Papal Visit 2010

I think the Papal visit went very well. The Pope is obviously seen by many as a holy and spiritual man. Yesterday's mass at Cofton Park was well attended despite the gainsayers. All in all a positive outcome. The Pope can reflect on a visit that has secured a sound basis for further reflection within the Christian community of these islands of Britain.

Yesterday was the beatification of John Henry Newman. As Newman replied on his elevation to cardinal "What a turn up!" he may well have said the same thing about becoming blessed. Newman did have a sense of humour. I well remember an Anglican monk saying that to be a pastor or a religious it was essential to have a sense of humour. The best priests I know have exactly this. Not a frivolous froth of religiosity but a deep sense of belief and the ability to share this. Newman is seen as a convert as much as a cardinal of Rome. In many ways he never relinquished his Anglican roots. Was he one of the first modern Anglican Catholics ideally suited for anglicanorum coetibus? Those of us contemplating the Holy Father's offer of a spiritual home are wondering whether we will be absorbed or accommodated. It is now perfectly plain that there is room in the Catholic Church for a variety of flavours. Pope Benedict generously acknowledges that the Anglican patrimony is perfectly consistent with the Catholic Faith (for those, of course, keeping to traditional beliefs!). But Benedict is not a young pope and a successor may have different ideas.

The question is whether Anglicans can be Anglican Catholics or whether we will be gradually absorbed and our heritage expunged. Certainly more questions, with answers yet to come.