The Apostolic Consitution builds a sturdy and wide bridge for Anglican converts. To think that they can enter the Catholic Church into a jurisdiction expressly created for them! Those of us who were making the move a generation ago could only dream of such a thing. In fact, I can remember in the very early years (when I was young, somewhat naive and politically unsophisticated) I suggested to a certain member of the Catholic hierarchy that perhaps we should ask for our own jurisdiction. After the hoots of incredulity stopped echoing in the room, I was told, "It'll never happen, and it would be insulting to ask!" But I never stopped thinking about the importance of jurisdiction, and at every gathering of Anglican Use clergy the point would be made: "we need our own jurisdiction if this thing is going to grow as it should." And now, after all these years, it's happening. I guess the idea wasn't so insulting, after all.
So really the Constitution will fulfill a two-fold purpose: it's a means of entrance for converts, and it's a means of growth after they get here. Amazing.
5 comments:
I share your joy!
This Holy Father--the Pope of Christian Unity some are calling him. Yes, I agree: Benedict the Great. What a gift the Holy Spirit has granted to us.
Let us pray for many open hearts to make all this new Ordinariate go smoothly and we welcome with open hands all our new brothers and sisters into the fullness of faith. We have been waiting for you.
In the early days of the Pastoral Provision, there were many who wanted to refrain from converting until the RCC gave them their own canonical structure. Father Phillips resolutely opposed such thinking and held that only when the Anglican Use parishes proved their vitality would the Church consider expanding the offer.
This announcement is, in many ways, a validation of Father Phillips stance so many years ago.
-A
I'm very excited at the prospect of our brothers and sisters we left behind when we came into the Catholic church being invited to join us as parishes. Many who would not come alone will come as a group. When we converted from the Episcopal church we left a lot of friends behind. It's like the remnant is being gathered up and reunited.Isaiah 10:21. Thanks be to God for these blessings.
Sue Piner
Father,
As a former Anglican now in seminary in Houston, I share your joy at these developments. Deo gratias, indeed !
This generous gift of the Holy Father and the continuation of all that is good in Anglicanism is due in very large part to your groundbreaking efforts. We all owe you a great debt.
This thought occurred to me today : Rome is saving the Catholic Anglicans...but the possible addition of these theologically and liturgically conservative new folks may, in their own way, help to save
Rome as well. We need all the traditionalists we can get !
God bless you all !
James, may God bless you for responding to your vocation to the Sacred Priesthood.
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