In the Footsteps of Newman: Oscott College

31 August 2010

As August comes to a close it’s time for us to focus very clearly on the forthcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI.  Our ‘In the Footsteps of Newman’ podcast series takes you to the places where Cardinal John Henry Newman lived, preached, and where he’ll be beatified by the Holy Father.

Our five-part series sees our Director of Adult Education and Evangelisation Father Christopher Whitehead and Clifton Diocese Papal Visit Coordinator Father Michael McAndrew visiting Birmingham to give us an insight into Newman’s world.

The lively series was recorded on location in Birmingham where the Holy Father’s historic visit culminates in just a few short days.

The series began at Maryvale, before moving onto Oscott College.  We then take a rare opportunity to go inside Newman’s room.  The following episode is a visit to the church he founded in Birmingham, and finally Fathers Michael and Christopher take us on a walk through Cofton Park - the place where Pope Benedict XVI will beatify the great Englishman.

Today (31 August) we’re at Oscott College.  Visit cliftondiocese.com tomorrow (1 September) when we take you Newman’s Room.

We look forward to welcoming Pope Benedict who comes to help us, as a society, to see that faith in God is not so much a problem to be solved as a gift to be discovered afresh.

The papal visit begins for our diocese on the eve of the Holy Father’s historic visit to the United Kingdom.  A special evening of prayers will take place in the Cathedral led by Bishop Declan and Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia, we will join together and pray that the papal visit lights up the heart of our nation.  All are welcome to take part from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Wednesday 15 September.  You can find out much more about this unique celebration by listening to our 'Taper Tales' podcast series preseneted by Father Jason Jones, the ector of the National Shrine of Wales.

As we prepare to welcome Pope Benedict XVI we invite you to an evening with the man who’s presenting the BBC’s portrait of the Holy Father.  Award-winning TV documentary maker Mark Dowd will share with us how he’s grown in his understanding of the Holy Father’s vision for our world.  All are welcome to this free event as we look forward to welcoming the Bishop of Rome.  It takes place in Bath on Friday 10 September at 7.00 pm.

The official website thepapalvisit.org.uk is the best place to find out the most up-to-date information in the build up to the special time in the life of the Church in our countries.  It will also provide full coverage during the visit - a great place for you to follow the visit virtually if you are unable to be at any of the large public papal events.

You can also make your donation towards the visit at the official website.  It's simple, secure and direct.

Sign-up to the e-alert packed with the latest news about the Holy Father’s historic visit.

Our striking posters, displayed in all our parishes and many other places, welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom are available to all.  You can download your copy in the multimedia panel on the right and put them up to welcome the Holy Father and his historic visit.  You can also download posters promoting the events in Bath and the Cathedral.