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 November 2014

All Souls at the Oxford Oratory


A friend has sent me these photographs from the feast of All Souls at the Oxford Oratory. I attended both the E F Mass offered at 12.15 and the Solemn Mass at 6. There were other Masses at 7.30, 10 - with the children from the school - and at 11 at Wolvercote cemetary with the blessing of graves.

The 12.15 Mass was well attended, but I thought the congregation at 6 somewhat small given the day. Nonetheless this wasa fine mass, and I always appreciate the restrained solemnity of black vestments, violet hangings and unbleached candles on these occasions.

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Fr Jerome celebrates a Mass at St Philip's altar


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 The High Altar ready for the Solemn Mass

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Fr Dominic leaves the sanctuary at the conclusion of Mass

Images:Irim Sarwar

I think I fulfilled all the requirements to obtain the Plenary Indulgence, and on my way home stopped at the churchyard at St Thomas' Church, where I used to be Churchwarden, to pray for the departed.

Rest Eternal grant unto them OLord




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