Royal Visitor attends Mass

30 May 2012

Just over a week ahead of the national celebrations which will take place during half-term holiday, Blessed John Henry Newman’s Oratory School held its own Jubilee Day on 25 May. The school was favoured with a visit from Lord Nicholas Windsor who was the guest of honour at a Solemn Mass in the School Chapel. On one of the hottest days of the year he joined other distinguished guests, Staff and Pupils at a ceremony which included some wonderful choral pieces including Handel’s Zadoc the Priest with full orchestra. In his homily, Mgr Antony Conlon, the School Chaplain, traced the historic endurance and contribution as well as the Biblical origins of monarchy and its predominance until the twentieth century. Vocation and service are an essential aspect of its purpose and appeal. Despite the loss of so many such institutions elsewhere, monarchy still held sway in the United Kingdom and in many ways provided us with both an enviable stability and a Head of State who has not only outlasted many of the political figures who have held power in her reign but also outshone them in the nation’s appreciation. The value of what the Crown represents and inspires immeasurably outweighs its cost and defies the criticism of its opponents. He also reminded the congregation that for Catholics, there is no better way to give thanks for achievement than with the offering of Mass which both embraces in full the notion of thanksgiving and through Christ, King and High Priest, also draws down blessings directly form God. Following the Mass there was a reception for all guests and then Lord Nicholas joined the Head Master and other guests for a special dinner. Normal Friday abstinence was suspended for the evening while Pupils and Staff enjoyed a barbecue and a variety of sweets. Outdoor games and activities followed until 10pm when a glorious fireworks display lit up the skies to intermittent cheers of the assembled boys and family members. Altogether it was a day to long remember and one that fittingly marked both the significance of our Sovereign and despite some dark clouds of various kinds that have cast their shadow upon her well-being and ours, the indisputable success over these past sixty six tumultuous decades of her personal role in the nation’s life and progress.