The College – a place where a Saint and a Blessed made history
Video of The College
Saint John Henry Newman lived at The College at Littlemore from 1842 – 1846, making it a place of quiet prayer and study for himself and some friends. It was at the College on 9 October 1845 that Newman was received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church by Blessed Dominic Barberi, an Italian missionary priest.
In 1987 the Fathers of the Birmingham Oratory entrusted The College in Littlemore Oxford to the care of The Work. As with the other Newman Centres in Rome, Bregenz (Austria), and Budapest (Hungary), this centre in Littlemore aims at making the life and work of Saint John Henry Newman known.
Newman’s oratory has again become a place of prayer and worship, with the daily office, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and regular masses. A substantial and specialized collection of Newman-related literature has been built up on the site of Newman’s own library, together with an exhibition of Newman memorabilia (prints, etchings, photographs, sculptures and original letters).
Visitors are welcome to visit Newman’s room and chapel and the museum and library for studies and research.
Opening times:
- from November to April: Monday to Friday 10:30 am – 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. (Sunday only by appointment.)
- from May to October: Monday to Friday 10:30 am – 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (1st and 3rd Sunday of the month: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month closed).
A registered Charity, The Society of The Work, was established and an International Centre of Newman Friends set up in 1988.The Spiritual Family The Work (FSO) began in 1938 in Belgium. The foundress, Mother Julia Verhaeghe (1910 – 1997), served the Church with her special gifts of generosity and discernment, inspiring and helping many to share in the Charism that she had received from God. The Work consists of a Priests Community and a Sisters Community and has houses in many European countries, and in the United States.
What are the Sisters of The Work doing at The College?
- offering guided tours and talks for individuals and groups, including parishes and school parties
- making the chapel available to priests wanting to celebrate Mass and to those who wish to pray here.
- offering six rooms with self-catering facilities for private retreats
- making the library and chapel available for groups and for day retreats
- building up the library and making it available for studies
- organising talks on St John Henry Newman
- organising prayer events (40 Hours, Days of Adoration etc.)
The leasehold of The College implying the day-to-day care, the administration and maintenance of the buildings and gardens is a considerable task for The Society of The Work, that can only be fulfilled with the help of benefactors.
Please, consider remembering The College in your will. We would appreciate your support.
For further information on how you can support The College click here.
You can download a Gift Aid Form here.
Book donations of new or recent publications for our specialized Newman library are welcome to keep the collection up-to-date.
For further details contact:
The International Centre of Newman Friends c/o The Society of The Work.
Ambrose Cottage, 9 College Lane, Littlemore Oxford OX4 4LQ
Tel: 0044 1865 779743
E-mail: littlemore@newman-friends.org
IMPORTANT LINKS:
How to get to The College, Littlemore, by car
How to get to The College, Littlemore, by public transport
Friends of The College – Would you like to become a Friend of The College?