Day 8: Littlemore

Littlemore - 'The College'

Today was our second day of visiting Newman's past  residence at Littlemore; what is known as 'The College'.  Through the lectures from Oxford University priest, professor and renown Newman scholar, Fr. Ian Karr, and ongoing presentations from our very own University of St. Thomas professor, Dr. Briel, Newman's life as a pastor has come alive to us.  During his conversion experience, Newman resigned from his prestigious position as university priest and professor.  Flowing from his great love for the people of Littlemore, Newman retired to this quaint suburb of Oxford and established 'The College'.  The settings of which are much like that of a hermitage.

Eucharistic Adoration

Our day began with Mass and Eucharistic Adoration and was followed with 'tea and biscuits' (i.e - tea and cookies, what has been a staple on our journey).  We then continued on with lectures and later visited near by sights such as the Church of St. Mary and St. Nicholaus, the church built by Newman and the site  where Newman preached his very last sermon as an Anglican priest.

Church of St. Mary & St. Nicholaus

Littlemore is a place of transition of however.  In the coming days we shall be moving on from examining Newman life as a priest to an examination of the Church of today, and the impact Newman's writing and witness continues to have on it.  Many of us have confessed to a sort of 'spiritual adoption' that we believe to have received, from Blessed Newman, while on this trip.   The blessings of this journey continue to blossom for each of us.  What began as our class trip, has become our pilgrimage.

Mitchell Bechtold
Diocese of Saint Cloud

P.S. - We enjoyed lunch today at a local restaurant which bears my dad's namesake.  

Thanks for all the love and support Dad!