Br Shawn and Br Tyson landed in Oxford on the 28th of September, weary and jet lagged but soon hit the ground running and was brought up to speed in the Oxford Oratorian rule of life and studies at Blackfriars. Here in Oxford, they begin their theological studies in preparation for the priesthood at the Brisbane Oratory.
The brothers outside Blackfriars where they study.
Br Shawn getting into his essay at Blackfriars Library.
The Station of the Cross that inspired JRR Tolkien’s conception of the Orcs in Lord of the Rings inside Blackfriars Chapel which he would frequent.
One of the first things Br Shawn and Br Tyson participated in was the feast day of Blessed John Henry Newman. The founder of the Oratory in the English speaking world. There was a “triduum” involving daily prayers and devotions for three days leading up to the feast day. One highlight was a night pilgrimage from the Oxford Oratory to Littlemore where Bl John Henry Newman was received into “the one fold of the Redeemer.”
The pilgrimage into Littlemore. With the megaphone is Fr Daniel Seward, Provost of the Oxford Oratory.
Entering this room, Bl Dominic Barbara turned around to see Bl John Henry Newman begging him to receive him into the Church. And he did.
The brothers have been able to take in some of the sights of the beautiful city of Oxford, including Trinity college where Bl John Henry Newman studied as an undergraduate.
A statue of Bl John Henry Newman in Trinity College Gardens.
Br Shawn on the lawns of Trinity College.
Br Tyson pointing to the room in which Bl John Henry Newman lived while at the college.
They are also involved in the liturgical life of the Oratory. As this post is published, the 40 hours devotion for which St Philip had a great affinity is underway. It involves exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for 40 hours (derived from the 40 hours of Jesus’ body in the tomb). During this sacred time, parishioners can come and spend an hour or more with our Blessed Lord in the Holy Eucharist, adoring Him, and making reparation for the many offences against His Holy Name and the Church. During this time there are many devotions and prayers such as Musical Oratory, Rosary, Benediction, and the Divine Office, such as Vespers, to name a few.
The Oxford Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga.
The brothers helping to set up for 40 hours… one of them anyway.
Well over 100 candles burning for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at the Oxford Oratory.
As the brothers continue their priestly formation and studies here in Newman’s city, please pray for them, that they be conformed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
“The most beautiful prayer we can make, is to say to God, As Thou knowest and willest, O Lord, so do with me.” St Philip Neri