Mrs Bramley is kind-hearted, etc. she did discuss the letter with the Abbot but also added other parts not seen until the Bishop copied her letter to him. He was delighted not to be governor and will talk to her. On way to Mass at Gillingham; his health has its ups and downs.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)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
Apologises for his letter from before Christmas. No excuse for its folly and pettiness; whatever the circumstances.
manuscript annotation: "A/d personally by letter 9/1/86"
Did not have the stamina to get to Norwich for a mass after 3 masses in Beccles. Forgive weakness and ineptitude. Why is Mass so trying - having to concentrate!
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Pointed observations on British Council of Churches and priests being married (before or after ordination). Mentions that neither Our Lord nor St John the Baptist said one word to criticise the politicians and economic institutions at the time [supported by several Latin quotations].
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Referring to letter to Fr Wace. Committee is mandated not to get into debt.
How to solve the problem of people gaining access to a school like Notre Dame by claiming to be Catholic but never setting foot inside a church. They are being subsidised by our parish.
23rd December still ok? Confirmation at the convent chapel at 6.30. Girl is thrilled; nuns not sure what to lay out. Bringing a book, oils and robes?
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Girl wishes to be confirmed - the Bishop had said he'd do it at Beccles. Come and brave the Abbot's cooking.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Apologising for missing Maundy Thursday Mass - Ceolfrid's death and others in Beccles with a number possibly dying - makes it difficult to leave Beccles just yet. However, will be with the Bishop in Newmarket in May. Don't need propping up nor a good "propper". Fr Tony Roberts seems to be a dying man.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Three dispensation requests. Sure the bishop will be pleased when the new diocese is completed with an appointment of its bishop - look forward to the bishop's appointment. Short note - "omnes fines terrae venerunt super me" [all the ends of the earth came over me]
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Glad to see at last that Extraordinary Ministers are not regarded as ordinary. Holy Week liturgy - not a note left our - do not worry about his health. But am really no longer capable of lengthy meetings n distant spots.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Many cards from Downside boys and staff. Seeing Fr Rogers frequently may help him - he is a good man. The church committee is mandated not to get into debt and all church improvements are paid for by benefactors - not church funds. Deanery minutes were just pointing out the danger of extraordinary ministers becoming ordinary ones. Mention of other parish oddities: one not having had confessions since last Easter; another replaced the Gospel with children reading out their compositions; another reading out snippets from the pastoral letter.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)9 September letter appointing him a governor of St Benet's and St Marys - happy to serve. But note that in 1990 will need to retire when 70. Glad to be shot of Gorleston. Tony Roberts looks ill and frail but is much better. Can I come and discuss Bungay?
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)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.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Very exhausted; glad when term of office ends on 6 May. Run a retreat at Caldey - interesting but demanding. "Why are charismatics so quarrelsome? I thought they were full of peace love & joy!!"
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)He and Coelfrid enjoyed the meal and meeting Basil Hume.Mentions the Bishop's forthcoming operation; hopes the appeal will get a response in Beccles but spending nearly £6,000 on our own roof may work against it.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)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.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Requesting mixed marriage dispensation for a couple - no reasons given - they are nice and good people who want to marry. Requesting formal permission for Jonathan Strange & Erica Wather to be married in Marsham Church by Dom Benet Innes. Invitation to visit for lunch at Bungay or Beccles with Ceolfin [?] and himself.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Inviting the Bishop to a reception at the Public Hall in Beccles on 10 July. "The whole business of being Mayor is utterly bizarre."
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)