London Oratory — Attraction in London

I would normally contact the Oratory office about my serious concern over the security in the Oratory church but having experienced a very poor office communication there before I am leaving this review instead. Today, on 19th of July 2020, there was a serious security incident that happened in the Brompton Oratory sanctuary after 19.00 Sunday's evening Holy sacrifice of the mass. Paul, the main sacristian, rang the bells indicating that we should leave the church and disappeared at the front courtyard of the Oratory. I made my last prayer and was just about to leave when I opened my eyes to some horrified screaming behind my back.

African male jumped over the Holy communion rail next to me and ran across the sanctuary towards the tabernacle up the altar stairs. Everyone who witnessed it agreed that he was up to no good. I recognized him immediately. He was a younger Muslim homeless man in his late 20-ties with backpack on who frequents central London RC churches, in particular Westminster Cathedral and their Adoration chapel. He behaves there most innapropriately. He uses loud obscene language in front of the faithful immerged in a silent prayer, mocks their faith and beliefs, brings food and beverages at times there and has done exactly the same in the Westminster Cathedral last year. That is he eventually entered a sanctuary there despite it being visibly cordoned off to the public. He was about to do something scandalous when I interrupted him with my loud warning call to leave immediately. It is possible that this man is illegally in this country among thousands of other criminals, is dangerous and can be armed.

Tonight, a number of people called loudly for a security to appear when Damian and then Paul arrived at the scene. Both were explained by regular parishioners what happened. They did not seem to be bothered in the least. On the contrary, Paul seemed to be irritated with the faithful who stayed behind a moment longer and prayed. He would have no clue what happened if it was not for the people left behind praying there still. He asked us firmly and most impatiently to leave the church and escorted reluctantly the arrogant Muslim tresspaser silently to the main front door. Muslim man joked and laughed loudly all the way out of the church. He was accompanied by a middle-aged white female brunette with a long plait up to the waist and dressed in black sport track-suit with a backpack on as well. She claimed to be of Protestant denomination and stood up for the Muslim man as the one who brought him to the church. They appeared to be partners in crime waiting for the right moment to do something highly inappropriate. Number of people called the police in a meantime.

The police would arrive much earier and catch the trespasser with his accomplice if Paul the sacristian cooperated. He was reluctant in assisting and providing the postcode for the police. Despite it, the police took the incident seriously and around 5 officer said they would go in tresspasers' direction as to find him.

Paul, the main senior sacristian, made it clear to the faithful that his shift finished and he had no time for them even though everyone appeared to be highly distressed about the incident. The Oratory fathers should reconsider their choices and employ either Catholics or those sympathetic to the Catholic faith. This is not the first time when Paul failed to be supportive and understanding. Some regular and devout worshippers actually ceased to be coming to the Oratory to worship because of him and his other helper. Paul speaks often to the faithful in the most arrogant and inconsiderate manner and his other helper (not Damian who is always very kind) seems to be very...

I have known this place of traditional Roman Catholic worships for nearly 25 years. I have every good reason to be a frequent Holy mass goer here and there are many wonderful things to be said about what the good Lord has done for me in my life. Nevertheless, I gave one star for this reason:

One of my dear family relatives had been extremely generous to the Oratory fathers for a long period of time. We experienced very poor communication at the office most of the times when we called. Last time we asked for our message of great urgency and importance to us to be passed on; first time we ever needed anything from the Oratory fathers. Personally, I approached Rector Fr. Julian Large through emails and voicemails urging him to inform us kindly whether he could assist, or not in my relative's sudden predicament, the same very kind and generous donor. We never heard from Fr. Julian Large to our great disappointment.

Then I approached in person one of the priests on the duty and explained there was extended deadline in terms of what we needed from Fr. Julian Large and whether he could assist us kindly instead. He told me later on in the church when I enquired about progress of the request we made that he will come back to us when he was ready. That time it was May 2019 and now it is Christmas 2019. We never heard from him either to our another great disappointment. We managed to speak to another priest on duty about our request and there was a significant room for improvement on how things could be conveyed to us with true Christian charity.

Did not Christ say that "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."? Do the Oratory fathers have their favourites and are deaf to the rest of the faithful? Is it not written that God does not have any? Do Oratory Fathers tend only to the sheep with splendid worldly glory and authority?

This week it was preached at the sermon in this church that we should believe only those with authority because only they have power to bring some change. Have not Oratory Fathers heard about corruption at the highest places, especially that of highest ecclesiastical officials in Vatican and around the world? I can't recommend highly enough for them all to follow brilliant source of well-researched Catholic news called Lifesite news to familiarize themselves with situation in the church and the world. They may find to their great surprise that it is lay faithful with their fervent prayers and brave undertakings that cause many things to change for better.

My hope rests in the Holy Scriptures after all because it is written "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him: and saved him out of all his...

The Brompton Oratory, officially known as the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is one of London’s greatest architectural treasures. Its structure stands as a monumental achievement, both in scale and in artistry. The church’s façade immediately commands attention, blending classical grandeur with baroque drama. Its vast dome, towering columns, and symmetrical design give the building a sense of timeless authority, a reminder of how religious architecture was used to embody faith and permanence. Stepping inside, the interior design is nothing short of breathtaking. Rich marbles, soaring arches, intricate carvings, and gilded details combine to create an atmosphere that is both reverent and awe-inspiring. The high altar, framed by elaborate columns and crowned with sculptural flourishes, draws the eye and anchors the entire space. Side chapels, each unique in decoration, invite quiet contemplation, while the sheer scale of the nave fills visitors with a sense of grandeur and serenity. Every detail, from the frescoes to the mosaic floors, speaks to the artistry and devotion that shaped the building. What makes the Oratory even more remarkable is the era in which it was built. Completed in the late 19th century, at a time without the modern machinery and technologies we take for granted today, it is a testament to human ingenuity, craftsmanship, and vision. The architects and artisans of the 1800s relied on intellect, precision, and collective skill, managing to construct a masterpiece that still rivals anything achieved with modern tools. Their achievement is not just architectural, but cultural—a reflection of a time when beauty, faith, and engineering converged. The magnitude and beauty of the Brompton Oratory remind us that architecture is more than just construction; it is an art form, a legacy, and an expression of human brilliance. Even today, it stands as a symbol of what can be accomplished when imagination and skill meet...