Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday 4 September 2012

The Manchester Oratory


I heard the other day that the long awaited canonical erection of the proposed Manchester Oratory has been granted, although it will be based at Cheetham Hill rather than its present base at the church of the Holy Name. The official announcement is on their parish website and can be seen here.

4 comments:

Lapinbizarre said...

Architecturally St Chad's is quite a distinguished church, tho' not sure how its perpendicular correctness will adapt to the Oratorian style. When I was last there, in the mid-late 60's, drywall confessionals were being constructed in the aisles. Corrected or soon-to-be corrected, maybe?

Lapinbizarre said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lapinbizarre said...

They-re still there! Not quite as dreadful as they threatened to be in mid-construction. Otherwise the interior of the church has clearly survived far, far better than I feared it would, particularly in light of what has befallen St Francis, Gorton, since my day.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you'll be happy to learn they are going to be torn down! There are many plans for the interior (and exterior) of the Church, but in the meantime there is enough room for Oratorian worship. There is certainly space for new shrines and statues for Oratorian and local saints. The only problem will be fitting the congregation in!

The first Mass with the Community from the Holy Name will be the first Sunday of Advent.