East Anglia quartet at Oscott College Returners’ Mass

Four Diocese of East Anglia clergy and seminarians joined the Oscott College Returners’ Mass on February 6, the feast of St Paul Miki and Companions, reports Peter Ho.

In keeping with a cherished tradition at Oscott College, the echoes of newly ordained Oscotians reverberated through the hallowed halls as they returned to celebrate Mass and reconnect with the Birmingham college, staff, and fellow seminarians. This annual event serves as a poignant opportunity for the freshly ordained to revisit their Alma Mater, express gratitude to the staff, and impart the experiences garnered from their pastoral ministries in the parish.

Fr Bienn Carlo Manuntag and Dcn Anthony Asomugha, both ordained last July, graced Oscott with their presence for the returner Mass. They joined current seminarians Peter Ho and Anthony Reilly.

Fr Bienn had the honour of being the principal celebrant for this solemn occasion. In his heartfelt address, he revealed that his year group had chosen him as the celebrant due to his resonance with the Martyr Pedro Bautista, a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan missionary in the Philippines who later became the first bishop of the Diocese of Nueva Caceres.

This event also served as a joyous reunion for Fr Bienn and Dcn Anthony, allowing them to reconnect with their peers from East Anglia, including fellow priest and seminarians who are both teaching and studying at Oscott. The returner Mass not only symbolises a spiritual homecoming but also stands as a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the seminary community.

As the echoes of the returner Mass fade away, the shared experiences and spiritual resonance continue to resonate, underscoring the enduring significance of Oscott College in nurturing the vocations of countless dedicated servants of the faith.

Pictured from right to left: Anthony Reilly, Deacon Anthony Asomugha, Fr Bienn Carlo Manuntag, Peter Ho.

Comments