The Oxford Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga
25 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA, GB
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Details
The arresting French Gothic design of The Oxford Oratory Church of St Aloysius Gonzaga, located at 25 Woodstock Road, is the work of Joseph Hansom, also famed for the Hansom Cab. Established in 1875, this Grade II listed building was an important step in re-establishing a Roman Catholic presence in Oxford and was originally founded and run by the Jesuits. Its prominent rose window and stair turret create a dramatic entrance. The church has historical associations with Cardinal Newman, who preached there, and the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, who served as a curate. Though originally featuring painted decoration by Gabriel Pippet which was later painted over, the lofty interior with its pointed tunnel vaulted roof and tall clerestory windows remains largely intact. Recent restorations have seen two 'lost' murals by Pippet in the sanctuary painstakingly uncovered in 2024.
Inside, visitors will find a single nave and five side chapels, including the Sacred Heart chapel and the Lady Chapel. The church also features a shrine dedicated to St John Henry Newman, established after his beatification. Furnishings by Farmer & Brindley, including the notable large reredos, and Hardman of Birmingham contribute to the C19 and early C20 fixtures and fittings. The Oratory is known for its dignified celebration of the liturgy, with most Masses in English but also featuring non-Tridentine Solemn Mass sung in Latin on Sundays and Holydays. The church also houses a relic chapel, originally adapted from the baptistery in 1907 to hold a significant collection of relics. Now served by the Congregation of the Oratory, it has become a vibrant centre of Catholic life in Britain.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Sunday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Contact
+44 1865 315800
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