THE
P RTAL
May 2019
Page 22
Fr Michael Halsall writes:
“With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation”
“H e was
the centre of innumerable souls, drawn to him as Teacher, Guide,
and Comforter through long years, and especially in the more than forty years of his Catholic life.
To them he was a spring of light and strength from a supernatural source. A noble and beautiful life is the
most convincing and persuasive of all preaching, and we have all felt its power”.
These are words from Cardinal Manning - Cardinal
Archbishop of Westminster - at a Solemn Requiem at
the Brompton Oratory, 20th August 1890. Speaking
of Cardinal Newman soon after his death, he testifies
that in his own lifetime he was recognised as a man of
great spiritual force: a ‘teacher, guide, and comforter’,
to those who shared his life.
It is a great testimony that,
during his Catholic life, he lived
quietly and through his writings
and associations made a singular
impact on the broader life of the
church in England, the second
Vatican Council, and upon many of
our finest Catholic theologians.
Manning claims further that,
“No living man has so changed the
religious thought of England. His
withdrawal closes a chapter which
stands alone in the religious life of
this century”.
Manning was a realist, and we can now see just how
the mind of England has indeed been changed, but in
a secular direction.
Each successive year, our major feasts are hijacked
by meaningless and vacuous sentimentality; the
individual rights and consciences
of Christians are increasingly under
threat; innocent life, marriage,
and a true liberal education are
constantly under public scrutiny by
illiberal political movements.
Let us seek the prayers of our
patron Blessed John Henry
Newman, along with those of Our
Lady of Walsingham, for the true
reconversion of these islands to the
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
faith.
Selection Conference
It is with joy and thanksgiving
that, after a weekend Selection
Deacon Shaun Morrison
Newman’s works stretch beyond
Conference in March, the following
his own time to our own and, when he is (hopefully) men were unanimously recommended for formation
canonised later this year, there will be a renewed to holy orders: Deacon Shaun Morrison (Walsingham)
interest in rediscovering his importance for our own and Keir Martland (Cambridge) for the priesthood,
time also. Authentic voices from the past do not cease and Stephen O’Connor (Manchester, New Moston) for
to be relevant with their passing, as is the case with the permanent diaconate.
most secular voices, but are added to the great deposit
of faith.
Please pray for these men as they now prepare for
a future of service in the Ordinariate of Our Lady of
His prayers for us English Christians should be Walsingham. More news on their plans next month.
sought, and are especially significant, for there is much
Fr Halsall is the Director of Vocations
to recover in the loss of Catholic belief and culture,
evangelisation, and ecumenical dialogue.
and Formation for the Ordinariate
Manning continues, looking forward to the possibility
of his sainthood as, “Whether Rome canonises him or
not, he will be canonised in the thoughts of pious people
of many creeds in England.” This is true; but I will not
therefore say that the mind of England is changed.
of Our Lady of Walsingham,
and is a member of the permanent
staff at Allen Hall Seminary.
He may be contacted as follows:
[email protected]