Tony Blair to become Catholic Deacon?

There’s talk afloat that when he leaves office, Tony Blair may not simply become a Catholic, but that he may become a Permanent Deacon, as well:

Tony Blair has discussed becoming a Roman Catholic deacon when he quits office.

The revelation comes as he prepares to meet the Pope amid speculation that he will use the audience in the Vatican to announce his conversion.

In his last foreign engagement, just days before he leaves Downing Street for the final time, the Prime Minister will visit Pope Benedict XVI in what officials say will be a “highly significant” personal mission.

It is thought that Tony Blair will announce his conversion to Catholicism when he meets the Pope

Reports that he will convert from the Church of England to the Catholic faith of his wife Cherie have often surfaced during Mr Blair’s decade in office.

The claims were supported by revelations that he has already discussed not only converting to Rome, but also taking a formal lay position within the Church.

Deacons are just below priests in the Catholic hierarchy and have the right to administer certain sacraments and wear a special white robe known as a dalmatic.

Mr Blair discussed the idea of his taking such a role with Canon Timothy Russ, priest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary near the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Chequers.

The revelation is contained in a new book soon to be serialised by The Mail on Sunday – The Darlings Of Downing Street by Garry O’Connor.

There’s more to read.

If it’s true, I know another Deacon who’s pretty happy about it.

The othe Catholic story of the day is about the press having vapors because President Bush called the Pope “Sir,” instead of “Your Holiness.” I doubt the pope minded as much as the press did. Jay at Wizbang finds the to-do a trifle picayune, as do I. Bush has amply demonstrated respect toward Catholics and this seems like the press just trying to make a big deal out of anything.