“The Holy Father has given us fresh courage to witness to the truth of the Gospel and to speak out against all that demeans human beings within our society,” emphasised the Archbishop in the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham.

“Pope Benedict has also given us Blessed John Henry Newman as someone to whom we can relate as we look for the kindly light of faith to help us negotiate our way through the complexities of contemporary life. Cardinal Newman reflected on the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of our Lady in the context of his own journey of faith in becoming a Catholic,” added Archbishop Longley.

His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Emeritus Archbishop of Westminster, who Presided at the Mass, reminded the congregation that he was present exactly one year earlier at the Installation of Archbishop Longley. “Now a year later I am back to see how he is getting on and he is doing very well,” said the Cardinal.

Father Longley was Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by the then Bishop Murphy-O’Connor of Arundel and Brighton on 16 December 1980, as a priest of that diocese. His Episcopal Ordination by Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor took place in Westminster Cathedral on 24 January 2003 – following the announcement that Pope John Paul II had appointed him an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Westminster.

It was a bitterly cold morning outside St Chad’s Cathedral. Inside a crescendo of sound filled this great Pugin architectural jewel, situated near Birmingham city centre, as everyone joined in singing Blessed John Henry Newman’s famous hymn ‘Praise to the Holiest in the Height’, from his poem ‘The Dream of Gerontius’, set to music by Sir Edward Elgar.

It brought back vivid memories of the Papal Mass and Cardinal Newman’s beatification ceremony by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park in Birmingham less then 12 weeks earlier on Sunday 19 September.

At the start of Mass Archbishop Bernard Longley installed Father Gerry Breen, the Cathedral Dean, as a Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter of St Chad’s Cathedral.

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To a society that often fails to distinguish between freedom and licence, yet is deeply concerned for human rights and justice, on his arrival at Compostella airport the Holy Father declared:

“In his deepest being, man is always on a journey, ever in search of truth… I too wish to encourage Spain and Europe to build their present and to project their future on the basis of the authentic truth about man, on the basis of the freedom which respects this truth and never harms it, and on the basis of justice for all, beginning with the poorest and the most defenceless, a Spain and a Europe concerned not only with people’s material needs but also with their moral and social, spiritual and religious needs, since all these are genuine requirements of our common humanity and only in this way can work be done effectively, integrally and fruitfully for man’s good”.

If any statement can be said to summarise the content and significance of the Pope’s visit to Spain, this is it! Yet he goes one step further:

“The Church, which desires to serve unreservedly the human person and his dignity, stands at the service of both truth and freedom. She cannot renounce either, because what is at stake is man himself.”

Recalling the struggles and bloodshed of Spain’s Civil War, Pope Benedict thus shows that there is something deeper and more important than the fight for civil liberties, vital as they are. What is the absolute crux of the matter is the freedom of the human heart, “because without this aspiration for truth, justice and freedom, man would lose his very self”.

The Pope returned to this theme at Compostella, the burial place of the Apostle St James, who gave his life for the freedom to preach the Word of God.

“The Europe of civilization and culture must be open to the fraternity with other Continents…” to “the true and living God…” and abandon the “tragic belief that God is somehow man’s antagonist and an enemy of his freedom”.

The relationship between God and humanity is fundamental to any understanding and appreciation of the meaning of life. Freedom without God is false. Society cannot relegate religious belief to the private and the hidden, because it will never reach the enlightenment for which it searches:

“God is the origin of our being and the foundation and apex of our freedom, not its opponent. How can mortal man build a firm foundation and how can the sinner be reconciled with himself? How can it be that there is public silence with regard to the first and essential reality of human life? How can what is most decisive in life be confined to the purely private sphere or banished to the shadows? We cannot live in darkness, without seeing the light of the sun. How is it then that God, who is the light of every mind, the power of every will and the magnet of every heart, be denied the right to propose the light that dissipates all darkness?”

Again and again, Pope Benedict has, in the five years of his papacy, emphasised that if God is given priority, everything else falls into place:

“One cannot worship God without taking care of his sons and daughters…”

The Holy Father’s message, in imitation of that which St James bore to the people of Spain, goes beyond national borders: it embraces all aspects of life, culture and civilisation. Social progress is possible only as a result of openness to God. The Church is thus promoting freedom, not restricting it.

“The Europe of science and technology, the Europe of civilization and culture, must be at the same time a Europe open to transcendence and fraternity with other continents, and open to the living and true God, starting with the living and true man. This is what the Church wishes to contribute to Europe: to be watchful for God and for man, based on the understanding of both which is offered to us in Jesus Christ.”

Since his election to the See of Peter, Pope Benedict’s constant theme has been the importance of truth in the ongoing search for freedom. In stressing that: “One can not live without truth and freedom”, he is pointing to all that is fundamental to the culture of Europe… but Europe needs to open its eyes and rediscover God.

By Sister Janet Fearns, Missio

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In a joint letter sent to organising teams from across Scotland they say;

“To all of the people of our beloved Scotland, who made the successor of Peter an honorary Scot for the day, we say, ‘Thank you from the bottom of our heart.'”

The message gives special praise to the broadcast and print media in Scotland thanking journalists for their “expertise and commitment in relaying the Pope’s message to the people of Scotland”

Full text

MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND

On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who made the visit of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to our country such a happy and memorable day. Months of preparation and hard work involved countless agencies and thousands of individuals. To each and every one of you our sincere thanks are due for the contribution you made to the resounding success of the day.

In a special way we wish to express our gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen who received the Holy Father so graciously as soon as he arrived in Scotland. We wish also to put on record our deep appreciation of the support of the UK Government, the Scottish Government, the City of Edinburgh Council and Glasgow City Council for their warm support and co-operation in the planning and delivery of a “day of days” which allowed 200,000 people to see the Holy Father in person during his day in Scotland.

Special thanks are also due to the police, fire and ambulance services, the NHS, the travel companies, Strathclyde Passenger Transport, Scotrail and Stagecoach, who co-ordinated the travel plan, as well as DF Concerts our event managers in Bellahouston Park.

We wish to acknowledge too, the very positive coverage given to the Holy Father’s time in Scotland by the broadcast and print media. Their expertise and commitment in relaying the Pope’s message to the people of Scotland was greatly appreciated.

To all the priests, deacons, religious and lay people who helped plan and support the visit, to parish pilgrim leaders who worked so hard to bring pilgrims from every corner of our land to Edinburgh and Glasgow and guide them safely home; to the teachers who planned lessons and accompanied pupils on the big day; to those who took part in the pre and post-event schedule in Glasgow or the St Ninian’s Day Parade in Edinburgh; to those who volunteered to work on the day of the visit as helpers and stewards either in Edinburgh or Glasgow and to all those who followed the events either in person or via radio, television or the internet, we wish to express our thanks and appreciation. In a special way we wish to thank the members of other churches and faith communities who joined us in welcoming the Holy Father to Scotland.

The planning, preparation and forethought which went into each step on this Apostolic journey were quite immense and it is thanks to the contributions of so many that the day was such a resounding success. The success of the visit is a success of which all Scotland can be proud. Scotland enjoyed a day in the sun last Thursday, we showed a spectacularly welcoming face to the Pope and the world and reminded all those watching that the Catholic faith in Scotland lives and flourishes even in these often faithless times.

To all of the people of our beloved Scotland, who made the successor of Peter an honorary Scot for the day, we say, “Thank you from the bottom of our heart.”

+Keith Patrick Cardinal O’Brien
Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh
President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

+Mario Joseph Conti
Archbishop of Glasgow
Vice President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

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Full text

To the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

I am writing to thank you most sincerely for all that you and your brother bishops in England and Wales did to make my first official visit in the United Kingdom such a success. Please extend my thanks to the civil and ecclesiastical authorities who worked so diligently to render my Visit to England so fruitful. I would ask in particular that you convey my affectionate greeting to the people of London who welcomed me so warmly.

I am very conscious of the significance of the events of those days and the unprecedented opportunities afforded me, both by Her Majesty’s Government and by the Church of England, to build new relationships and to strengthen existing ones, including with representatives of other religions. It was particularly moving for me personally to preside at the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman. Finally, I am grateful for Your Grace’s hospitality at Westminster and for the welcome afforded me by the faithful of London, especially the young people and the elderly.

Invoking the intercession of Saint George and Saint David, patrons of England and Wales, I willingly impart to you and to the bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful in England and Wales my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of grace and peace.

From the Vatican, 1 October 2010

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Before he gave the final blessing at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Visit, Archbishop Nichols held up a copy of the book: Benedict XVI and Blessed John Henry Newman, The State Visit – The Official Record.

The Archbishop, President of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, expressed his delight and gratitude. He said: “It is my great pleasure to present to you this Official Record of the Papal Visit. It is a very beautiful production.

“I am grateful to The Catholic Truth Society and to its author Mr Peter Jennings for the work that they have done at great speed but with great care, to produce a really outstanding Official Record of the visit of Pope Benedict.”

Archbishop Vincent Nichols added: “I thank those who have produced the book and I commend it to you all as a worthy record of a most memorable Papal Visit.”

Following Mass in the Cathedral, packed to capacity for the Saturday morning occasion, Archbishop Nichols visited the CTS Bookshop in the Piazza where he signed more than 200 copies of the book for customers in less than a hour. More than 5,000 copies of the first impression of the book have already been pre-ordered.

Earlier Archbishop Nichols had been presented with the first copy of the book by its editor Peter Jennings, at Archbishop’s House.

In Birmingham the following day, Sunday 10 October, Peter Jennings presented a copy of the book to the Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham.

Archbishop Longley said: “This beautifully and skilfully produced Official Record of the Papal Visit will bring to mind the most vivid memories of a remarkable four days for the Catholic Church in Scotland, England and Wales.

“The series of thoughtful and insightful reflections will help us deepen our understanding of the lasting importance of Pope Benedict’s Visit and Cardinal Newman’s Beatification.”

“I add my thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in preparing and publishing the Official Record so soon after the Holy Father’s visit to us.”

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In a special video reflection, the Archbishop of Westminster spoke enthusiastically about the four days of “joy and happiness” and highlighted some of the Holy Father’s key messages:

“He said to us: ‘Be witnesses to the beauty of holiness, the splendour of the truth and the joy and freedom born of a relationship with Christ’. That’s the sentence I suggest we ponder as a great gift from the Holy Father – the beauty of Holiness – that’s the holiness of God that can be born in us when we’re open to the mystery of God.”

Archbishop Nichols goes on to discuss the Hyde Park evening Vigil as a profound, grace-filled occasion:

“I can never forget that sense of 80-90,000 people in total silence in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in Hyde Park. It was something beyond words – the fruit of a lot of prayer and a moment of profound grace. It shows the beauty of holiness.”

The Archbishop, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, encouraged Catholics to be inspired by Pope Benedict’s visit to be more confident in their faith:

“Let it show. Wish people God Bless at the end of a conversation. Offer to pray for them – especially if they’re having a hard time, and don’t be afraid to use the signs of faith like a simple sign of the Cross at home at the beginning and end of the day with those you live with – those in your family.”

Watch

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Gerontius is an oratorio – a musical composition for solo voices, chorus, orchestra, and organ – and was composed in two parts by Edward Elgar in 1900.

Elgar composed the oratorio using text from the poem by Cardinal Newman. It relates the journey of a pious man’s soul from his deathbed to his judgment before God and settling into Purgatory. It is widely regarded as Elgar’s finest choral work.

It was composed for the Birmingham Music Festival of 1900 and first performed on 3 October in Birmingham Town Hall.

On 18 September, almost a hundred and ten years later, the Ex Cathedra XL Choir and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment will perform The Dream of Gerontius using period instruments in the recently restored venue where it was premiered.

Newman lived and died in Birmingham and founded the UK branch of the Oratory movement in the city.

Performers

Ex Cathedra XL Choir
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor)
Anna Stephany (mezzo soprano)
Adrian Thompson (tenor)
Roderick Williams (bass)

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Delegates will hear four unique assessments of Newman, and then receive a free copy of the wonderfully illustrated official beatification biography – written by one of the speakers.

The Conference is an important opportunity to hear four world-class Newman scholars and biographers talk about the man, the message and his enduring significance.

Delegates will have the opportunity for extended discussion with the speakers at this event, both during the conference and over lunch, which is included.

The event starts at 9am and finishes at 4pm. Delegates are invited to a post-conference civic reception with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham at which an exhibition on Newman will be opened and some items of Newman’s possession, and some items in the City collection, will be on display for the first time.

At 5.30pm there will be a special performance of the Dream of Gerontius by the Birmingham-based Ex Cathedra choir and the Orchestra of the age of Englightenment, using period instruments, in Birmingham Town Hall, where the Dream was originally first performed. The original Elgar score signed by the first performers will be on display.

When

Saturday 18 September 2010
9am – 4pm
International Convention Centre, Birmingham

How do I book?

Ticket bookings for the conference and also for Dream of Gerontius can be made through the Birmingham Town Hall Box Office www.thsh.co.uk or 0121 780 3333

If you are calling from outside the UK the number for bookings is: +44 121 780 3333

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The two £1.50 special stamps received Royal Approval from HM The Queen and include the Royal Cipher.

The miniature sheet is being issued to commemorate the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom, 16-19 September, and the Beatification of Cardinal Newman, 1801-1890, at Cofton Park, Birmingham, on Sunday 19 September.

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins is now working with the Vatican Post Office to produce a limited edition souvenir first day cover and joint special hand stamp postmark to commemorate the Beatification of Cardinal Newman on 19 September 2010.

The left hand stamp depicts a previously unknown original photograph of Cardinal Newman taken by H J Whitlock, Photographers, New Street, Birmingham, and was signed for a visitor by Cardinal Newman, aged 82, at the Oratory House on Passion Sunday, 11 March 1883.

The right hand stamp shows an original photograph of Dr Newman taken c. 1866 by McLean & Haes, Photographers, Haymarket, London.

The picture of Pope Benedict XVI by this correspondent on the stamp label was taken during a General Audience in St Peter’s Square, Rome on Wednesday 10 June 2009.

John Henry Newman was the greatest English religious figure of the 19th century. Today he is known world-wide as one of the foremost theologians of the Catholic Church and a prolific writer – he left more than 30,000 letters – but most of all he is revered as a much loved holy parish priest in Birmingham. Cardinal Newman died in his room at the Oratory House, Edgbaston, aged 89, on Monday 11 August 1890.

The miniature sheet, a presentation pack and a first day cover and insert were printed well ahead of the four-day visit of Pope Benedict to Scotland and England and before the announcement on 24 June that the Holy See had requested a change of venue for the Beatification of Cardinal Newman from Coventry Airport to Cofton Park in Birmingham.

The miniature sheet wrongly refers to the beatification of Cardinal Newman taking place: “at Coventry Airport, 19 September 2010.”

These special stamps depicting Cardinal Newman will be collected and treasured by stamp collectors and non collectors alike throughout the world. The inclusion of the Coventry Airport venue will add philatelic interest.

The commemorative stamps and related products were the idea of Peter Jennings, a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, who wrote the text and supplied the pictures to Isle for Man Stamps and Coins and worked with designer Stacey Smith at Isle of Man Advertising & PR Ltd.

The miniature sheet was launched by Archbishop Bernard Longley at the end of a press conference about the Papal Visit to the Archdiocese of Birmingham held at Cathedral House, Birmingham, on Friday 23 July.

Archbishop Longley said: “Once again postage stamps show their remarkable ability to inform and raise people’s awareness of historic celebrations or important national and local events.

“Isle of Man Stamps and Coins are to be congratulated on these engaging and imaginative stamps included in a special miniature sheet to commemorate the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI and the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

“This is first time that that a Pope has been welcomed to the United Kingdom on a State Visit and these stamps highlight the importance of such a visit for UK and Isle of Man citizens within and beyond the Catholic Church.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham added: “The Beatification of Cardinal Newman promotes this man of God as an example of holiness and as the bearer of truth. He is a figure of international significance and these Isle of Man stamps will introduce Cardinal Newman and his witness to goodness and truth, to many people throughout the world who may not yet know him.”

The back of the special first day cover includes a specially written “Welcome to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI” by Cardinal Keith O’Brien and Archbishop Vincent Nichols.

More information on Isle of Man Stamps and Coins can be found on this website: www.gov.im/post

Image

The Isle of Man special miniature sheet and presentation pack to be issued on 11 August to commemorate the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI and the Beatification of Cardinal Newman.

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Award-winning Scottish graphic designer Gregory Millar produced the logo that combines the Papal cross with the St Andrew’s cross. The quotation that circles the design is taken from Pope Benedict’s Address to Young People in the USA in 2008.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien says of it: “The design by Scottish designer Gregory Millar is both striking and symbolic, it is a fitting emblem for a historic visit.”

Gregory Millar describes how he approached the organisers of the Scottish leg of the visit: “I put forward my idea for the Papal logo speculatively to the organising committee, not thinking I would hear back,” he said. “But I was informed that they had officially adopted my design. It’s a huge honour. As a practising Catholic, I am delighted to be associated with first the Papal visit to Scotland since 1982.”

Gregory Millar’s work has won and been nominated for serveral creative industry awards. He previously worked for the BBC designing logos for programmes such as Match of the Day and Top of the Pops.

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