosing Mass in Croke Park next Sunday. - Edel O'Connell Irish Independent. I am an expert from portablebluetooth-speakers.com, while we provides the quality product, such as China USB Rechargeable Cigarette Lighter , Portable Speakers For Cell Phones Manufacturer, Portable Iphone Bluetooth Speakers,and more.
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