“When a profound silence covered all things and night was in the middle of its course, your all-powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.” (Wis. 18:14–15) #oxfordoratory
Music and Musicians in 2020
Congratulations to our Director of Music, Matthew Martin, who has been appointed Precentor and Director of College Music at Gonville & Caius, Cambridge, starting April this year. Matthew will step down as Director of Music here at the beginning of February as he prepares to move to Cambridge. The Fathers and Brothers would like to thank Matthew for his hard work during his time at the Oratory, which has raised our music to a truly outstanding quality. In this past year, Matthew has reintroduced the sung Gregorian propers of the Mass, while maintaining a solid repertoire of sacred polyphony and continuing to build the Oratory’s reputation for excellence in liturgical music. We wish him every success in his new position.
During February and March, we look forward to welcoming Thomas Wilson, who will serve as our acting Director of Music. Thomas is currently Director of Music as St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, and will be returning to the UK on sabbatical, where he has previously served as Assistant Organist and then Precentor of Westminster Cathedral.
Our Assistant Organist, Rory Moules, will continue to support the provision of liturgical music. Rory has been with us since September 2019, when the position of Assistant Organist was created thanks to the generous donation of a benefactor. Rory is also the Associate Organist at Magdalen College, and has previously worked as Director of Music at Corpus Christi College.
Seven years ago the Sisters of the Bl Virgin Mary were received into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Oratory. It’s become our custom to celebrate the anniversary with them on this their patronal feast. This morning three of the Fathers travelled to Birmingham to do just that, celebrating Mass and enjoying a fraternal visit. Happy New Year, Sisters! #sbvm #oxfordoratory
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Spending the last moments of 2019 with Our Lord, giving him thanks for all his gifts, and asking his blessings on 2020. There was a chance to gain a plenary indulgence by reciting the Te Deum yesterday. Don’t worry if you missed it — there’s another opportunity today if you recite the Veni Creator Spiritus. Happy New Year!
#oxfordoratory
The Fathers have sung first Vespers, first Mass of Christmas has begun, the church is bathed in candlelight, and the Bambino is placed in the Manger. A Happy and Holy Christmas to you all. #oxfordoratory
Ever wondered what the priest’s side of the confessional looks like? There will be a priest hearing confessions almost all day on Christmas Eve 11:00–17:30. Confessions are heard every day of the year, 20 minutes before every Mass, and on Saturday 10:30–11:00 and 17:00–18:30. Don’t be put off if it’s been a while since your last confession — there are free printed guides available in church, and the priest will be more than happy to help you through it. #oxfordoratory
There’s a certain stillness about a crib waiting for its infant Lord. The Oratory crib waits in expectation for our own midnight Mass tomorrow, as do we. Why not join us? The Vigil Mass is at 6:30pm and then Carols and readings from 11:15 pm followed by Mass at midnight. #oxfordoratory #oratory #christmas #oxford
“The Virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and they will call him Emmanuel”. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent we know that the Lord is coming very soon! Don’t forget to pick up a newsletter or Christmas card from church for Mass and Confession times over the coming days. #oxfordoratory #oratory
Christmas Music 2019
22 DOMINICA IV ADVENTUS Solemn Mass 11:00
Missa In simplicitate Langlais
Veni Domine Mendelssohn
Gustate et videte Asola
25 IN NATIVITATE DOMINI
Carols before midnight Mass (23:15)
Sussex Carol Trad. arr. Willcocks
The Nativity Carol Rutter
Personent hodie German (1360) arr. Holst
Sing Lullaby Trad. arr Willcocks
Midnight Mass
Missa Sancti Nicolai Haydn
Hodie Christus natus est Marenzio
O magnum mysterium Victoria
Toccata on ‘Vom Himmel hoch’ Edmundson
Solemn mass during the day (11:00)
Missa O magnum mysterium Victoria
Personent hodie German (1360) arr. Holst
O magnum mysterium Victoria
Toccata (Symphonie V) Widor
St Thérèse is back, now in full technicolour! This is the shrine’s original image, which had been hidden away for a few years because it had started to look a bit tired. Fully restored, St Thérèse is once again ready for action! #oxfordoratory