With royals on the way and the Vatican in full swing, everyone is studying the royal schedule for any indications regarding the topics that might arise between the head of the Anglican Church and the Roman pontiff.
While topics like ‘Care of Creation’ and ‘Laudato Si’ have been confirmed themes of the visit, there is also a solid underlying message of ecumenism or the unification of Christian Churches.
This may come as a surprise to history buffs as the separation of the Church of England from the Catholic Church under King Henry VIII was not without conflict, violence, and martyrdom.
FR. STEPHEN WANG
Rector, Venerable English CollegeORIG. ENGLISH
And this was the time of the Protestant Reformation in England, so there was lots of persecution of Catholics, especially priests.
They were very humble, ordinary men, but full of heroism. And in that first hundred years of the life of the college, we had about 40 martyrs that gave their life for the Lord and for their faith.
However, this trip between the Roman pontiff and the Head of the Church of England seems to focus on moving forward and remembering what unifies the two churches, rather than what divides them.
Perhaps nothing exemplifies this message more than His Majesty's visit to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where he will accept the name of ‘Royal Confrater’ of the Abbey. This gift of ‘confraternity’ is meant to symbolize the growing ecumenical friendship between the Anglican and the Catholic church.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that St. Paul Outside the Walls is presenting this ecumenical gift.
The basilica has a long history of ecumenical gestures. For instance, every year on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, it hosts leaders of other Christian Churches and communities to services and prayers.
Remember that during the extraordinary Jubilee of 2016, Pope Francis walked together with representatives of the Orthodox and Anglican Churches through the Holy Door of the basilica.
St. Paul Outside the Walls also holds some more personal ties to the British royal family. From 597 onward, Saxon rulers like Kings Offa and Æthelwulf contributed to the upkeep of the Apostles Paul and Peter’s tombs in Rome. Later in the Middle Ages, the kings of England were formally recognized as “protectors” of the basilica.
So it may very well be the case that King Charles will feel at home there, being the first British monarch to pray inside its walls in 500 years.
CRT
