2010-02-01 14:26:30

Pope urges spiritual preparation for his visit to Britain


(February 1, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday confirmed his visit to Great Britain this year, and advised its bishops to encourage their faithful in devotion and witness of faith in preparation for this visit. The Pope made the remark to the bishops of England and Wales who are currently on their so-called ‘ad limina’ visit to Rome, which heads of dioceses are required to make every 5 years to report on the state of their jurisdiction. “On the occasion of my forthcoming Apostolic Visit to Great Britain, I shall be able to witness that faith for myself and, as Successor of Peter, to strengthen and confirm it,” he said. “During the months of preparation that lie ahead, be sure to encourage the Catholics of England and Wales in their devotion, and assure them that the Pope constantly remembers them in his prayers and holds them in his heart,” the Pope said. A highlight of the papal visit could possibly be the beatification of Cardinal John Newman, a 19th century intellectual and literary giant of England. Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster told Pope Benedict that the beatification of Cardinal Newman … “is we trust, the eagerly anticipated climax of your proposed visit.” Recalling the current Year for Priests, Pope Benedict urged the English and Welsh bishops to hold up to their priests Cardinal Newman’s example of dedication to prayer, pastoral sensitivity towards the needs of his flock, and passion for preaching the Gospel. The Pontiff also encouraged the bishops to help in the process of integrating groups of Anglicans that want to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Vatican on Nov. 9 issued Pope Benedict’s Apostolic Constitution “Anglicanorum Coetibus", establishing what are called "personal ordinariates" - similar to dioceses - to oversee the pastoral care of those who wanted to maintain some of their Anglican identity while in communion with the Catholic Church.







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