Easter Vigil Ceremony outside St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham.

Archbishop Bernard Longley pictured lighting the Paschal Candle 2012.

The Vigil was followed by the procession from the crypt door outside towards the altar. The great Easter “Exultet” was sung in English by Mgr Mark Crisp, Rector of St Mary’s College Oscott. The staff and students from the diocesan seminary were a most welcome addition to the Easter Triduum this year.  The Triduum is one service spread over Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

The procession into St Chad's Cathedral.

After the Liturgy of the Word and the Gloria, Archbishop Bernard Longley solemnly intoned the great Easter Alleluia.   His beautiful tenor voice filled the Cathedral with the joyful sound of rejoicing; in contrast to the starkness of the previous six-weeks of Lent.

Students from St Mary's College, Oscott, the diocesan seminary, pictured during the Easter Vigil.

After the Litany of the Saints had been sung there followed the Celebration of Reception during which the Archbishop received and warmly welcomed three people (Peter Adcock, Angela Ashurst and Gary Turley-Finch) into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Longley then processed to the Baptismal Font where he blessed the water and the three candidates for Baptism – Debbie Kim, Grace Morgan and Sabrina Drummond – made their baptismal promises. Their sponsors and members of the congregation joined in with the renewal of their own baptismal promises, a welcome to the new trio and an affirmation of their faith.

The newly baptised pictured holding candles from left to right: Debbie Kim, Grace Morgan and Sabrina Drummond.

The three candidates made their Profession of Faith and the Archbishop of Birmingham baptised them – pouring a liberal amount of water over the head of each. It was a short, simple but very beautiful ceremony that fully engaged every individual present.

Archbishop Longley then returned to the sanctuary where, standing at the foot of the steps, he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the three people he had received, the three he had baptised, and seven others.

During his homily Archbishop Bernard Longley emphasised: “In our present life we have a foretaste of our risen life in Christ and we are called to live it day by day by responding to God’s grace at work within us, through the scriptures, in the sacraments, through the prayers of faith and in our good works.

The Paschal Candle 2012 pictured during the Easter Vigil at St Chad's Cathedral.

“We experience many passing moments of re-awakening, when glimpses of the goodness  and glory of God’s Kingdom break through the ordinary events of each day – when we catch a reflection of God’s Kingdom in the words and gestures of faith-filled people.”

Archbishop Longley continued: “One of those faith-filled people whose influence we continue to feel today is Blessed John Henry Newman. His beautiful poem The Dream of Gerontius depicts the re-awakening of a sinful yet faithful soul at the point of experiencing the risen life of Christ. Gerontius reflects:

I went to sleep; and now I am refreshed,

A strange refreshment: for I feel in me

An inexpressive lightness, and a sense

Of freedom, as if I were at length myself,

And ne’er had been before.

Archbishop Bernard Longley concluded his thoughtful homily: “Cardinal Newman helps us to see that when we rise to new life in Christ, through our baptism  into his death and resurrection, we only then begin to find our real identity and our true path ahead.

“Every Easter re-orients our pathway and casts its new light upon our footsteps. Then, re-awakening and adjusting our eyes to the brilliance of his light, we set our sights once again on him, the risen Lord.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham pictured with the concelebrants during the Easter Vigil Mass.

Father Gregory Winterton 1922-2012, pictured in Cardinal Newman's Room at the Oratory House, Edgbaston.

Bishop Terence Brain, Bishop of Salford and Bishop Philip Pargeter, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, were present on the sanctuary, together with Fathers from the London and Oxford Oratories including the Oxford Provost, Father Daniel Seward.

Father Robert Byrne, Father Dominic Jacob and Father Richard Duffield, who left the Birmingham Oratory in September 1990 to found the Oxford house, were also here to say a last goodbye to their former Provost.

The Oratory Church is also the parish church and it was packed to its doors for the sung Latin Mass.  Members of Father Gregory Winterton’s family, including his nephew Michael Winterton, parishioners, and former parishioners, and priests from the Archdiocese of Birmingham were among the great company of mourners.

Also present were representatives of many of the organisations that Father Gregory had been involved with over the long decades since his ordination in March 1963 as priest of the Birmingham Oratory.  The Birmingham Oratory, along with the Oratory School, was founded by Blessed John Henry Newman.

After the welcome by Father Chavasse, a special message from the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, was read by the Vicar General, Canon Timothy Menezes.

Canon Timothy Menezes, Vicar General, pictured reading the message from Archbishop Bernard Longley at the Requiem Mass for Father Gregory Winterton, on 24 January 2012.

Archbishop Longley expressed himself in these thoughtful words: “As you gather today at the Oratory for Father Gregory Winterton’s Requiem Mass I wish to unite myself with you in prayer. I am sorry that a long-standing pastoral commitment in Staffordshire prevents me from being with you this morning.

“Father Gregory would wish us, above all, to pray that he may now be admitted to the company of the saints with all his sins forgiven through the death and resurrection of Our Lord. May we not also imagine the welcome awaiting him from Christ and entrusted to his brother Oratorian and his guide Blessed John Henry Newman?

“We offer a prayer of gratitude today for the way that God’s Providence led Father Gregory to work so assiduously for Cardinal Newman’s canonisation. We can be thankful that he had the great joy of taking part so recently in the Beatification ceremony at Cofton Park, close to the cemetery at Rednal where he will be buried today.”

Archbishop Longley concluded: “As we bid farewell to Father Gregory we know that it is only for a while, and we can be certain that he will be praying for the well-being of his home for so many years, the Oratory in Hagley Road, and for the Fathers and parishioners who have been so dear to him. Let us commend his soul to the loving-kindness of Our Lord and to the prayerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

By custom, no homily or panegyric is preached at the funeral Mass of an Oratorian Father. During the distribution of Holy Communion two of the great hymns by Blessed John Henry Newman, Praise to the Holiest in the Height, and Firmly I believe and truly were sung.

After Communion the pall was carefully removed to reveal the American light oak wooden coffin and the simple crucifix on the top. Bishop Philip Pargeter began the solemn prayers of the Final Commendation while Bishop Brain and the Fathers of the Birmingham, London and Oxford Oratories and other visiting clergy stood with lighted candles around the coffin.

Bishop Philip Pargeter retired Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham pictured during the Final Commendation at the end of the Requiem Mass for Father Gregory Winterton.

The Fathers and congregation sang the Song of Farewell - May the choirs of angels come to greet you, as the coffin containing the earthly remains of Father Gregory Winterton was taken in solemn procession out of the church and carried past the tablet dedicated to Blessed John Henry Newman and the deceased Fathers in the Cloisters.

The procession pictured at the end the Requiem Mass.

The funeral cars made their way solemnly along Hagley Road, at the start of their journey to the Oratory House at Rednal on the outskirts of Birmingham, where Father Gregory Winterton was buried in the small secluded community grave-yard.

The hearse pictured outside the Plough & Harrow Hotel as it made its way slowly to the community graveyard at Rednal.

That earlier drizzle had stopped and the sun was gently breaking through the late January clouds as Father Paul Chavasse said the final prayers. The coffin was lowered gently into the newly dug grave situated not far from where Blessed John Henry Newman had been buried on 19 August 1890.

The procession pictured as it entered the secluded Victoria graveyard at the Oratory House, Rednal.

It was a deeply emotional but memorable moment as this last in a long-line of much-loved “old-style” Birmingham Oratory Fathers, going back to Blessed John Henry Newman, was laid to rest.

The grave of Father Gregory Winterton is to the right of the green covering and near to where Blessed John Henry Newman was buried in August 1890 (centre of the picture).

Fr Gregory Winterton was born on 9 July 1922. He was Provost of the Birmingham Oratory 1971-1992 (except for six month). He died in the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor at their home in Harborne, on Wednesday 18 January. Like his father Major-General Sir John Winterton and Blessed John Henry Newman, he was aged 89.

*NB All pictures are my copyright but be used provided they are acknowledged: Picture by Peter Jennings.

The coffin containing the earthly remains of Father Gregory Winterton pictured in the hearse outside the Oratory Church, Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The simple plain coffin made of light American Oak (English Oak is not good for coffins because it warps too quickly) with a crucifix on top and six Oxy Silver handles (made up until the 1960′s), was gently lifted from the hearse under the supervision of Undertaker, Andrew Taylor of A B Taylor Funeral Services Ltd in Birmingham.  Father Chavasse sprinkled the coffin with holy water.

Then accompanied by the Fathers and Brother of the Birmingham Oratory community, visiting priests, and Archbishop Bernard Longley, the Archbishop of Birmingham, the coffin was carried slowly through the darkened cloister leading to the Church and past the tablets on the wall to the memory of the departed Fathers. In the centre is the tablet to Blessed John Henry Newman 1801-1890, who composed its Latin inscription: Ex umbris et imaginibus in veritatem  (Out of shadows and images into the Truth).

The coffin was placed on the catafalque under the dome in front of the sanctuary and then covered with a purple pall. Father Gregory’s beretta, purple stole from his confessional and chalice were then carefully put on the top.

The coffin containing the earthly remains of Father Gregory Winterton.

The Parish Church was full including former parishioners who had travelled long distances to be present at the Solemn Vespers of the Dead, sung in Latin.  It was a deeply moving and prayerful occasion that concluded with the words: “Requiescant in pace. Amen.”

Archbishop Bernard Longley was among those present in choir who sang the Solemn Vespers of the Dead in Latin.

Father Gregory Winterton Memorial Card.

*Please note that all the pictures included are my copyright but may be used with due acknowledgement: “Picture by Peter Jennings.”

Father Gregory Winterton pictured in the Cloisters at the Birmingham Oratory.

I had the privilege as a teenager of attending the Ordination of Father Gregory to the priesthood in the Newman Memorial Church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, Edgbaston, on 9 March 1963. I then worked closely with him on the Newman Cause from the mid-1970′s.

I saw Father Gregory Winterton for the last time at about 10.55am in his room at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Harborne, on Saturday 7 January 2012. His body was frail but his  memory was remarkably good as he recalled events from the past. I gently held his right-hand for a moment. I said “goodbye” knowing it would be the last time that I would see him alive. Father Gregory replied: “Goodbye and God Bless You.” It was a deeply poignant and memorable moment.

I was in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia on Wednesday 18 January when I received the text from Father Paul Chavasse with the news that Father Gregory had died peacefully  a few hours earlier.

Father Gregory Winterton and me pictured by Cardinal Newman's Grave, at the Oratory House Rednal, on 11 August 1990 - the Centenary of Newman's death in 1890.

I plan to publish a full Obituary including personal memories of Father Gregory Winterton.

Father Gregory Winterton pictured in Cardinal Newman's Room, in the Oratory House, Birmingham.

Monday 23 January: 6.30pm Reception of Father Gregory’s body into the Oratory Church followed immediately by Solemn Vespers of the Dead sung in Latin.

The Oratory House and entrance to the Parish Church, Edgbaston.

Tuesday, 24 January, Feast of St Francis de Sales, Bishop, Patron Saint of  Writers and Journalists.

8am Matins & Lauds of the Dead.

11.30am Funeral Mass of Father Gregory Winterton – Principal Celebrant Father Paul Chavasse.

According to a very old custom, no sermon or panegyric is given at the Requiem Mass of a Father of the Oratory.

Father Gregory Winterton and Father Paul Chavasse pictured at the end of Mass on St Philip's Day, 26 May 2011,

Following Mass Father Gregory Winterton will be buried in the small secluded community graveyard at the Oratory Retreat, Rednal.

The community graveyard at the Oratory House, Rednal, where Father Gregory Winterton will be buried on Tuesday, 24 January 2012..

*Please note that all the pictures included are my copyright but may be used with due acknowledgement: “Picture by Peter Jennings.”

Fr Paul Chavasse, Provost of the Oratory 1992-2009, founded by Blessed John Henry Newman, preached.

Geoff Jones, the stalwart who did so much to enhance the work of the Catholic Church in Birmingham over many decades, died peacefully at his home in Edgbaston, close to the Oratory Church, on 17 October, aged 91. He was born in the Stechford district of Birmingham on 7 May 1920.

Geoff and Molly Jones pictured with Fr Paul Chavasse in the Oratory Church, Edgbaston, a few years ago.

Geoff was educated at St Philip’s Grammar School where he became head boy and met his lifelong friend Gerard Coghlan who introduced him to Molly Hartland, his future wife, when he was 19. A number of Geoff’s contemporaries from the old St Philip’s, situated next to the Oratory Church, were present, including Gerard Coghlan.

Geoff Jones was the founder and original Chairman of the Oratory Parish Council and he helped the Oratory Fathers in a number of ventures: he was governor to the Oratory Secondary school from 1962 to 1966 and faithfully served as governor and Chair of Governors to the Oratory Primary School for over 50 years. In 1982 he directed operations for the Papal Visit at Coventry Airport.

Geoff Jones Requiem Mass was held at the Birmingham Oratory, Edgbaston, on 26 October 2011.

Fr Douglas Lamb, Parish Priest of St Ambrose, Kidderminster, and the newly appointed Chairman of the Friends of Blessed John Henry Newman concelebrated. Fr Richard Duffield of the Oxford Oratory and a former Provost of the Birmingham community, and Br Richard Duncan, a novice at the Birmingham Oratory, were also present on the sanctuary.

Such was the esteem in which Geoff Jones was held that representatives of many of the organisations that he was involved in joined his wife Molly, his children, Philip, Rosemary, Michael, Susan and Roger, and their spouses Nuala, Michael, Pauline, Chris and Kathy, his 17 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, for the deeply prayerful, emotional and memorable Mass.

When he left school Geoff spent time at Birmingham University where he joined the Officer Training Corps and began his involvement with the army. With the onset of war he left university to become a commissioned officer in the Royal Engineers in 1941. During the war he served in Italy and Kenya, in Nanyuki and Nairobi.

On 12 February 1942 Geoff married Molly at St Mary’s Church in Harborne. When the war ended Geoff reluctantly left the regular army and, with a young family to support, joined the National Mutual Life Assurance Society and became area manager, retiring in 1979.

Appropriately, Praise to the Holiest in the Height, by Blessed John Henry Newman, was chosen as the entrance hymn. After the first reading from the Book of Wisdom (read by Geoff’s daughter, Susan Dawe) the poignant singing of the Psalm, The Lord’s my shepherd, filled every corner of Geoff and Molly’s beautiful parish church.

During his exceptional and at times amusing homily, Fr Paul Chavasse told the congregation that one of the last things that Geoff Jones had said to Molly and him, one afternoon as they sat with him shortly before his death, was: “The Oratory has always been here for us.”

Fr Paul Chavasse pictured reading the Gospel before he preached.

 Fr Chavasse emphasised that: “Geoff’s life and work for the Church helped and encouraged so many people, who were inspired by his example.”

Geoff’s daughter Sue wrote in the service booklet: “As a family we are so very proud of his many achievements which have been recognised by the awards of the Order of St John and the Territorial Decoration. He was a Justice of the Peace, a Deputy Lieutenant, a Papal Knight of the Order of St Gregory and a Knight Comrade of the Holy Sepulchre. He was also professionally recognised as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurance.

“Geoff’s other commitments included being a Commissioner of Income tax, a Guardian of Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House, a military member of the Warwickshire TA and AF Association.

“He was always willing to support any person or group who required help and then devoted his “spare time” to so many causes it would be impossible to name them all, but include work with The Army Benevolent Fund, St Philip’s Old Boys’ Association, St Chad’s Restoration Fund and the Catenians.”

Fr Chavasse recalled the words of the poem attributed to Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953), a former pupil of Newman’s Oratory School, seeing it as in many ways a fitting description of Geoff’s philosophy of life:

“Where e’er the Catholic sun doth shine,

There is laughter and good red wine.

I have always found it so:

Benedicámus Domino.”

Fr Paul Chavasse concluded: “But more importantly, Geoff, a poor sinner, would want our prayers and our Masses offered for the repose of his soul, as he enters on his most awesome journey.”

This vividly reminded many of us present of the powerful lines from the dramatic poem “The Dream of Gerontius” by Blessed John Henry Newman that portrays the death of and old man and what happens to his soul as he enters into eternity:

“Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison, Kyrie eleison.

Holy Mary, pray for him.

All holy Angels, pray for him.

Choirs of the righteous, pray for him.

… All ye saints of God, pray for him.”

After Communion the black funeral pall was carefully removed to reveal the wooden coffin and the beautiful golden crucifix on the top. Bishop Philip Pargeter began the solemn prayers of Commendation while all the members of the community of the Oratory in Edgbaston stood with lighted candles around the coffin.

Bishop Philip Pargeter and members of the Oratory community pictured during the Commendation.

Fr Gregory Winterton, Provost of the Oratory 1972-1992, and now aged 89, was also present, as the Fathers and congregation sang the Song of Farewell - May the choirs of angels come to greet you.

Geoff’s sons then carried their father’s coffin shoulder high the length of the nave before it was taken by the undertakers into the cloisters leading from the church where there are tablets on the wall to the memory of the departed Fathers. Blessed John Henry Newman had composed a simple one for himself which expressed his whole life: Ex umbris et imaginibus in veritatem, (Out of shadows and images into the truth).

The coffin containing the earthly remains of Geoff Jones is carried past the tablet of Blessed John Henry Newman in the Cloisters.

Outside on the pavement in the bright mid-October early afternoon sunshine a group of school children from the Oratory Primary School, in uniform, formed a guard of honour. It was a simple yet moving tribute.

The funeral cars made their way slowly along Hagley Road for the journey to the cemetery at Oscott College, the diocesan seminary situated on the outskirts of Birmingham, where Geoff Jones was interred.

Afterwards, Molly Jones and family hosted a buffet luncheon at the Botanical Gardens, during which Philip Jones, the eldest son, proposed a toast to his father, Geoff: “a friend to all”.

Fr Gregory Winterton, Provost of the Birmingham Oratory, 1972-1992, pictured at the end of the Requiem Mass.

Bishop Philip Pargeter pictured with Gerard Coghlan, a contemporary of Geoff Jones at St Philip's Grammar School - then situated next to the Oratory House and Parish Church in Edgbaston.

]]> http://peterjennings.co.uk/2011/news/oratory-funeral-for-geoff-jones-stalwart-of-the-catholic-church-in-birmingham/feed/ 0 http://peterjennings.co.uk/2011/news/kevin-caffrey-awarded-benemerenti-medal-after-20-years-as-director-of-father-hudsons-society/ http://peterjennings.co.uk/2011/news/kevin-caffrey-awarded-benemerenti-medal-after-20-years-as-director-of-father-hudsons-society/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:47:28 +0000 Peter Jennings http://peterjennings.co.uk/?p=3860 Archbishop Bernard Longley was the chief celebrant and preacher at a Mass of Thanksgiving and farewell to mark the retirement of Kevin Caffrey after 20 years dedicated service as Director of Father Hudson’s Society, held at in the chapel at St Mary’s College, Oscott, on Friday 28 October, feast of SS Simon and Jude.

The chapel, in the diocesan seminary, where Blessed John Henry Newman preached his famous The Second Spring sermon on 13 July 1852, and where Pope Benedict XVI addressed the Bishop’s of England, Scotland and Wales on 19 September 2010, was packed to capacity.

Kevin Caffrey and his wife Maria, their children and grandchildren, were accompanied by friends, colleagues and directors of Catholic Social Care Agencies who had travelled from various parts of the country to be part of the celebrations.

Kevin and Maria Caffrey pictured, during the Mass of Farewell and Thanksgiving.

Before he gave the final blessing the Archbishop of Birmingham presented Kevin Caffrey with the Papal Award of Merit, the Benemerenti Medal, in recognition of his outstanding service to the Archdiocese of Birmingham and to the wider Catholic Church. This award was greeted with prolonged applause by everyone present.

Kevin Caffrey receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Kevin and Maria Caffrey pictured, with left to right, Bishop Philip Pargeter, Archbishop Bernard Longley and Bishop David McGough, after the Mass of Thanksgiving at St Mary's College, Oscott, on 28 October 2011.

Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, and Bishop Philip Pargeter, retired Auxiliary and former Chairman of Trustees of the Father Hudson’s Society, concelebrated the Mass together with more than a dozen priests.  Among them Fr Timothy O’Sullivan, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Parish, Derby, Kevin and Maria’s home church.

Archbishop Bernard Longley pictured with the Auxiliary Bishops and Priests during Mass in the Chapel at St Mary's College, Oscott.

At the start of the Mass of Thanksgiving in recognition of dedication and service, Archbishop Bernard Longley welcomed Kevin and Maria Caffrey, their family, benefactors and friends of Fr Hudson’s Society together with Tim Bradford, the new CEO, Staff and Trustees, and representatives of its many volunteers.

During his homily Archbishop Bernard Longley said: “This year has been one of particular importance to Fr Hudson’s Society as we have continued to plan for the future. We were founded in response to the needs of Catholic children in a very different era from our own. Times and needs have changed but the desire to respond to the Gospel has always found an authentic expression through Fr Hudson’s Society. We have adapted our outreach accordingly in response to those needs and in responding to the call of Christ.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham emphasised that: “The last few years have been a challenging period for all our Catholic social care agencies for a number of reasons. We have had to face the impact of the Government’s Sexual Orientation Regulations on our adoption work and find alternative ways to meet the needs of children who deserve our support.”

Archbishop Bernard Longley addressing Kevin and Maria Caffrey during his Homily.

Archbishop Longley then paid tribute to the vital contribution that Kevin Caffrey made to the work of Father Hudson’s Society during the past 20 challenging years. He said: “Kevin’s work has drawn Staff and Trustees together in pursuing these objectives in response to the Gospel and inspired by the Lord’s own example.

“Kevin, in the course of our celebration today others who have known you longer than me will chronicle the many achievements of your years of service. They will rightly draw attention to the qualities and talents which God bestowed upon you and which you have faithfully developed in gratitude for God’s gifts.

“For my part I simply thank you for enabling so many of us and especially those you have served to catch a glimpse of the peace and joy of God’s Kingdom through your dedicated work.”

Archbishop Bernard Longley concluded: “Kevin, as you hand on your responsibilities within Fr Hudson’s Society you are going to continue to serve the People of God in fidelity to your baptism and in new ways that will open up before you in the years ahead.

“We are all glad that together with Maria you will carry forward through your commitment to the Gospel and to the Church what you have striven to do day by day within Fr Hudson’s Society through serving Christ in others. May you continue to be inspired by the example of our Lord. Through you he has helped us to see more clearly what it means to be an apostle of his love in a world that needs it so much.”

Appropriately, the entrance hymn was Lead Kindly Light, by Blessed John Henry Newman, that includes the line: “Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me.”

Jo Boyce and Andy Ross provided the wonderful music accompaniment to the Mass of St Bernadette by Mike Stanley.

After Mass, a drinks reception was held in the Cloister, followed by Luncheon in the Refectory.

Mr James Quinn KCHS, Chair of Trustees of Father Hudson’s Society, paid tribute to Kevin Caffrey who responded by saying that he had known nothing whatsoever about the Mass of Thanksgiving, until the day before.

Mr Quinn concluded his Foreword to the special Order of Service booklet with the following: “Kevin’s involvement in national and regional groupings has carried the name of the Society nationwide. His involvement nationally and at Diocesan level in Safeguarding is a major part of his work. His work with the Directors of Catholic Social Care Agencies and Caritas has been of considerable benefit to those agencies.

“In all, his quiet and self effacing demeanour, his clear spiritual base and his great man management skills have ensured that to work with him has been a joy. Throughout, the unfailing and mutual support of Maria and their family has provided a solid base. Thank you, Lord; thank you, Kevin.”

Kevin and Maria Caffrey pictured after the Mass of Farewell and Thanksgiving with the Archbishop of Birmingham, Auxiliary Bishops and their family in the Chapel at St Mary's College.

*All pictures in this story are by Peter Jennings

Dr Patricia Crosby pictured on Sunday 9 October 2011.

Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, Chairman of the Archdiocese of Birmingham Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee, and Bishop Philip Pargeter, retired Auxiliary, concelebrated the Mass with the Archbishop of Birmingham and more than 20 priests.

Relatives, friends, colleagues, and pilgrims, past and present packed the Cathedral for the Mass on the Feast of Blessed John Henry Newman, who was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park, Birmingham, on Sunday 19 September 2010.

Among them were parishioners from Our Lady of the Angels, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, Dr Patricia Crosby’s home, together with the Parish Priest, Fr Philip Harrop.

Dame-elect, Dr Patricia Crosby heads the procession into St Chad's Cathedral, on Sunday 9 October 2011.

At the start of Mass Archbishop Bernard Longley warmly welcomed Dr Patricia Crosby and her guests on behalf of the Archdiocese of Birmingham Lourdes Association.

After the homily, Dr Patricia Crosby, Dame-elect, was escorted by her two sponsors, Dr Tony Cole, KCSG, and Tony Flanagan KSG, to the foot of the sanctuary steps where she was greeted by Archbishop Bernard Longley, delegated by Pope Benedict XVI to invest her with the Insignia of the Order of  Pope St Sylvester.

The Archbishop of Birmingham said: “The Pontifical Order of St Sylvester is the oldest of the Papal Orders, and it is conferred on lay faithful of proved loyalty in recognition of services to the Holy See and the Church as exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties.”

Archbishop Longley continued: “Dr Pat, the Papal Brief which creates you a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester reads as follows. The Papal Brief was read: “Benedict XVI Supreme Pontiff, gladly acceding to a request made to Us from which We have gathered that you are most deserving for what you have done for the Holy Catholic Church and its affairs, and in order that We might give a clear sign of Our pleasure and appreciation, We choose, make and declare you: Patricia Sabina Crosby of the Archdiocese Of Birmingham a Dame of the Order of St Sylvester.

“We bestow on you the right to use and enjoy all the privileges which go with this high dignity.” Signed and Sealed by the Cardinal Secretary of State: Cardinal Bertone.

Archbishop Bernard Longley then said: “In the name of the Holy Father I herewith invest you with the insignia of a Dame of the Pontifical Order of St Sylvester and I present to you the Papal Brief.

Dr Patricia Crosby turned to the congregation and smiled. She was greeted with heart-felt applause.

The new dame: Dr Patricia Crosby, pictured with (Left to right): Bishop Philip Pargeter, Archbishop Bernard Longley, Fr Philip Harrop, Bishop David McGough, and Canon Gerry Breen, outside St Chad's Cathedral, on 9 October 2011.

During his homily on the theme “‘Cor ad Cor Loquitur” – “Heart speaks unto heart”, Gerry Breen, Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral, a long-time friend of Dr Patricia Crosby said: “Today in our diocese we celebrate the Feast of Blessed John Henry Newman. His motto “Cor ad Cor Loquitur” embraces all that we gather to celebrate and thank God for.

“Cor ad Cor Loquitur” calls to mind the visit of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom just over a year ago and the Papal Mass, celebrated not far from here in Cofton Park when John Henry Newman, a priest of this diocese, was declared Blessed.

Then, as last year, members of our Lourdes Hospitalité were involved in organising and providing medical care for pilgrims. Dr Pat was very much at the centre of things on both those wonderful occasions. As we know, Pat is not one to be found on the periphery!

In his homily for the Mass of Beatification Pope Benedict said in reference to Cardinal Newman’s motto: “Heart speaks unto heart gives us an insight into John Henry’s understanding of the Christian life as a call to holiness, experienced as the profound desire of the human heart to enter into intimate communion with the Heart of God.”

Canon Breen continued: “Now, to young Patricia Sabina Crosby and how she responded to her invitation. I managed to get hold of a copy of Pat’s C.V. and you will be interested, though not surprised to learn that she listed her hobbies as Music, Art, and Talking – or does it say Walking? Surprisingly enough there is no mention of her interest in fashion!

“Pat was born in Liverpool and raised in Oxton on the Wirral; and we know that when she is in full flight that lovely Liverpool accent comes to the fore. She was a boarder at St Winifred’s Convent, Holy Well in North Wales. Her school reports never said: “Could do better” rather the nuns feared that “nothing will become of this girl!”

“However, her mother had other ideas and a greater insight into the capabilities of her daughter and she decided that Pat should be a doctor. So Pat arrived at Edinburgh University to study medicine. A contemporary at University was a young student called Keith O’Brien, later to become Archbishop of St Andrew’s and Edinburgh and Cardinal for Scotland.

“In a recent gathering Pat exclaimed with a little faux surprise “how strange it was that most of her male friends were priests and bishops!”  I know she is delighted with the presence of so many of her male friends here today – especially her “boys” – our younger clergy.

“Graduating in 1961 Pat served as a House Physician and Surgeon in a number of Edinburgh’s hospitals working in Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She moved into General Practice in New Malden, Kingston-on-Thames, where she nurtured her interest in uniforms as Medical Practitioner to RAF, Chessington, and Medical Officer to Richmond Prison for Young Offenders.

“In 1970 she moved to Nuneaton, intending to stay for just six months; and she’s still there!

“The C.V. continues: A member of the Guild of Catholic Doctors; Chairman, twice, of North Warwickshire B.M.A.; Trustee of the Mary Anne Evans Hospice; founder member of the Lourdes Medical Association in 1974, serving on their Council for 34 years.

“Pat’s involvement as a doctor with the Birmingham Lourdes Pilgrimage began in 1972; and, thankfully, that has become a major part of her life ever since.

“So, what is it that fills our hearts? We know of two things that fill Pat’s heart. First, it is her firm conviction of the intervention of Our Lady of Lourdes in her life. She has never failed you Pat or any of us when we have sought her intercession. Secondly, and more importantly, it is Pat’s love and devotion to the Mass which continues to nourish her vocation to be the caring and compassionate woman we know and love.”

Canon Gerry Breen concluded: “Dear Pat, for your acceptance of that invitation to intimate communion and for how that cor ad cor has found expression in your professional life of service to the Church and others, it is fitting that the Holy Father recognises this and confers on you the high dignity of a Dame of the Order of Pope St. Sylvester.”

A most enjoyable wine and canapés reception followed in the Grimshaw Room after Mass.

Mrs Trish Brookes, Pilgrimage Director of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee, who has known Dr Patricia Crosby since 1999 when she first became involved with the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, said: “At the time Dr Pat Crosby was the Chief Medical Officer having served for many years as a pilgrimage doctor with the medical team. Her current role is that of Medical Director and it is impossible to estimate the amount of time she dedicates to this important task.”

Dr Patricia Crosby pictured with Mrs Trish Brookes, Executive Director of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee, and Canon Gerry Breen, after the Mass and Investiture , on Sunday 9 October 2011..

Mrs Brookes emphasised: “Dr Pat works tirelessly to ensure that the sick and disabled pilgrims who travel to Lourdes with us receive the best possible care and support, and she is respected by everyone involved; helpers and pilgrims alike.

“Dr Pat is strong, professional, accomplished, inspirational and persuasive. She has a warm and generous personality, a fantastic sense of humour and a wonderful laugh.  It is a great pleasure to know her and to call her a friend.”

Trish Brookes added: “Dr Pat was overwhelmed when she discovered that she was to receive this award, but I think we all agree that she is a truly fitting recipient, and a credit to the Archdiocese of Birmingham and to all who know and love her.”

“Fr Ignatius Harrison has been appointed Provost of the Birmingham Oratory by the Holy See, following the resignation of Fr Richard Duffield.

Fr Duffield has resigned for reasons of ill-health, at his own request.

Fr Harrison will also be actor and vice-postulator for the cause of Cardinal Newman, who was beatified in 2010.”

End of release.

Fr Ignatius Harrison is at present also Provost of the Brompton Oratory in London.

Fr Gareth Jones, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cardiff, a former novice at the Birmingham Oratory, has been appointed as Assistant to Fr Harrison.

Thoughts and comments about these appointments most welcome.

Blessed John Henry Newman 1801-1890.

The Mass was attended by those who made a particular contribution to the organization of the successful Papal Visit. All of the Bishops of England & Wales, along with seminarians, attended as they remembered the historic meeting of the Holy Father with the Bishops and seminarians at St Mary’s College, Oscott, on Sunday 19 September, 2010, following the beatification of Blessed John Henry Newman by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park, Birmingham that morning.

Bishop Philip Pargeter pictured in the procession before Mass in Westminster Cathedral, on 18 September 2011.

Archbishop Bernard Longley pictured in the procession.

At the start of Mass Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, welcomed everyone and mentioned a number of people by name. These included: Simon Martin, the Director of Protocol and Vice Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who was officially representing Her Majesty’s Government.

Mr Martin, who  exercised overall operational responsibility for the Visit of His Holiness to the United Kingdom, was accompanied by H E Nigel Baker, the  new British Ambassador to the Holy See; Dame Helen Ghosh, Susan Scholefield, George Edgar, Alison MacMillan and Tony Humphries.

Councillor Anita Ward, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, represented Birmingham City Council. Blessed John Henry Newman lived for much of his Catholic life in Birmingham and died in his room at the Oratory House in Edgbaston on 11 August 1890, aged 89.

Father Gregory Winterton, aged 89, Provost of the Birmingham Oratory 1972-1992, who revived the Newman Cause during the mid-1970′s and who helped to create popular devotion to the great English Cardinal in many part of the world, was present on the sanctuary.

Detective Chief Superintendent Philip Jordan, represented the Association of Chief Police Officers Visit Team and Detective Chief Inspector Chris Lundrigan, represented the Metropolitan Police Service Command Team.

Mgr Paul Conroy, Coordinator of the Papal Visit on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, represented the Bishops of Scotland. Mgr Andrew Summersgill, Coordinator of the Papal Visit on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales was present.

Also on the sanctuary was Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh from the Russian Orthodox.

Archbishop Bernard Longley pictured with ecumenical guests before the Mass of Thanksgiving.

MESSAGE FORM POPE BENEDICT XVI

At start of Mass of the two-hour Mass a special message from Pope Benedict XVI was read by His Excellency, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain:  “The Holy Father was pleased to learn that on 18 September 2011 a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated in Westminster Cathedral to mark the anniversary of his Apostolic Visit to the United Kingdom. He sends cordial greetings to the bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful gathered for the occasion, as well as to the distinguished civil authorities present.

“His Holiness recalls with deep gratitude the warmth of the welcome given by Her Majesty The Queen and her Government, and he again expresses his appreciation to all those who contributed to the happy outcome of his Visit. He trusts that this moment of thanksgiving will serve as a renewed summons to take up the challenge which he issued a year ago in this very place: to bear joyful witness to the truth of the Gospel “which liberates our minds and enlightens our efforts to live wisely and well, both as individuals and as members of society”.

“In a special way, he encourages the seminarians to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their intellectual and spiritual formation, and to be steadfast heralds of the new evangelization. “Commending you to the intercession of the Blessed John Henry Newman, the Holy Father is pleased to impart his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of grace and peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.”   – Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State.

Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, pictured before Mass.

MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

The  message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, was read by the Anglican Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, who represented the Archbishop at the occasion: “Twelve months on, we look back on the visit of Pope Benedict with abiding gratitude. The visit was a great gift for all the Christian communities of the United Kingdom, affirming their role in society and strengthening their resolve to serve the communities of this country. The Pope’s memorable speech in Westminster Hall and many more of his public sermons and addresses brought a remarkable and creative theological mind to bear on the issues of the day, and proved impossible for even the most dedicated secularist to ignore or dismiss.

“But perhaps most importantly of all, those days last September visibly reminded the public at large that Christian discipleship is not the concern of some tiny ageing minority but a reality enthusiastically embraced by millions of all ages and races. Pope Benedict showed us all something of what the particular vocation of the See of Rome means in practice – a witness to the universal scope of the gospel.

“We who belong to other Christian families gladly acknowledge the importance of this witness and join with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters in thanking God for the inspiration and challenge of Pope Benedict’s visit, in the hope that we can go on working together for the sake of Christ’s good news here in the United Kingdom.”   – +Rowan Cantuar

Dr Alan Smith, the Anglican Bishop of St Albans.

FULL TEXT OF THE HOMILY GIVEN BY ARCHBISHOP VINCENT NICHOLS

Today we come to thank the Lord for the blessings of the Visit of Pope Benedict to the United Kingdom one year ago and to ask for the Lord’s grace to profit fully from the inspiration of those wonderful days.

Each of us has our special memories from those days. I hope there has been time to reflect on them, study his words and refresh the joy and encouragement we experienced.

For me a particularly evocative moment was the Vigil of Prayer in Hyde Park, well captured in these words of one young person: “The procession of banners revealed the true depth and role of Catholicism in England today. The line was long and diverse – it brought tears to my eyes to see the effort that everyone puts into living out their belief in the sacred value of each human being….

“Pope Benedict spoke to us all of Newman’s witness and living in the light of truth. We all stood listening in a disruption to our daily routine that appeared like a wonderful moral and spiritual boost, sent to prepare us for an inspired return into secular society with our own unique God-given mission.

“At Adoration, the altar was covered in stars like another night sky and the figure of our Supreme Pontiff stood like the most beautiful moonbeam, with the Eucharist held aloft as the greatest treasure.

“As one, we knelt and stood at the instigation of our Holy Father and it felt truly as though we were all one heart, in that field with no roof: one body of worship and a witness to the world around of the great power of love in our faith.” (Rebecca Binney)

Those words, I suggest, sum up the gift and challenge we have received. Yes, we are to be effective witnesses in our society; and we can only be so if we are close to the Lord, strengthened by him in holiness of life.

This inseparable connection between our constant striving for holiness of life and our work in service of others is well expressed in other words of our Holy Father:

“Those who change the world for the better are holy, they transform it permanently, instilling in it the energies that only love, inspired by the Gospel, can elicit. The Saints are humanity’s great benefactors.”

And Pope Benedict, through his words to our young people, called us to be the saints of this age.

For me, three phrases sum up the message of Pope Benedict to us all. It is, of course, a message that reaches beyond the Catholic community and is one which we can pursue with many others, especially our fellow Christians. But it is addressed to us, first of all.

The witness we are to give, he said, is to the beauty of holiness, to the splendour of the truth and to the joy and freedom born of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

How do we grow in the witness to the beauty of holiness that we are to give? Most of all, I believe, through a deepening of our life of prayer. Only prayer roots us in Christ. Only prayer sustains the poise and purpose in life that becomes a witness to the reality of God’s presence.

Only prayer produces the reverence we are to show to all things holy. Only prayer sustains the space and silence our spirits need if we are indeed to be guided and formed by God’s Holy Spirit. As Cardinal Newman said: without prayer we cannot “radiate Christ; we become just another ‘clashing symbol’ in a world filled with growing noise and confusion.”

In the words of Pope Benedict, prayer is simply being in silent inward communion with God at the heart of our thinking, our meditating, and our being. Prayer is letting the Lord have the right of free speech.

This means that every one of us is called to renew in our lives the practice of daily prayer. There is no fixed or set way of prayer that suits everyone. Each of us is to pray as we can, and be faithful to that practice. And coming together in a family for prayer is a great foundation for family life.

This means that we do well to think of our parishes as well as our families, first and foremost, as being schools of prayer, places and communities in which we are encouraged in prayer, tutored in prayer and all contribute to prayer. The rich flowering of so many different ways of prayer and devotion can rightly find their place in our parish life. This much is clear: Pope Benedict is not afraid of diversity in the prayer and liturgical life of the Church. Neither should we be.

Prayer which is truly formed in the faith of the Church, and truly expresses that faith will enrich our shared life. And surely there is to be a special place in our prayer, in every parish, for Eucharistic Adoration. Prayer, then, is the foundation of all. In this way we can become ever more conscious of our dignity as a priestly people, “called to consecrate the world to God through lives of faith and holiness.”

Secondly, Pope Benedict urged us to be witnesses to the splendour or wholeness of the truth. And he gave us an astonishingly clear lesson in how to do so.

Who can forget his address in Westminster Hall? Building on the strengths and achievements of our democracy, he placed the great gift of faith at the service of our world today. He did so with sensitivity and reasoned argument, without hectoring or condemning, inviting rather than demanding, firmly but gently.

Listening to him I was reminded of the lovely words of Cardinal Hume spoken here many years ago. Speaking of St Francis de Sales he said: “He was gentle but firm, a combination which helps us to sustain and guide the faithful. It is never easy to keep these two qualities in harmonious balance. If one is to be favoured at the expense of the other let it be gentleness – a gentleness born of strength. The key to all ministry is to love people as Christ loved them.” (24 January 1992)

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, pictured during his homily.

Pope Benedict spoke of the need in our society for clearer moral values, needed for a peaceful and harmonious society. Scandals in the world of the media and the violence and looting on the streets of some English cities in mid-August revealed how profoundly true his observations were. He said, “If the moral principles underpinning the democratic process are themselves determined by nothing more solid than social consensus, then the fragility of the process becomes all too evident.”

He reminded us of the crucial question: “Where is the ethical foundation for (political) choices to be found?” and that “Catholic tradition maintains that the objective norms governing right action are accessible to reason, prescinding from the content of revelation.”

How are we to think about meeting this challenge? The prayer of Pope St Gregory the Great comes to our help when he prayed for ‘the grace to see life whole and the power to speak effectively of it’, for love of the Lord.

Our Catholic faith, illuminating reason, gives us that gift. We see life whole when we recognise the true nature of the unborn child. We see life whole when we see in every pupil not only a future contributor to our economic prosperity, not only a future parent and leader, but also a spiritual being whose deepest needs and surest happiness can be answered only in the mystery of God and in a personal relationship with Him.

We see life whole when we recognise the limited value of our personal experience as the criterion of moral truth. We see life whole when we recognise that the well-being of every human person has to be at the centre of our economic life, the ultimate purpose of our striving and the measure by which we are to judge success. We see life whole when, in sickness and terminal illness, we both treasure life as it is and do not fear death when it comes, so that we neither deny the dignity of life at its endings, nor fail to welcome our journey to God when He calls.

In our exploration of life in its fullness we are aided and inspired by our own Blessed John Henry Newman. How much we can rejoice in a new wave of interest and devotion to this great man. We rejoice in his sensitivity to our culture and his insistence on the reasonableness of faith in God in an age of agnosticism and doubt. He will continue to inspire us.

Perhaps today’s Gospel expresses most forcefully the challenge of seeing life whole. We heard, somewhat incredulously, of the owner of the vineyard paying those who came so late to work as much as he paid to those who had laboured all day. The parable focuses on not so much the lot of the workers, but the absolute generosity of God, whose merciful actions go way beyond the requirements of justice.

We are always tempted to reckon life in terms of our achievements and our possessions. But when we see life whole then we know it is all a gift of God. All we have is God’s gift. When this is clear, then we are able to serve generously, to give freely, for what we have is already a gift, and what is freely received can more readily be freely given.

As the Holy Father said in Hyde Park, “Faith is meant to bear fruit in the transformation of our world through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives and activities of believers.” Today we pray that the long line of banners and groups of Catholic action in our society will grow stronger and longer, coordinated centrally for strength and flourishing locally in responsiveness to all the needs and demands of our difficult times.

Finally, Pope Benedict reminded us of a key testimony that we are to give: that of joy and freedom. How many in our society would immediately associate those qualities with the Catholic Church? Yet they are there, to be seen in so many. Approaching two million young people – including some who were not so young at all – gave unmistakable testimony to that joy and freedom born of a relationship with Christ at the recent World Youth Day in Madrid. This was a manifestation of youthful faith and friendship, reaching to every continent.

Maybe its secret was expressed in the words of a young pilgrim from this country: “Catholic is what we are, not something we belong to!” That sense of common, inner identity, as opposed to a sense of membership of an organisation, is something for many of us to rediscover. Being a Catholic is a way of life, not a set of membership duties. Being a Catholic is expressed in everyday actions, the habits of a maturing faith, actions of devotion, kindness and, indeed, self-denial, actions which are willing expressions of our love of the Lord who alone is the source of our joy and freedom.

I hope that this is the spirit in which we will embrace the communal act of Friday abstinence, sharing together in our identification with Jesus in his self-denial for our salvation. Let the joy and freedom born of our loving relationship with him lift the burden of so much anxiety and strife from our hearts so that others may see the hope and consolation we receive from him.

My brothers and sisters, today we do indeed give thanks for the ministry and charism of the Bishop of Rome, the Successor of St Peter. We willingly express again our love and devotion to him, the visible touchstone of our faith and truly our Holy Father in the Church. We promise him the support of our prayers and we commit ourselves to working each day, in our families, our friendships, our schools and our parishes to reap a hundredfold from the seeds he has sown in our hearts.

May this truly be a moment of fresh wind in our sails, a moment of hope and confidence in the gifts that our Catholic faith offers to our world.  Amen.

Westminster Cathedral during the Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 18 September 2011.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward, pictured with H E Nigel Baker, British Ambassador to the Holy See, after the Mass of Thanksgiving.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward, and her Consort, Mr Michael Brown (to her left) pictured with members of West Midlands Police and others who helped to make the Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Birmingham ( Sunday 19 September 2010) such a memorable occasion.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

The Holy See and the United Kingdom have enjoyed excellent relations in the thirty years that have passed since full diplomatic relations were established. The close bond between us was further strengthened last year during my Visit to your country, a unique occasion in the course of the shared history of the Holy See and the countries which today compose the United Kingdom.

I would therefore like to begin my remarks by reiterating my gratitude to the British people for the warm welcome which I received during my stay. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh received me most graciously and I was pleased to meet the leaders of the three main political parties and to discuss with them matters of common concern.

As you know, a particular motive for my Visit was the Beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman, a great Englishman whom I have admired for many years and whose raising to the altars was a personal wish fulfilled.

I remain convinced of the relevance of Newman’s insights regarding society, as the United Kingdom, Europe and the West in general today face challenges that he identified with remarkable prophetic clarity. It is my hope that a fresh awareness of his writings will bear new fruit among those searching for solutions to the political, economic and social questions of our age.

Blessed John Henry Newman 1801-1890.

As you rightly remarked in your address, Mr Ambassador, the Holy See and the United Kingdom continue to share a common concern for peace among nations, the integral development of peoples throughout the world, especially the poorest and weakest, and the spread of authentic human rights, especially through the rule of law and fair participative government, with a special care for the needy and those whose natural rights are denied.

On the subject of peace, I was very pleased to note the success of Her Majesty’s recent Visit to the Republic of Ireland, an important milestone in the process of reconciliation that is happily becoming ever more firmly established in Northern Ireland, despite the unrest that occurred there during this past summer.

I take this opportunity once again to encourage all who would resort to violence to put aside their grievances, and to seek instead a dialogue with their neighbours for the peace and prosperity of the whole community.

As you pointed out in your speech, your Government wishes to employ policies that are based on enduring values that cannot be simply expressed in legal terms. This is especially important in the light of events in England this summer.

When policies do not presume or promote objective values, the resulting moral relativism, instead of leading to a society that is free, fair, just and compassionate, tends instead to produce frustration, despair, selfishness and a disregard for the life and liberty of others.

Policy makers are therefore right to look urgently for ways to uphold excellence in education, to promote social opportunity and economic mobility, to examine ways to favour long-term employment and to spread wealth much more fairly and broadly throughout society.

Moreover, the active fostering of the essential values of a healthy society, through the defence of life and of the family, the sound moral education of the young, and a fraternal regard for the poor and the weak, will surely help to rebuild a positive sense of one’s duty, in charity, towards friends and strangers alike in the local community.

Be assured that the Catholic Church in your country is eager to continue offering her substantial contribution to the common good through her offices and agencies, in accordance with her own principles and in the light of the Christian vision of the rights and dignity of the human person.

Looking further afield, Your Excellency has mentioned several areas where the Holy See and the United Kingdom have already agreed and worked together, including initiatives for debt relief and financing for development.

The sustainable development of the world’s poorer peoples through well-targeted assistance remains a worthy goal, since the peoples of developing countries are our brothers and sisters, of equal dignity and worth and deserving of our respect in every way, and such assistance should always aim to improve their lives and their economic prospects.

As you know, development is also of benefit to donor countries, not only through the creation of economic markets, but also through the fostering of mutual respect, solidarity, and above all peace through prosperity for all the world’s peoples. Promoting models of development which employ modern knowledge to husband natural resources will also have the benefit of better protecting the environment for emerging and developed countries alike.

This is why I remarked in Westminster Hall last year that integral human development, and all that it entails, is an enterprise truly worthy of the world’s attention and one that is too big to be allowed to fail.

The Holy See therefore welcomes Prime Minister Cameron’s recent announcement of his intention to ring-fence Great Britain’s aid budget. I would also invite you, during your mandate, to explore ways of furthering development cooperation between your Government and the Church’s charity and development agencies, especially those based here in Rome and in your country.

Finally, Mr Ambassador, in offering you my prayerful good wishes for the success of your mission, allow me to assure you that all the departments of the Roman Curia stand ready to support you in your duties. Upon you, your family and all the British people, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings.