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.


Tuesday 8 September 2015

Twenty five years of the Oxford Oratory


Twenty five years ago today, on the Nativity of Our Lady 1990, the Oratorians assumed control of St Aloysius church and began the Oxford Oratory.The original community of four sent from the Birmingham Oratory has expanded and developed, and is currently establishing Oratorian life in York as well.

This evening following the well attended Mass which he celebrated there was Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament bestowed by Bishop Robert Byrne, the founding Provost of the Oxford Oratory. As part of this we sang the Te Deum in celebration of the anniversary.

On September 27th there will be the main celebration of this silver jubilee when the Archbishop of Birmingham will celebrate the Solemn Mass and Bishop Byrne will preach.


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