Today we remember our Familiars and Benefactors

On this day, 5 September, the Dominican Friars celebrate the Anniversary of Familiars and Benefactors, a day when we remember in prayer and gratitude all those many generous individuals who have supported and continue to support our vocations and our material needs. As mendicants, a large portion of our annual needs is met by the gifts both small and large without which our mission could not exist.

Today we are remembering with special gratitude our friend Jasper Scovil, a lay Dominican and volunteer doorkeeper at our Oxford priory, Blackfriars. Jasper provided extremely generous support to the priory over the years, and funded a scholarship at Blackfriars Hall that bears his name and has so far assisted two students studying for doctorates in theology with us. Jasper’s funeral will take place tomorrow, Saturday 6 September, 11am, at Blackfriars.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.