New Orleans, Oct. 18.
More than 100,000 Catholics gathered here for the Eighth National Eu-choristic Congress heard the Pope close the first official mass with a broadcast today from Vatican City in which the Pontiff extolled American Catholics.
The Pope exhorted Catholics in the United States to "be a shining example of the Catholic faith and virtue" in these troubled times when "many things give cause for fear and anxiety."
The broadcast was also heard by millions of (Catholics throughout the United States who specially tuned in listen to the talk which was relayed to the nation by stations with nation-wide networks.
A sermon featured the Pontifical High Mass which formally opened the Congress.
Archbishop Edward Mooney of De-trait preached the sermon. He re-huked "those who would banish religion from human life" He also cautioned against the "dangers of a programme of Godlessness which, with deadly effect, is, carrying forward so many fronts of the world."
Cardinal Mundelein, Archbishop of Chicago, celebrated the mass which was attended by nearly 100,000 Catho-lie pilgrims from all parts of the United States.
The Cardinal arrived here yesterday when' he was given a magnificent reception. A grand procession marked the opening of the Congress.—United Press,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.