THE
P RTAL
November 2015
Joanna Bogle looking back
and looking forward
2
015 marks five years since the State Visit of Pope
Auntie Jo a n
Autumn and
the Ordinariate
Page 4
Benedict XVI to Britain. His name will be for ever associated
with the Ordinariate – which he established and founded for us
– and with it of course is linked the name of Blessed John Henry
Newman. Formally declaring Newman Blessed was the climax of Pope
Benedict’s visit.
An unforgettable scene: a vast crowd at Cofton Park,
a massed choir including pupils from the school he
founded, the Archbishop of Birmingham presenting
the Pope with a specially-bound edition of Newman’s
writings, and the sound of thousands of voices raised
in his great hymn “Praise to the Holiest in the height/
And in the depths be praise...”
Blessed Sacrament Procession
Five years on, the Papal Visit and Newman’s
beatification were honoured with what has now become
an annual event – a Blessed Sacrament Procession
through London (below). It was led this year by Bishop
Nicholas Hudson, and Catholics from across London
took part, including, of course, Ordinariate members.
na
wri tes
LOGS pilgrimage
Still in the spirit of celebration, London and Croydon
members of LOGS (the Ladies Ordinariate Group)
went on pilgrimage to Birmingham the following
Saturday, to visit the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. These are, of course, the Sisters from Wantage
who, under the leadership of Mother Winsome, joined
the Ordinariate and now have a home right next to
Newman’s one-time refuge at Old Oscott Hill.
We had a happy day with the Sisters, joining them
for their midday Office and then hearing their story as
we sat in their welcoming parlour. Mother Winsome,
herself a South Londoner brought up in Thornton
Heath on the outskirts of Croydon, was glad to meet
people from her home territory and there was a general
feeling of all belonging very much together.
Maryvale
The LOGS then went on to visit Maryvale, the
house where Newman lived after first joining the
Catholic Church. Owned by a recusant family, Old
Oscott House has a strong Catholic history: it was
Newman who gave it the name Maryvale and it is now
a study centre where many – including your Portal
correspondent – have gained degrees. It was a joy to be
welcomed by the Brigettine sisters who run the house,
In fact it was an Ordinariate priest, Fr Christopher to pray in the lovely chapel, to have tea and cakes, and
Pearson, who carried the papal flag at the head of to view the various Newman exhibits including his
the procession, a marker for the great crowd to letters on display in the hall.
follow as it made its way down Ambrosden Avenue
from Westminster Cathedral, across the Thames at The Man who gave us Narnia
Lambeth Bridge, and along through Southwark to St
And now it’s November. Mark this date: TUESDAY
George’s Cathedral. Here, substantial roadworks made NOVEMBER 2nd, 6.30pm, Precious Blood Church,
a detour necessary, going down King Edward’s Road The Borough, London Bridge. LOGS invite you to a
and up along the side of the great cathedral – I hadn’t talk on “CS Lewis - The Man who gave us Narnia”. The
actually appreciated its considerable size before – and speaker is Philip van der Elst who has written a
then finally in at the main doors for a magnificent biography of Lewis. All will be most welcome and light
Benediction.
refreshments will follow.
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