ragon
THE
P RTAL
May 2011
Page 6
The Big Picture
A lot of
media attention has focussed on the ‘big picture’ of the Ordinariate of Our
Lady of Walsingham. First came the announcement itself which raised more questions than
it answered.
Then came a written constitution
helpfully placing flesh on the bones of
this offer. Next we learnt of an inspired
timescale which worked in sympathy
with the liturgical year. An Anglican
death on Ash Wednesday, a period in
the wilderness during Lent, a rising to
new life in Holy Week as communicant
Catholics and finally the emergence
of the first Ordinariate services at
Pentecost- the birth of the
Church.
Support in high
places
The timescale clearly
needed a hierarchy to deliver
it and this was duly delivered
in the naming of one former
Anglican bishop as Apostolic
protonotary and two as
prelates.
buildings. Rather, in the name of unity and truth, we
have been thrown together at the behest of Peter and
are now charged with the responsibility of making
things work!
Each group is different
But is it working? Are Ordinariate groups proving
a blessing or curse to those they join? It is a question
begging an answer but I urge people not to draw
conclusions prematurely. Firstly because the situation
faced by each group is different. The ten joining
an existing community of a
thousand will impact very
differently from the group
of seventy doubling the
congregation they join. It would
be folly to judge the Ordinariate
on your local scenario.
Give it time
Secondly any merger of
communities brings about an
inevitable period of change.
Finally we rejoiced in
Natural human behaviour
seeing our new Ordinary,
may ellicit early responses of
Monsignor Keith Newton,
defensiveness which later turn
afforded
a
private
to joy as weeks turn to years.
consultation with the Holy Father himself: A reminder Equally early excitement can soon turn to frostiness
to the world that the Ordinariate has support in high where prayer and Christian love are forgotten.
places. What a busy time it has been as the newest
Remembering the analogy of the arranged marriage
branch of the church bursts into life. The unfolding
– would it be wise to judge a union on the opening
‘big picture’ could not be better.
days of the honeymoon? Far better to give it time and
Blushing brides
see how the couple mature over time!
But: what of the ‘little picture’, the situation on the Step back and pray
ground? What is happening to groups and individuals
The early signs are good for the Ordinariate but we
as the time of our reception draws near? Those
who are stepping out into the world as blushing should not be too hasty in making judgements. We
brides! Yes, forget ‘Kate and Wills’, the significant need to be realistic in our expectations and hopes. At
marriage this second spring is the forced matrimony this time of change and upheaval what we need are
betwixt Ordinariate congregations and the Catholic friends who will offer space in which to flourish and
who will understand when we make the odd mistake.
communities they join!
The’ big picture’ is encouraging, the vision is strong.
Joking aside (the notion of Monsignor John
Now let us step back and pray for each group. Time
Broadhurst as blushing bride is surely too much!)
and
love and grace are needed as the planted seed
this image of an arranged marriage is salient. For
the Ordinariate groups did not ask to join new begins to grow. Will you be feeding the soil in which
congregations and the existing Catholics did not it is to be nurtured or pulling at its root to serve your
request the presence of former Anglicans in their agenda?