The Ordinariate groups in the Southwest were privileged to organise a day conference on the New Evangelisation at St Mary's Abbey, Buckfast. We gathered at 10.15am for Mass, celebrated by Mgr Keith Newton, the Ordinary.
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| Mgr Newton celebrating mass, seen here with Fr Chinery |
It was an enormous pleasure to welcome Professor Tracey Rowland, from Melbourne, to address us on the topic. In the morning she gave a paper on Blessed John Henry Newman, in particular how his theological teaching had an enormous influence on continental catholicism and in particular the second Vatican council. The picture that Professor Rowland painted was quite staggering. Most of us had only a slight idea of how influential he had been.
In the afternoon Professor Rowland began to explain her understanding of the significance of the creation of the Ordinariate and how the Ordinariate might participate in the vision of the New Evangelisation. It was very humbling to hear how greatly she welcomed the Ordinariate, but we were also given plenty of food for reflection. (As we reflect upon her teaching I shall be sharing some thoughts on this blog. )
The day was rounded off with Evensong and Benediction, from the interim form the Ordinariate is privileged to be able to use.
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| Singing Evensong: the Ordinary with Fr Furness |
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| Censing of the Altar during the Magnificat: the Ordinary assisted by Br Leo and Michael Vian Clark |
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| The Benediction |
More photos of the day available here:
New Evangelisation Conference Photo Set
