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 28 May 2022

Celebrating St Philip’s Day at the Oxford Oratory


St Philip’s Day is, naturally, always a highlight in the calendar of any Oratory. This year, with the normal feast day on May 26th being displaced by Ascension Day different Oratories are observing the Solemnity on a variety of days. 

The Oxford Oratory transferred it to today, and with a notable guest celebrant in Cardinsl George Pell, a long-standing friend of the community. Last night there was Solemn First Vespers, Benediction and Blessing with the relic of St Philip. This can be viewed on YouTube at Our Holy Father St Philip — Solemn First Vespers

This morning the Solemn Mass was celebrated, with guests in attendance from the Birmingham and London Oratories as well as the Abnot of Farnborough and other friends of the Oxford Oratory. The YouTube of the Mass is available at Our Holy Father St Philip — Solemn Pontifical Mass

Both occasions were ccellent examples of the Oxford Oratory at its best liturgically and musically, and a celebration of St Philip but also of his sons, the Oratorians and their ministry.

May St Philip pray for the Oratories, their members and congregations.


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