Papal mass not at Coventry airport
Until now, there has been some mystery surrounding the location of the Mass on Sunday, September 19 at which the Pope will beatify John Henry Newman (+1890).
John Henry Newman
It was to have been at Coventry airport, scene of the last Papal Mass, but now, to the chagrin of the city dignitaries of Coventry and on the grounds of expense, has been moved to Cofton Park in the S.W. suburbs of Birmingham.
This location, which holds 100,000, is directly opposite the now largely razed former BMW/MG Rover site at Longbridge – a monument to the collapse of British industry – though I am assured by one in the know that the park is delightful. It is also very close to the Oratory Fathers’ cemetery at Rednal, where the grave of Newman and his friend Fr. Ambrose St. John is situated.
It is a pity that a German Pope will not be visiting Coventry, which for obvious reasons would be a powerful sign. However the change will allow the Pope to visit Newman’s unaltered study in the Oratory House in Birmingham, a private visit as that room certainly does not hold 100,000 people.
It does seem a bit risky only to know the venue for such an event three months in advance, though no doubt all will go swimmingly especially as Chris (Lord) Patten is now in charge, a man who has acquitted himself with distinction not least as our last Governor in Hong Kong.