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.


Saturday, 5 December 2015

Benemerenti medal conferred at the Oxford Oratory


Earlier today the Oxford Oratory was able to assist in honouring a faithful servant of the Church, as the following from the parish website records:
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Our congratulations go to Mrs Eileen Healy, who has been awarded the Papal medal Benemerenti by Pope Francis. This is in recognition of her long and devoted service to the Church, especially by serving as a cook and housekeeper to many priests (and bishops!)
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Bishop Robert Byrne came today on Saturday 5th December, the feast of St Birinus, Apostle of the West Saxons, to present the medal at the 10am Mass.
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The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) to recognize military merit. Since 1925 it has been awarded to clergy and lay members of the faithful, both military and civil.
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Photographs by Hannah Chegwyn
Text (adapted) and Images: Oxford Oratory website

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