Priests in London and Yorkshire say they are tempted to join Rome (... however)

Times Online ^ | October 22, 2009 | Andrew Norfolk and Mary Bowers

[NYer]

They endured seventy years of communist subversion and have much to teach.

The same is especially true with the Ukrainian Catholic Church that went underground for all that time. From time to time EWTN shows documentary filmfootage of that period. You see these catholics running from their churches grasping icons, sacramentals, etc. while the wrecking ball is already swinging towards the steeples. Many priests were martyred for their faith while others were forced to convert to the Orthodox church. Today, the Ukrainian Church is blossoming, in Russia. The seminaries are packed to overflowing with many on waiting lists. The survivors of that horrific period, recount the most amazing stories of how they would hide a priest in their home until dark when they could celebrate Mass on whatever table they could find. The film is not available for purchase, though.

[wagglebee]

These converts would "raise the bar" for the current Catholic dioceses, as the laity could freely attend these churches if they desire (just as they could attend an Eastern Catholic parish) - this is a medicine for the modernism.

You are absolutely correct. I have a feeling that, at least in America, Catholics who are fed-up with modernism will be far more inclined to consider the Anglican Use Rite than they would with one of the Eastern Rites.

[TaxachusettsMan]

While not wishing to minimize the really heart-wrenching decisions any potential converts from Canterbury to Rome would have to make, I must say this:

My friend, a married man whose wife and (at the time) five (later six!) children were involved with him in his momentous decision, was one of the first Episcopal priests to become a Roman Catholic back in 1981 or early 1982 . . . he made the move BEFORE the Pastoral Provision had been announced, when such a conversion almost certainly meant life and employment as a layman . . .

NOTHING could hold him back, so ABSOLUTE was the conviction that THIS must be done and MUST be done NOW: that it was God’s will.

Since then, several other friends and acquaintances have “Poped” - they say, “Once you know that God wills this, EVERYTHING ELSE - the question of Orders, Marian dogmas, buildings and locations - EVERYTHING ELSE matters not at all.”

I have no doubt that it will be so also for many of these Anglican clergy now.

[cmj328]

Absolutely true.

And if you had read my comment in context, you would have seen that I was responding to the question, “why haven’t they converted before?”

[NewCenturions]

"Lord Peter Wimsey probably said..."

bump for Lord Peter!!

[NYer]

NOTHING could hold him back, so ABSOLUTE was the conviction that THIS must be done and MUST be done NOW: that it was God’s will.

God bless him! I have watched enough episodes of The Journey Home to appreciate just how difficult it was to make that decision. Here in the ("progressive") diocese of Albany, the ("conservative") Anglican bishop swam the Tiber 2 years ago and never looked back. No doubt we will be reading some very exciting stories of incoming Anglicans, over the next few months.

[A.A. Cunningham]

was one of the first Episcopal priests to become a Roman Catholic back in 1981 or early 1982 . . . he made the move BEFORE the Pastoral Provision had been announced

Pastoral Provision was announced in July of 1980.

[Salvation]

Much to do about nothing?

You bet it much to do with eteranl life — and that’s not “nothing”; everlasting life IS important.

[bronx2]

While eternal life is indeed important , the current hubris attributed to this Anglican situation is indeed MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING. Most informed observers have noted that few Anglicans except for those in Australia and New Zealand will choose to avail themselves of this opportunity. Yet the attention paid to the overture has attracted an inordinate amount of attention. This is unwarranted, given the trickle it will produce. While all souls are important, it would behoove all to pay more attention to the vital areas of the future, namely Russia and China, where the potential for salvation dwarf the current Anglican offer.

[AnAmericanMother]

Excellent mystery novels - probably the best. And The Nine Tailors is the best of them all. The atmosphere can't be beat.