Writing to a "Dr Ibbett" to apply for non-fasting communion for:

1. an old lady of 89
2. a Sister who has to take nourishment during the night

leave for non-fasting communion permission for Mrs Emmaline Ann Shauve. Tax to pay 5/1 (23 lira) to be sent to the Bishop for forwarding to Rome.
Nothing for Sister Huberta, presumably gone to another congregation for the Religious.

Leave for non-fasting communion permission for Sister Huberta. Tax to pay 2/- (8 lira) to be sent to the Bishop for forwarding to Rome.This is unlimited use but only for times of illness.

Glad to hear Fr Heptonstall was not seriously injured in the accident. Sisters' Confessions are permitted provided a screen is rigged up between him and the penitent. Very few sea coast resort priests can get away during their season - so permission for a private retreat. Enclosed small cheque [for £5] for 10 masses for private intentions.

Apologies for slow response - away in Denmark with the Cardinal.
Guideline should be encouraged . Thinks there can be a disability which is a physical barrier to receiving Holy Communion - in principle no disability is a barrier to receiving Holy Communion except where there is a physical impossibility. Leave the choice to the parents - their role should be underlined. In general I would want to give Holy Communion to all, but I think all cannot receive it because of a disability which is too severe to overcome.

Unable to attend his Episcopal Ordination but would like to be represented by Canon McBride.

Suggest Canons Burditt and Frost and Frs Philpot and Wace for Commission on the division of the [Northampton] Diocese.
Downham Market is an issue on which we must stand - "whatever the personal holiness of Ossie (and God alone is the Judge here), he is corrupting a holy thing - and this is the hidden evil." Unwavering leadership is required. Confront Ossie with the obedience he owes, and, that the Pope has formally specified the circumstances in which the rite may be celebrated.
Tony Sketch should be given Downham market as his charge and say a publicised Mass there.
PPs (Aldeburgh, Wymondham, Felixstowe and Ipswich) make change-over on October 7th.

Has just received a reply from Cardinal Knox to his letter dated 9 October 1979.
Discouraging - appreciate the Cardinal Hume's counsel. The inability to give General Absolution at time of pilgrimage is not a disaster - but the letter shows an addiction to strict and literal interpretation of the norms.
He has instructed his clergy that in real necessity they are authorised to administer GA (the kind of necessity the Congregation does not admit!) and inform him after the fact. But this has been rarely used and with no criticisms
Bishop Clark thinks that something has "leaked".

Attached letter - Bishop bemused about an apparent omission in which Bishop Donze appears not to be saying Mass . Also, "ruffled" that, if he was involved in the arrangements, Cardinal Hume has not been in touch with Bishop Clark.

Surprised that the Timothy Matthews project had no contact with anyone. Finally forwarding cheque from Poor Clare community in USA. David Jennings accepted for September training. Looking forward to ordaining Peter Rollings in July in Middlesborough

Following their conversation today, Mgr McBride will be getting in touch. Three points:

1. The Executive's decision regarding the Blessed Sacrament is "ad experimentum" for this season. They will re-think if needed.
2. Walsingham Statue Honour Guard - see Mgr Stark's letter - decision remains with the Executive.
3. Will discuss audit with Fr Wilson

Surprised by the date of the National Pilgrimage - understood it always took place on the Sunday "between the two Madonnas". But if Cardinal Hume is coming then fine - but needs to be kept in the picture. Cannot accept Colin Gill's offer. Happy to commission Sister Elizabeth but if needed doing sooner then ask the Dean.

Pagella attached. Consent for the Sacrament of the Sick to be given to groups of pilgrims in need

The Bishop and Mgr McBride were aware of the sensitivity in removing the Blessed Sacrament from the Slipper Chapel and agreed to reconsider if a negative response was forthcoming. However the arrangements he has in mind are based on the Lourdes model and considers Fr Birch's idea as being consistent and tidy but "unrealistic" for Walsingham.

Programme is:

• leave Poringland and arrive at 9.30pm - bed for the night please
• preach 8.45 mass at St Michael's
• opening words at 10am mass at The Good Shepherd
• confirmation mass at St Michael's
• lunch with neighbours
• sick visits
• cuppa and head for Poringland - to prepare for the November Hierarchy meeting on Monday

This kind of service is not wanted by the Bishop. There is a great deal of sensitivity to be shown at Walsingham as the National Shrine for the whole Catholic Community of England. Leave this for you to arrange with the Parish priest as you judge best.

Will have to miss Benediction with the nuns - Bishop grant has an infection and asked Bishop Clark to cover a Sunday Confirmation at Buckden.

Likes the arrangements for the visitation.

It would not be possible to give a dispensation from the information provided. Unlikely that once married they'd be able to "sort things out" and whilst described by Fr Richmond as (very) good people they remain "confused".

A good evening and the ministry of Confirmation is always new and fresh. Did not get the chance to speak formally with Fr Webb but did comment on pastoral disciplines of secular clergy - the need to be "in".