Oxford Celebrates One of its Famous Sons: Mass of Thanksgiving and Te Deum at Oxford Oratory for Newman's Beatification

The person of John Henry Newman is inextricably tied up with the venerable city and University of Oxford. I recall with fond recollection the first time I saw the pulpit from which the younger Newman preached in the University church of St. Mary the Virgin, as well as visiting Oriel College where Newman was a fellow and tutor. (See right)

(For those who are interested in the Oxonian aspects of Newman's life, I would recommend to you, The Oxford of Newman: A Guide for Pilgrims. The Places and Buildings associated with John Henry Newman during his years in Oxford 1816-1846 written by Fr. Jerome Bertram of the Oxford Oratory.)

Recently, on Sunday, July 12th, the Fathers of St. Aloysius, or the Oxford Oratory, along with the provosts of the Birmingham and London Oratories, Fr Paul Chavasse and Fr. Ignatius Harrison, along with other members of the Oratory and Fr. Brendan Callaghan SJ, Master of Campion Hall, came together for a Mass of Thanksgiving and Te Deum in St Aloysius Church in Oxford for the occasion of the recent approval of Cardinal Newman’s Beatification by the Holy Father.

Father Paul Chavasse, Provost of the Birmingham Oratory, "preached at the Mass, concentrating on Newman’s work both as a major theologian and as a pastoral priest in his own locality in Birmingham."

Here are some photos from that event.

(A few further photos may be found on the site of the Oxford Oratory under "Lead Kindly Light".)

(Oriel College print source: GAC)