Today we had the welcome visit of some friends met solely through blogging! The world renowned Joee Blogs (Catholic Londoner) came fresh from a Triduum retreat on an isolated monastic island, to be with us today for special prayers at the graveside of the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman.With him he brought Fr. Richard Scott of Coventry, who provided spiritual direction to our complicated theological discussions.
After a nourishing garden lunch (courtesy of my wonderful wife), we all made our way to Oratory House in Rednal. It is the Birmingham Oratorian's retreat house, and site of their final resting place. Newman's funeral procession from the Oratory Church down to Rednal was lined with thousands of members of the public, all deeply moved by his great life. We pray constantly that Newman will soon be beatified, and so this site will have even more significance.
Today, as on many other occasions, we had Mass, Exposition, and even a Eucharistic procession around the grounds. The special intention was for protection from the plague of vandals which has previously left the Oratory House in a dilapidated state. Fortunately Fr. Guy Nichols is leading a project of restoration. The results are clearly evident from these wonderful photos.Please pray for the continued heavenly protection of this important Catholic heritage.
Shame on me for never having thought about (a) where Newman is buried and (b) the humble resting place. Thanks for sharing the pictures. As you probably know, throughout the U.S., there are "Newman Centers" at every public university and college.
ReplyDeleteI am envious of, what looks to be, the gorgeous spring weather you are enjoying. For Easter, we had snow on the ground--something we, in the Midwest, did not have on Christmas Day.
Absolutely fabulous pictures & explanations!Am avidly reading anything to do with Newman.
ReplyDeleteLast night i read a pamphlet approved by Fr gregory (& an Archbishop) comparing Newman & Frank Duff. It was reasonably short but amazing. Both men had a lot in common, working extremely long hours, writing much..volumes, devotion to Mary, long lives, care of the laity...etc etc
Will let you borrow it. Sorry to ramble..but haven't got the book you were after..obviously gone walkabout!
God bless
Wow, this is very interesting, I attend University Church here is Dublin which was founded by Cardinal Newman when he founded the Catholic University here. Andrew at Unam Sanctam has been telling me about his friends in London and their blogs and all and I never imagined you would all meet up and visit the gravesite of Newman....
ReplyDeleteSo, young Joee Bloggs has now been outed!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics and wonderful occasion.
I hope that young Joee Blogs would not object to the world seeing his alter-ego in such a laid back and disguised pose. In actual fact, I have no photographic evidence of his facial identity. So please don't come knocking at my door...!
ReplyDeleteHa ha - look at Maddy's shoes in the last pic with Wendy and Fr. Scott!!! Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Maddy would like with a baby mantilla.
Is it not also the grave of Ambrose St John?
ReplyDeleteYes, Ambrose St John, Newman's close friend in the Congregation of the Oratory, is also buried in that plot.
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