St Benet's Hall, Oxford

St Benet's Hall News - Trinity Term 2013

New Domestic Bursar

On 13 May the Hall was pleased to welcome Mrs Maria Byrne who took up her post as Domestic Bursar.
Maria joins St Benet's from St Hugh's College. She is based in the Hall Office and will oversee daily administration,
and management of the building. Maria can be contacted on extension 80556 or by e-mailing maria.byrne@stb.ox.ac.uk.

Ms Penelope Lane is now based in the Hall's Development Office
and can be contacted on extension 80555 or by e-mailing penelope.lane@stb.ox.ac.uk.

SBH Player at Victorious Varsity Rugby League Match

On 8 March Olly Jones (3rd year, Classics) represented the University in the Varsity Rugby League match
at the Honourable Artillery Company ground in London. Oxford won 32-4.

A full match report can be found by clicking here.

Degree Day May 2013

On Saturday 18 May the Hall welcomed back its former students for graduation.
Following the ceremony in the Sheldonian Theatre accompanied by the Dean of Degrees, Dr Joseph Shaw,
the Senior Tutor, Dr Santha Bhattacharji, awarded the degree certificates ahead of a buffet lunch in the Refectory.

BDI: Benet's Drama Initiative

The Benet's Drama Initiative staged its annual garden play on Friday and Saturday of 4th week.
This year's performance, under the direction of Tom Lambert and Sam Marks (first year, Classics), was Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband.

The directors say, "This is a great play of wit, as the politics and honour of two gentlemen are tested
by the manipulation of women, and has been described as Wilde's 'masterpiece' ".

With thanks to Tom Lambert (Lord Arthur Goring; director), Sam Marks (Sir Robert Chiltern; director),
Leonie Nicks (Mrs Chevely), Alice Inglis (Lady Chiltern), Rosie Bell (Mabel Chiltern), Miles Lawrence (Lord Caversham; co-director),
Melita Cameron-Wood (Lady Markby), Joshua Atkinson (Phipps), Maire Watson (Lady Basildon), Olly Jones (Mrs Marchmont),
Fra' John Eidinow (Vicomte de Nanjac), Sanesh Mistry (Mr Montford/Mason),
Christopher Hudson (Harold/James; producer) and Steve Styler (marketing).

"PPH students most satisfied" writes the Oxford Student

Following the Hall's attainment of first place for overall satisfaction in the Student Barometer,
the Oxford Student newspaper interviewed the Master, Professor Werner Jeanrond.
He said: "The news that St Benet’s tops the Oxford student barometer has delighted us all.
Students, tutors and the entire team at St Benet’s have been making a joint effort
to create an atmosphere conducive to academic and personal development.
It gives me great joy that our common efforts have been appreciated in this way”.
He hoped that the results will “encourage prospective students to look to St Benet’s as an exciting intellectual community.”

The full article can be found here.

Fellow's Publications

The Hall is pleased to announce the recent publication of two new works by G. K. Chesterton Fellow, Stratford Caldecott:

The Power of the Ring: the Spiritual Vision behind the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit
The Radiance of Being: Dimensions of Cosmic Christianity

An interview with Stratford Caldecott discussing The Power of the Ring can be found here.

Further details about the Radiance of Being can be found here.

The City and the Book
International Conference on Julian of Norwich: Contexts and Continuities

On 10 and 11 May the Senior Tutor, Dr Santha Bhattacharji attended a conference on Julian of Norwich. Here is her abstract:

In Ch 51 of the Long Text, Julian comments, concerning the complete sequence of her visions, that:
‘oure lorde god of his goodness bryngyth [it] oftymes freely to the sight of my vnderstondyng’,
and, when perplexed by the Parable of the Lord and the Servant, she is directed to scrutinise its images more closely.
She is not asked to look at any previous written versions of the visions that she might have produced, or reflect on any words used.
Our print culture privileges the written word, and assumes that verbal discourse is for the sophisticated,
while the visual is for the illiterate, who are assumed to be unsophisticated.
We see the beginnings of this assumption in the late 15th Century text Dives and Pauper,
where Pauper’s presumed too literal response to holy images is a point of debate.
In Julian, however, we see reflected a culture where the verbal and the visual
are equally complex and many-layered methods of reflection, including reflection on quite abstract concepts.
This would account for the lack of realism in some of the great visions of the medieval period,
such as Bridget of Sweden’s vision of the birth of Christ: it is the meaning of the event that is being visualised, not the event itself.
The visionary tradition of the late Middle Ages arises in a culture which deliberately cultivates the ‘imagination’,
the capacity of the mind to make pictures. These pictures can be a way of representing and thinking through profouncly abstract discussions.
This is what we see Julian doing in ch. 51, her longest, most daring, and most multi-layered chapter.
This paper seeks to re-alert modern scholars to the verbal and the visual as absolutely equal partners in late medieval theologising.

Further details about the conference, including the Senior Tutor's paper, can be found here.

Ascension Day Guest Night 2013

The Hall welcomed a number of distinguished guests on Thursday 9 May to celebrate Ascension Day.
We were delighted to welcome them to our common table alongside students and fellows of the Hall.
Following a delicious feast prepared by the Hall's catering team,
Jason Lepojärvi, Helsinki University (pictured) gave a thought-provoking talk on the theme of love.

Student Barometer Results

The Student Barometer is an annual survey of undergraduate and graduate students
designed to gauge opinion on the student experience at Oxford.
The Hall is delighted to have achieved top college ranking on the table
for overall experience with a score of 97.7% (the average was 90.8%).
St Benet's achieved 100% satisfaction ratings in areas including quality of tutorials,
subject expertise of academic staff, the arrival experience, and being a good place to be.

The full set of results can be found by clicking here here.

New Boat Club Website

The SBH Boat Club has a new website which can be accessed here.

SBH Exam Success

Many congratulations to Christopher Bridgwood who achieved a distinction in his Preliminary Examinations in Theology
and has been awarded an academic scholarship by the Hall.

New Joint Common Room Committee

At the end of Hilary Term Johan Trovik was elected President of the JCR, Aleksy Gaj, Treasurer, and Christopher Hudson, Secretary.
The Committee took office on Sunday of 0th week this term.

Pictured (L to R) are: Johan Trovik, President, Christopher Hudson, Secretary, Revd. James M. Jr. Matarazzo, Graduate Representative,
Aleksy Gaj, Treasurer, Br Cuthbert Elliott OSB, Food Liaison Officer, Christopher Bridgwood, Education and Welfare Officer,
Joshua Atkinson, Sports Captain, and Miles Lawrence, Social Secretary.

The JCR President, Johan Trovik, was the first of our Tuesday dinner speakers this term.
He spoke of his honour at being elected President and entertained the table with his assurances of Norwegian toughness!

Fr Bernard Green OSB - Memorial Service

The Hall was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Fr Bernard Green OSB,
sometime Fellow and Tutor in Theology at St Benet's and latterly Research Fellow in Theology at Campion Hall, on 22 March 2013.
Fr Bernard's Funeral was held at Ampleforth Abbey on 4 April.

A Memorial Service in Oxford will be held at Blackfriars (67 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LY) at 4 pm on Saturday 25 May.
All very welcome to attend.
Further details may be found by clicking here.

St Benet's Hall News - Hilary Term 2013

Diamond Jubilee Tree Planting

On 8 March, the Master, along with the other Heads of the PPHs were invited to plant tulip trees in the University Parks
to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Revd. Dr Ralph Waller, Chairman of the Parks Curators proposed toasts to the Queen,
the Permanent Private Halls, and the Parks staff. Further details can be found by clicking here.

Launch of the Friends of the Boat Club

At the annual Boat Club luncheon a new venture was launched: Friends of the Boat Club.

You can read all about it in the first Boat Club Newsletter, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

Torpids 2013

The Captain of Boats writes: 'On the opening day of the competition the crew was bumped by St Edmund Hall II,
though the second day saw them come back to catch Corpus Christi II,
who began two boats further up the division, with some controlled, powerful rowing.
This began an unexpected rivalry that took form over the remaining two days of the competition;
Corpus looking for revenge and Benet's looking to cement their position in the division.
With two powerful performances, Benet's held off Corpus Christi over the 2000m course.
Both races went right to the line, and provided great entertainment for the spectators.

In all, it was an encouraging performance from the crew and one of which they can be proud.
With fresher Johan Trovik leading the way on the erg results,
and an intake of rowers from around the university for next term's boat,
SBHBC can look with great anticipation to Summer Eights, which promises to yield exciting results.

Varsity Boxing Success for Benet's Fresher

Following his success earlier in the term, Iain Holland, a first yera student in History,
took part in the Varsity Boxing Match on 9 March. Oxford beat Cambridge 6-3. Congratulations!

Benetian Venetian 2013

The JCR celebrated the end of term with its Benetian Venetian Party on 7 March - much fun was had by all!

SBH Student Actors comment on 'Another Country'

In mid-Feburary 2013 several students from St Benet's took part
in an university production of 'Another Country' by Julian Mitchell.
They were interviewed by the Cherwell: to view the interview click here.

SBH Study Day - Love and Desire in the Church

The Hall held a very successful study day on the topic of
'Love and Desire in the Church' on 27 Feburary 2013.

For an account of the day click here.

SBH Master on Radio 5 Live
Commenting on the Resignation of Benedict XVI

Prof Werner Jeanrond, Master of St Benet's, was interviewed on
Radio 5 Live on Monday 11 February 2013, shortly after the resignation announcement
by Pope Benedict, his former teacher. He discussed the Pope's achievements and legacy.

To listen to the interview click here.

Prof Jeanrond was also interviewed by Sverige Radio (Swedish Radio):
to listen to that interview click here.

Half-Way Hall 2013

The Hall celebrated the half-way mark of the studies of undergraduates
at the middle of the second term of their second year on Sunday 10 February.

SBH Fresher represents University in Swimming
and awarded Blue

Ben Allen (first year PPE student at St Benet's) competed in the Varsity Swimming fixture on 9 Feburary
and contributed to Oxford's overall victory against Cambridge, 117 to 63. Many congratulations!

SBH Fresher represents University in Boxing

Iain Holland, a first year History student at St Benet's,
recently represented the University in the Town-and-Gown Boxing Match at the Oxford Union.

He writes: 'I managed to win my fight by unanimous decision after three rounds although overall Oxford lost 3-5.
My bout was very hard fought and my opponent put up a great fight.
All the boxers from Oxford did very well and there were quite a lot of close bouts that could have gone either way.
The guys at Benet's were very supportive and the ones who managed to come to the event had a great evening.'

Collection Prizes Hilary Term 2013

The Hall heartily congratulates those students who gained Firsts in their Collection examinations this term:

Torsten Alexander (Classics, 3rd Year), Oliver Jones (Classics, 3rd Year),
Fergus O'Regan (Classics, 3rd Year), Mark Salib (Phil/Theol, 3rd Year), Robert Seymour (Phil/Theol, 3rd Year)

Joshua Dixon (Theology, 2nd Year), Henry Ulmann (Theology, 2nd Year), Federico Zangani (OS, 2nd Year)

Alexsy Gaj (PPE, 1st Year), Johan Trovik (PPE, 1st Year)

Burns Night 2013

The Hall celebrated Burns Night in customary tradition with Haggis, Poetry, and Whisky!

Photo courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB.

Snow!

SBH did not escape...

Photo courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB.

SBH contributes to International Conference

Theology in the Midst of Contemporary Rationalities,
Symposium at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, 23 - 25 January 2013

How does theology situate itself in the face of contemporary rationalities or contemporary conceptions of rationality?
And how should it situate itself? This was the theme of the International Symposium
Theology in the Midst of Contemporary Rationalities held at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium.
Three members of St Benet's Hall discussed this question with both staff and students
representing universities and institutes in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

Professor Werner G. Jeanrond, the Master of St Benet's, presented his hermeneutical reflections on "Faith and Language",
focusing on the significance of both objectivity and subjectivity in the process of interpretation.
Theological interpretations have to respect the otherness of the other by resisting against the closure of any process of interpretation.
Hence, a "Hermeneutics of Love" is the adequate reaction of theology to the challenge of contemporary rationalities.

James Matarazzo and Ulrich Schmiedel, both DPhil Students in Theology at St Benet's, presented papers as well.
In "A Tense Unity", James utilised Sergei Bulgakov's concept of rational antinomies since this concept allows for the conception of theology
as the place where rationalities can come together in conversation as opposed to a mere competition.
Ulrich's paper "Queen of the Sciences?" ran along the same line. Applying Ernst Troeltsch's concept of compromise
to the challenge of competing disciplinary rationalities, Ulrich focused on the potential
of interdisciplinarity co-operations between theology and sociology. Such co-operations are more adequate
to the challenge of contemporary rationalities than the coronation of a theological ‘Queen of the Sciences.’

All the presentations were very well received. The interdisciplinary and international discussions
which they provoked were intriguing. Hence, the conference provided an exciting environment
to reflect on contemporary rationalities as a challenge for theology — not only in university and society but also in the church.
Werner Jeanrond, James Matarazzo, and Ulrich Schmiedel would like to express their gratitude
to the organisers of the conference, especially Professor Oliver Riaudel (Louvain-la-Neuve), and to all the participants as well.

For the programme of the conference see https://www.uclouvain.be/en-404044.html

Study Day - 'Love and Desire in the Church'

On 27th Feburary 2013 St Benet's Hall will host a study day considering
various aspects of love and desire in the life of the Church.

Speakers and Topics:

Jason Lepojärvi (University of Helsinki): Can One Love Too Much: CS Lewis’ Theology of Love

Werner Jeanrond (University of Oxford): What is “Christian” Love?

Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki): Love as Desire for Recognition

Santha Bhattacharji (University of Oxford): Mystical Love for God in the Medieval Church

For more information and booking form click here.

St Benet's Hall News - Michaelmas 2012

Diaconal Ordination of SBH Monastic Student
Br Alex Echeandía Loro OSB

On 22nd December, Br Alex, a monk of the Monastery of the Incarnation in Pachacamac, Perú, founded by Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire,
and currently a student at Blackfriars Studium and a member of the St Benet's monastic community,
was ordained a deacon at Belmont Abbey by the Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark.

His community writes that 'Archbishop George Stack of Cardiff was among our guests as was Dom Richard Yeo,
Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation.
Heavy rains and the flooding prevented a number of people from getting to Belmont.
Dom Alex was accompanied by members of the Belmont Community, oblates, friends and fellow students at Oxford.
Because of the long distances involved, Dom Alex's parents and family and members of the Monastery of the Incarnation, Peru,
were unable to be present. There was a lovely festive atmosphere in the abbey church
and the flowers and early Christmas decorations were magnificent.
The Mass was served by novices and postulants and the organ played by our good friend Stasio Sliwka.
Br Alex will continue his studies for the priesthood at Blackfriars, Oxford, and will, God willing,
be ordained a priest in fifteen months' time, most probably in Peru.
We congratulate Dom Alex and pray for his happiness as he continues to serve God and his Church, now as a deacon.'

Staff Christmas Party 2012

The Hall Community thanked its indefatigable and ever-generous staff with a celebratory Christmas luncheon on 8 December.

Photos courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB.

Prestigious Accolade for SBH Theology Graduate Student

The Hall is delighted to announce that DPhil student Ulrich Schmiedel
was recently awarded the prestigious Kurt Nowak Price at the University of Leipzig
for the best Masters Dissertation in Theology.

Many congratulations!

JCR Christmas Party 2012

Another of the Benet's legendary parties heralded the end of Michaelmas Term and the proximity of Christmas.

Photos courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB.

Christmas Dinner & Carol Service 2012

As the Michaelmas Term draws to its close the Hall celebrates the approach of Christmas
with a festive dinner and Carol Service.

Photos courtesy of Nicholas Hanson.

Advance Notice: Hilary Term Study Day

'Love and Desire in the Church'

On 27th Feburary 2013 St Benet's Hall will host a study day considering
various aspects of love and desire in the life of the Church.

Speakers and Topics:

Jason Lepojärvi (University of Helsinki): Can One Love Too Much: CS Lewis’ Theology of Love

Werner Jeanrond (University of Oxford): What is “Christian” Love?

Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki): Love as Desire for Recognition

Santha Bhattacharji (University of Oxford): Mystical Love for God in the Medieval Church

For more information and booking form click here.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2012

This year the Hall celebrated American Thanksgiving Day with a festive and traditional meal.
Rev James Matarazzo and Dom Cuthbert Elliott OSB, theology students at the Hall,
addressed those assembled on the history, traditions, and spirit of Thanksgiving.

Rowing Success! Nephthys November 2012

The Benet's VIII has had an excellent start to its 2012-13 season
beating St Hugh's B, St Peter's A, and Christ Church A VIIIs in the Nephthys races: BRAVI!

Photos courtesy of Nicholas Hanson.

Benet's Win @ Drama Cuppers!

A group of Benetian Freshers has won the 'Spirit of Cuppers' Prize
at the Drama Cuppers Michaelmas 2012 for their humorous political satire in the spirit of In the Thick of It.

Many congratulations to Joshua Atkinson, Tom Lambert, Sam Marks, and Johan Trovik.

MA Graduation Day - 3 November

Each year the Hall welcomes back several members to receive their MA degrees.
This year a large contingent gathered together for this quintessentially Oxonian celebration
of academic success and ongoing relationship with the Hall and University.

Photographs courtesy of Dom Cuthbert Elliott OSB and Dr Joseph Shaw.

Blessing of the New Master - 7 October

At the start of First Week a service of Vespers, with the Blessing of the New Master,
Prof Werner Jeanrond, was held in the church of the Holy Spirit at Blackfriars.
The homily was preached by the Rt Rev Cuthbert Madden OSB, the Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey
and the choir was made up of monks from St Benet's and Ampleforth,
led by the cantors, Fr Oswald McBride OSB and Br Cedd Mannion OSB.
The Hall welcomed a very large group of guests to this significant event from all over the country and Europe.
The service was followed by a reception at St Benet's Hall where the new Master addressed the assembled company.

St Benet's Hall News - Long Vacation 2012

Stupendous Summer Exam Success!

This summer the Hall has rejoiced in the superlative successes of its students in Finals examinations,
building on the excellent results received earlier in the year during First Public Examinations.
Very good results were achieved all round but special congratulations must go to those
who attained the three Firsts in Theology, Philosophy & Theology (Gibbs Prize), and PPE,
as well as those who achieved Distinctions in their First Public Examinations
in Oriental Studies (Gibbs Prize), and in PPE: bravi!

A summary and comparison of the Hall's recent academic results can be found by clicking here.

Open Days

The Hall opens welcomes prospective students at any time during the year,
but especially on the Open Days organised by the University several times a year.

At this year's June Open Days we unfurled our new Open Day banner, designed by Br Cedd Mannion OSB.

The next Open Day will be held on 14 September. If you would like to find out more about St Benet's do drop in on that day.
If you would like to arrange meetings with Directors of Studies or the Senior Tutor for that day please email the Senior Tutor by clicking here.

If you are unable to attend the Open Days in person you can download the brochure in pdf format by clicking here.

For archive items please click here.

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St Benet's News Welcome Admissions Tutorials Subjects Student Life Library Liturgy Monastic Studies Accommodation Meals in Hall JCR Field & River Music Environment Location Master Fellows & Tutors History Conferences Hall Documents Old Members Vacancies B&B Bookings GIVING TO ST BENET'S
				St Benet's Hall News - Trinity Term 2013 New Domestic Bursar On 13 May the Hall was pleased to welcome Mrs Maria Byrne who took up her post as Domestic Bursar. Maria joins St Benet's from St Hugh's College. She is based in the Hall Office and will oversee daily administration, and management of the building. Maria can be contacted on extension 80556 or by e-mailing maria.byrne@stb.ox.ac.uk. Ms Penelope Lane is now based in the Hall's Development Office and can be contacted on extension 80555 or by e-mailing penelope.lane@stb.ox.ac.uk. SBH Player at Victorious Varsity Rugby League Match On 8 March Olly Jones (3rd year, Classics) represented the University in the Varsity Rugby League match at the Honourable Artillery Company ground in London. Oxford won 32-4. A full match report can be found by clicking here. Degree Day May 2013 On Saturday 18 May the Hall welcomed back its former students for graduation. Following the ceremony in the Sheldonian Theatre accompanied by the Dean of Degrees, Dr Joseph Shaw, the Senior Tutor, Dr Santha Bhattacharji, awarded the degree certificates ahead of a buffet lunch in the Refectory. BDI: Benet's Drama Initiative The Benet's Drama Initiative staged its annual garden play on Friday and Saturday of 4th week. This year's performance, under the direction of Tom Lambert and Sam Marks (first year, Classics), was Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. The directors say, "This is a great play of wit, as the politics and honour of two gentlemen are tested by the manipulation of women, and has been described as Wilde's 'masterpiece' ". With thanks to Tom Lambert (Lord Arthur Goring; director), Sam Marks (Sir Robert Chiltern; director), Leonie Nicks (Mrs Chevely), Alice Inglis (Lady Chiltern), Rosie Bell (Mabel Chiltern), Miles Lawrence (Lord Caversham; co-director), Melita Cameron-Wood (Lady Markby), Joshua Atkinson (Phipps), Maire Watson (Lady Basildon), Olly Jones (Mrs Marchmont), Fra' John Eidinow (Vicomte de Nanjac), Sanesh Mistry (Mr Montford/Mason), Christopher Hudson (Harold/James; producer) and Steve Styler (marketing). "PPH students most satisfied" writes the Oxford Student Following the Hall's attainment of first place for overall satisfaction in the Student Barometer, the Oxford Student newspaper interviewed the Master, Professor Werner Jeanrond. He said: "The news that St Benet’s tops the Oxford student barometer has delighted us all. Students, tutors and the entire team at St Benet’s have been making a joint effort to create an atmosphere conducive to academic and personal development. It gives me great joy that our common efforts have been appreciated in this way”. He hoped that the results will “encourage prospective students to look to St Benet’s as an exciting intellectual community.” The full article can be found here. Fellow's Publications The Hall is pleased to announce the recent publication of two new works by G. K. Chesterton Fellow, Stratford Caldecott: The Power of the Ring: the Spiritual Vision behind the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit The Radiance of Being: Dimensions of Cosmic Christianity An interview with Stratford Caldecott discussing The Power of the Ring can be found here. Further details about the Radiance of Being can be found here. The City and the Book International Conference on Julian of Norwich: Contexts and Continuities On 10 and 11 May the Senior Tutor, Dr Santha Bhattacharji attended a conference on Julian of Norwich. Here is her abstract: In Ch 51 of the Long Text, Julian comments, concerning the complete sequence of her visions, that: ‘oure lorde god of his goodness bryngyth [it] oftymes freely to the sight of my vnderstondyng’, and, when perplexed by the Parable of the Lord and the Servant, she is directed to scrutinise its images more closely. She is not asked to look at any previous written versions of the visions that she might have produced, or reflect on any words used. Our print culture privileges the written word, and assumes that verbal discourse is for the sophisticated, while the visual is for the illiterate, who are assumed to be unsophisticated. We see the beginnings of this assumption in the late 15th Century text Dives and Pauper, where Pauper’s presumed too literal response to holy images is a point of debate. In Julian, however, we see reflected a culture where the verbal and the visual are equally complex and many-layered methods of reflection, including reflection on quite abstract concepts. This would account for the lack of realism in some of the great visions of the medieval period, such as Bridget of Sweden’s vision of the birth of Christ: it is the meaning of the event that is being visualised, not the event itself. The visionary tradition of the late Middle Ages arises in a culture which deliberately cultivates the ‘imagination’, the capacity of the mind to make pictures. These pictures can be a way of representing and thinking through profouncly abstract discussions. This is what we see Julian doing in ch. 51, her longest, most daring, and most multi-layered chapter. This paper seeks to re-alert modern scholars to the verbal and the visual as absolutely equal partners in late medieval theologising. Further details about the conference, including the Senior Tutor's paper, can be found here. Ascension Day Guest Night 2013 The Hall welcomed a number of distinguished guests on Thursday 9 May to celebrate Ascension Day. We were delighted to welcome them to our common table alongside students and fellows of the Hall. Following a delicious feast prepared by the Hall's catering team, Jason Lepojärvi, Helsinki University (pictured) gave a thought-provoking talk on the theme of love. Student Barometer Results The Student Barometer is an annual survey of undergraduate and graduate students designed to gauge opinion on the student experience at Oxford. The Hall is delighted to have achieved top college ranking on the table for overall experience with a score of 97.7% (the average was 90.8%). St Benet's achieved 100% satisfaction ratings in areas including quality of tutorials, subject expertise of academic staff, the arrival experience, and being a good place to be. The full set of results can be found by clicking here here. New Boat Club Website The SBH Boat Club has a new website which can be accessed here. SBH Exam Success Many congratulations to Christopher Bridgwood who achieved a distinction in his Preliminary Examinations in Theology and has been awarded an academic scholarship by the Hall. New Joint Common Room Committee At the end of Hilary Term Johan Trovik was elected President of the JCR, Aleksy Gaj, Treasurer, and Christopher Hudson, Secretary. The Committee took office on Sunday of 0th week this term. Pictured (L to R) are: Johan Trovik, President, Christopher Hudson, Secretary, Revd. James M. Jr. Matarazzo, Graduate Representative, Aleksy Gaj, Treasurer, Br Cuthbert Elliott OSB, Food Liaison Officer, Christopher Bridgwood, Education and Welfare Officer, Joshua Atkinson, Sports Captain, and Miles Lawrence, Social Secretary. The JCR President, Johan Trovik, was the first of our Tuesday dinner speakers this term. He spoke of his honour at being elected President and entertained the table with his assurances of Norwegian toughness! Fr Bernard Green OSB - Memorial Service The Hall was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Fr Bernard Green OSB, sometime Fellow and Tutor in Theology at St Benet's and latterly Research Fellow in Theology at Campion Hall, on 22 March 2013. Fr Bernard's Funeral was held at Ampleforth Abbey on 4 April. A Memorial Service in Oxford will be held at Blackfriars (67 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LY) at 4 pm on Saturday 25 May. All very welcome to attend. Further details may be found by clicking here. St Benet's Hall News - Hilary Term 2013 Diamond Jubilee Tree Planting On 8 March, the Master, along with the other Heads of the PPHs were invited to plant tulip trees in the University Parks to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Revd. Dr Ralph Waller, Chairman of the Parks Curators proposed toasts to the Queen, the Permanent Private Halls, and the Parks staff. Further details can be found by clicking here. Launch of the Friends of the Boat Club At the annual Boat Club luncheon a new venture was launched: Friends of the Boat Club. You can read all about it in the first Boat Club Newsletter, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Torpids 2013 The Captain of Boats writes: 'On the opening day of the competition the crew was bumped by St Edmund Hall II, though the second day saw them come back to catch Corpus Christi II, who began two boats further up the division, with some controlled, powerful rowing. This began an unexpected rivalry that took form over the remaining two days of the competition; Corpus looking for revenge and Benet's looking to cement their position in the division. With two powerful performances, Benet's held off Corpus Christi over the 2000m course. Both races went right to the line, and provided great entertainment for the spectators. In all, it was an encouraging performance from the crew and one of which they can be proud. With fresher Johan Trovik leading the way on the erg results, and an intake of rowers from around the university for next term's boat, SBHBC can look with great anticipation to Summer Eights, which promises to yield exciting results. Varsity Boxing Success for Benet's Fresher Following his success earlier in the term, Iain Holland, a first yera student in History, took part in the Varsity Boxing Match on 9 March. Oxford beat Cambridge 6-3. Congratulations! Benetian Venetian 2013 The JCR celebrated the end of term with its Benetian Venetian Party on 7 March - much fun was had by all! SBH Student Actors comment on 'Another Country' In mid-Feburary 2013 several students from St Benet's took part in an university production of 'Another Country' by Julian Mitchell. They were interviewed by the Cherwell: to view the interview click here. SBH Study Day - Love and Desire in the Church The Hall held a very successful study day on the topic of 'Love and Desire in the Church' on 27 Feburary 2013. For an account of the day click here. SBH Master on Radio 5 Live Commenting on the Resignation of Benedict XVI Prof Werner Jeanrond, Master of St Benet's, was interviewed on Radio 5 Live on Monday 11 February 2013, shortly after the resignation announcement by Pope Benedict, his former teacher. He discussed the Pope's achievements and legacy. To listen to the interview click here. Prof Jeanrond was also interviewed by Sverige Radio (Swedish Radio): to listen to that interview click here. Half-Way Hall 2013 The Hall celebrated the half-way mark of the studies of undergraduates at the middle of the second term of their second year on Sunday 10 February. SBH Fresher represents University in Swimming and awarded Blue Ben Allen (first year PPE student at St Benet's) competed in the Varsity Swimming fixture on 9 Feburary and contributed to Oxford's overall victory against Cambridge, 117 to 63. Many congratulations! SBH Fresher represents University in Boxing Iain Holland, a first year History student at St Benet's, recently represented the University in the Town-and-Gown Boxing Match at the Oxford Union. He writes: 'I managed to win my fight by unanimous decision after three rounds although overall Oxford lost 3-5. My bout was very hard fought and my opponent put up a great fight. All the boxers from Oxford did very well and there were quite a lot of close bouts that could have gone either way. The guys at Benet's were very supportive and the ones who managed to come to the event had a great evening.' Collection Prizes Hilary Term 2013 The Hall heartily congratulates those students who gained Firsts in their Collection examinations this term: Torsten Alexander (Classics, 3rd Year), Oliver Jones (Classics, 3rd Year), Fergus O'Regan (Classics, 3rd Year), Mark Salib (Phil/Theol, 3rd Year), Robert Seymour (Phil/Theol, 3rd Year) Joshua Dixon (Theology, 2nd Year), Henry Ulmann (Theology, 2nd Year), Federico Zangani (OS, 2nd Year) Alexsy Gaj (PPE, 1st Year), Johan Trovik (PPE, 1st Year) Burns Night 2013 The Hall celebrated Burns Night in customary tradition with Haggis, Poetry, and Whisky! Photo courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB. Snow! SBH did not escape... Photo courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB. SBH contributes to International Conference Theology in the Midst of Contemporary Rationalities, Symposium at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, 23 - 25 January 2013 How does theology situate itself in the face of contemporary rationalities or contemporary conceptions of rationality? And how should it situate itself? This was the theme of the International Symposium Theology in the Midst of Contemporary Rationalities held at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. Three members of St Benet's Hall discussed this question with both staff and students representing universities and institutes in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Professor Werner G. Jeanrond, the Master of St Benet's, presented his hermeneutical reflections on "Faith and Language", focusing on the significance of both objectivity and subjectivity in the process of interpretation. Theological interpretations have to respect the otherness of the other by resisting against the closure of any process of interpretation. Hence, a "Hermeneutics of Love" is the adequate reaction of theology to the challenge of contemporary rationalities. James Matarazzo and Ulrich Schmiedel, both DPhil Students in Theology at St Benet's, presented papers as well. In "A Tense Unity", James utilised Sergei Bulgakov's concept of rational antinomies since this concept allows for the conception of theology as the place where rationalities can come together in conversation as opposed to a mere competition. Ulrich's paper "Queen of the Sciences?" ran along the same line. Applying Ernst Troeltsch's concept of compromise to the challenge of competing disciplinary rationalities, Ulrich focused on the potential of interdisciplinarity co-operations between theology and sociology. Such co-operations are more adequate to the challenge of contemporary rationalities than the coronation of a theological ‘Queen of the Sciences.’ All the presentations were very well received. The interdisciplinary and international discussions which they provoked were intriguing. Hence, the conference provided an exciting environment to reflect on contemporary rationalities as a challenge for theology — not only in university and society but also in the church. Werner Jeanrond, James Matarazzo, and Ulrich Schmiedel would like to express their gratitude to the organisers of the conference, especially Professor Oliver Riaudel (Louvain-la-Neuve), and to all the participants as well. For the programme of the conference see https://www.uclouvain.be/en-404044.html Study Day - 'Love and Desire in the Church' On 27th Feburary 2013 St Benet's Hall will host a study day considering various aspects of love and desire in the life of the Church. Speakers and Topics: Jason Lepojärvi (University of Helsinki): Can One Love Too Much: CS Lewis’ Theology of Love Werner Jeanrond (University of Oxford): What is “Christian” Love? Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki): Love as Desire for Recognition Santha Bhattacharji (University of Oxford): Mystical Love for God in the Medieval Church For more information and booking form click here. St Benet's Hall News - Michaelmas 2012 Diaconal Ordination of SBH Monastic Student Br Alex Echeandía Loro OSB On 22nd December, Br Alex, a monk of the Monastery of the Incarnation in Pachacamac, Perú, founded by Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire, and currently a student at Blackfriars Studium and a member of the St Benet's monastic community, was ordained a deacon at Belmont Abbey by the Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark. His community writes that 'Archbishop George Stack of Cardiff was among our guests as was Dom Richard Yeo, Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation. Heavy rains and the flooding prevented a number of people from getting to Belmont. Dom Alex was accompanied by members of the Belmont Community, oblates, friends and fellow students at Oxford. Because of the long distances involved, Dom Alex's parents and family and members of the Monastery of the Incarnation, Peru, were unable to be present. There was a lovely festive atmosphere in the abbey church and the flowers and early Christmas decorations were magnificent. The Mass was served by novices and postulants and the organ played by our good friend Stasio Sliwka. Br Alex will continue his studies for the priesthood at Blackfriars, Oxford, and will, God willing, be ordained a priest in fifteen months' time, most probably in Peru. We congratulate Dom Alex and pray for his happiness as he continues to serve God and his Church, now as a deacon.' Staff Christmas Party 2012 The Hall Community thanked its indefatigable and ever-generous staff with a celebratory Christmas luncheon on 8 December. Photos courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB. Prestigious Accolade for SBH Theology Graduate Student The Hall is delighted to announce that DPhil student Ulrich Schmiedel was recently awarded the prestigious Kurt Nowak Price at the University of Leipzig for the best Masters Dissertation in Theology. Many congratulations! JCR Christmas Party 2012 Another of the Benet's legendary parties heralded the end of Michaelmas Term and the proximity of Christmas. Photos courtesy of Dom Columba Moujing OSB. Christmas Dinner & Carol Service 2012 As the Michaelmas Term draws to its close the Hall celebrates the approach of Christmas with a festive dinner and Carol Service. Photos courtesy of Nicholas Hanson. Advance Notice: Hilary Term Study Day 'Love and Desire in the Church' On 27th Feburary 2013 St Benet's Hall will host a study day considering various aspects of love and desire in the life of the Church. Speakers and Topics: Jason Lepojärvi (University of Helsinki): Can One Love Too Much: CS Lewis’ Theology of Love Werner Jeanrond (University of Oxford): What is “Christian” Love? Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki): Love as Desire for Recognition Santha Bhattacharji (University of Oxford): Mystical Love for God in the Medieval Church For more information and booking form click here. Thanksgiving Dinner 2012 This year the Hall celebrated American Thanksgiving Day with a festive and traditional meal. Rev James Matarazzo and Dom Cuthbert Elliott OSB, theology students at the Hall, addressed those assembled on the history, traditions, and spirit of Thanksgiving. Rowing Success! Nephthys November 2012 The Benet's VIII has had an excellent start to its 2012-13 season beating St Hugh's B, St Peter's A, and Christ Church A VIIIs in the Nephthys races: BRAVI! Photos courtesy of Nicholas Hanson. Benet's Win @ Drama Cuppers! A group of Benetian Freshers has won the 'Spirit of Cuppers' Prize at the Drama Cuppers Michaelmas 2012 for their humorous political satire in the spirit of In the Thick of It. Many congratulations to Joshua Atkinson, Tom Lambert, Sam Marks, and Johan Trovik. MA Graduation Day - 3 November Each year the Hall welcomes back several members to receive their MA degrees. This year a large contingent gathered together for this quintessentially Oxonian celebration of academic success and ongoing relationship with the Hall and University. Photographs courtesy of Dom Cuthbert Elliott OSB and Dr Joseph Shaw. Blessing of the New Master - 7 October At the start of First Week a service of Vespers, with the Blessing of the New Master, Prof Werner Jeanrond, was held in the church of the Holy Spirit at Blackfriars. The homily was preached by the Rt Rev Cuthbert Madden OSB, the Abbot of Ampleforth Abbey and the choir was made up of monks from St Benet's and Ampleforth, led by the cantors, Fr Oswald McBride OSB and Br Cedd Mannion OSB. The Hall welcomed a very large group of guests to this significant event from all over the country and Europe. The service was followed by a reception at St Benet's Hall where the new Master addressed the assembled company. St Benet's Hall News - Long Vacation 2012 Stupendous Summer Exam Success! This summer the Hall has rejoiced in the superlative successes of its students in Finals examinations, building on the excellent results received earlier in the year during First Public Examinations. Very good results were achieved all round but special congratulations must go to those who attained the three Firsts in Theology, Philosophy & Theology (Gibbs Prize), and PPE, as well as those who achieved Distinctions in their First Public Examinations in Oriental Studies (Gibbs Prize), and in PPE: bravi! A summary and comparison of the Hall's recent academic results can be found by clicking here. Open Days The Hall opens welcomes prospective students at any time during the year, but especially on the Open Days organised by the University several times a year. At this year's June Open Days we unfurled our new Open Day banner, designed by Br Cedd Mannion OSB. The next Open Day will be held on 14 September. If you would like to find out more about St Benet's do drop in on that day. If you would like to arrange meetings with Directors of Studies or the Senior Tutor for that day please email the Senior Tutor by clicking here. If you are unable to attend the Open Days in person you can download the brochure in pdf format by clicking here. For archive items please click here.

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