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Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Talk at Oxford

Last night, I was the guest at a joint meeting organised by the Oxford University Pro-Life Society and the Oxford Newman Society. There was first of all a magnificent dinner at the Chaplaincy, attended by 24 students and cooked by members of the Newman Society. The Library was full for the talk with about 40 students attending. I spoke about Humanae Vitae, 40 years on.

I pointed out that Humanae Vitae was addressed particularly to married couples whereas now most people arguing about contraception are referring to non-married relationships. I looked at the breakdown of traditional Christian morality (as predicted by Pope Paul VI) and the response that we could make by upholding the teaching of Humanae Vitae and encouraging people to see that teaching as offering a nobler way of life.

It was really very encouraging to meet these students and I came away with great hope for the future. The chaplains kindly arranged for me to stay at Campion Hall, the Jesuit house in Oxford. This morning, in response to requests from the students, I celebrated Mass in the old rite. The Fathers were most helpful in providing everything for the Mass which I celebrated in the St Joseph's Chapel. Jospeh Shaw took a couple of pictures of the Mass - here is one:

After Mass and a quick cup of coffee at the Queens Lane Coffee House, I took the Oxford Tube back to London for the conference of the Association of Priests for the Gospel of Life

2 comments:

Jack Peter Gunning said...

Thanks for coming. It was fantastic to have you.

bernadette said...

Has anyone else noticed this? -Catholic bookshops, if they have section on Marriage, will be filled with books, whose general theme (paraphrasing here) is:
"In this fascinating new study into the collapse of Christian Marriage, FR X or Sr X examine how The Church's failure to move with the times and accept contraception and pre-marital sex, has contributed to the crisis". Not one book on upholding the Church's teaching or celebrating Humane Viate. I asked the ones I have visited if they have Janet Smith's "Why Humane Vitae was right". Blank looks. It is very instructive to take a walk round some of our so-called Catholic bookshops these days. Mentioning no names, as it wouldn`t be fair on St Paul....

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