Reflections on an early start.

We have recently discovered that those who are attending the Mass at which Pope Benedict will beatify Cardinal Newman will need to start their journeys very early on the Sunday Morning. Our Vocations Director, Father David Cain, who is masterminding our Nottingham Diocesan arrangements for the papal visit offers the following reflection on the early start:

The act of witness to their faith that pilgrims will show in order to participate in the Papal Beatification Mass, at Cofton Park, will be tremendous.  Admittedly, we may not be in quite the same league as the Martyrs of England and Wales who often shared our early start to the day before going to their torture and death.  We don't quite feel the daily sting of persecution for our faith as Catholics in China or parts of the Middle East nor do we have quite the distances to walk that many Catholics in South America and Africa have to face in order to participate in their single monthly Mass.  However, there are many Catholics in our country who face hardship in their work place because of their desire to witness to their faith and these stories are often not recorded but they maintain a quiet dignity.

My belief is that just like the tens of thousands of elderly, children and people with disabilities who stayed out over night to witness to their faith in Coventry in 1982 so too will the thousands of pilgrims from the Nottingham Diocese, and beyond, be a fantastic witnesses to their faith.  The loyalty shown by those setting off at 1.30am for those in Scunthorpe, 2.00am for those in Lincoln and 3.45am for those in Derby, Nottingham and Leicester is wonderful.  Our Pilgrims will ensure that the lyrics of many of our hymns and prayers that speak of our faithful witness, are not just words but are a lived reality even if it involves a huge sacrifice for a one off occasion.  If pilgrims wanted comfort they would have gone to a health spa or beach for the day but instead they've signed up for a pilgrimage adventure.

On the Sunday morning of September the 19th I'll be on the local radio stations saying exactly what I've said just here.  Catholics in this country are as tough as we've ever been we just don't often get the opportunity to publicly witness to our faith.  We celebrate the Beatification of John Henry Newman who gave up his status to follow his heart and mind and who leads us in this witness.   The Papal Visit is our opportunity and we're certainly up for the challenge, in fact we welcome it.

Cardinal Newman