Catholic Herald Reporter
FINAL arrangements have now been made for the reception to honour Archbishop Heenan on March 1 when he returns from Rome as a Cardinal.
Archbishop Heenan is leaving for Rome today (Friday) accompanied by Mr. Anthony Bartlett, K.S.G., his gentiluorno, and by Fr. Michael Reynolds, his nephew, who will act as secretary for the consistory,
The Archbishop will return the following weekend (February 28) and a solemn reception will be held on Monday, March 1 in Westminster Cathedral.
A spokesman has advised that since the Archbishop is anxious that most of the accommodation in the Cathedral be available to the "ordinary faithful", only a liinited number of reserved places will he held,
Official guests
Among the official guests will be diplomatic representatives, members of Parliament and peers.
Both the hierarchies of England and Wales have been invited, as well as the missionary and retired bishops. It is expected that the Apostolic Delegate will attend, along with representatives of other Churches.
A special booklet outlining the form of the service and explaining the role of a Cardinal is being prepared and will be distributed in the near future.
Because many parishes have indicated they intend to bring parties by coach to the Cathedral for their reception, loudspeakers are to be installed outside for the benefit of overflow crowds. Parish priests organising coach parties have been asked to notify the Archbishop's secretary in order that parking arrangements can be made.
During the period Archbishop Heenan is in Rome, the BBC programme Panorama will present a profile of the new Cardinal, probably next Monday.