POPE WANTS TO SEE SAXON HOARD

14-10-2009

The Stirrer understands that the Vatican has made enquiries about the Saxon Hoard which was on display at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery until yesterday. They hope the Pope can get an eyeful when he visits the city next year.

Although details of Benedict XVI’s visit have not been confirmed, it’s an open secret that Brum is on his proposed itinerary.

One obvious destination is the Oratory on Hagley Road, spiritual home of Cardinal Newman, the Birmingham priest who is on the way to sainthood.

If the hoard is in the city at the time, it would also be a prime stopping off point – not least because it’s likely to contain some of the earliest Catholic relics in England.

The Mercians accepted the faith in 647AD, so it would be a good propaganda coup to underline Catholicism’s deep roots in Britain – hence the call from “Il Papa’s” aides in Rome.

See also follow the hoard

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