Today, 14 July, is the Anniversary of the day in 1979 when Jerome Bertram, later of the Congregation of the Oratory, was ordained Priest in the Cathedral Church of S Philip in Arundel.
Father was a finely sensitive historian (FSA), a scholar among scholars, MA of S John's College in this University ... a college which, in the reign of Bloody Bess was a hotbed of Popery ... indeed, it was for just such a purpose that it had been founded.
Father was a Classical scholar. He became one of this country's most notable experts on monumental brasses and monumental inscriptions generally.
He never possessed a mobile phone.
When he died on 19 October, 2019, it was the Feast Day of S Frideswide, Patron of Oxford; and similtaneously that of S Philip Howard, Patron of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton ... where Father was both baptised and ordained.
Before the Canonisation of Philip Howard, the future cathedral had been dedicated to S Philip Neri, Founder of the Oratories.
It is a privilege to have known him, and, in a small degree, to have collaborated with him.
4 comments:
Lovely.
I remember him as an unassuming, humble man, but one possessed of a well-developed sense of humour.
As the 40th anniversary of his ordination was approaching, he sent out invitations outlining some events over that weekend. For the day itself, 14th July, there was to be Mass. He added underneath, 'In addition the government of France have kindly declared this day a public holiday'.
He was ordained in Arundel Cathedral also. Possibly baptised too, though I'm not certain of that.
I read his obituary on the Oratory page. A gifted man! Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
He used to recite the Salve Regina whilst opening the sacristy safe. To some it would seem that a combination code was needed but to him a prayer sufficed, or so it seemed. RIP
Andrew Burnham
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