Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Saturday 4 August 2012

The heart of St John Vianney


Unfortunately I was not able to join the pilgrimage from the Oxford Oratory to Oscott to venerate the heart of St John Vianney the other week, but friends who did go spoke of the sense of devotion there and appreciated the opportunity afforded by the visit of the relic, which was arranged by the Bishop of Shrewsbury.




Image: Fr Blake blog

As today is the feast day of St John it seems appropriate this year to post a picture of the heart in its reliquary, to reflect on his role as an exemplar of priestly ministry and to pray for the continuing intercession of the Curé d'Ars for all parish clergy.



No comments: