Lenten Pastoral Letter, signed by J Milner Vic Ap
Addresses the nature of a pamplet, and associated thinking, "Reflections addressed to the Rev J Hawkins" published in 1785 and in subsequent editions (e.g. "The Faith of Catholics" and "R. Catholic Princilples in Reference to God and the King").
"... You are fully sensible, Reverend Bretheren, that I should be deeply criminal, were I to permit such pretended Profession of Faith as the above-mentioned to be propogated in the flock committed to my care, without notice and opposition; accordingly I have (but under correction of the Holy See) two several times censured it in the manner above signified, and have required that it shoudl be torn down from the chapel walls where it might still remain, as I myself tore it down from the chapel of my present residence."
Provides further examples of anti-Catholic behaviours which ".. vilifies Popes, Saints and Martyrs..."
Final sentence: "If we are called upon for a mere test of civil allegience, no words can be devised more express for this purpose than those of the Oath we have taken: if more than civil allegience be required of us, we must sooner die that yield it."

Bishop comments:
Case 1: your judgement; my support; need a trusted person; update the dispensation appropriately
Case 2: Not sure he understands this case - need to check on what dispensations were in effect (held in Northampton); what is the desire to bring up the children as Catholics?

Letter to diocesan priests. Outline of the issue and a description of the prayer process in the Cathedrals, churches and homes. Short timetable

Bishop Thomas Joseph Brown issued this instruction on mixed marriages as increasing numbers of Catholic-Protestant marriages were taking place in England and Wales. These caused concern to the Catholic clergy, as the Catholic partners may be influenced by their Protestant spouses and eventually abandon their faith.

This instruction provided guidance on how to handle mixed marriages. It emphasised the importance of preserving the Catholic faith in these marriages and urged Catholic partners to do all they could to ensure that their children were raised as Catholics.

The instruction also provided guidance on the proper way to celebrate mixed marriages, emphasizing the importance of obtaining a dispensation from the bishop and requiring the non-Catholic partner to sign a written agreement promising to respect the Catholic faith and to allow the Catholic partner to practice their religion.

Bishop's advice: "good to have a good supply of humility handy, and acknowledging one's weaknesses and worthlessness, put more and absolute reliance on Almighty God. But it is not good to cultivate what is known in the modern jargon, an 'Inferiority Complex'. That is never either useful or right. Go on quietly in your own simple way, and God, who alone controls these things, will give the increase."
As to the unexpected Vestments - take what you need for Wymondham and E Dereham and see whether Woburn Sands (Fr Banham) or N. Walsham (Fr Snowden) are in want. Let the Association know. It might just be a mistake since Woburn Sands have asked for such a selection.

Pg1: Covering letter reminding clergy that they must register churches and chapels for marriages, and, as places of worship. Includes counsels advice on the matter.
Pg2-3: Edward Badeley's advice as a counsel to the Catholic Church on the requirements of the new Act {Places of Worship Registration Act 1855], recommending that churches and chapels be registered as required otherwise they may not be able to continue as places of worship.

Page 1 - typical agenda; Who to Approach
Page 2 - Spiritual Benefits; How to approach people to become members
Page 3 - How to retain members; Caring for members
Page 4 - Branch membership

heading: "The Cardinal Archbishop communicates to the Clergy of the Archdiocese for their guidance the following documents received from the Holy See"
Cardinal Barnabo writes from 8 York Place, London to Cardinal Wiseman, Westminster, a letter in Italian [not all translated] [opening sentence: "The abuse taking place in England, which a few months later was denounced to the Holy See, of mixed marriages in which the catholic party usually is dragged to renew consent before the heretical minister...]
An "Instructio" follows written in Latin [not translated]

Forthcoming marriage between Prince Michael of Kent ad baroness Christine von Reibnitz. Discussed at Damascus House - not easy and not sure the Holy Father will grant a dispensation for Mixed Religion. A copy of the relevant Briefing is being sent to every priest in Westminster Diocese - copy to other Bishops for distributing to their priests. Full documentation is now in Rome.

Dispensation from disparity of worship has been granted and forwarded to Peterborough.
Comment on the memorandum - not a matter to cause too much unrest. Marriage forms based on other diocese versions - the omission of parental names will be corrected in the next reprint.

Response to bishop's letter
[Case 1:] thanks for letting him go ahead
[Case 2:] Documents seem to have disappeared on way to Australia hence priest there will not attend, not having seen the dispensation
Converts mentioned.

Two cases for the Bishop to give advice on:
Case 1: reception of a woman whose husband is not keen - can she be received privately?
Case 2: couple married in Australia (one a Catholic the other a Presbyterian) worried about there not having been a priest present

Has asked a caller to write to the Bishop with her query about a matrimonial matter. He could not properly address it over the phone and the caller was not going to visit. The letter is advance warning.

Writing from Manor House, Mells, Nr Frome Selwood, Somerset, whilst on holiday. Asks for a word with the bishop about advice and our schools. Could do this over a meal - provides his diary for the next few days.

Discussing the responsibilities for repair and maintenance in County/Voluntary Schools. Booklets are available to help understand what is required. Advising that account for all expenditure should be kept and submitted to DES to claim the 80% contribution. In essence, all within the "skin of the building" is the responsibility of School Managers and all outside is the LEA's. Need to monitor building conditions to assist in timely action/reporting.

Signature block - Mgr D Norris, Chancellor, Westminster
"Enclosed is a copy of the Revised Directory on Mixed Marriages" ; this superseded previous guidance on 27 November 1977.
"Priest should study the new document but the main differences are given below:-"

Pope Pius VI dispensation regarding holy days, fasting, etc. and performing "servile work" on those days.
Signed by Bp John Hornyhold and Bp Thomas Talbot

John Morris writes that the Bishop had no sooner returned from London than he received a note from the Cardinal and has immediately gone back to London.
Bishop will give no account of himself, only saying he is better, but he is not allowed ot say Mass or his Office, or to attend to any business whatever. Bishop is silent on the future.
Dr Grant's petition is, in brief, a rehearsal of Bp's sanatoria obtained in 9 June 1859 re VG's faculties with respect to the availability of the Bishop, in this large diocese, to respond to certain situations. Leave had been granted on 1 September 1859 [words as in previous letter]
Does not understand where Hubbersty comes from, thinks he was chaplain to Mr Sparrow in Lancashire, and, is given to the Bishop by Dr Turner.

embossed "Bishop's House, Northampton". John Morris opens with the news that the new priest, Rev Robert Hubbersty, has arrived. He is 45 looking 50-55, and resembles three persons (Bishop Wilson, Dr Morgan and another).
He now understands about poor Neil Talbot and prays to hear of "his separation and repentance".
In reply for a clarification of the nature and extent of the faculties granted to VG [Vicar General] by the bishop. Part of the letter dealing in detail with the nature of faculty is written in Latin. VG will need to make the clergy use the form provided by the Bishop and that the written record of faculty and its execution must be sent to the Bishop for retention in the Archives.
Seen the [Husenbeth's] festivities in the Tablet. Hopes that Lady Stafford is quite recovered and all will pass off well.

"Last Summer a young student attended weekday Mass before her A level exam. She parked in the car park near the examination centre. A parishioner approached and told her she could not park there. Parking was only allowed for people attending Mass." (Article continues...). Image of group at Rite of Election.