Pro-Life Witness

The monthly Pro-Life prayer vigil took place today, from 3 to 4pm, in its usual location at the main entrance to the John Radcliffe Hospital. The 'JR' is the only place in Oxford where abortions take place. Ironically, the JR has been in the news in its other role, of saving babies: a Russian woman with quintuplets who was told by her Russian doctors to abort some of them delivered them all safely, by Caesarian section, there last week.

These Witnesses are the initiative of Mrs Amada Lewin; the first tool place in March this year. This one was well attended despite the cold; 25 people stood outside to pray 15 decades of the Rosary 'in reparation for abortion and for all unborn babies and their mothers and fathers', led by Fr John Saward of SS Gregory and Augustine, while others remained in the Church of St Anthony of Padua, where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. The group included Fr Jeremy Davies, from Luton. At the end of the Rosary we all went into the Church and Fr Saward blessed the people with the Blessed Sacrament.There will be no Witness in December; the next dates are

26th January
23rd February
29th March

Newman Society Mass

For the first time for many years, the Oxford University Newman Society held its Termly Mass in the usus antiquior. For the first time ever, I think, since 1970 this was a Solemn High Mass. It took place in Brasenose College Chapel, by kind permission of the College authorities. Fr Dominic Jacob of the Oxford Oratory was celebrant, Fr Anton Webb (ditto) deacon, and Br Lawrence Lew OP was subdeacon. Mr Richard Pickett was MC, with a team of Newman Society servers.

The propers were sung to a very high standard by the Oxford Gregorian Chant Society; Mr Andrew Knowles organised a superb polyphonic choir for the ordinaries and some motets. For more on the music see here.Mass was extremely well organised and despite torrential rain was attended by about 90 people. It was followed by a the Newman Society's splendid termly black tie dinner, which was addressed by Mr Julian Chadwick, Chairman of the Latin Mass Society, who had attended the Mass.

Two cheers for the John Radcliffe Hospital

Today I received the following heartening news item:

Quintuplets born to a Russian woman in a British hospital are doing well. The babies were delivered at 26 weeks by caesarean section by Dr Lawrence Impey of the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. He was contacted by the mother's relatives after her doctor in Russia had advised selective abortion for some of the babies. All medical costs have been met by a group of Russian philanthropists.

Congratulations to mother, babies, philanthropists and Dr Impey. It is a sad irony the JR also carries out abortions itself.

Book launch: Smoke in the Santuary

This hilarious book, by Stephen Oliver, about a traditionally-minded parish priest dealing with the realities of modern church life is being published in a second edition, with illustrations and a forword by Fr Tim Finnigan; see his post.

Southwell Books is publishing it; it is available here (Smoke in the Sanctuary) for £7.95. It will of course also be available at the book launch, which is taking place at 7pm on 23rd November in the Oxford Oratory's 'Prichard Room'.

Newman Society events

On Monday 19th November the Newman Society's Termly Mass will take place at 6pm in the chapel of Brasenose College. It will be a Traditional Solemn High Mass. All are welcome to attend.

This is an event of great significance; it has been announced on the New Liturgical Movement blog by Br Lawrence Lew, who is to be sub-deacon. Fr Dominic Jacob of the Oxford Oratory will be celebrant.

Congratulations to Michael Ryan, President of the Newman Society. Their last speaker, Fr Tim Finnigan said the Traditional Mass the morning after his excellent talk, after staying the night in Oxford. He celebrated Low Mass in the small St Joseph's Chapel in Campion Hall: see pictures.

Their speaker this week (Tuesday evening: 8.30pm in the Old Palace) will be Fr Rupert McHardy of the London Oratory, alumnus of St Benet's Hall and a keen proponent of the Traditional Mass.