George Cardinal Pell: The Inconvenient Conscience...

Adapted from: First Things, May 2005. Number 153.

Quote from John Henry Newman's Letter to the Duke of Norfolk. (quoted, in turn, he says, " in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.")

"Conscience is not a long - sighted selfishness, nor a desire to be consistent with oneself; but it is a messenger from Him, Who, both in nature and grace, speaks to us behind a veil, and teaches and rules us by His representatives.

"Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ."