(July 23, 2011) The Bishop responsible for Mission in England and Wales is inviting
Catholic parishes, families, groups and individuals to celebrate and share their experiences
of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK. Bishop Kieran Conry (Arundel and Brighton)
is Chair of the Bishops’ Conference Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis and
said in a video message recorded in advance of the anniversary, which coincides with
Home Mission Sunday on 18 September 2011:“What’s it done for you? Has it made you
feel different about being a Catholic? Has it inspired you to do anything? Tell stories
if you can of what you’ve seen round the parish as a result of it.” He added: “Share
your experience. What happened to you as a result of your sharing in the Pope’s visit?
Even if you only saw it on television, or if you did get to Cofton Park, or if you
did get to Hyde Park, have you shared those experiences? I’m sure you’ve shared the
photographs, but since then, how have you felt? Do you feel different now one year
on? I would hope the answer is, ‘Yes, I feel different and I feel better.’ People’s
lives have been changed.”The anniversary of the Papal Visit will be celebrated 16
– 18 September, beginning with the re-establishment of the practice of Friday Penance
on the 16. 18th September is Home Mission Sunday when parishes are invited to have
a collection to support the work of evangelisation in England and Wales. On 18 September
there will also be a national Mass of Thanksgiving for the Holy Father’s visit. The
theme of this year’s Home Mission Sunday is ‘Fresh Wind In Our Sails’ because this
is what the Holy Father is reported to have said that his visit to the UK gave him.