We are on the train leaving Birmingham for London-Ealing Abbey as our destination. I am seated at the window, which gives me a nice and clear view of the midlands here. The swiftness of the train brings back a series of memories about the past few days we have spent in Birmingham.
Saint Mary’s Seminary Oscott, one of the oldest seminaries in England, built in 1838, is a magnificent place to behold. Pope Benedict XVI himself paid it a visit, to see the beginnings and revival of the Catholic religion in England.
During our stay in Birmingham, the Sisters of Mercy at St. Mary’s Convent Handsworth have been very hospitable to us. Founded in 1841 by Venerable Catherine McAuley, the sisters are committed to prayer, charity, providing a quality Catholic education and reaching out to the marginalized groups in society. Their generosity knows no boundaries. In conjunction with the interreligious council in the city of Birmingham, they have been instrumental in improving the standards and welfare of the people in the local area. They have been recognized in curbing crime in the neighborhood which is known for its rival gang activity.
The Maryvale Institute was also another awesome place to pay a visit. Notable here is that Newman lived there, and facilitated the building of the chapel in which we celebrated Mass. St. Marys Seminary Oscott was housed here before it shifted to its current location a few miles away. Maryvale houses the first Scared Heart Chapel in the whole of England. And it is from here that the devotion to the Sacred Heart spread out to the rest of this beautiful country.
Posted by Joseph Kavuma
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| At prayer after Mass |
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| The sanctuary in Oscott's chapel |
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| Monsignor Crisp shows us around the seminary |
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| Woodcarving inside St. Mary's convent |
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| Mind the gap! |
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