12.30.11 Big News for Converts from Anglicanism!

by Father Ernie Davis www.PrayTheMass.org The January 1, 2012 erection of an official Ordinariate in North America for Catholics from Anglican backgrounds can be celebrated by all Catholics who love liturgy. When Pope Benedict XVI established the apostolic constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, he boldly hoped that Anglicans entering the full communion of the Catholic Church would maintain some of their liturgical, spiritual and pastoral traditions as a treasure to be shared. Pope Benedicts courageous faith envisioned that the Catholic Church will be enriched by a mutual sharing of rich Anglican and Catholic traditions. As a Catholic priest from an Anglican background, I give thanks for the clarity, depth and breadth of the Catholic faith that is expressed in the Catholic liturgy. Where Anglicanism is fuzzy in its Eucharistic theology, Catholicism is crisp and clear. Where Anglicanism suffers her sad decline caused by an emphasis on style and taste over substance, Catholicism at its best is substantial, nourishing and enduring. Anglicanism has much to offer, as well as to receive, from the Catholic Church. Anglicanism has been celebrating her liturgies in the vernacular for almost 500 years. I have always wondered why liturgists from the 1970s did not look to the example of Anglicanism to see how the Missal of Paul VI could be translated into English. Admittedly much of Anglicanisms traditional English is more than a bit antique and unsuited for general usage. However the dignity, richness, and cadences of the English language used in the Anglican liturgical tradition long ago achieved many of the goals set for the new translation of the new Roman Missal. Since the Reformation Anglicans have slowly recovered much of the English and Catholic heritage jettisoned in the 16th century and have also maintained some jettisoned by Catholics in the mid-20th. Anyone thumbing through the Episcopal Hymnals in the 1940 or 1982 editions will be amazed simply at the number, quality and depth of texts and tunes. Many of the riches of the Latin musical and hymn tradition were skillfully translated in English and can be restored to the common usage of the church. In its recovery from the Reformation Anglicanism had to relearn sacristy and sanctuary traditions, and having learned them she has maintained them, and can teach again to others. When the Ordinariate is erected, many of the new Catholics from the Anglican tradition may feel stunned and wounded. Many congregations in the Ordinariate will be small and fragile and could easily become isolated or disappear if left to find their own way. If they have treasures with them, they may be hidden away, like jewels hidden in the lining of an old coat. Catholics would do well to welcome them and to share their own treasures with the newcomers. Many of these communities will need to be fleshed out. Catholics ready for the adventure of starting a new community, who may be tired of the anonymity of huge parishes, would find a warm welcome if you offer to lend a hand. When you see news of a new community of Catholics from the Anglican tradition being formed by the Ordinariate in your area, why not pay them a visit and offer them your encouragement? If you are so moved, you might also offer to join with them for a period of time, to help them get their feet on the ground, to help strengthen their community, to establish relationships with the wider Catholic Church, and to learn how to become better Catholics. In doing so you would be answering a call from Christ himself to build his Church and heal

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divisions. You would also be taking part in a historic movement that realizes Pope Benedicts dream of a mutual sharing of treasures.