Bishop Williamson: 'Throw me into the sea'

Briefing: While The Times and other secular news outlets are venting their incomprehending fury on the Holy Father for lifting the excommunications, Bishop Williamson has sent the following letter of apology to Cardinal Hoyos. It is a truly astonishing act of humility on the part of a man who does not have the reputation for this particular virtue. Frankly on a human level this is impossible, but the Pope's act of pastoral concern and generosity has opened hearts to grace. Let us pray for all the parties involved, that remaining difficulties be resolved with truth, justice, and charity.

H-t Rorate Caeli. To His Eminence Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos

Your Eminence

Amidst this tremendous media storm stirred up by imprudent remarks of mine on Swedish television, I beg of you to accept, only as is properly respectful, my sincere regrets for having caused to yourself and to the Holy Father so much unnecessary distress and problems.

For me, all that matters is the Truth Incarnate, and the interests of His one true Church, through which alone we can save our souls and give eternal glory, in our little way, to Almighty God. So I have only one comment, from the prophet Jonas, I, 12:

"Take me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you; for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you."

Please also accept, and convey to the Holy Father, my sincere personal thanks for the document signed last Wednesday and made public on Saturday. Most humbly I will offer a Mass for both of you.

Sincerely yours in Christ

+Richard Williamson


Written to Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos on January 28, 2009.