BIRMINGHAM, England, SEPT 19, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI took leave of the United Kingdom today, entrusting before he left two particular tasks to the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales.
The final activity on the Pope’s tightly-packed agenda was a meeting with the prelates at St. Mary’s College seminary, an architecturally magnificent site rich in the history of the Catholic renewal in England after centuries of persecution.
Following his meeting with the bishops, the Holy Father had just one more address — at the airport — before he left for Rome after an intense four-day visit.
He concluded his talk with the bishops by pointing to “two specific matters that affect your episcopal ministry at this time.”
New translation
The first is the new translation of the Roman Missal.
After thanking the bishops for their work in reviewing and approving the texts, he urged the prelates to “seize the opportunity that the new translation offers for in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration.”
Citing “Sacramentum Caritatis,” the Holy Father said, “The more lively the Eucharistic faith of the people of God, the deeper is its sharing in ecclesial life in steadfast commitment to the mission entrusted by Christ to his disciples.”
The new translation was approved by the Vatican in July.
Generous with Anglicans
“The other matter,” Benedict XVI continued, is a request to “be generous in implementing the apostolic constitution ‘Anglicanorum Coetibus.'”
That November 2009 document provides for Anglicans to come in groups into full communion with Rome.
“This should be seen as a prophetic gesture that can contribute positively to the developing relations between Anglicans and Catholics,” the Pope said. “It helps us to set our sights on the ultimate goal of all ecumenical activity: the restoration of full ecclesial communion in the context of which the mutual exchange of gifts from our respective spiritual patrimonies serves as an enrichment to us all.”
“Let us continue to pray and work unceasingly in order to hasten the joyful day when that goal can be accomplished.”
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full text: www.zenit.org/article-30416?l=english
