Travel and Visitation Programs

The Oxford Summer Programme offers students a captivating journey into the medieval world amidst the renowned setting of the "city of dreaming spires." Delve deeply into the realms of medieval architecture, pre-Raphaelite art and the rich literature of the English Catholic revival, spanning from Newman to Tolkien. Embark on pilgrimages to medieval churches, partake in the reverential celebrations of the Divine Office and wander along Oxford's enchanting streets, immersing yourself in the mystical essence of the medieval mindset while fostering the pursuit of the Catholic intellectual life alongside peers and mentors. 

Enriching guest lectures by esteemed professors from the University of Oxford provide invaluable insights into the collegiate life of one of the world's oldest and most esteemed universities.  

Beyond rigorous academic pursuits, embrace the vibrant tapestry of Oxford life with visits to its historic colleges, solemn participation in sacred liturgies within medieval churches, leisurely punting on the River Cherwell, soul-stirring poetry readings and indulgent afternoon teas. A captivating excursion to London awaits, offering exclusive access to the revered National Gallery, a behind-the-scenes exploration of Westminster Abbey and a gracious invitation to attend Evensong in the Abbey's renowned choir stalls. 

Reside, study, dine and worship within the venerable halls of St. Benet’s Hall, the Permanent Private Hall of the English Benedictine Congregation at the University of Oxford, where centuries of tradition and intellectual fervor converge. 

As Bella '19 attests, the Oxford Programme transcends academic enrichment, offering a profound journey of self-discovery amidst the inspirational settings that shaped literary giants like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Prepare to expand your horizons, challenge your perspectives, and immerse yourself in the transformative experience that is the Oxford Summer Programme. 

Highlights include: 

Residing and studying in St. Benet’s Hall, a distinguished Benedictine Permanent Private Hall at the heart of Oxford. 

Learning under the tutelage of internationally renowned scholars and professors, guided by experienced mentors. 

Exploring Harry Potter filming locations, leisurely punting on the serene Isis, traversing the picturesque English countryside and retracing the footsteps where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis engaged in countless conversations that shaped literary history. 

Embarking on captivating excursions to London, Oxford and the idyllic English countryside, unraveling the unique cultural tapestry of England. 

Attaining the esteemed designation of a Junior Fellow of the Portsmouth Institute, a prestigious acknowledgment of your academic accomplishments, dedication to truth-seeking and fervent passion for cultural exploration. 

Each year, Abbey students are in the privileged position to have the opportunity to travel to Lourdes, France, to volunteer in helping the Assisted Pilgrims (AP), or malades, who seek healing to fully benefit from their time in this historic and holy place. The volunteer activities at Lourdes change, and so the experience is a very individual one, varying from year to year and person to person.  

Students help the pilgrims with personal care as well as  join them for ice cream and coffee in the cafes after Masses and Torchlight Processions. Previous groups have visited the baths from the spring in the Grotto de Massabielle in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. There are also opportunities for students to meet and develop relationships with the Sacred Heart (CT) and Ampleforth Abbey (UK) students who also volunteer. The students also have the chance to savor the day-to-day life of the town, and enjoy their own spiritual retreat. 

One of the highlights for Fifth Form students is the annual guided tour of the Whaling Museum in nearby New Bedford, Massachusetts. The trip, which has become a tradition in recent years, coincides with their reading of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Though Ishmael and Ahab are fictional characters, their voyage was a very real one, and New Bedford was the epicenter of the industry at its height in the mid-1800s. Not surprisingly, Melville sets the early chapters of the novel there, where Ishmael stays at the Spouter Inn, meets his companion Queequeg, and sets out for Nantucket and the seven seas.  

The trip to the museum provides an invaluable opportunity for students to inhabit the world of the classic novel by experiencing what life on a whaling ship was like. They are able to examine sperm whale skeletons, harpoons, and scrimshaw and climb aboard the museum’s ½ scale replica of a whaling ship. Guided presentations in the museum’s archives include documents from Melville’s own experience whaling in the South Pacific. Students are also able to visit Seaman’s Bethel, the chapel where Ishmael hears Father Mapple’s sermon from the famed ship-prow pulpit.