Endings and beginnings

The end of 2010 is witnessing a number of changes in the world around me. I returned to Oxford to learn that St Bede's Hall where I was listed as tutor and lecturer in History has, sadly, had to close. St Bede's was an attempt to establish a new, conciously Catholic, educational institution in the city, and much effort was put into setting it up by the initial founders, notably Dr Penny Cookson. Unfortunately they have failed to find the support they needed and have been forced to close. I feel very sorry for those like Penny who worked so hard, and hope that the vision will not be lost.

Elsewhere I hear that the Anglican Bishops of Ebbsfleet, Richborough and Fulham, who resign today, will be received or reconciled tomorrow as Catholics, and that their ordination will take place soon. So here indeed is an ending, but also the positive beginning of the Ordinariate in England. It is topic I keep very much in my prayers and hope that 2011 will see real and positive developments there.

St Bede's reception

Last night I was at St Bede's Hall here in Oxford for a reception to welcome back to Oxford, at least temporarily, and to his new position at St Bede's as chairman of the Board of Directors, Fr Tom Weinandy O.F.M.

The event was an occasion for old and new friends and associates of St Bede's to meet, or to renew acquaintance. Fr Tom spoke about the vision for the Hall and welcomed overseas contacts from the North American College in Rome and from Belmont College in the USA.

I also spoke to Fr Mark Elvins, the Guardian, about the Centre for Franciscan Studies the Oxford Greyfriars are seeking to develop, including some excellent lectures this last academic year.

I was delighted to meet again Prof. James Carley from Toronto, whose work on the Arthurian legend, and particularly in relation to Glastonbury, I have used in connection with my research on Richard Fleming. Prof. Carley is in Oxford as a visiting scholar for the coming year.

There was a positive spirit to the occasion which should auger well for the students planning on coming to study at St Bede's in the future.