Lord Hague joins Reuben College’s Graduate Carol Service at University Church
University Chancellor supports festive, international service organised by Reuben College President
On Sunday 7 December, Reuben College welcomed members of Oxford University’s postgraduate community to its annual Graduate Carol Service at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Now in its fifth year, the service is well-established in the University calendar, organised and hosted for postgraduates by Reuben College under the leadership of its President, Professor Lord Tarassenko.
A distinguishing trait of this annual carol service is its international nature, reflecting the strong global diversity of Oxford’s postgraduate community. Readings were delivered in multiple languages by Reuben College DPhil students, including Isaiah 11.1-9 in Mandarin and Luke 2.8-16 in Swahili, by Puyu Wang and Lina Ochieng respectively.
The service was led by the Revd Canon Dr William Lamb, Vicar of the University Church, with a passionate sermon preached by the Right Revd Saju Muthulaly, Bishop of Loughborough. Bishop Saju was born in Kerala, South India and holds two Bachelor of Theology degrees, one from Bangalore and one from Oxford.
The University Chancellor, Lord Hague of Richmond, attended the service with his wife, Dame Ffion Hague, underlining the University’s support for this occasion. Lord Hague contributed a reading of John Donne’s Annunciation, after which the University Church choir (composed entirely of graduate students) gave a moving performance of Bethlehem Down.
Reuben College members also played a central role in shaping the service. The first reading of the evening was given by Janet Stott, Governing Body Fellow of Reuben College and Deputy Director of the Museum of Natural History. Professor Lord Tarassenko helped draw the service to a close with a reading of the first chapter of John’s Gospel, which was followed by a joyful congregational rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
After a final blessing from the Vicar, mulled wine and refreshments were served in the side chapel. Lord Hague took time to talk with attendees and extend the spirit of welcome to all.
