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.


Sunday 27 March 2022

The Annunciation and the Consecration of Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart


On Friday evening I attended the High Mass at SS Gregory and Augustine to celebrate the Annunciation at which the Papal and Episcoplal consecration of Russia and of the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary was reiterated so as to engage us as a congregation in that solemn act.
 
There was a sizeable congregation in attendance and a definite sense of the seriousness, of the religious solemnity of this event in current circumstances. There was also, to me at least, the sense of it being - and we know there has been much debate about the validity or efficaciousness of previous such consecrations - the fulfilment of a long standing Marian request.

May this solemn action help to bring true peace to the Ukraine and peace to the hearts of the peoples of both the Ukraine and Russia.

Jesu mercy, Mary pray


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