The Oxford Oratory

Candlemas

John Henry Newman founded the English Oratory at first Vespers of Candlemas, 1st February 1848.

The children from St Aloysius' Primary School came to the 10am Mass for the Feast of the Presentation and took part in the Candlemas Procession. They have been learning the Salve Regina, which they sang at the end of the Bidding Prayers.

Monsignor Graham Leonard RIP

The Requiem Mass took place in our church on Thursday 21st January for the Rt Rev & Rt Hon Mgr Graham Leonard, KCVO, PC.

Monsignor Leonard was the Anglican Bishop of London, and in retirement was received into the Catholic Church, where he became a priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster.

Bishop Alan Hopes, Auxiliary in Westminster, was the main celebrant at the funeral. He was assisted by Bishop William Kenney and thirty-four other priests.

The Anglican Bishop of London was represented by the Bishop of Edmonton, and the Bishop of Woolwich and Bishop Emeritus of Paramatta were also present.

Photographs by Br Lawrence Lew OP

Tercentenary of Blessed Sebastian Valfrè

Saturday 30th January will be the third centenary of Blessed Sebastian Valfrè of the Turin Oratory - "The Father who had Paradise in his eyes". We will celebrate him at the 10am Mass on that day. To find out more about Blessed Sebastian's life: click here

Amongst his other claims to fame, Sebastian is the patron of Italian military chaplains and had the honour of sewing the Shroud of Turin back together after it had been damaged by fire.