The seminarians and staff from Allen Hall reunited after the summer break for a trip to St Mary’s, Oscott, in the archdiocese of Birmingham. Upon arrival, the seminary communities spent the day together, starting with Holy Mass in Oscott’s very own chapel before commencing with the planned schedule for the Saturday.
Having arrived at Oscott seminary, the community were shown to their rooms shortly before Mass. Archbishop Bernard Longley welcomed all those present to the Jubilee gathering of seminaries and Oscott Rector, Canon Michael, touched on the second spring homily given by St John Henry Newman in his own homily. Newman’s homily was delivered in that very chapel and made it all the more fitting given that Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church in the near future.
Following Mass, the communities gathered in the refectory for lunch. Shortly after, everyone congregated outside as is customary for Oscott’s community to pray the rosary whilst walking around the the grounds. After this the group gathered for an address by Archbishop Longley and heard the vocation testominies of Oscott seminarians: Amin, Jithin, and the new member of the formation staff, Fr Michael.
There was even time for a five aside game of football! The seminarians look forward to the annual clash between Oscott and AH in the season to come.
In the evening, the community gathered for sung vespers and then gatherered outside for a BBQ. Allen Hall were treated to some Oscottian hospitality as the communities mingled together.
The next day, following lauds, the seminaries headed to Harvington Hall. With the weather clearing up, and the national alerts out of the way, Archbishop Longley celebrated Mass for the annual pilgrimage to Harvington Hall. The Archbishop touched on the local saints and Christ’s identification of the cost of discipleship. A call that was all the more rectified by the history of Harvington as a refuge for priests during an age where their activity was outlawed.