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)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)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)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)"The outstanding charitable service of a Norwich parishioner has been recognised by Pope Francis with the award of a Benemerenti Medal. Angela Stone was presented with her medal by Bishop Peter Collins during morning Mass at St John's Cathedral on Sunday, 7th May, the day after King Charles III was crowned, himself promising "not to be served but to serve" and encouraging people to volunteer in their local communities." Story continues
1 image: Angela Stone with Bishop Peter Collins
"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
"In a moving ceremony at the Church of Our Lady and King St Edmund in Hunstanton, Fr Michael Stokes presented the Pope's blessing to two couples and a religious sister, marking significant milestones in their lives.
On 15th June, Michael and Hillary Rhodes (on the right) celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, while on 25th July, Tom and Elizabeth Koning (in the centre) marked their golden anniversary. Finally, on 28th August, Sr Mary Gonçalves FDC (left) pronounced her vows, making her final profession as a religious sister in the Daughters of Divine Charity.
Pope Francis "invoked an abundance of divine graces" upon them all. The congregation was enthusiastic in its expression of congratulations."
1 image: Sr Mary Gonçalves FDC, Fr Michael Stokes, Tom and Elizabeth Koning, Michael and Hillary Rhodes
"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 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 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)."
"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."
"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"
Writing to say that he has been directed to request clergy to pray for the soul of the Pope [Leo XII] and to continue doing so until a new Pope is elected to the chair of St Peter.
On reverse is manuscript [different from the final] draft of the printed notice signed by F C Husenbeth GV
Announcement of elevation of Pope Pius VIII.
Signed Thomas, Bishop of Cambysopolis, and Vicar Apostolic in the Midland District
Quotation from Pius XIII upon election. Announcement of a Jubilee with Indulgence
Signed Thomas, Bishop of Cambysopolis, and Vicar Apostolic in the Midland District
Addressed to "Rev F Husenbeth, Cossy, Nr Norwich"
Announcing the death of Pius VIII and the election of Gregory XVI.
Signed Thomas, Bishop of Cambysopolis, and Vicar Apostolic of the Midland District.
Addressed: "Rev. F Husenbet, Cossy, Nr Norwich"
Prayers for Pope Gregory to be added in every Mass until a successor is appointed.
addressed: "The Very Rev FC Husenbeth, Cossey, Norwich"
Pope Pius IX published a plenary indulgence - list of conditions to obtain. This Jubilee to be limit for 3 weeks from Septuagesima [manuscript amendment] Sunday to the first Sunday of Lent [manuscript amendment]
Wareing, William Rev (1791-1865)