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Original poster

Really moved by reaction of faithful to the Pope.

443 replies

bamboostalks · 17/09/2010 08:29

Realise that there is a huge amount of negativity and vitriol on here atm with regards to the Pope's visit. However mumsnet is for all and there are plenty of Catholics who are pleased to see him here. This is a thread to celebrate this. I was really moved at the reaction of people in Glasgow yesterday. It was so emotional to see the babies hepd up for his blessing, he really did radiate a serene presence. Love his message as well, it is time to be proud to be a Christian. Hope all those going to see him have a fantastic time.

OP posts:
daftpunk · 23/09/2010 20:06

Po;

Are you catholic?

NonnoMum · 23/09/2010 20:06

Anyway, back to the OP.

Yes, was really quite moved by the Pope's visit. Interestingly, 100 times more people went out to see him than to protest about him.

And thought the BBC coverage was very fair.

And, historically, meeting Rowan Williams etc - you could say it's been 500 years in the waiting.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 20:07

Erm, Onagar, just to point out that "Even Freddo" said that one translation of the bible said that, and it was not directed to Christians or anyone in recent history...

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 20:09

Yes Nonno, I was totally impressed with the BBC - not at all what I was expecting from them! Did you see the BBC2 prog reviewing the whole visit on Monday night? Excellent TV imo.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 20:28

Wisteriawoman Father Mychal Judge - wow!!! I am going to try and get hold of the book about him. Your posting is actually the answer to my prayers as I've been wanting so much to read about a prominent catholic figure who was gay by his own admission but lived his life to the full according to church teaching. Things could really move forward if more people like him were brought out into the open by the church (who I do admit are frightened to do so) it will only happen if science finds definite proof that people are "born gay" imo (which I believe they will). I note on wiki that judge disagreed with the vatican re homosexuality and I'm most interested to read more on what he says about it.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 20:29

Oooh and he was a Fransiscan Friar - they are fab Grin

Original poster
bamboostalks · 23/09/2010 20:38

I thought the meeting between Rowan Williams and the Pope was so moving, you could feel the genuine respeect and affection, I wish these churches could be reunited.

OP posts:
wisteriawoman · 23/09/2010 20:59

HI Freddo
Glad that you like the info about Father Mychal. He sounded such a great guy. I've printed out the prayer card from one of the websites - just cause I think they're great quotes.

Re: Catholic journalism - I've been looking at the Catholic Herald which seems ok - at least any article by Mark Dowd seems sensible.

Thanks for offering to answer my "daft" questions. Here's something that I dont understand.... How is it in the catholic faith you can pray for someone (usually a saint) to intercede on your behalf. It seems err - a bit idolatrous IMO. What's wrong with going direct so to speak without the middleman / woman! ?

BTW when I say I"m a lapsed Catholic, I was baptised RC but never educated in the faith so I'm really clueless on the small print.

NonnoMum · 23/09/2010 21:22

Wisteria - think the praying to saint thing is like asking them to "put a word in" for you...

Like asking your form teacher (that easy-going NQT) to speak to the Head for you.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 21:30

Exactly Nonno. You may find a saint that you feel you can really relate to and have a lot in common with or just really admire so you might find them "easier to talk to" than God himself who sometimes can seem a bit of a remote and complex figure! Mary, as the mother of God, is considered by the catholic church to be the closest saint to God and also the ultimate 'mother' figure. It's a common mistake for people to think Catholics pray to Mary but we don't, we pray 'through' her. You can of course pray straight to God if that's what you prefer.

I haven't read any British Catholic journalism for a while now, will give the Herald another look.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 21:32

Am interested to know bamboo exactly what people mean by the churches being 'reunited'. Do they mean effectively turning back into one church?

wisteriawoman · 23/09/2010 21:34

Thanks for that answer - it makes sense now.
So who's your favourite saint? _( This sounds like a question Dougal would ask Father Ted!!)

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 21:47

It changes from week to week Dougal! Wink I think I'm actually still searching for my overall favourite, but there are quite literally hundreds I admire. St Francis of Assissi, Father Damien, Mother Teresa (who has received a lot of bad press lately - all rubbish imo!), St. Gianna Beretta Molla to name a few. Also, quite unusually I think, St. Apollonia - she always seems to help me when I go to the dentist Smile

PaulineCampbellJones · 23/09/2010 21:54

I tend to pray to St Jude (patron saint of lost causes) and St Anthony (patron saint of lost things) more than most! Grin

wisteriawoman · 23/09/2010 21:57

Who's the patron saint of housework? There must be one and I need all the help I can get.

Second question that's always baffled me --- purgatory. Now what's that all about? My understanding is you sit in limbo land until the day of judgement.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 22:07

St Anthony is a great one Pauline... it really works!!

Purgatory is a BIG BIG question and i can only give you what is my own personal opinion about it. I've been most impressed by Cardinal Newman's writings on it, which for obvious reasons I've been trying to read lately.

He said then when we die and meet God we will at once be completely filled with pure joy because we'll see how wonderful he is and all our doubts and fears will vanish. at the same time though we'll be so full of shame at not having lived our lives in the best way possible and completely inadequate to be among all these saints! Purgatory will be something therefore that we welcome as it will wash away all our sins and feelings of guilt, self-doubt, not being worthy etc... and make us ready to live in heaven at the end of it.

That made a lot of sense to me as I know I'd feel very uncomfortable going straight up to live amongst all those perfect people, I just would not fit in as I am now!

Would welcome anyone else's views as I am also very much still learning...

NonnoMum · 23/09/2010 22:07

Anne, Martha, Monica and Zita apparently!

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 22:08

Oh and I think St Martha of the Martha and Mary story is the saint of housework... I always felt she got a bit of a raw deal personally!

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 22:09

Didn't know about the others Nonno, will have to look them up as it's also an area I could do with some help in!

wisteriawoman · 23/09/2010 22:10

Forgot to say - Nonno (re: intercessions) I love your idea of going to see the NQT to put in a word with the Head!
Using your school analogy - does this mean the Pope is deputy head or just head of a department? (I assume the latter?? or is he head of 6th form!?)

Sorry feeling frivilous.
Now I must go and pray to St Antony I've lost the hamster.

FreddoBaggyMac · 23/09/2010 22:15

Try St. Francis too as he looks after the animals Grin There may even be one specifically for lost hamsters, it's amazing what you find a saint for when you look it up Grin

NonnoMum · 23/09/2010 22:32

ROFLing at lost hamster.
Am on another thread about how much I dislike pets.

I think the Pope is the Chair of Governors, or an Ofsted inspector.

Dione · 23/09/2010 22:35

"The catholic church will never change it's views on homosexuality,"
Daftpunk, I would not be too sure of that if I were you. Already groups within the Catholic church are lobbying for change. Also, you should never say never. I remember a time when people believed that the church would never embrace ecumenicism. That has changed. I am sure the changes that came about through Vatican II were also a revelation to many. The popes who proceded JPII and BenedictXVI had committees looking into consilidating divorce with Catholic teaching. The church is always changing. Two conservative popes will not change that.

cerealqueen · 23/09/2010 22:46

I cried when I saw coverage of the Pope's visit. Not sure why. I've been lapsed for over 20 years. I recall the visit of John Paul very well, getting up very early to go to mass at Coventry airport and carrying a huge flag and little blue and white fold up stools. it was a really hot day and I fell asleep during the sermon.
Anyway, since, I've been thinking of 'returning' but not sure how to go about it.

Dione · 23/09/2010 22:50

"these directives come down it's a just a few men, really, as political as they are religious"
Bingo Aitch. The hierarchy of the catholic church is as political as any other society. Those who achieve high office are politicians and those who do the work on the ground are the real workers. It has been so down the centuries, many who reach the position of Pope have not started as priests. They entered at a much higher level and were promoted, not because of their work on the ground but because they had the neccessary political skills to do so. I know quite a few priests who have spoken out in the name of Christian values who have found themselves banished to Craggy Island.

As unpleasant as it is I never lose sight of the fact that most of the work done on the ground is exemplary and done with Christ's own words in mind.

(As you may or may not have noticed, I am working through the posts as I read them).