It’s true that there is beauty all around us. Sometimes in more subdued ways, and other times in more overt ones, such as tangible monuments or breathtaking scenery that captivates our senses. The Birmingham Oratory is an example of the latter. Situated next to one of the biggest highways in the city, Hagley Road, this location is almost invisible to the majority of people who pass by its walls on a regular basis. To be honest, I was unaware of the Oratory until I had the opportunity to visit it during Birmingham Heritage Week.
My journey began in the center of the Oratory. Colin was the one who led the rest of us on our tour around the chapel and gave us all the explanations we needed. Using historical data regarding the place’s construction to precise details about the lives of two key characters for Birmingham’s Oratory. The first of these personalities was St. John Henry Newman.
London-born and bred, Newman converted from Anglicanism and committed his life to the Catholic Church. In addition, he was in charge of founding two orations in Birmingham: the first at Digbeth, where an ancient gin distillery was converted into a chapel, and the second in Edgbaston, where the Birmingham Oratory is now located.
In many parts of the city, Newman and his friends had a profoundly good influence. Their deeds fueled several religious and social endeavors in locations including Bournville, Handsworth, Ladywood, and Deritend. But the creation of the aforementioned oratory, which is devoted to St. Philip, would be Newman’s greatest contribution to history.
After getting to know a little bit about Newman’s life, I entered the Oratory. As soon as I raised my eyes, I realized why the place is known as Birmingham’s Little Rome. The interior and decorations of the chapel reminded me of my visit to St Peter’s Basilica during my trip to the Vatican City. Twelve pillars made of marble sustain the whole beauty and history of the Oratory. This dozen structures were constructed in Italy and brought by boat to Bristol, before arriving to Birmingham via its extensive canal network.
Apart from the pillars, I spotted 6 different side chapels. Each one of them was dedicated to a specific saint, being Saint Mary’s the largest and prettiest. This space is supported by two wide pillars which, according to history, were supposed to be placed in Westminster Cathedral in London. Above each of the side chapels there are colourful mosaics, but the one that outstands is the one behind the altar which reflects the Coronation of Saint Mary at Heaven.
I visited a room honoring St. Philip, the creator of oratory history, as part of the trip. Here, guests can view a portrait of the saint as a young man in addition to a small assemblage of his personal effects. A wax replica of Saint Philip is also present. There is another room that honors St. John Henry Newman across from this one. Some obituaries that were carried from the church’s original Digbeth location can be found in this second room. But a few years ago, Newman’s artifacts were
taken
The Oratory’s courtyard, the skeleton of St. Valentine (carried all the way from Rome’s catacombs to Brum), the church’s dome, the two canopies, and the antique organ are additional noteworthy and well worth seeing features. The St. John Henry Cardinal Museum is another resource that provides a broader overview of Newman’s life and contributions. A selection of the cardinal’s personal belongings are on display here.
The Birmingham Oratory is a must-see for those of you who, like me, value art and history. Please drop by and say hello to the tireless volunteers who maintain it running and inspire historic conservation. As I wrap up this piece, I want to express my gratitude to Colin for taking the time to incident.
Leave a Reply