WE HAVE no doubt that at Mass next Sunday morning, Anglo-Catholics throughout the land will be invited by their priests to pray for the repose of the soul of the Abbé Portal. For more than thirty years the learned and devoted Lazarist has been the tireless colleague of Lord Halifax in striving for the reunion of Catholic Christendom. No set-back could discourage him, no misrepresentation affect him, no harsh criticism embitter him. The Abbé Portal knew England and understood the English Church. He had, too, a profound knowledge of the heart of man, and he understood that disagreements, even on fundamental matters, are often to be traced back to ancient feud and traditional prejudice. His life was a constant repetition of the invitation, “Come let us reason together.” His last thoughts were of his great English friend and of their common hope and faith. It is impossible for us to believe that the Abbé’s work has been in vain, or to doubt that others will reap where he has sown and will call his name blessed. Already, indeed, it is possible to see his influence in the growing appreciation of the significance of Anglo-Catholicism among Roman Catholics in England.