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.
The diary of a priest, being random thoughts and various things of possible interest from the founding pastor (now retired) of Our Lady of the Atonement Church in San Antonio, Texas.
22 October 2009
The reward of patience...
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.