The Oxford Oratory is the third of the English Oratories and the only one not established within John Henry Newman's life though it is close to the heart of the city in which he spent a significant part of his life. During Newman's lifetime Bishop Ullathorne attempted three times to bring the Oratorians to Oxford but despite considerable efforts it was not be. It was not until 1990 when the Birmingham Oratory realised Newman's dream when it responded to an invitation to take over the running of The Church of St Aloysius, which in 1993 became an independent congregation.
Newman's Shrine at Oxford is temporary feature. It is made up of a painting by William Ouless, aedicule and altarino by Timothy Newbery and achievement of arms by Tom Meek. Located at the back of the right hand aisle it clearly lacks the impact of those at both Birmingham and London. However, the Oratory is in the process of a major building project which will see a permanent chapel to Newman, the descriptions of which are most impressive. A substantial fundraising appeal is in progress and I look forward to seeing the chapel once complete.
Founded in 1875, the Church of St Aloysius was originally served by Jesuit Fathers. It was designed by Joseph Aloysius Hansom (1802-1888), incidentally also designer of the Handom Cab and Birmingham Town Hall, and was inspired by French Gothic. Originally decorated in Italianate style in the fifties it then became two tone grey which has been superseded by more colourful refurbishment. Whilst impressive throughout the most striking feature is undoubtedly the 52 statues of saints and angels and two saints heads behind the altar which dominate the Church.
Newman spent a considerable portion of this life in Oxford, as student at Trinity College, a Fellow of Oriel College and an Anglican Minister. It was here he formed many of the ideas that he built on during his time in Dublin and in his 'Idea of a University' and indeed he is credited with establishing the tutorial system common throughout university education today.
Leaving Oxford soon after his conversion, Newman lived in effective exile from Oxford and its academic life until in 1878 he was made the first Honourary Fellow by Trinity College. I was struck by the words in Father Jerome Bertram's Book Newman's Oxford, "So it came about that it was the Observatory that he was to leave on the morning of the 23rd, not to see Oxford again for many years, save only its spires as they are seen from the railway." But to quote Newman's own words, "To live is to change, and to be perfect is to change often."
Blessed John Henry Newman pray for us!
I just found your blog thru the Oasis of French Catholicism blog. Your coverage of the beatification and aftermath has been well presented. This is a particularly beautiful church. The shrine is obviously small but somehow it is better than destroying another shrine to create a larger one. Do you take these photos yourself or is there a particular site that you found them on? I am really excited by the Ordinariate project. I think this is also a part of the aftermath of the beatification of Newman. What we need to find are devotions that are particular to Newman and not merely adapting other devotions. Do you know if there was a particular devotion that he favoured above all others or maybe a spiritual act that he used? If Newman was so associated with Oxford why couldnt he have returned to Oxford to found a Catholic hall instead of wasting his energies in Ireland. On the other hand, if he had done so perhaps his influence would have been restricted. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed a fabulous church and a very sweet shrine to Newman. Thank you for bringing it to us. FP
ReplyDeleteReally lovely shrine. Blessed John pray for us!
ReplyDeleteDo we know the saints in the niches in the apse? I have seen plans for the original church and it included an ambulatory behind so maybe this is a renovations project from later. John Elsworthy
ReplyDeleteMaybe its a bit small but I like it.
ReplyDeleteStunning pictures. Interesting that the SJs left and the COs took over. Thanks for another installment in the Newman Beatification series. Not "just" a girl!
ReplyDeleteSo its small but its clearly in a very prominent place next to the sanctuary. We need more shrines to Blessed Newman and way more coverage of his cause.
ReplyDeleteCant say i get much of what ur saying here but the shotz of the building are just blowing me away. The colors and the detail is really cool.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hopeful to see the growth of new Congregations, especially in the University where Blessed John Newman found his Faith. I have visited England many times on Peregrination Pro Christo and I know the great difficulties of indifference and irreligion that face the Church there. Oxford is a real gap of danger that must be manned by souls on fire for the Lord. I pray that this mission will bear much fruit of souls.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most interesting about the Newman Beatification is the almost total absence (present Popes excepted) of a renewed interest in study of the Fathers of the Church. It was the study of the Fathers of the Church that brought Newman into the Church. It was a realisation that Dogma and not sentiment should be the determinant factor. Where is this uniquely Newmanian spirit being promoted? We need an Apostolic Constitution on the study of the Fathers to match Proventissimus Deus, to speak of contemporary things... and the contrast is interesting in itself. We've had more than a century of messing about with the Scriptures (and the Liturgy). Now it's time to mess about with the Fathers - if you can!
ReplyDeleteHey JAG! Another winner! We should do an awards thing! ;-x
ReplyDeleteIs it just me or is that ceiling very like the ceiling in Ardattin? I know the two churches are a century apart but do we know if there is any influence between the two?
ReplyDeleteI have visited Oxford many times but never been inside this chapel. You should also visit the chapel of the ressurection of Pusey House to see one of the most magnificent of the 19th Century chapels of the city.
ReplyDeleteIsnt it a fantastic idea that after a century the wish of Newman is finally come to pass. Great post. The Church is fantastic and slowly starting to show an oratorian flavour.
ReplyDeleteI was a little surprised to hear that the Oxford Oratory did NOT celebrate the OF versus Deum but it I heard it when I heard that they were starting to do it so I wasn't so put out.
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