Audience - Wednesday, 13 June 2012

What is a catholic?

It's the American's turn to celebrate Mass, so Lizette presides, I serve as deacon, and John and Barry read and serve at the communion.  To do this I had to lug my alb and stole across town, but got to walk across Rome in my cassock.  We have to queue up for the audience, and it was somewhat like boarding a LOT flight - every man for himself.  We were led to believe the Audience was particular, but now it is general but at least in doors.  It is very hot.  The one bishop present is soon whisked away to sit in the front row.  We are several seats back but toward the front of the hall.

The "new" audience hall was built by Paul VI, and the architect, I believe, was Pier Paolo Nervi (who was consulting architect on St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco).  The hall is huge, seating several thousand people, and at the same time its monumentality becomes almost home-like and intimate.  Right across from us are pilgrims from Vera Cruz, Mexico - they are all done up and have a band.  They are a big hit.  We sit there for a good 45 minutes waiting for the audience to begin, as various groups get up and treat us to music, bands, choirs, small orchestras.  There is an excitement in the air.

Finally, an "organ" sounds, large doors open and in walks the Pope accompanied by Masters of Ceremony, assistants, monsignor, and assorted bishops.  I must say, I was overwhelmed.  Although I find some, if not many of this Pope's policies to be difficult and downright wrong, the enthusiasm of the room sweeps me off my feet.  His greeting to the "clergy men from Southwark Diocese" (they couldn't bring themselves to say The Society of Catholic Priests) is heartfelt, and blessings are offered.  The women in are group are amused to be called "clergymen."  This is an aspect of the Roman Church that all outside of her seem unable to make happen - the embrace of a large segment of the world.  Several language groups are greeted, mentioned, blessed with a little homily and prayer.  It is as overwhelming as is the room itself.

Afterwards we retreat back to our neighborhood, just a block away, and have a very bad lunch at a local bar.  I cab back to my hotel and get rid of alb and cassock.  Later in the afternoon we board a bus and go to the palazzo dori pamphilli where the Anglican Center is located.  The director and his wife graciously greet our group and regale us with "nibbles" and drinks.  It is very enjoyable.  The director is also the Archbishop of Canterbury's personal representative to the Holy See.  Thus David has a very interesting perspective.

Earlier in the day, the director of the Anglican Desk at the Vatican filled us in on ecumenical "progress", such as it is.  It seems that the ordination of women, and the consecration of Gene Robinson has halted any substantial progress, however new talks are slated to begin.  For me it's a glimpse into a new world that surrounds the larger question of what it means to be catholic.  It is good to be in a community that takes the topic seriously.

Earlier in the day, Louis, a priest from Essex, invited me to dinner, and so we leave the reception and have a lovely dinner in the warren of streets west of piazza Navonna.  It is quiet, there are trees and stars, and the menu is quite good.  We talk about what it means to be gay, to be priests, and to be in relationships with understanding and wonderful men.  I have made a new friend.

Later I realize that it is the 41st anniversary of my ordination.  How perfect!