Restoring the Gestatoria

Fidem servemus! correctly points out that if our Holy Father were, at a recent papal event, to have been lifted up and carried about, it "is certain ... that far more of the faithful would have seen" him - so far, so correct - "which is why they, and [he], were there."

Subject always to the definitive judgment of the Apostolic See, it is put forward that this last comment is differently correct; the Holy Father attended that event to pray, teach, worship. Being seen was far down his list of priorities.

Whilst not underestimating the teaching moment of seeing the Holy Father, Christ's Vicar on earth, in person, far better, it is suggested, for the technically aware to affirm him and later track down a reliable translation of his words on the 'net.

Our Holy Father in triumph

After the "impalliumation" of our new Holy Father, 24th April 05

The Canonisation of our Holy Father

"We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the House of the Father, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

This extraordinary peroration at the funeral, given by he who would soon be Pope himself, was followed in November with another expression of sainthood already achieved. From the sermon at Mass for the Cardinals and Bishops deceased in the last year, offered by the Holy Father on 11th November, "...we recall his spiritual heritage, knowing [consapevoli] that his intercession continues more strongly from Heaven." Some recently deceased cardinals are then named, and their souls and those of the deceased bishops are prayed for. There is a clear distinction drawn between the late Holy Father and the others.

It would be fascinating to read what the then Holy Father said in November 1978, when there were two recently deceased popes.

Hah! Unusually reliable.

Hah! The unusually reliable sources lived up to their billing - sources for which it is unusual to be reliable. Recent consistories held in late February have been on 21st, allowing the Mass of the Rings to be held on the 22nd's feast. The consistory on 21st February 2001 was announced at the Sunday Angelus on 21st January, that on 21st February 1998 was similarly announced at the Angelus on 18th January. It is reported that preparations are already afoot for celebrations in Rome for the 22nd.
In other news, Famiglia Christiana reports they will publish our Holy Father's encyclical on 25th January Famiglia Cristiana Home Page, according to a question-marked and therefore not entirely sure headline in Catholic World News (CWN).

Consistory

It is announced that the previously circulating internet rumours that tomorrow, Epiphany, our Holy Father will call a Consistory to create new cardinals for 22nd February (the feast of the Chair of St Peter a Rome) or thereabouts, have been re-circulated by an unusually reliable source.

An announcement may be given at Solemn Mass in GHQ at 9.30am Papal time (which is taking place without the consecration of new bishops), or possibly the Angelus at noon.