The Oratory School, founded by Cardinal Newman on 2 May 1859, celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving, in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 2 May 2009, that concluded with the reading of a Papal Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.
The Anniversary Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols. Fr Antony Conlon, Chaplain to the Oratory School Association, read the special Papal Blessing received from Rome: 'The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of the Oratory School by John Henry Cardinal Newman cordially imparts the requested Apostolic Blessing to Staff and Students and through the intercession of the servant of God, entrusts the life and the spirit of the school which he founded and invokes an abundance of heavenly graces and the continued protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.'
'Vision of education'
In his welcome at the start of Mass, Archbishop Nichols spoke about the importance of Cardinal Newman and Catholic Education saying 'Today we celebrate not only this important anniversary of the Oratory School, but also Cardinal Newman's entire vision of education.'Archbishop Vincent Nichols added: 'Never has it been more important to have a positive and integrated vision of the true purposes and priorities for education centred on the person and on the spiritual dimension of every human being. Without such a vision, education becomes no more than a political or an economic football.'
Among the concelebrants at the Mass of St Athanasius, were Fr Antony Conlon, Chaplain at The Oratory School, and Fr Robert Byrne, Provost of the Oxford, and Fr John Saward, Priest in Charge, SS Gregory and Augustine's, members of The Oratory School Association.
'The flame of truth'
The Guest Preacher, Bishop Philip Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe, County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland, a distinguished Newman scholar, centred his sermon on Newman's vision for Catholic education, highlighting the inspiration that Cardinal Newman drew from St Athanasius. Bishop Boyce stressed: 'The Venerable John Henry Newman, your founder, was also one of those renowned educationalists and defenders of the faith who, like St Athanasius, received the sacred flame of truth and passed it on. It still burns brightly until the present day. 'The young boys at the School are being trained to enter a world where truth is often ridiculed and faith is ignored. Newman was keenly aware of the dangers that face them in a world, today more than ever, 'with its polluting, withering, debasing, deadening influence'.
'Therefore, Newman firmly believed that boys and young men are being prepared for the world, so that they can manage to live in it without being deceived by its ways, and to influence it by the convinced conduct of their lives.'
Bishop Boyce emphasised: 'The Oratory School has stamped upon it the educational ideal of Newman himself. Much depends on the personal influence for good that is exercised upon the young.'Bishop Philip Boyce concluded his homily by wishing the Oratory School prosperity in its next 150 years, to keep alive Newman's dream for Catholic education.
By Peter Jennings
Notes:
The Oratory is one of seven all-boys' boarding schools in the UK and has its own equally thriving co-ed prep school. The Oratory Association is the country's largest Catholic boarding/day organisation.
For further information about The Oratory School and the special events to celebrate its 150th Anniversary see website: www.oratory.co.uk
