This "hymn" is neither Christian nor nationalistic, nor do most of those who sing it lustily at sporting events as a kind of English (as opposed to British) national anthem, have a clue what it means. Still it stirs the heart of (almost) every English man, woman, and child. The Dean of Southwark caused quite a stir when he banned it from use in his cathedral.
'Papal Bounce' Credited for British Confession Boom:
Between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, British clergy report confessions are on the rise.
The Catholic Church in England and Wales observes Home Mission Sunday this Sept. 15, a day of prayer and celebration for the work of evangelization.
Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton told the Daily Telegraph that “significant numbers” of young people are going to the sacrament of reconciliation. He said this is “a good sign” that means they are connected with the Church even if they are sometimes not regular Sunday Massgoers.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/papal-bounce-credited-for-british-confession-boom/#ixzz2ebYwCVuw
