MSM Meeting with Mgr. Hendricks in Southwark,UK

On September 13th 2011, Stephen de la Bédoyère and Jean-Paul Gauthier were blessed to have an audience with Mgr. Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Southwark.

Bishop Paul gave us nearly two hours of his time. He listened to our explanation of the MSM, and asked many questions (his episcopal speciality is humanism ).

Mgr. Paul expressed a positive view of the MSM, and is happy for us to keep in touch. He also suggested a visit to the Archbishop of Southwark, Mgr. Peter Smith.

We discussed recruitment and formation. He considers that the importance we give to the formation, especially to brother-at-arms, is a good sign of our vitality and challenge…

As we explained the Marian basis of the MSM, Mgr. Paul felt that contacts with the pilgrimage centres of Aylesford and Walsingham would be beneficial; also continued contact with Mgr. Moth of the Military Archdiocese and the new Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham (the new structure and rite for Anglican convert to Catholicism).

Mgr. Paul showed himself most interested in the International Familiaris Consortio Institute, and its development in G.B.

We mentioned the importance of family life as the setting of our way of life and the first area of our apostolate. We also mentioned also the importance of our professional work, whatever it might be, for evangelisation.

When Mgr. Paul asked for the two keys to our spirituality, our response was: Humility with Our Lady, Consecration to Our Lady.
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Stephen de la Bedoyere, Preceptor of Great Britain