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".
Letter
25 Archive Record results for Letter
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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Following their conversation today, Mgr McBride will be getting in touch. Three points:
- The Executive's decision regarding the Blessed Sacrament is "ad experimentum" for this season. They will re-think if needed.
- Walsingham Statue Honour Guard - see Mgr Stark's letter - decision remains with the Executive.
- 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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Pagella attached. Consent for the Sacrament of the Sick to be given to groups of pilgrims in need
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMThe 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.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)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.
Hibbert, Giles Rev OP (1923-2013)Bishop agrees with Fr John Harvey, saying that after The National Pilgrimage when he gave a General Absolution he was "invited" to Rome. He fought his corner, giving a context similar to that which Fr Harvey had described, but Cardinal Knox, tho' gracious, stuck to the letter of the law. The only practical solution is to ask pilgrims to go to confession prior to going on a pilgrimage to Walsingham.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Correspondence between Bishop Murphy-O'Connor and Rome (Doctrine of Faith) regarding Eucharistic celebration at Walsingham. Suggests they might discuss when at the Bishop's meeting.
Murphy-O'Connor, Cormac Rev (1932-2017)He sets out the background to the event: joint prayers, penitential walk, separate celebration of the Eucharist. The latter was to be in the open air but a torrential downpour meant the celebration was transferred to the large Anglican Church. He addresses the points raised in the Apostolic Delegate's letter. Unusual circumstances forced this to occur, but at no point was there any misunderstanding concerning the degree of "unity and disunity"; the local Ordinary approved; the celebration was conformant with the principle no 59 in the Ecumenical Directory.
Murphy-O'Connor, Cormac Rev (1932-2017)Roy Gathercole said the Bishop was prepared to preach at the Blessing of the new chapel. Reading from Ephesians (Chp II v13-22) but an alternative in Kings - let Fr Birch know which he wants so he can warn the reader.
Archbishop Worlock is attending - give an opportunity to speak? (manuscript note - "not attending")
Executive Council has suggested an illuminated scroll be present to the Anglicans on the occasion of their Golden Jubilee - Bishop prepared to sign, copy of text included [not present] (manuscript note - "suggest re-draft"
Requesting written faculties and consent (for the Archives) for the Sacrament of the Sick
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMFather Colin Gill (Master of the Guardians of the Anglican Shrine) invites Fr Birch, the Bishop and the new Administrator, [Rvd Colven] to dine with him at his home in Walsingham.
Asks the Bishop (or the Dean?) to commission a new Communion Minster, to offset the loss of others, he needs more than one.
The Shrine Council has recommended that the Blessed Sacrament be in the Chapel of Reconciliation and not n the Slipper Chapel; also, the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham be in the Slipper Chapel and not in the Chapel of Reconciliation. Fr Birch quotes from two letters which say the separation of the two is wrong and he says he is unable to explain what has happened - he challenges the Bishop to provide an explanation.
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMWishes to implement the suggestions made by the Shrine Council, provided the Bishop approves:
- permanent reservation of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Reconciliation
- exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Reconciliation whenever pilgrims are present
- no Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Slipper Chapel
- removal of tabernacle from the altar in the Slipper Chapel
Student Cross pilgrimage to Walsingham. Easter celebration will have Anglican Eucharist (to which the Catholics have been invited) and a Catholic Midnight Mass (to which the Anglicans are invited). Unfortunately Good Friday may involve a single service at which both Anglican and Catholic forms of Eucharist are offered (at either end of the church). Parish priest cannot authorise this - so he is asking for the Bishop's approval and authorisation.
Hibbert, Giles Rev OP (1923-2013)Celebret requested for trip to Lourdes- supply requested from East Bergholt. Mortgage due on a Blakeney property, then chapel and ground will be given to the Diocese outright. Mr Hoy has the Oddfellows Hall document; Bishops clause raised with him. How to make an entry in the registered for a baptised adopted child and what goes on the certificate? Thanks for help in obtaining the loud speaker system being given by Canon Malone. Written to Fr Hignett as suggested. Glad to hear the Bishop and Bishop Cunningham are coming to Walsingham in July. Successful vigil pilgrimage held.
Hulme, Gerard Rev (-1978)Requesting two Eucharists for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and suggesting reciprocal preaching at the RC and Anglican churches. Anglican vicar of Walsingham is Keith Haydon.
Rear, Michael RevReceived money from Tonks. Bathroom to start after the pilgrimage. Admits to an ommission regarding obtaining the bishop's approval for the design and installation of the confessional [refers to "Linthout's letter"]. Article in the Universe from Fr Stokes about the shrine. Fr Filmer has "rubbed it in" in "Second Spring".
manuscript annotation: "1. Sent [?illegible] 2. Carry on with Confessional; I must have had a general idea of the design. 3. V. glad of the article in Universe on Walsingham Shrine at King's Lynn. May 15/29"