The Pope's Visit

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

His Holiness ------ although all-powerful and infallible (On Doctrine) has always had a problem with the Curia

The "Machinery" of the Vatican, has changed little over the centuries, and exerts a tremendous influence over "Church Matters"

The present Pope was, in fact, part of this, as "The Enforcer"

"Discuss"----- ?

[Angela Woodford]

the Pope making Newman a saint is a pretty ironic turn of events. His Catholic years were full of endless papal denouncements, controversies with Catholic Bishops over issues like Catholic children being allowed into Oxford, and the whole question of Ultramontanism causing him no end of problems.

Seems to be the archetypal story of "idealist, meet the cricket bat of reality" all over again. Although he felt more at home with the services than the Anglican ones, he was constantly hampered by the machinations of his superiors blocking his every move. Unanswered letters from the guys he put in charge of the Birmingham Oratory and the Catholic University he set up in Ireland, a virtual all out war of doctrine with Cardinal Manning over the fact that access to Oxford from the school there would be blocked, causing Newman to complain that he could think of no greater disincentive for any child attending the school.The power struggle he was forced to engage in with Faber at the London Oratory, when Faber started to include the Birmingham one in his requests for Papal advice on various issues.

Brilliant, Alan.

I don't suppose you'll be at Old Blues Day next year? I should really appreciate being able to pick your brain.

Which Newman biography would you especially recommend? The local librarian gave me a bit of a strange look...

Newman is an extraordinarily interesting person.

[J.R.]

The pope is a papist..........

DISCUSS................

[Angela Woodford]

I'll whizz to Facebook, Alan! I hope the name is the same... Thank you!

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

I Alan --f you ARE to be at Old Blues's Day next year --- I won't try tp pick your brains (I ain't clever enough !) but I should very much like to buy you a drink, if only at the Bax Arms --- or some other local Hostlery -- in recognition of your erudite explanations !!