Sede vacante
"We join together with the rest of the Church to mourn the death of Pope Francis, but also to celebrate all that he gave during his pontificate. Through his humility and emphasis on kindness, he was a role model to all of us." Matthew Fogg, Head Master.
A message from Fr David Rocks OP, Oratory Chaplain:
"The news of the death of our most beloved Holy Father Pope Francis came this morning, Easter Monday.
In so many ways, this makes our celebration of Easter a very different experience for so many of us. Returning from the celebration of Mass yesterday morning, so many of us around the world were delighted that the Holy Father was able to impart the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Apostolic Blessing to us, which we can receive through radio and television. Little were we to know that this would be the ending of his Petrine Apostolate to us all.
I had the opportunity to meet with the Holy Father in December last year, in a semi-private audience. I told him of The Oratory School, and his eyes enlightened when we spoke of our founder, Saint John Henry Newman. His words were encouraging about Newman and his love for him. He gifted me with five sets of Rosary Beads that he blessed. These beads I have passed on to five of our U6th students who have worked closely with me in The Oratory Chaplaincy.
The Universal Church now enters a nine-day period of mourning for our beloved Holy Father, at the conclusion of which is his funeral. The Conclave that will elect his successor will happen in the next 15-20 days. At school, the flag is now half mast as we join the Universal Church in mourning the death of our Holy Father.
I have been very touched by the messages I have received from many of you, staff and students, to express sorrow and condolence at his passing. In particular, the generosity of those who are not part of the Catholic Church, indeed not Christians, who took time from their Easter Monday to do this. It is a great sign of the strength of our Oratory Community that you did this. Thank you. Cor ad Cor Loquitur.
We, as Catholics, have lost our universal Pastor. As we say farewell to him, the whole of The Oratory School can look forward to welcoming the new Pope in a few weeks. There will be opportunity to recognise this in our school life in the days to come.
May he rest in peace."
With my gratitude and best wishes,
Fr David Rocks OP
Oratory Chaplain