Muslem Talks in Rome.. More on Cardinal Tauran. It seems he also caused a stir amongst the bee hives when he stated it was difficult to discuss theology with Moslems because they took a different approach to God. He did however think they could agree on ethical and humanitarian issues. Indeed I would hope so for such issues should be common to all mankind. In presenting the Catholic viewpoint at the conference Archbishop Ferrer from the Cong.Doct.Faith said Christians could only approach God through Jesus Christ. Naturally a leading Moslem theologian disagreed.
However and really much more interesting is an article in the HERALD reporting an interview with Magdi Allan, a convert from Islam who was baptised by Pope Benedict at the Easter Vigil this year. Magdi Allam was highly critical of Cardinal Tauran for saying that all religions were factors were factors of peace. Some believers had however betrayed their faith by using it to carry out violence. Mr Allam made the point that Islamic Extremism and terrorism are a mature fruit of the sayings of the Koran and the thought and action of Mohammed himself. (A point I have made here in the past).
Fundraising Drive ExtraThe Herald gives some extra info on the drive to raise £8 million from the rich and famous. Donors will be able to specify which of the various sections they wish their donation to go to. The Bishops will update how things are going every six months. The whole scheme is entitled "Faith in the Future" but the full details of how exactly it all works are only distributed to the prospective wealthy donors. Us plebs will not be able to access this info. except through any "leaks". It is not clear either whether this means the end of the annual collection called the National Catholic Fund, which is taken each year in our Churches. It remains to be seen if the Catholic National Library will get anything from the scheme. Unfortuneatly I was unable to attend the annual Advent bonanza at Westminster Cathedral Hall as I have been stricken by a bad cold and loss of voice.
Cardinal Manning and other Cardinals of Westminster. If I could have got to the Advent show I could have heard a talk on the Cardinals of Westminster from Fr.Schofield. The HERALD has an excellent article on Cardinal Manning whom says the author is much neglected. I would agree. He was a really great figure.
Not everyone agreed, like Lytton Strachey , who attacked him as did his first biographer. The well known poet Coventry Patmore wrote a very sarcastic note about him after his death. It is wonderful how he imposed on mankind by the third century look of him, and his infinite muddle headedness which passed for mystery. I knew him well, and am convinced that he was the very minutest soul that ever buzzed in so high a place. Here are my own comments on the Cardinals up to Card. Heenan.
CARDINAL WISEMAN. Very gifted and intelligent and the obvious choice as first Archbishop of Westminster but his time as Archbishop was blighted by the hatred felt for him by many in this country for his "Letter from the Flaminian Gate" in which he foretold the imminent Conversion of England. As a result of this he was unable to conduct any negotiations with the Government on anything at all, and this was left to Bishop Grant of Southwark.
CARDINAL MANNING. A truly great figure, much maligned as indicated above but well known for his care of the poor immigrants, the orphans and eventually for his settlement of the Dock Strike in London just before he died. He was certainly austere but very determined. He was saddened by being unable to make any real communication with Cardinal Newman in spite of efforts made by Fr. Oakely who was friendly with them both.
CARDINAL VAUGHAN. Another great figure who set about the building of Westminster Cathedral and was well known for interest in the foreign missions.
CARDINAL BOURNE. For me a total disaster. For practically the whole of his reign at Westminster he was at loggerheads with Bishop Amigo and latterly with all the other Bishops. The Church flourished not because of him but in spite of him
CARDINAL HINSLEY 70 Years old when appointed, he was an inspired choice and was made famous by his regular war time broadcasts up to his death in 1943.
CARDINAL GRIFFIN. Surprise choice of a mere auxiliary Bishop. Much of his reign at Westminster was clouded by mental illness which led to his early demise.
CARDINAL GODFREY. seemed to me to somewhat remote and unknown.
CARDINAL HEENAN. Our chief man at the Vatican Council. Unfortunately he sold the pass for me when in the broadcast interview with David Frost, he said Catholics should follow their conscience on Birth Control if they disagreed with the Papal teaching, and priests should simply say to such in confessions "God Bless you"
I am sure some of you will disagree with much of this but do put your comments on the blog. Everything is accepted by Mildew.
Saturday, 8 November 2008
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6 comments:
Looks like everyone agrees with you Father :)
We missed you at the Advent Festival! I was helping on the Library stall and we were hoping to see you, but the weather turned so wet and nasty, that if you weren't feeling particularly well it was wise to give it a miss this year.
In defence of Cardinal Heenan - he did press for the "Agatha Christie Indult". (I have a soft spot for him, because when he was Archbishop of Liverpool, he apparently told people my grandmother was a saint.He was greatly loved in Liverpool and they were sorry to lose him - though a lot of people were bitter about the beautiful cathedral they had given money to, being replaced by Paddy's Wigwam).
I suspect he was wrong-footed on Humanae Vitae and made an unconsidered comment or succumbed unwisely to the zeitgeist. In the context of the 1960s - where babies were being thrown out with the bathwater all over the place, it was perhaps difficult to believe that no meant no - and would stay meaning no.
I went to the Advent event - but the cathedral had a sign outside saying "full" and something bout the fire limit. This was about 2.30. So perhaps it was just as well you didn't go (unless it was full for another reason - there were lots of tv and press outside).
I did not go to the Advemt evemt owing to bad attack of bronchitus.
The Mass referred to by Dillydaydream was a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Glemp for the Polish people. The Advent event of course was in the Westminster Cathedral Hall. The Library stand made about £250 but I hear attendance was well down owing to the weather.
Oh dear - I really am a dilly day dream - I should have checked before I went. I do hope you have stocked up with friar's balsam (or have a friendly soul you can send out for some). Please look after yourself. I will say a little prayer.
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