From Cardinal Levada's statement
This was read at the ordinations today of the first priests of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham:
The other point is that the former Anglicans will be in charge of preparing their fellow Anglicans for reception into the Ordinariate. This should go a long way to dispel the rumors that Anglicanorum coetibus is really all about absorption.
Together with Reverend Burnham and Reverend Broadhurst, Keith Newton will oversee the catechetical preparation of the first groups of Anglicans in England and Wales who will be received into the Catholic Church together with their pastors at Easter, and will accompany the clergy preparing for ordination to the Catholic priesthood around Pentecost. I urge you all to assist the new Ordinary in the unique mission which has been entrusted to him not only with your prayers but also with every practical support.This is really good news. First of all, there had been many rumors and comments that Rome would have to appoint a Roman bishop as the first ordinary. In the comments section of The Anglo-Catholic, Fr. Christopher Phillips, an Anglican Use priest in San Antonio Texas, writes:
Fr. Christopher Phillips says:This appointment is wonderful news. There have been so many "Vaticanistas" who have wanted to bet me that the Holy Father would never entrust the initial running of the Ordinariate to one of the three founding clerics, but would put in "an experienced Catholic bishop" at first. When I pointed out the clear words of Anglicanorum coetibus, there would be a "yes, but…" response. This appointment emphasises the fact that Pope Benedict means what he says.
Congratulations to the new priests! We pray for them, and especially for Fr. Newton as he leads this first Personal Ordinariate into a glorious future!
