The Forty Hours’ prayer before the Blessed Sacrament concluded yesterday evening with Solemn Vespers, a procession around our church and Benediction.

Vespers of the Blessed Sacrament:

The Procession:

Benediction:

Photographs by Hannah Chegwyn

Our Forty Hours’ Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began last night with the Solemn Mass of Exposition. This year, we are praying especially for Peace, in union with persecuted Christians throughout the world.

Our own Holy Father St Philip used to attend Compline with the Dominicans of the Minerva so often that the Dominican friars gave him his own key to their church. We are very glad to continue this long-standing friendship by welcoming once the more the Dominicans of Blackfriars to sing Compline before the Blessed Sacrament.

Benediction followed Compline, and so the all-night vigil began. The Blessed Sacrament will continue to be exposed until midnight. There will be a Mass for Peace with hymns at 6:30pm.

Masses on Sunday are at the usual times. The Solemn Mass will be a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart, at the end of which exposition will resume until Solemn Vespers, Procession and Benediction at 5pm.

Fr Paul Keane, Vice-Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, preached at the High Mass for the feast of our Cardinal, Blessed John Henry Newman, on Thursday. Here is what he said:

“I stand before you embarrassed because any qualifications of mine to preach on Newman’s Feast Day do not exist. First, I am not an Oxford man and Newman was so peculiarly Oxford. I was at the other place. But then did not Newman write in one of his many letters these words after one of his rare visits to Cambridge:

‘When I saw at the distance of four miles, on an extended plain, wider than the Oxford, amid thicker and greener groves, the Alma Mater Cantabrigiensis lying before me, I thought I should not be able to contain myself, and, in spite of my regret at her present defects and past history, and all that is wrong about her, I seemed about to cry out, ‘Floreat aeternum!’ I do really think the place finer than Oxford, though I suppose it isn’t, for everyone says so. I like the narrow streets; they have a character, and they make the University Buildings look larger by the contrast. I cannot believe that King’s College is not far grander than anything with us; the stone, too, is richer, and foliage more thick and encompassing. I found my way from the town to Trinity College, like Old Oedipus, without guide, by instinct: how, I know not. I never studied the plan of Cambridge.’

So wrote Newman and would any of us here be so rash as to disagree with him?

My other disqualification as a preacher on this feast is my lack of knowledge about our beatus. I have never made a formal study of him. All I have is a long nurtured affection. I was a pupil at the London Oratory School, where Newman’s prominent nose, through statuary and portraits, became a recognisable feature. And in the Sixth Form, I read his Apologia and the novel Loss and Gain. They taught me that faith is a real thing, involving both the heart and the intellect, and that the truth about the Church matters. And now, as Vice Rector at Oscott Seminary, the reminders of Newman are frequent. For Morning and Evening Prayer, I sit in the same place in the Chapel; it goes with my office. Opposite me is the pulpit in which Newman preached his famous Second Spring sermon. Once a month, I go with a group of seminarians to work in a parish in central Birmingham: St Anne’s, Digbeth. If you haven’t heard of it, well, it was founded by Newman after his ordination. The first thing he did. The parish continues strong today. Since I was a schoolboy, therefore, I have been unable to get away from the palpable fact that Bl. John Henry made a difference, and still does.

Then – not so long ago – I was allowed to enter Newman’s study. When he was made a cardinal, a space for an altar was created within the study because cardinals then had to have their own chapels. No more than a tall bookcase separates the altar from the rest of the room. As you would expect, a crucifix hangs on the wall above the altar and, as you would equally expect for Newman, an image of St Francis de Sales. But there are also many other pictures or photographs to the immediate right of the altar: not images of saints but of Newman’s friends; the ones he wished to remember in his prayers. For he maintained resolutely throughout his life this practice: interceding for others.

As an Anglican, at St Mary the Virgin, Bl. John Henry preached on intercessory prayer. Having discussed its scriptural foundations, he declared,
‘Such is the lesson taught us by the words and deeds of the Apostles and their brethren. Nor could it be otherwise, if Christianity be a social religion, as it is pre-eminently. If Christians are to live together, they will pray together; and united prayer is necessarily of an intercessory character, as being offered for each other and for the whole, and for self as one of the whole. In proportion, then, as unity is an especial Gospel-duty, so does Gospel-prayer partake of a social character; and Intercession becomes a token of the existence of the Catholic Church.’

Intercession – it’s what we Catholics do; others and we ourselves necessarily have a claim upon our prayers for they and we need them. Newman had not just the photographs to remind him of this. He kept lists of different people and causes to pray for, allotting them each to a day of the week. This is an inspiration to me. For what is a priest, but principally one who intercedes for others? I know a parish priest in Ireland who, when he is really tired and feels unable to do his daily meditation , opens the register containing all his parishioners’ names and addresses and prays for them, one after the other. And if we all share in Christ’s priesthood through baptism do we not all have a certain intercessory role? For years, since before I was ordained, I have prayed for the occupant when a flashing blue ambulance passes. For all I know, besides their guardian angel, I am the only one praying for them.

Of course, we may not often pray for others because we do not see the point: God already knows what we need and is best able to provide it. But the extraordinary mystery of our faith is that God allows us to be active participants in ‘building up his body,’ as St Paul has just said to us in his Letter to the Ephesians. As my neighbour may only come to know Christ if I witness to him so my neighbour may only be helped because I prayed for him. It’s not for me to question God but it is for me to question myself, whether I have equally helped others today with my prayers as I have helped them, for example, with my hands or advice. In our different way, we all share, cleric and lay, in this ministry.

In the Sistine Chapel, above its altar, Christ is depicted on the day of the general resurrection. Our Lady is shown just below Him, to His right. She is looking downwards. Why? She is watching an angel hoist up a soul to heaven with rosary beads. Through Mary’s intercession the soul has is being saved. This Feast reminds us what his life taught: we can rely upon the intercession of Newman. But though his prayers have the power of holiness and proximity to the throne of grace, we must also be reliable intercessors. We shall pray daily for others and win them for Heaven. It’s what love demands and may be our own salvation.

Bl. John Henry Newman…pray for us.”

15th NOVEMBER 2-4pm
An afternoon packed with art projects showing you how to write, draw and decorate letters, make Christmas cards and lots more. Suitable for age 10 and above.
Materials provided. Donations £10 a head for the Oratory Campaign. Meet in the Parish Centre. Book now by emailing for the attention of Freddie Quartley.

The Procurator General of the Confederation of the Oratory has announced that the Holy See has formally established a new Oratory at Port Antonio, Jamaica. This is the first Oratory of St Philip Neri in the Caribbean.

There are now seven Oratories in the Commonwealth: Birmingham, London, Toronto, Oxford, Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth and Port Antonio.

From the website of the Port Antonio Oratory:

Who are The Oratorians in Port Antonio ?

The Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri of the Port Antonio Oratory, is a Congregation of Pontifical Right and member of the Confederation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. The Congregation of the Oratory was founded in Rome by St. Philip Neri in the 18th Century and approved in 1575.

Priests from the Archdiocese of Kingston in Jamaica, Fathers Samuel Alloggia, Joseph Burg, Roland Dessine, Michael Palud, Brad Smith and Raymond Sorin, were encouraged by his Grace Archbishop Charles Dufour Of the Archdiocese of Kingston on the Oratorian path undertaken after a number of years of common life and Apstolate in Jamaica. Following the juridical steps outlined by the Confederation of the Oratory we have had the immense joy of paternal support of the Archbishop of Kingston as well as The Procurators General of the Oratory of St.Philip Neri, Fathers Edoardo Cerrato, C.O. now Bishop of Ivrea in Italy and his successor, the Very Rev. Fr. Mario Aviles, C.O.

The Congregation of the Oratory of Port Antonio was formally erected by Decree of the Holy See on July 16, 2014.

The The Congregation of the Oratory is a Society of Apostolic Life. Oratorians serve the universal Church and their local dioceses and parishes by living the charism imparted to them by Saint Philip Neri The characteristics of the Oratorian way of life are the same as in his day, namely:

• Priests of the Congregation of the Oratory are secular priests; that is, they do not profess religious vows yet they are incardinated in their Congregation. The Oratorian vocation is unique in the Church: secular priests living in community. Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, an Oratorian himself, called the Oratorian life a bridge between diocesan and religious life.

• Oratorians live a fraternal life in a stable community. They make a commitment to one local Congregation and remain there for life. Living as a family is key to the Oratorian way of life.

• Their spirituality is marked by fervent prayer, reverent celebration of the Sacraments (especially Mass and Confession), familiar preaching of the Word of God, and a joyful love for God and neighbour, particularly their brothers in the Congregation. Their motto is to “Serve in Joy”. St. Philip used to say that there was no place for melancholics in his Congregation!

A couple of weeks ago, work started on repairing a patch of damp that had caused some damage to the decoration of the Relic Chapel ceiling.

 

The work finished today, and you can see the final result below:

At 7.45pm on Saturday 22nd November 2014 there will be a black tie Murder Mystery Dinner in the Parish Centre in aid of the Oratory Fundraising Campaign.

Tickets may be purchased at the Porter’s Lodge and cost £30. Tickets include a welcome drink and a three-course meal. Wine or soft drinks may be purchased at your table and the bar will be open at the end of the evening.

Please make your choices from the menu at the time of booking, and ensure that the Porter has your full contact details.

 

MENU

Smoked salmon & asparagus tart served on a bed of leaves and a citrus dressing
OR
Asparagus & parmesan tart

–

Apricot-stuffed pork loin
OR
Vegetable & cheese Wellington

Served with Cretan potatoes and a medley of seasonal vegetables

–

Raspberry torte served with a fresh fruit salad and raspberry coulis

‘Come & Sing’ Messiah, 29th November 2014 in our church.

Who can take part?
Everyone who loves to sing. There are no auditions, and the cost of £10 for singers goes towards the fundraising for the Oxford Oratory Campaign, raising funds for the refurbishment of the church and provision of library and residential facilities for the parish and the Oratorian community

How can I get involved?
Come along and sing!
Bring £10 and your own score (Novello). Please let us know if you need help to obtain or borrow a score. A limited number of scores will be available for hire for £2 but will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

What is MESSIAH? and who else is involved?
Handel’s Messiah is the first and enduring great English oratorio, telling and reflecting on the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Our soloists are Tara O’Connor, Soprano; David Pope, Counter-tenor; Clive Hope-Ross, Tenor; Henry Hawkesworth, Bass with Ian Miles, Musical Director and Tom Gregory-Smith, Leader.

How long does it take?
Registration will be from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m. with coffee, followed by a vocal warm-up, workshops and rehearsals. Soloists and orchestra will join us for the afternoon rehearsals, with an evening performance beginning at 8.00 p.m. to which you may invite all your friends and family (audience tickets are £10 available from the Porter’s Lodge at the Oxford Oratory, or on the door on the night).

A light lunch will be provided in the Parish Centre for singers or you can choose to visit one of Oxford’s many nearby eateries.

A more detailed timetable will follow in due course – check for updates here.

Please note that there is no parking available at St Aloysius, so we suggest you park at either Pear Tree or Water Eaton Park and Ride, and come into Oxford on the bus, alighting at St Giles Church.

Click here to register.

The Holy See has announced that Blessed Joseph Vaz of the Oratory is to be raised to the altars as a saint during the Holy Father’s visit to Sri Lanka this coming January.

Joseph Vaz was a priest of the Congregation of the Oratory in Goa, before going to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) as a missionary.

Vatican Radio reports as follows:

“Pope Francis’ approval of the votes of the Ordinary Session of the Cardinals and Bishops in favour of canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz attains special significance in the wake of the forthcoming visit of the Holy Father to Sri. Lanka in January 2015.

Bl. Vaz was born in Goa, India, in 1651. As a priest he volunteered to work in Sri Lanka amid persecution of Catholics by Dutch colonial rulers, who were Calvinists. Catholic priests were forbidden to preach; it would mean imprisonment and even death if they were caught.

Bl. Joseph Vaz went to Ceylon disguised as a labourer. He walked the rural paths through the tea-gardens, searching for Catholics, ministering to their needs, instructing them in the faith, regularizing their marriages, baptizing their children, and celebrating Holy Mass in their homes and villages. He was a veritable apostle for the Sri Lankan Church and he renewed the faith which had been affected by persecution. He also instrumental in converting a number of people to Christianity.

It was in 1693 that the Bl. Joseph Vaz worked a miracle of rain during a drought and the King of Kandy offered him protection and freedom to preach the Gospel in the Kingdom of Kandy. He used the missionary method of inculturation and composed a para-liturgy in Tamil and Singhala. He educated his servant John to be a priest. John belonged to the Kumbi tribe which at that time was not accepted for priesthood. During a small epidemic in Kandy, the king and other nobles fled but Bl. Joseph Vaz remained ministering to the dying and abandoned victims for almost 2 years. Bl. Joseph Vaz finally died in 1711 after 23 years of arduous missionary work in Sri Lanka.
There does seem to be a special role for Bl. Joseph Vaz to play at this moment of history. His life and ministry becomes very relevant especially now when we experience persecution against Christians in several countries specially in Asia.

Bl. Joseph Vaz has the distinction of founding a missionary Oratory – priests who would be available for frontier missionary work.
Since Blessed Joseph Vaz was born, educated and ordained a priest in India and opted to be a missionary in Sri Lanka, both the countries have special significance at his being raised to the honours of the altar. May he intercede for all those suffering from persecution specially in Asia.”

St Anthony Communications have produced a fine new DVD about the life and message of John Henry Newman, some of which has been filmed at the Oxford Oratory.

The first public screening will be at Littlemore – in the parish hall – on Friday 10th October at 7:30pm.

The official launch of the film will be on the 11th October during the Newman Pilgrimage at the Birmingham Oratory.

There will be a showing in our Parish Centre at 11am on Saturday 25th October. The DVD will also be available to buy from the Porters’ Lodge.