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As I write this reflection for the October newsletter the half-term break is in sight and the seminary community is now well settled into the work of formation. One of the highlights last month that occurred at the beginning of the term was a Jubilee gathering of seminarians at Oscott as we journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope. Fraternity within the priesthood is a vital element of the priest’s life and this is something that is nurtured during the years of formation in the seminary community. Seminarians who are preparing to be ordained for one of the dioceses of England and Wales are usually sent to one of four seminaries that serve the Catholic Church in these lands: alongside St Mary’s College, Oscott there is Allen Hall Seminary in Chelsea, The Venerable English College, and the Beda College, both in Rome. Before seminarians begin their formation at a major seminary they typically undertake a propaedeutic (or preparatory) year at St Alban’s English College, Valladolid, in Spain. It was a great pleasure for us to welcome seminarians and formation staff at Oscott for a weekend where friendships could be renewed and new relationships formed. Archbishop Bernard Longley joined us on the Saturday and following a beautiful celebration of Mass, lunch, and the rosary we gathered for a talk in which the Archbishop gave us an inspiring and encouraging presentation on the way in which we discern and respond to the call of Jesus to be his priests. We heard about the inspiring life of Blessed Dominic Barberi and the fervour with which he followed his vocation as a priest which led him to be named the The Apostle of England. As part of our afternoon together a priest and two seminarians shared their testimonies of how they had recognised an emerging awareness of God’s call in their lives, including the people who had encouraged and supported them along the way. They also spoke of the way in which their vocational journey had borne fruit for them and for those around them. I think that we were all greatly enriched by this afternoon of sharing and the day concluded with a barbeque and social time together. To conclude our Jubilee gathering, on Sunday we had the privilege of joining the annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Harvington Hall – a designated diocesan shrine for the Jubilee Year of Hope. This place is a moated medieval manor, renowned for its 7 ingenious priest hides. It is a place associated with recusant Catholics and their care for Catholic priests who were so often martyred as they ministered to the Catholic community. Our time of pilgrimage there was indeed an inspiration and a source of hope for our seminarians who are preparing to serve the Catholic mission in our own time.
Canon Michael Dolman |
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| From public events to guided tours and special liturgies, a lot happens at our seminary that you can get involved in… |
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Blessing of the Graves1st November, 3pm |
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The annual blessing of graves at Oscott Cemetery offers an opportunity to pray at the graveside of loved ones, accompanied by a priest or seminarian.
Together we express our faith in eternal life and remember those who have died in God’s loving care. This year’s blessing takes place on All Souls’ Day, when the Church prays for the faithful departed. |
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Practical Information:
There is no parking in or around the: come to the main college gates on Chester Road (B73 5BB), where you will be directed to parking.
This event is entirely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather, including suitable footwear.
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Lecture on the Christology of Caryll Houselander
7.15pm, 13th November
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Caryll Houselander (1901–1954) was an English mystic, artist, and writer whose central theme was the indwelling of Christ in every human person. Despite a life marked by illness, family breakdown, and war, she used her suffering and insight to help others and write with striking compassion and clarity.
Widely-read and popular during her lifetime, Houselander's work fell into relative obscurity in the second half of the twentieth century, but has recently been undergoing something of a revival. Her writing continues to be fresh, insightful and relevant today. Is it perhaps time to rediscover this remarkable woman?
Lecturer: Fr Andrew Allman, Vice-Rector of Oscott.
All are welcome.
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| | Announcing Oscott’s New Upcoming Exhibition on Newman |
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On 1 November, the feast of All Saints, St John Henry Newman will be formally declared a Doctor of the Church, recognising the enduring depth and influence of his teaching.
To mark this moment, Oscott will host a special exhibition celebrating Newman’s life, times, and mission - and the part he played in Oscott’s story.
Among the items on display will be letters, books, portraits, and personal artefacts, including a skull cap loaned from St Chad’s Cathedral. The exhibition will also feature paintings and materials connected with Bishop Ullathorne, Cardinal Wiseman, and Fr Davis, who played a key role in Newman’s cause for canonisation.
A highlight will be the painting of the First Synod of Westminster, temporarily moved from the Rector’s corridor for the occasion. Together, these pieces offer a vivid insight into the world that shaped one of the Church’s greatest minds.
Exhibition opening dates will be announced soon. To view the exhibition, please book onto one of our tours of the College. |
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| On select Sundays during term time, join the seminarians and staff at Oscott for a Sunday Holy Hour, including sung Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church) and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. An opportunity to pray before the Lord Jesus, present in the Eucharist, in the beauty of Oscott's chapel. Open to all. |
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Pulling out all the stops:Oscott’s inaugural Organ recital |
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| | On Sunday 5th October, Oscott welcomed Professor David Saint to open the college’s Organ recital series. Since 1978, David has been Organist and Director of Music at St Chad’s Cathedral and is well known on the recital circuit and the seminary community.
David captivated an audience of 60 guests, and the college community, over the course of five pieces chosen to show the versatility and full colour of the organ. With pieces by Mendelssohn, Pachelbel, Bach, Standford, Langlais and Howells, the audience was transported through a legacy of musical heritage by expert hands (and feet!).
David’s expertise also showed through his careful navigation of issues with the organ, including the lack of access to a principal stop, which is amongst the list of issues which awaits repair. The recital was also the official launch of the Organ Appeal and we are grateful to all those who attended, helping us raise over £600. |
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| Built in 1838 for the opening of Oscott College, the beautiful organ has supported the liturgical life of the Seminary for over 180 years. Purchased by Birmingham Industrialist, John Hardman, as a gift to the seminary it was built by the London firm G&S Parsons. The beautiful and unusual case covering is attributed to the Gothic architect A.W. Pugin, whose legacy of work at the seminary is optimised in the stunning design of the chapel.
Expanded in 1872, the organ suffered years of wear and tear before a significant project of rebuild and modernisation took place in 1963 by Nicholson’s. Recently, the organ has been showing significant signs of fatigue and access for repairs are becoming increasingly difficult due to safety concerns. With many parts wearing away or broken due to age, we now need to raise funds to help refurbish the organ for generations to come.
Anyone interested in supporting the appeal is encouraged to get in touch or make a donation via the college website.
For more information on the history of the organ and the fascinating mystery of the case design, a short publication is now available to buy via the college curator (naomi.johnson@oscott.org) at a cost of £5.00. All proceeds will support the Organ appeal.
The recital series continues in February 2026 with Nigel Morris, Associate Organist of St Chad’s Cathedral. |
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| Oscott’s historic chapel organ - played daily - is a treasured part of our worship life. With your support, we hope to restore it so future generations can share in its beauty. |
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| | Our newest blog posts shines light on the start of the academic year |
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| Deep roots and hopeful horizons |
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| Moving suitcases, starting classes, settling in… and preparing for the next chapter: As new seminarians walk through the doors of Oscott, Anthony (final year) and Olly (fifth year) give us insights into the start of the year at a Seminary, reminisce about their first year days, and speak hopefully of the future. |
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| | Your support allows us to provide for the next generation of priests. |
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