Newman Documentary
Newman Documentary, Day 3: Oxford, May 12th, 2025
May 12, 2025
Day 3: Oxford, May 12
Dear friends,
Our second day in Oxford unfolded with a deepening sense of wonder. This city, steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage, reveals layers of meaning at every turn. John Henry Newman’s presence seems to linger behind many doors, street corners, and churches.
Our morning began at the Church of St. Aloysius, where we were warmly welcomed by Fr. Nicholas Edmonds-Smith, Provost of the Oxford Oratory. With his Australian accent and simple joy, he shared the beauty of the Oratorian vocation and guided us through the church’s history and sacred spaces.
(Photo: Sanctuary of St. Aloysius with Fr. Nicholas)
In the afternoon, we reunited with Dr. Paul Shrimpton, whose familiarity with Oriel College made our visit feel like stepping into a well-loved home. His insights into Newman’s life and legacy were both profound and engaging.
In the Senior Common Room, beneath a portrait of Newman, Paul recounted the significance of this space—a place where Fellows and Tutors once engaged in conversations, debates, and celebrations.
(Photo: Dr. Paul Shrimpton in the Oriel Senior Common Room)
Oriel College, founded in 1324 by Adam de Brome under the patronage of King Edward II, is the oldest royal foundation in Oxford. Originally known as the House of the Blessed Mary at Oxford, it was established to support scholars in their studies. In 1329, the college received a royal grant of a property known as “La Oriole,” from which it derived its common name, Oriel College.
The college chapel houses several notable stained glass windows. A contemporary window, completed in 2001, was designed by Vivienne Haig and realized by Douglas Hogg. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary, the college’s patron saint, surrounded by angels and flanked by both founders, King Edward II and Adam de Brome. The window also includes the arms of the King, the College, and the University, along with roundels depicting the interiors of the University Church and Newman’s church at Littlemore.
(Photos of stained glass windows in a small chapel behind the organ, dedicated to Newman)
Another significant window, originally placed as the east window and now located in the southwest of the chapel, was created by William Peckitt in 1767. This painted glass depicts “The Presentation in the Temple” and is notable for its role in the revival of stained glass art in the late 18th century. Although it has not weathered particularly well, it remains an important example of Peckitt’s work.
Oriel College was central to Newman’s life. He was elected a Fellow on April 12, 1822, at the age of 21—a prestigious academic position that marked the beginning of his influence in Oxford’s intellectual life. In 1826, he was appointed a Tutor at Oriel, becoming directly involved in the teaching and moral supervision of undergraduates. This role became central to his attempt to reform the tutorial system and promote a more personal and formative model of education. He continued as a Tutor until the end of 1832, when the Provost ceased to assign him new students. This was the result of a controversy with the provost over the tutorial system.
Newman resigned from his Fellowship on October 3, 1845, shortly before being received into the Roman Catholic Church. His years at Oriel were formative, shaping his theological and educational ideals.
(video of Paul speaking about Newman’s sacrifice when leaving the Anglican church)
As we walked through the college’s quads and corridors, we felt the enduring presence of Newman and the generations of scholars who have passed through these halls. Oriel remains a living testament to a rich academic and spiritual heritage.
(the chapel at Oriel College where his friends John Keble and Edward B. Pusey also prayed)
Gustavo writes that it was a pleasure to be with Paul and learn from him, and that he hopes the documentary will lead many people to discover the life and thought of St. John Henry Newman.
Please continue to pray for the team and this exciting project, and to follow our journey with Newman.
