Details are beginning to emerge about the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain next year. He will not be staying in Buckingham Palace (but at the Nunciature in Wimbledon), and neither will he receive a State Banquet or be driven along the Mall in a golden horse-drawn carriage. Apparently, the decision to do away with the pomp and circumstance was made by the Vatican. The visit will remain a State visit, but a kind of “Second Class” one – with less fuss and more emphasis on the Pope’s pastoral role, as opposed to his status as Head of State. It’s a bit of a shame, really, as I know quite a few people were looking forward to seeing His Holiness receive all the trimmings and trappings of honour that we British can bestow upon our guests.
Pope Benedict will be in the UK from 16 – 19 September 2010. One of these days will be spent in Scotland, were he is expected to meet the Queen – who will be on holiday, as always at that time of year, in Balmoral. I guess it will be nicer for His Holiness to meet Queen Elizabeth amidst the bucolic settings of this castle. It is were Her Majesty feels most at home and relaxed, and the scenery will probably remind the Pope of his beloved Bavaria.
The Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales is drawing up the rest of his schedule – so let’s hope they manage to arrange fitting venues that are accessible to all the faithful. There has been talk that Pope Benedict will celebrate the Mass for the Beatification of Cardinal Newman in Coventry airport!! This is just bizarre, and most unsuitable. It might have been OK for John Paul II to mess about in aeroplane hangers – but not Benedict! Thankfully, it does seem that the Mass of Beatification will not be celebrated in the Birmingham Oratory (though they might have the Pope over for Vespers). I think that the Ven. John Henry has shown the world what he thinks to this place which used to be so close to his heart. First of all he did not turn up to take his rest in the over-the-top sarcophagus they’d built for him, and secondly he sent them a permanent deacon (how ‘unreform of the reform’ can you get!?), whom he had specifically healed, to preach at Mass! It appears that the Provost at the Birmingham Oratory, Fr Paul Chavasse, has stepped down. He acted as Postulator for Newman’s Cause for many years – you may make of that what you will.
It has been known for some time that His Holiness plans to lecture at Westminster Hall, standing on the spot where St Thomas More was condemned to death. He will also lecture at Oxford University. He will address our errant politicians in the one place, and our spurious academics in the other! Once I find out more regarding the visit, and its planned events and venues, I will be sure to let you know.
One thing I do know, regarding an earlier post (Ego et Walli mei), is that the Mass planned for 17th July to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St John Roberts won’t be a Mass. It seems this event is going to be an ecumenical service. The preacher will probably not be a Welsh bishop – but rather the Archbishop of Canterbury. This gesture might prove a bit embarrassing – seeing that the Saint died celebrating the Catholic Mass, in communion with the See of Rome! Having said this, it does seem that Rowan Williams is now beginning to take a more positive stand on modernist issues – much to the disappointment of “gay liberationists” and feminist theologians!
[Picture note: Coventry Airport - could you see Pope Benedict celebrating the Sacred Mysteries there?; source: Wikimedia Commons]
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