This was the eleventh consecutive year that the Deanery Corpus Christi Procession has taken our Eucharistic Lord through the streets of Oxford, and the crowds this year were larger than ever.

The Procession began at the Oratory:

Large numbers of the lay faithful were joined by a Passionist bishop, diocesan priests, Dominican friars and sisters, Oratorians, Jesuits, Salesian priests and sisters, Holy Child Sisters, Sacred Heart of St Aubin Sisters, the Sisters of the Work, Capuchin friars and novices, Knights of Malta and others:

A sermon was given at Blackfriars:

The Prior of Blackfriars and the University Chaplain both took turns to carry the monstrance:

The Procession concluded with Benediction at the University Chaplaincy

The above photographs are by Br Lawrence Lew OP

Processing can be hard work!

As of last Sunday the Campaign total in cash and pledges has passed the first million pounds out of the five million we need. Thank you to all who have already given or pledged. We hope that we might reach the second million by the end of 2010.

Current Total: £1,054,229.60

What comes next?

There are some small jobs in church, such as the repair and replacement of some of the parquet floor to be carried out later this month. Then, a small temporary shrine for our Cardinal, ready for his beatification (the proper chapel will come later).

If we can keep on target, the next major work will be the accommodation block behind the Parish Centre.

We must build these extra rooms if the Oratory is to respond to those wanting to join our community. Otherwise, we cannot flourish and grow.

If you are not yet involved with the campaign, speak to Fr Daniel.

The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, made his first visit to our church as our archbishop on Sunday 18th April, when he sang the High Mass. In his sermon, His Grace recalled how he used to come to Mass here when he was an undergraduate at New College.

After Mass, His Grace was able to meet parishioners:

The Archbishop came to the Parish Centre, where, as Patron of our Reaffirmation and Renewal Campaign, he urged everyone to support the building of new accommodation for the community, the Newman Chapel and Library and the restoration of our church:

Photographs by James Bradley

Photography by Tessa Caldecott

Monday 22nd February was the Feast of the Chair of St Peter. We were asked to pray especially on this day for the unity of Christians, especially in the light of the Holy Father’s recent offer to Anglicans in Anglicanorum Coetibus. There was a Holy Hour from 8-9pm to pray for this intention.

“Every division among the baptized in Jesus Christ wounds that which the Church is and that for which the Church exists”

Pope Benedict XVI in Anglicanorum Coetibus

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

Fr Gregory Mitchell of the Oratory in Port Elizabeth stayed with us for two years while pursuing his priestly studies at Blackfriars. On his return to South Africa he was ordained priest on 10th January 2009. On the first anniversary of his ordination, Fr Gregory celebrated the Solemn Mass in Oxford. All three sacred ministers were born in Africa! (Fr Daniel in Ndola, Fr Gregory in Port Elizabeth and Br Nicholas in Cape Town)

After Mass, Fr Gregory gave first blessings:

The Very Reverend Fr Ignatius Harrison preaches at the 6pm Mass on 5th January, which Fr Robert celebrated on the 25th anniversary of his ordination:

After dinner the Fathers enjoy the snow!