Once I Was A Clever Boy: Solemn First Vespers of the Immaculate Conception

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, 8 December 2015

Solemn First Vespers of the Immaculate Conception

Last night the Oxford Oratory began its celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - under whose patronage both the English Oratory and the Archdiocese of Birmingham lie - with Solemn First Vespers and Benediction.