Fr Baker has decided to challenge the current arrangements. He has opened a Tridentine mass centre in Bethel Street in Norwic, not far from the Cathedral. Appends an extract of the digest created by the Archbishop of Birmingham of the pope's speech regarding Archbishop Lefebvre and those who support him. The position needs to be made crystal clear. The priests are to read out the instruction - Fr Baker is deliberately flouting the authority of the Church, the Holy Father and his bishops; such people are putting themselves out of communion with the same; the pope draws his authority from Christ and hence requires obedience; no priest is to celebrate the Tridentine rite with a congregation, and, no one can join him without express permission.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Compliments slip: Bishop Secretary: "Tony Sketch will arrange to deliver the enclosed - less the carbon - to all Downham Market parishioners when he distributes his invitations to the real Mass."
Page 1: letter to the congregation at Downham Market - explaining, now that the legal procedure is over, the sorrow he feels in acting against Fr Baker. Obedience to the Holy Father means accepting the changes away from the Tridentine Mass. Expects support for Fr Sketch. Notes of explanation included.
Page 2-3: Notes headed: "1. Your present position"; "2. The Missal of Pope Paul VI"; "3. The Bishop's dealings with Fr Baker"
Expectation that priests and laity obey and respect the Pope and Bishops and celebrate Mass and Sacraments in the Church's way. Warning against attending an unofficial Latin Mass. Establishes that Archbishop Lefebvre and supporters are opposed to Vatican II and are operating outside the orders of the Pope and Bishops. To attend their Mass is to risk parting company with the Pope and the Catholic Church.
Lindsay, Hugh Rev (1927-2009)The proposed Mass has no ecclesiastical authority - Fr Baker has not sought leave to offer Mass. Despite Fr Baker's defence of following his conscience he has overlooked the duty to educate his conscience - cites a few examples. Bishop says the Fr Baker is neglecting the guidance of Vatican II, the Pope, Bishop Grant and Bishop Clark. Even if you cannot accept these, consider deeply before leaving Downham Market to share your personal difficulties in other dioceses.
Lindsay, Hugh Rev (1927-2009)"The Bishop of East Anglia has paid a personal tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI." Story continues
image caption: "Bishop Peter Collins has paid a personal tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI."
"The Bishop of East Anglia has paid a personal tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who has died aged 95." Story continues
image caption: "Bishop of East Anglia, Peter Collins."
Invited to offer the traditional Mass at Newcastle on 8 August. Telling the Bishop through courtesy following his admonition in the Catholic Press. Questions whether his reasoning can be found by the Bishop to be at fault. Offers Fr Wathen's "The Great Sacrilege" as an non-refutable authority. Fr Baker is trying to do God's Will - not defiant to authority but does not agree with the requirement for blind and unquestioning obedience.
Baker, Oswald Charles Rev (1915-2004)"Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, imparted hi sblessing on those participating in the event celebrating a landmark occasion for mother Julian of Norwich." Story continues
image 1 caption: "The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, "
image 2 caption: "Julian's quote on a stained glass window at St Julian's church in Norwich"
image 3 caption: "King Charles III inspecting the embrodered screnn featuring Julian of Norwich's words"
image 4: Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
"Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, imparted his blessing on those participating in the event celebrating a landmark occasion for Mother Julian of Norwich." Story continues
image 1 & 2 caption: "The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis. Right, Julian's quote on a stained glass window at St Julian's church in Norwich"
image 3: Anglican Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher
"More than 150 city catholics came together to celebrate the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in a requiem mass at St John's Cathedral." Story continues
image caption: "The requiem mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St John's Cathedral"
"More than 150 city Catholics came together to celebrate the life of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in a requiem mass at St John's Cathedral." Story continues
Norwich Evening News"The Bishop of East Anglia has paid a tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, following his death on Saturday aged 95." Story continues
image caption: "Bishop Peter Collins, Bishop of East Anglia, spoke of his sadness at the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (inset)."