Recently I wondered whether it was now open season on Bishop Davies since he had been publicly criticised by a fellow Bishop and by a Heythrop theologian because of his remarks in a pastoral sermon to young people. One of the objections pointed to the cultural obstacles in the way of young Catholics today. This was described as a persecution complex.
After reading the homily of Bishop Davies, I found a report of a homily from Archbishop Mennini, delivered at Stonyhurst a few days earlier, on the feast of St Edmund Campion. (See Professing the Faith in our Country is not likely to become easier – UK Papal Nuncio.) In the course of his excellent homily, which demonstrated a familiarity with, and admiration of, the life of St Edmund Campion, he said:
We do well to reflect on the call to fidelity and constancy exemplified by Saint Edmund Campion and the many martyrs of England and Wales, and as we give thanks, we cannot fail to realise too, that professing the Faith in our Country is not likely to become easier for us.Yet no English bishop or professional theologian seems to have criticised him for having a "persecution complex." Funny that. In any case, thanks be to God for a Nuncio who recognises what is going on.
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This, I'm afraid, is a good example of what it takes to succeed on the ecclesiastical greasy pole. Stamp down on those who threaten your place on it; make sure you don't annoy those who manage the pole. All too common, I'm afraid.
The English bishops out on the grade-school playground of their church now only pick on the kid they think they can beat up for a tube pass, or whose lunch money they think they can steal to buy cigarettes with. A Papal Nuncio is like a college football player, and bending his arm behind his back and trying to make him say uncle is going to get you kicked somewhere where it really, really hurts. They know much better than to mess with a Nuncio. They only pick on those they think are weaker than themselves.
I noted with interest the second last paragraph of His Excellency's sermon: "WE do well to reflect on the call to fidelity and constancy exemplified by Saint Edmund Campion and the many martyrs of England and Wales, and as WE give thanks, WE cannot fail to realise too, that professing the Faith in OUR Country is not likely to become easier for US."
Although, of course, Mgr Mennini was speaking in England (in English!) in an English school and although he was speaking of an English martyr, it is important to recognise that he is now actively thinking of himself as one of US -- English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish (2/3 of Ulster).
A good sign, if not necessarily for the various hierarchies!
I don't know whether the picture is of the occasion when the sermon was delivered. If it is, then my opinion of Stonyhurst raised a few notches.
Note the vestments, the youth and deportment of the deacons and apparently an eastward facing altar.
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