"Surprised to hear that the archbishop of Canterbury was at the Grotto of Massabielle?" Part II

Adapted loosely from the Jesuit magazine "America," October 13, 2008.

"Surprised to hear that the archbishop of Canterbury was at the Grotto of Massabielle?

"So were some Anglicans.

"The Protestant Truth Society was appalled, since for them Lourdes represents all that was rejected in the Protestant Reformation, particularly apparitions, Mariolatry and the veneration of saints.

"Those in the Anglo - Catholic wing of the Communion, however, see Mary as a point of unity among Christians.

"Cardinal Kasper, who called [Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan] Williams's visit a miracle, seconds that opinion.

"In his remarks, Cardinal Kasper note that Lutheran and Catholic churches have made progress in this regard, and that Martin Luther venerated Mary throughout his life.

"[S]aid the cardinal, Mary is not absent but present in ecumenical dialogue.

Churches have made progress in their approach on the doctrine of Our Lady.

Our Lady no onger divides us, but reconciles and unites us in Christ her Son."