THE
P RTAL
August 2011
Page 13
Letters to the Editor
From Judith Echaniz:
As we await an Ordinariate in the United States, it
is a joy to read of your progress in The Portal. Many
thanks for sharing your experiences. Let me add my
welcome, as the 51st anniversary of my reception is
coming up July 30 and 31.
A question reported in “More Ordinations” (July
issue) made me catch my breath: “What is it like to
be ordained twice?” That is a question that should
not be asked, but people are going to have to learn
why not to ask it.
Compassion: I’m sure that there has not been one
Anglican clergyman coming to Rome - by any means,
let alone the Ordinariate, and in any age - who hasn’t
agonized in some way over the worth of his earlier
years as a priest, especially presiding at Mass. What
they need now is a great prayer of thanksgiving
that particular suffering is behind them. Priests
can respond quite differently even to the implied
question. God knows their hearts, loves them
infinitely and always appreciates their love. Step
carefully around this topic.
less welcome Anglo Catholic communities. This new
influx may even include some of the prominent AC
churches of London. Here’s to hoping!
Adam Pettigrew
Basingstoke, Hampshire
From David Murphy
As the contact person for a new Ordinariate
exploratory group, I have been reflecting on ways
of “recruiting“ new members. To say the least, the
atmosphere at the moment between the Church of
England and the Ordinariate is “strained”. I imagine that
at least a part of this uncomfortable relationship is the C
of E’s fear of aggressive proselytisation on our part.
Most of us will be aware of the immense difficulties
between the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate and the
Catholic Church due to perceived proselytising by
the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Popes John Paul
II and Benedict XVI have been doing their best to
repair relations with Moscow, but throughout the
Patriarchate of Alexej II a meeting between Pope
and Patriarch was out of the question. Since the
Ukrainians demanded to be made a Patriarchate
Doctrine: Although there are deepening degrees
themselves and this would only have aggravated
of participation in Christ’s priesthood through
the situation, John Paul II gave the leader of the
Holy Orders - deacon, priest and bishop - none
Ukrainians the title of “Major Archbishop” and not
can be received twice. With each degree the soul is
“Patriarch”. Despite that, he is continually referred to
marked with a special character (as in Baptism and
by the Ukrainian Church as “Patriarch”, even on their
Confirmation). No one is “re-ordained”. Our priests website!
DO have to put this behind them and to get on with
It is as if we would call Mgr. Keith “Primate”. We
the work, as Father Ellis replied so well.
must avoid the temptation and scold any tabloid that
Keep up the good work, and please pray for those in does so. (By the way, I think there is a need to clarify
the Colonies as we remember you.
our nomenclature altogether, before others do it
for us – at the moment we are variously referred to,
Judith Echaniz
Rochester, NY USA
among other titles, as Anglican Catholics, Anglican
Use Catholics, Anglican Rite Catholics, Anglican
Usage Catholics, Anglican Tradition Catholics,
From Adam Pettigrew:
Ordinariate Catholics and also by that gem of a name
In last month’s edition of the The Portal, Mrs
“Anglicanorum Catholics”.)
Warboys asked how the Ordinariate will grow.
So what are your ideas on the whole question of
Personally I have come to the conclusion that
evangelisation,
mission, proselytisation. What are the
mainstream Catholics will at least double the size
do’s and don’ts? I say we should think carefully and
of the Ordinariate over the next year. How many
fast about this question.
Catholics are fed up with the current liturgy on
offer but simply attend Mass to fulfil their Sunday
David Murphy
obligation?
Neuenkirchen, Germany
With lavish ceremonial, beautiful Mass settings
and sound preaching, many of us will think all our
Christmasses have come at once!
Then in 2014, as women Bishops are inevitably
“ordained”, there will be an influx of belated but no
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