I cannot post tonight as I promised because my English Catholic soul is in turmoil.
The Pope's visit to Cyprus left me in no doubt as to the real battle faced by Christianity in this world and it threw into a horrid relief the rottteness of my own country in this regard: how inward-looking it is, how self-serving, how mean-spirited, how small-minded, how intolerant in its vaunted tolerance, and how boorishly inpolite. The fear really shakes me to the roots that these descriptions do not apply only to the secularist/atheistic society that is now my England, but also to many who still call themselves Catholic and purportedly lead us in the Faith.
Is England going to be the first country, on his 17th international voyage, that will treat Benedict XVI unjustly and ignorantly, where the media, and I'm afraid, some within the Church, will do their best to make sure he is not heard? Fear of it makes me ashamed to be English. It has come to the point where I too wish with many others that our gentle, supremely intelligent and holy Pope, was not going to visit England in September. I cannot bear the idea that it is those who privately oppose him who will be at the forefront during his visit, whilst those of us who truly love him and adhere to his magisterium will be kept out of sight and mind.
'Pearls before swine' does not even begin to describe it. We simpy do not deserve his presence, leave alone that he should have waived his own rule and be willing to beatify Cardinal Newman personally. And yet 'a dog's breakfast' is being made of something which should have been the most amazing highpoint of Catholicism in our country since the first Reformation. Never forget that the State's side of things seems to be going ahead with all due discretion, now the FO has been sorted out. It is the Catholic side of things that is in disarray. From all accounts Rome is trying to help, but whether that help will be received with grace is another matter.
For the past several nights my husband has been trying to comfort me. He is convinced that Catholics will turn out in force in September to show solidarity with their Holy Father, particularly since it seems they are to be denied tickets for the events. I pray that he is right, but then he does not read as much on the Internet as I do.
In the meantime I pray a daily Novena for Pope Benedict and will try to put up its text tomorrow.
God bless all here,
In Christo pro Papa
7 comments:
I take heart from the memory of what happened here last autumn. There seemed to be very little promotion of the visit of the relics of St Therese within the Church. There was a considerable amount of mockery in the media but as the visit actually got under way Catholics turned out in surprisingly large numbers. The braying critics fell silent, I suspect, because they were seeing something that just didn't figure in their world view.
I think the very same could happen with the pope's visit provided that we are not ordered to stay away.
I totally agree with you and even said as much on your other blog before I just read this, Jane!
Millions of people in Africa and elsewhere provided a dignified and respectful welcome for Pope Benedict and all some catholics in this country can do is spar off each other. I tried to tell a few bloggers that the travel companies have said (well one travel company anyway said and I'm sure this is probably true for others) they will have no problem ferrying us to the events - why all this nasty who-haw?
Returning home it is indeed depressing reading the information about the difficulties behind the scenes of the Papal visit. I remember the excitement generated before the visit of Pope John Paul II. On the previous visit there was the same 'will he or won't he come' due to the Falklands war but it was all so different to today's gloom.
The Pope has just been to Cyprus a small country with presumably a small number of Catholics. If they can organise such a visit what has happened to those in charge here?
Be strong. The Catholic faithful will be heard. We will not be suppressed by anyone, within or without.
The good Lord will take care of things and His message via the Pope will be heard throughout the land. Whether the British people will or want to take heed is their choice but we can only pray and place our trust in God, He who is above all things.
After Cyprus, the end of the Year for Priests, a good rest and then Scotland.
Good post..important points.
The only consolation I can give you, Jane, is that those of us who ARE Catholics feel exactly the same as you do. I've been angry and totally fed up at all the fuss being made about football. Everywhere the shops are full of things from keyrings to flags to stick on the side of your car. Cars are being driven with two or more of these flags flying from their rear ends. England, England, England! they all say. But it's just a game about getting a ball in a net.
The Catholic Church is the Eternal Word of Jesus Christ and our wonderful Pope Benedict is the successor of its first pope, Peter...and he's coming to our shores shortly. Nothing is being said or done in my parish. I'm thinking about how I can get a ticket and for which Mass - in London or Coventry? Will transport be provided? We need to start organising now, but nothing is happening.
It is despicable! A great English Cardinal is about to be beatified on his home ground by one of the greatest popes, Benedict XVI. The visit to dear little Cyprus, the first by a pope, was so loving and welcoming......
Take heart, little flock....Faith of our Fathers, we WILL be true to thee till death!!!!
Don't worry, Jane! We'll stick together.
Love, Mary xxxxx
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