In 1929 it was announced that Dublin was the chosen location to celebrate the 31st International Eucharistic Congress from June 22nd to June 26th 1932, marking the 1500th anniversary of St. Patrick’s arrival. It was one the largest Eucharistic Congress’ celebrated in the 20th century.
The Port of Dublin was faced with a major challenge when it became known that the Eucharistic Congress would be held in Dublin in June 1932. The berthing of seven large ocean liners was unprecedented and created problems for the Harbour Master and his staff, as did the scheduling of pilots and tugs to assist the vessels. Five other liners anchored in the bay, with the passengers being ferried ashore by tenders. Extra cross-channel passenger services from Liverpool and Glasgow were arranged by the Congress organisers; the LMS diverted one of their mail ships, Scotia, to Dublin while maintaining their usual Holyhead/Dun Laoghaire services.
All the vessels had facilities on board for holding religious services, but because of the large numbers of passengers wishing to attend Mass each day, a transit shed at the Cross Berth at the North Wall Extension, which had formerly housed the Board’s electricity generating station, was given a new role during the Congress. Renovations were carried out, the shed was suitably decorated and temporary altars were installed to enable Masses to be celebrated each morning.
The Dublin Port and Docks Board chose the event to inaugurate their recently rebuilt Butt Bridge, resigned by Joseph Mallagh in 1930, and which opened to traffic in June, just in time for the Eucharistic Congress. The bridge was originally named after the Home Rule Movement leader, Isaac Butt, but in the Irish language, the chosen name was Droichead na Comhdhála (“Congress Bridge”) to commemorate the Eucharistic Congress.
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