“If I’d known how hospitable Americans were, I’d have been here sooner,” said Mrs. Elizabeth McArdle of Dundalk, Ireland, who is visiting her son. Father Philip McArdle of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.

“From movies and magazines, I pictured Americans in cars rushing someplace. I thought they’d be much too busy to have time to stop to chat or visit. Instead they’re so relaxed, so friendly, so gracious.” Mrs. McArdle and her daughter Bernadette arrived in the United States Oct. 8, for a three-week visit. While in Atlanta they are houseguests of Mrs. Loretta Slider.

Mrs. McArdle was surprised at the progress of the Church in the States. In Ireland, the Church has also adopted the new liturgy but they still receive Holy Communion at the altar railing. She felt the participation at Mass in Atlanta was excellent and she particularly enjoyed the choir.

“Staunch” and “strong” were the words she used to describe the American Catholics. She felt they were much closer to their priests here than in Ireland.

“Atlanta seems so big and beautiful and clean,” said Mrs. McArdle. “Because I knew it was a big city, I expected to see only buildings and pavement. Instead I found vast wooded areas filled with trees of all shades and colors.” Bernadette, who plans to be married in February, was impressed with the lovely homes and many labor saving devices. She said that in Ireland the refrigerator, stove and automatic washer are quite common but few people own dryers. “And we need them more,” she explained, “because it rains so often in Ireland. Americans visiting us say they would love Ireland if we’d just put up a canopy.”

Father McArdle attended the Milltown Seminary in Dublin where he was ordained a Marist priest. He was first sent to Paulina, La., where he spent two years. He plans to take his mother and sister to Louisiana for a week to meet his friends in Paulina. They also plan to visit New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

On their way to Louisiana they will spend a day with the Sisters of Mercy at the Holy Family Convent in Mobile, Ala. These sisters originally came from the McArdle’s hometown, Dundalk. Some of the sisters now in Mobile taught Bernadette when she was in school in Ireland.

Before they leave the States, Mrs. McArdle and Bernadette will visit Boston and New York. Since she has been in the United States, Mrs. McArdle said she has been pleased to find that many Americans claim Irish ancestors. She said it seems that almost one out of every two people she has met has at least a “little Irish blood.” “I love the United States,” said Mrs. McArdle, “people here are so friendly and they’ve been so good to my son.” She smiled and added, “It makes me feel so proud to know that the Irish people helped build America.”