Just a few hours ago I returned from meeting with the members of the House of Bishops, Anglican Church in America. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them, and we spoke extensively about the implementation of the Holy Father's Apostolic Constitution, Anglicanorum coetibus. It was immediately evident that our common hope should become a common effort, and so the request being made to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith is a joint request.
Of course, our situation in the Anglican Use is somewhat different from that of the ACA. Our clergy and parishes are ready to act immediately because we are already in communion with the Holy See, whereas the Anglican bishops have a process to follow to reach that point with their parishes. For some of them, it will happen quickly; for others it will take longer. But we all agreed that having an Ordinariate "up and running" will allow them to enter it when each one is ready.
Entering into this closer relationship between the ACA and the Anglican Use parishes is a welcome gift from God. We've needed to get know one another as we prepare to become a "blended family" in the Ordinariate. I'm looking forward to having more occasions to be together. And let's all pray for the speedy implementation of Anglicanorum coetibus.
Was there an FIF presence also Father?
Yes, Bishop John Broadhurst from London
The word is already out…
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/anglicans_request_1st_personal_ordinariate_for_the_u.s
It was a pleasure and a blessing to have you with us at the Cathedral, and spend time getting to know each other better. It is my sincere hope and prayer that we will soon share an altar together and work together to reach out to the world with the fullness of the faith.
I'm looking forward to the day when I can come visit you and experience the wonderful Texas hospitality that you brag about.
Dear Fr. Mark,
San Antonio (which is where I hail from originally) is great, of course, what with the missions, the Alamo, the Tex-Mex food, and so forth, but when you come to Texas you need to come over here to Houston, too. You will be very welcome and there are a few points of interest (e.g., NASA if you hurry) here in addition to Our Lady of Walsingham, and we have our own version of Tex-Mex, too.
All the best,
Woody Jones
I am somewhat familiar with the Texas style of hospitality as I spent three years in Abilene while in the Air Force. But I look forward to some day seeing which is better, the San Antonio way or the Houston way. If and when I do get to visit the great state of Texas again, it seems that I will be the big winner in this friendly competition.
Regardless of how that shakes out, I most look forward to one day sharing altars with all of my new church family in Texas.
To God be the glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!