Once I Was A Clever Boy: The Ordination and First Mass of Fr Benedict Manning C.O.

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 19 September 2020

The Ordination and First Mass of Fr Benedict Manning C.O.

A week ago Fr Benedict Manning of the Oxford Oratory was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Robert Byrne of Hexham and Newcastle, who was the founding Provost of the Oratory thirty years ago.

The following day Fr Benedict celebrated the principal Sunday Mass in the church.

On both days the liturgy was followed by First Blessings by the new priest.