THE P RTAL
September 2018 Page 13
Woolfendale said they had received a good understanding of the history of the Ordinariate and where it is hoping to go . They were happy that there was little , if any , negativity . “ We have not experienced that here ! The talks have been fantastic , every single Catholic should hear them .”
A general view was that it had been a very good Conference and many told us it had been a privilege to be present and involved in their own right . People appreciated meeting with their Dean . They had a great deal to take back to their groups .
Christine and Margaret Moores are from Manchester ; they joined the Ordinariate only at Easter 2018 , and have the youngest member in Christine ’ s son , eight year old Lucca . They both felt that as adults who had joined the Ordinariate it is up to them to be good role models . They did not know what to expect , but were pleasantly surprised at how quickly and easily people integrated . It had all been informative and interesting .
Sandra Mussington and Bernadette Josiah John had found the talk fascinating . The chance to meet folk from other groups was a real positive . They thought the people from Most Precious Blood , London Bridge were fortunate as it had grown dramatically .
Bev Cooper from Southend thought the whole thing had been “ brilliant ”. She wanted to know when the next one would be held . Barbara Sanderson said she had found it “ very good ”. Frances Smith also thought it had been very good , and enjoyed communicating with people from a wider area . Whilst John Kearney and Laura Magson from Birmingham said it had been “ Wonderful ”. They thought Fr Ed was especially good , but that all the speakers were wonderful . Talking with people from other groups had been well worthwhile . They said the positivity at the Conference had been inspirational .
These are just a sample of the views expressed , but they are more or less representative . It seems the Conference was a positive contribution to the life of the Ordinariate . No doubt it will not be the last .
10th Anniversary of Anglicanorum coetibus
Next November , 2019 , marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus . The Holy See has asked the Ordinariates to join in celebrating the ecumenical vision of diversity in unity of Pope Benedict XVI .
To that end , the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will host a symposium on the Ordinariates along with several special Masses , receptions , and other gatherings . Details will be forthcoming as will special travel arrangements , but the celebrations in Rome will take place November 4-8 , 2019 .
All Ordinariate clergy , faithful , and supporters are welcome to join in the festivities . Mark your calendars !
The abuse of children ... continued from page 9 happened . Has your priest preached about it ? Has it been in the Bidding Prayers ? Ask - be difficult ! A culture of silence and denial has been at the heart of the problem . This is not someone else ’ s problem .
The last words here should be Our Lord ’ s from Matthew 18 : 6-7 : ‘ Anyone who is an obstablce to
bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea with a great millstone round his neck .’
For details of the new MA in Catholic Social Teaching at St Mary ’ s University , which is starting this month , email Fr Ashley on ashley . beck @ stmarys . ac . uk