THE
P RTAL
June 2011
Page 4
The Sisters at Littlemore
An Interview by Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane
Opposite the Pub,
across the narrow lane, is a group of cottages. There is nothing remarkable
about them. Situated on the corner of the lane they look almost sleepy. Yet venturing through the iron gates
and into the garden one realises that these are no ordinary cottages. This is the place where John Henry
Newman went after leaving Oxford. It was here that he became a Catholic. It was here that Dominic Barbari
heard that first confession and received Newman into the Church.
For our visit, we were welcomed by Sister Mary and
Sister Bianca of The Work. The o rder began in Belgium
in 1938, Mother Julia being the founder. It is a spiritual
family of priests and sisters living in community and
sharing the same charism. The Order was recognised
by the Vatican in 2001 as a new
form of consecrated life.
Their title comes from the
Gospel of Saint John “The work
of Faith, the work of God”. It is
not just labour, but primarily
the work of the Gospel. The
Sisters came to Littlemore in
1986. The College is owned by
Birmingham Oratory and they
asked the Sisters to develop
the work in Littlemore. Sister
Bianca has been at the College
for one year, but Sister Mary has
been here fifteen years. They are both Austrian.
Prior to Newman coming to the College, what is
now the Library was a stable. The cottages were a barn,
a granary and a coach staging post. Conversion had
already begun, and Newman was able to lease the
property. It was 300 years old. He needed a place for
an austere, quiet and simple life
The project was financed by
Newman himself, the money
coming from his being a
Fellow of Oriel College and
Vicar of Saint Mary’s and from
the royalties from his various
publications.
April 1842 until
February 1846
John Henry Newman was
at Littlemore from April 1842
until February 1846. He had five
or six companions who shared his mindset. Some were
Church of England priests, others laity. They were all
We welcome Pilgrims
active members of the Church of England who needed
“We welcome Pilgrims to the College, individuals more time for prayer and study. At Littlemore they
and groups, schools and parishes. Some come for a few lived a semi-monastic life. Newman set up a schedule
hours; others stay in the guest rooms for a few nights. for the community. The Office from the Roman
They share our prayer life”, explained Sister Mary.
Breviary was said in common. It was at Littlemore that
he formed his development of doctrinal ideas.
The Sisters also help in the local parish, play the organ
in the Parish Church and catechise the children. The
In 1843 one of the members of the Littlemore
College is made up of old buildings and need a deal of community, one William Lockhart, became a Catholic.
care. It is open every day, except the last Sunday of the Newman preached that last sermon in Littlemore C of
month. Most people just ring the bell when passing. E Parish Church. It was the famous “The Parting of
There are four Sisters and one Brother at Littlemore at Friends” homily.
the moment.
Dominic Barbari
Sister Mary told us that Newman came to Littlemore
in 1842. Tract 90 had appeared in 1841 and caused
great upset and upheaval. He felt he needed to go to a
place for quiet and prayer. He had to face the question,
“was he wrong or were his opponents wrong?” He was
still Vicar of Saint Mary’s and Littlemore was in that
parish. In 1843 he resigned. He called the College at
Littlemore his Parsonage.
John Henry Newman had met Dominic Barbari
once and been impressed. He invited him to Oxford.
It was on 9th October 1845 at 6pm that they met at
Littlemore. Newman sank to his knees before Barbari
in the Library at Littlemore and made his confession.
He was received into the Church in the Oratory after
conditional Baptism. The next day Barbari celebrated
Mass using Newman’s desk as an altar.