Beatification of John Henry Newman

25 Sunday 2010        Homily – Abbot Mark (Beatification of John Henry Newman)           11.00 am In the gospel today (Lk 16.1-13) we are shown the parable of the Unjust Steward who continued to look after his own needs when his dishonest actions were brought to light.  Scripture scholars give some interesting explanations as to why Jesus praises his behaviour when he seems to continue acting unjustly.  The point Jesus is making is that we should learn to use our natural abilities to resolve our problems whatever they are.  And he did say elsewhere, that we should be as cunning as snakes though remain as simple as doves. But today I want to speak about two other men who have used their talents to good effect not just for their own ends but for the glory of God.   Pope Benedict begins the final day of his visit to the UK.  In spite of so much negative reaction to his visit and against himself, there has been a great groundswell of appreciation of him and of what he has to say.  His is surely a timely message of how to respond to negative feelings and opinions that dog the path of anyone who tries to do something positive.   Like Pope Benedict, if we know or believe something to be the correct thing to do, we should not hold back but reasonably and carefully act for the good of others.  The Pope has steadfastly preached the good news in season and out.  He has had to deal with the dreadful cases of clerical sex abuse, the problems of ethical controversies worldwide, how to promote a just and compassionate society at home and the proper way to deal justly with the poorer countries of the world, as well as meeting their immediate basic needs. His words have not always been favourably welcomed.  But by faithfully sticking to his informed understanding of the problems facing the church and the world, he has managed to bring the general public round to listen to what he has to say.  There won’t be many instant conversions to his way of thinking but, hopefully, there will be a readiness to listen to what he has to say.  People need the time and opportunity if their lives are to grow into the truth.  The Holy Father himself will need time to respond to any open dialogue that may well come about after these few days and many meetings in Britain.  But there will always be contrary opinions in any debate.  All that we can try to do is to investigate a matter as thoroughly as we can, make the right decision as we see it and act on it in a way that respects the opinions of others.  That way has the hallmark of goodness and holiness about it.   This morning Pope Benedict has been carrying out the main task that he came to do while in Britain: the Beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman.  The pope has been a long-time admirer of Newman and his writings.  Not-surprisingly, Newman epitomises much of what Pope Benedict is trying to convey in his homilies and messages during this visit.  Everyone, not just Catholics and other Christians, he says, needs to listen to the truths Christ shows us in the gospel if we want to become fully human and helpful to others in society.  We all need to be receptive to the truth wherever it may be found.  Newman himself was such a seeker *Cardinal Newman’s whole life was governed by his search for truth and holiness.  In every event and circumstance he asked himself the simple but complex question: is this particular thing true?  Is it real?  Does it lead to holiness?  And if it is true, then it must be acted upon.  Newman sought the truth wherever it led and whatever the cost.  He suffered when he felt compelled to leave the Church of England and join the Catholic Church, and later he suffered within the Catholic Church when his views became unwelcomed.  Conscience was the guiding light which he saw as the primary, God-given, way to seek and find the truth.  Obedience to conscience was the supreme rule of life and one in which he found assurance and reliance on God’s mercy.  Though he was always loyal to his friends and commitments he would propose a toast to conscience first before allegiance to any other authority.   *Holiness for Newman was the sign of life in the Church.  It was the true test of her credibility.  The miracle of Newman is the moral miracle of his influence for good in the Church.  By his teaching and example he has transformed the lives of countless men and women, strengthened their faith, renewed their hope and deepened their love for others. Newman is not being beatified today because he was perfect.  Like all of us, he had his faults.  It is because he didn’t let  these get in the way of his search for truth, that he is being held up to us for our imitation. *John Henry Newman now enjoys the “safe lodging and holy rest” he earnestly prayed for.  May he intercede for us and help us to pray as he once did in these memorable words, “May Christ support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done!  Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last!” * Paragraph adapted from Blessed John Henry Newman, Fr Colm McKeating, Far East, Sept/Oct 2010, p.7)

20 September 2010 

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Pontiff's visit 'did Birmingham proud'

Organizers of the Pope's historic visit to Birmingham say it was a great success.

Father Richard Duffield said the Pope blessed the Oratory's cat during his visit

Pope Benedict XVI lead Mass at Cofton Park on Sunday at the culmination of his four-day UK state visit.

More than 50,000 people at the event witnessed the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, of Birmingham City Council, said putting on such a large event had "done the city proud".

Peter Jennings, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, said: "The whole visit itself has been a huge boost for everybody It's given new confidence to the Catholic Church and also to our relations with the Church of England and other churches."

Oratory cat

About 2,000 officers from West Midlands Police and other forces were on duty for one of the area's biggest security operations.

The Popemobile travelled from Cofton Park, near Longbridge, along Hagley Road, Edgbaston, to the Oratory, which was founded by Cardinal Newman.

Father Richard Duffield, Provost of the Birmingham Oratory, said the Pope met a group of parishioners there and also thanked workers at the Oratory.

He added the Pontiff had also given a blessing to the Oratory's cat.