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.

Bishop congratulating Fr Allen on the event yesterday [National Pilgrimage]. Well planned and executed; requires a lot of backroom work. He was happy to accompany the Cardinal on the walk.
Worried about the phrase "The Shrine Management" - watch it - this is the Shrine Council and Executive, not Bernard and John. Bishop abhors "creeping power as much as creeping infallibility!".

Whilst recognising that as Director of the Shrine, Fr Allen is busy, the Bishop asks if he'd consider being Vicar for the Religious in the East of the Diocese. Jim Kennedy covers the West. p.s. Good news about The Student Cross.

Bishop is going on holiday and on return on pilgrimage to Lourdes - hence a couple of matters causing him concern to be raised (copy to Mgr McBride)

1. Wearing of Franciscan habit by Third Order members - John Hawkes, and others
2. Assistants to the President of the liturgy on the occasion of Solemn Masses at the Chapel of Reconciliation

"... several doctrinal and historical reasons, the right sign should be given to the participating laity of the correct ordering of the church ..."

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.

"All is not well when I receive, so late, this letter from Fr Hibbert."
Where do we stand?

Written to Clive.
"Where do I stand? Where do we stand?" It is strange to write months after the event. Unsure about the purposes of the Student Cross - "I do wish ... to ensure right and rich practice at Walsingham."

Still at a loss how to avoid hurt or misunderstanding by normal visitors or residents of Walsingham. Another venue rather than the Parish Church and to hold two separate Communions - speak to the Director of the Shrine. Your suggestion is a genuine and sincere. Suggest that you hold the liturgy in the Parish Church in Friday Market.

Cannot find it easy to accept your letter. The Student Cross has become a problem child if it provokes the difficult situation at Walsingham. The previous letter was close to Good Friday and he had to reply quickly but he would have thought that the Shrine Director would have given warning of his support for your solution. The Bishop argues that he is sensitive about anything that touches the Eucharist and that Fr Hibbert's liturgy could be misinterpreted: there are times when one has to stand within the disciplines of one's own church. Bishop does not remember being informed of a "trial" liturgy in 1982 after which event Fr Hibbert could have approached the Bishop. The Student Cross shows that in coming to Walsingham apparent incompatibilities can be resolved with good will. No need for a meeting until the Bishop has spoken to the Parish priest and the Director of Walsingham Shrine.

Leave from 4 September to 19 September. Fr Tony Webb - appoint as Vicarius Substitutus. Hopes that the bishop has had a good holiday and happy pilgrimage.

[Draft text]
Bishop does not know of the organisation West Mercia Roman Catholic Mission nor how it integrates with Catholic Churches and the Diocese of Shrewsbury. He would need to know a great deal more before granting permission for the Tridentine Mass at Walsingham. Bishop sets out that such permission is for private, small groups, a minimum of publicity, and a genuine spirit of devotion. That a weekend long pilgrimage is planned does not meet these requirements. The Latin Mass Society have long pleaded their case but the Bishop is adamant that no public manifestation of divisiveness can be sanctioned or endorsed at Our Lady's Shrine.

1 image; 2 columns of text. Article based on a press release.

Very pleased with his visit to the White House and thanks all there for making it a great experience. Return invitation to London Colney. Pilgrimage at Walsingham went very well - but how could it not in such surroundings!

Proving an explanation for not giving a project [not explained] his blessing. His jurisdiction is within Diocese of East Anglia and he cannot give permission for another Diocese. Walsingham is particularly about a place and not a statue or picture (quotes from Mgr Stark's brief history of Walsingham). He has consulted with Shrine Council and his College of Consultors and reached this decision - the project is not appropriate for this diocese and the invitation from Our Lady is to make a pilgrimage to Walsingham, this is not matched by taking a statue around the Diocese.

Bishop encloses the normal advice for his arrival which contains the form of Blessing, etc., which may be useful. Programme fine. Believes Mgr. Forbes to be an old Scots College companion. Has to leave on Monday. Will try to come for Friday from King's Lynn where he will be for the Pilgrimage on Thursday 12th.

He has not participated in the St Felix pilgrimage because he considers the blessing of the sea, success to sailors and fishing, prayers against coastal erosion, as being sensational and meaningless adornments (witness headlines in the Universe) to the pilgrimage. Also, having asked Bishop Rudderham to lead the pilgrimage and do what the Bishop disapproves of is a tacit criticism of his own attitude. If this item is dropped from the agenda then he shall be pleased to tell the Bishop of Clifton that he will be welcome to come .

Accepts the invitation and opts for 6 May 2000 which will keep May clear for the visits to the Army in Germany and the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Branch Newsletter. Mass for Deceased members; Branch Update; Oxburgh visit; Extraordinary General meeting; Walsingham Chapel; Advent retreat; Membership