Anniversary of Papal visit to England and Wales

(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.