Restoration plans for the Oxford Oratory

Late last month the Liturgical Arts Journal published online an illustrated account of the proposed restoration of the sanctuary, as well as other building work, that is planned for the Oxford Oratory. The plans for the sanctuary are a restoration of the original layout, with the altar being raised on more steps and returned to a position closer to the tabernacle. Flights of steps at each side would be reinstated to give access to the tabernacle itself. The sanctuary floor is to be replaced with a new parquet design. This can all be seen in the drawings in tha article at Restorations at the Church of St. Aloysius in Oxford (The Oxford Oratory) 

The uncovering of the early twentieth century spandril wall paintings by Gabriel Pippet above the stalls earlier this year, which I highlighted on this blog, marked the beginning of the implementation of this project. Further work will uncover and restore the decorated marble facing in the spandrels of the nave arcades, together with other features of the original design. That is a proposal long anticipated by many of us.

I was fortunate to see the plans for this work in the sanctuary about three years ago when they were being forwarded with comments to the Archdiocesan advisory committee for approval. I was very happy to write in enthusiastic support of the work, as well as the rebuilding work on the sacristy and the proposed baptistery and Little Oratory adjoining the main entrance. I assume from their public release to the LAJ site that it is hoped the work, which will clearly be a considerable upheaval, will commence relatively soon. I do assume that for that to begin there will have to be a new fundraising campaign.

The Oxford Oratory had its 34th anniversary on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin on September 8th. Those years since 1990 have witnessed not merely a physical renewal of much of the church building but, even more importantly, a spiritual and liturgical renewal of both church and parish. As I tried to say in my submission to the Archdiocese about these new plans they are hopefully, assuredly even, going to see those aims continue to advance hand in hand as a central part of the Oratorian mission in Oxford.