Te Deum laudamus! Pope Benedict XVI established the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter (USA) earlier today

The coat of arms of the Ordinariate of
the Chair of St Peter

Today saw the establishment in the USA of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter by Pope Benedict XVI. This is the world's second personal ordinariate for Anglicans wishing to enter into full communion with Rome and the Catholic Church, the first being the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, which was created last year.

A few days ago, I wrote a  post speculating that Fr Jeffrey Steenson would be appointed the US Ordinariate's first Ordinary - I am pleased to report that this prediction has now been realised.

I was glad also to read that the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter will be under the protection of Our Lady of Walsingham. Who'd have thought that the ancient devotion to Mary as she appeared in 'England's Nazareth' would be more popular and widespread in the 21st century than it was before the Reformation!

Here is part of a press release issued by the newly created Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter, which details some of today's events : -

In response to numerous requests, Pope Benedict XVI has established an ordinariate for Anglican groups and clergy across the United States who wish to become Catholic. This is only the second structure like this in the world. The Pope also has named a Houston professor and former Episcopal bishop, Reverend Jeffrey N Steenson, to lead the ordinariate. 

The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter will be based in Houston, Texas. The only other ordinariate is Our Lady of Walsingham, established in January 2011 to serve England and Wales. 

Similar to a diocese, though national in scope, the ordinariate will include parishes, groups and individuals of the Anglican heritage across the United States. Parishes will be fully Catholic, while retaining elements of their Anglican heritage, particularly in the liturgy. 

Over 100 former Anglican priests already have applied to become Catholic priests for the ordinariate, and nearly 1,400 individuals from 22 communities are seeking to enter. 

Father Steenson, who will be the Ordinary, became Catholic in 2007 and a Catholic priest in 2009. He is married and the father of three adult children.

For some background information on Fr Steenson, please read the press release in full or see my previous post or this biography on the new Ordinariate's website - which also includes details about the new structure's mission and its coat of arms amongst many other things.

Many congratulations both to Fr Jeffrey Steenson on his appointment as the first Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter and to all those who will soon enter into full communion with the Pope through this new ecclesiastical structure. May the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter bring many blessings and graces to the Catholic Church in the USA and to all Americans.

Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us
St Peter, pray for us

[Image: The coat of arms of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter; source: The Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter]