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. 


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The Lady Altar is incensed:
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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament:
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Photographs by Hannah Chegwyn.
Images: Oxford Oratory website

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