We are the most effective way to get your press release into the hands of reporters and news producers. Check out our client list.



1st International Conference of English Speaking Clergy Meet in Rome; Back Pope & New Missal

Contact: Fr John Trigilio, Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, 717-957-2662

ROME, Jan. 21 /Christian Newswire/ -- Priests and Deacons from around the world expressed eagerness in implementing the recently approved and more accurate English translation of the Roman Missal while attending the first "Annual International Conference of English Speaking Catholic Clergy" in Rome, January 4-8, celebrating the 'YEAR FOR PRIESTS.' Sponsored by the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy (ACCC) & the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy in America (CCC), attendees renewed their loyalty to the Pope & Magisterium and reconsecrated themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Held at the Vatican's Domus Sanctae Marthae, speakers included Msgr. Guido Marini (Papal Master of Ceremonies), Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, CO (CDW), Fr. Timothy Finigan (Hermeneutic of Continuity), Fr. Paul Murray, OP (Angelicum Professor), Fr. Robert Dodaro, OSA (Augustinianum Professor), Fr. Joseph Carola, SJ (Gregorianum Professor), Msgr. Hans Feichtinger (CDF), Fr. Paul Gunter, OSB (San Anselmo Professor), and spoke on the need for liturgical reverence & continuity in word and gesture.

Lassus Scholars performed Palestrina, Mozart, Haydn, etc. for Solemn Vespers and for Holy Mass (both Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms). Main Celebrants included Cardinals Castrillon Hoyos and Cañizares Llovera; Archbishops Raymond Burke & Joseph Augustus Di Noia. These took place at the Vatican (St. Peter's Basilica), Basilica of St. John Lateran, Sanctissima Trinita dei Pellegrini and at Santa Maria in Trastevere. American and Australian clergy were accompanied by their Irish, Scottish and British colleagues who formed their own regional Confraternity of Catholic Clergy during this recent conference.

The ACCC and CCC were established over a quarter century ago in response to Vatican II to foster ongoing spiritual, theological, pastoral and human formation of the clergy in a fraternal context. With over a thousand members combined worldwide, both confraternities espouse fidelity, loyalty and obedience to the Magisterium and Roman Pontiff under the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of Priests.

Father John Walshe (ACCC) and Father John Trigilio (CCC), Australian and American heads of their respective confraternities deemed the joint international gathering of 80+ a complete success. Those in attendance voted to reconvene every five years for future international conferences in Rome.

The priests & deacons in attendance expressed their profound gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI for establishing the Year for Priests, for his priestly zeal and example and to Archbishop Piacenza, Secretary of the Congregation for the Clergy, for his regular letters of encouragement to the priests of the world.