Pope Benedict XVI is travelling to the United Kingdom in September to beatify the school’s Founder, John Henry Newman. This will take place in an open-air Mass at Cofton Park, Birmingham on Sunday 19 September and it is expected that hundreds of thousands will travel from across the world.
The Oratory Association, as one of Cardinal Newman’s great works, will be represented by approximately 100 pupils drawn from the two schools singing in the Special Choir. Two Oratory Sacristans will be serving on the Altar. The Director of Music, Julian McNamara will be the Reserve Organist for the Papal Mass.
The Choir will depart on Saturday 18th, with a second convoy travelling up early on Sunday 19th, for a 10am start. All parishes in the country are being asked to organise transport to the Mass. Please note: Parishes will be organising their own transport so check with your Parish priest. Only official coaches will be allowed into the Mass organised through Pax Travel
Here are a few weblinks which will give more information about this historic event.
The Cause for the Canonisation of John Henry Cardinal Newman
Recently Jack Valero, the Official Press Officer for the Beatification of Cardinal Newman visited The Oratory to lecture to visiting summer school Spanish students. He has his own website Catholicvoices.org.uk set up by young Catholics to deal with media issues.
The Oratory School is also mentioned on the website of the Bishop's Conference of England & Wales.
See also Father Tim Finnigan's Blog, The Hermeneutic of Continuity, which featured The Oratory's Corpus Christi celebrations.