Saint Sebastian’s feast day holds special significance in the Catholic calendar. As a devout Christian and Roman soldier, Sebastian’s life and martyrdom exemplify unwavering faith and courage. For us, his steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution, serves as a powerful inspiration.

On this feast day, we commemorate Saint Sebastian’s sacrifice and seek his intercession for strength in times of adversity. His patronage of athletes and archers adds a unique dimension to the celebration, as we reflect on the virtues of discipline, perseverance and spiritual fortitude.

Saint Sebastian’s life echoes the call to bear witness to the Gospel, reinforcing our commitment to live out one’s faith fearlessly and to draw inspiration from the communion of saints on the journey of faith.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” – 1 Peter 3:14

On this second day of the Octave of Christian Unity, let us continue our journey with hearts open to the Spirit of God. As we reflect on the diversity within the Body of Christ, may we embrace the unique gifts each Christian tradition brings, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our unity. Let this day be a time of dialogue and understanding, where we seek common ground and appreciate the beauty in our shared faith. May the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood be strengthened, transcending denominational lines, as we strive to fulfill the prayer of Jesus for our oneness. May the grace of unity inspire us to work together for the common good and witness the transformative power of Christ’s love to the world.

He answered. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” – Luke 10:27

On Thursday 11th January, Mrs Letheren and Mr Luis took students from St Edmund’s Chaplaincy Team and the St Edmund’s Eco Club to Alton Castle for a Laudato Si Chaplaincy Day. The day provided a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical; Laudate Deum, his follow-up Apostolic Exhortation; and our own call to stewardship. In addition, students were able to explore their school’s ‘Live Simply’ award, set up by CAFOD, and discuss ideas and plans with students from other schools on how to improve sustainability in their school communities and their own homes.

The team at Alton Castle were well-versed and well-prepared to test our students to think about the role of science and geography in sustainability and how technology will play a huge part in moving forward in sustainable development. They engage the students with scavenger hunts, quizzes and calculating our carbon footprints, giving students perspective on sustainability whilst also learning new facts and figures.

The day ended with the team informing the students about the Earthshot Prize, challenging them all to design their own entry for the competition and think about how it could improve the sustainability of our planet. The team supported the groups in articulating their ideas and asked difficult questions about their inventions, making them think of fuel sources, possible greenhouse gas emissions and the disruption of nature. Our students laid forward several innovative ideas, including new biofuels and machines that purified air and removed greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They interacted and engaged with each other, the team and other students and had a great time.

We asked some students on the trip what they thought of the Chaplaincy day.

Kash K, Y9, said “It was really fun, I got to meet lots of new people. One fact I learned is that by 2050, there will be as much rubbish by weight in the ocean as fish.”

Another student said “I learned that our generation could create solutions and find more creative ways to solve global warming.”

World Religion Day is a momentous occasion that encourages interfaith dialogue and understanding among people of various religious traditions. This day resonate with the Church’s commitment to fostering unity and respect among diverse communities.

The Catholic faith emphasises the importance of recognising the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of their religious background. World Religion Day provides an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversation with individuals of other faiths, promoting a spirit of tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

In embracing the shared values that underpin different religious beliefs, we can contribute to building a more harmonious world that reflects the fundamental principles of love, compassion and justice as taught by Jesus Christ.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. – 1 Peter 3:8

Maghi or Lohri is a joyous harvest festival celebrated by various communities in India, and from a Catholic perspective, it can be viewed as a time to reflect on the blessings of abundance and express gratitude for God’s providence.

As the community gathers around the bonfire to mark the end of winter and the onset of longer days, there’s an opportunity to appreciate the symbolism of light overcoming darkness.

In the spirit of unity and shared festivities, we may see Maghi Lohri as an occasion to promote harmony, communal solidarity, and a sense of the universal family under the divine light that guides and nurture’s all. It’s a moment to recognise God’s presence in the changing seasons and to share the warmth of His love with one another, fostering connections that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. – Romans 8:20-21

The baptism of Jesus holds profound significance as a pivotal moment in salvation history.

At the Jordan River, Jesus, sinless and divine, willingly entered the waters to be baptised by John the Baptist. This act, seemingly paradoxical for the sinless Son of God, serves as a powerful example of humility and solidarity with humanity. As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, while the voice of the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This manifestation of the Holy Trinity marked the initiation of Jesus’ public ministry, reinforcing the importance of baptism as a sacrament that cleanses and sanctifies, inviting believers into the divine family and embodying the transformative power of God’s grace. The baptism of Jesus symbolises the beginning of the New Covenant, demonstrating God’s boundless love and His eternal plan for the redemption of mankind.

As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17