Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
London (Agenzia Fides) - The St. Barnabas Society, charitable organization based in England and Ireland, has offered $ 160,000 in favour of Anglican priests who have entered the Catholic Church. "This is a very generous gesture widely appreciated”, the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols said in a statement released by the CNA. "It is a tangible expression of generosity that the Holy Father asks us to show to those who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church”.
Recently, 20 priests and 600 lay people from different areas of England have been admitted to full communion with the Catholic Church. Among the first to join the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, are five former Anglican bishops and their wives. Most of the priests who have left the Anglican parishes, and therefore no longer entitled to financial remuneration, are financially supported by the Ordinariate. On April 15, the Ordinariate announced that they received $ 160,000 (100,000 pounds) from the St. Barnabas Society. The organization considers the economic support vital for the Anglicans welcomed to the Catholic Church, since many do not only lose their jobs but also housing. The economic contribution is distributed through the clergy and religious, depending on individual needs, in the period that goes from their entry into the Catholic Church to Easter, ordination, Pentecost. The St. Barnabas Society is supported by donations from Catholic congregations, individuals and inheritance, and during the year has also spoken in favour of other priests and religious from other religions who have converted to Catholicism. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 04/27/2011)
