I'm baaaaack

I got home last night from the historic Anglicanorum coetibus conference in Mississauga last night and am still assimilating the information and experiences. The talks by Fr. Christopher Phillips and Fr. Aidan Nichols were amazing and so was Archbishop Collins' hospitality. He went to great lengths to make us feel welcomed. I will try to put up some more detailed reports of what was said in days to come. My first priority is filing a story or two for the Catholic papers tomorrow.

Among the many joys of attending this conference was meeting the Anglicans from outside my own Traditional Anglican Communion's Anglican Catholic Church of Canada. We are already united in heart and mind and spirit in bonds of love for our Lord Jesus Christ and One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Our lay people, at least those from Ottawa, were favorably impressed by Archbishop Collins and grateful for his shepherding of the Ordinariates here in Canada. He received a standing ovation of thanks from the 150 or so delegates present.

We now see at least a glimpse of a timetable, as Archbishop Collins has asked for letters from the folks who want to join an Ordinariate to be in his hands by May 31 so that Rome will know how many of us are ready to be part of the first wave.

As soon as I know what the letter needs to say, I will be sending it in.

If you know who to look for, you can see a number of our Ottawa delegates in this photo.

Oh, by the way, the food at Queen of the Apostles Retreat Centre is second to none. I don't think I have ever been so well fed. And for those of us who are gluten intolerant, they made a special effort to cater to our dietary needs.

Thank you, Archbishop Collins!