Recognition for the Tradition

Fr Michael Gollop, writing in his "Let nothing you dismay" blog, commented on the Holy Father's decision to create three more former Anglican Bishops "capellani" - that is, they are nominated to be among his Chaplains; and that has the result of according them (us) the title of Monsignor. Here is part of what Fr Gollop had to say: "These latest honours seem intended as a recognition not only of former individual Anglican ministries, but of an entire tradition".

Fr Brian proposes a toast

I am sure he is right; and our Group in Bournemouth on Sunday toasted the Holy Father, and thanked him for all he is doing to enable us and so many former Anglicans to find a home in the Roman Communion. As the next crucial Synod comes ever closer for the Church of England, I hope those of us who have joined the Ordinariate will pray for them. Perhaps the worst possible outcome would be yet another delay - but that is their business, not ours. All we can do is offer our prayers that all we knew which was good in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion may somehow continue and flourish - and only the Good Lord knows if that is possible, and if so where and how it might occur.

[I am indebted to Brian Harrison for the picture he took in the Hall after our Ordinariate Mass.]

If the Church of England were to fail, it should be found in my parish

Grateful thanks to Fr Michael Gollop in his blog for reminding us of Keble's assertion; and how (although I heard it repeated in different words at a clergy meeting today) it can no longer hold. "It'll see me out until I retire" is not much of a mission statement. No need for me to waste space blogging about this: just a chance to show you a picture from Canterbury, and to refer you to Fr Gollop's piece on his own blogspot or on the Anglo Catholic site. The Canterbury picture is first a reminder that this is the Church of England which HAS failed: and is designed to encourage you to see my account of All Saints Day which I spent in Harbledown, just up the hill from the Mother Church of the Communion. [Also on the Anglo-Catholic site a day or two ago.]

http://www.theanglocatholic.com/