Today we celebrate Biodiversity Day

22nd May 2023Mrs D Curtis
It is our duty to work towards the common good. In the words of the Pope in Laudato Si, we learn how it is essential that we care for the planet God made. International Day for Biological Diversity is an excellent opportunity to work towards a better world and follow Pope Francis’s teaching. We must be humble in our actions and allow the world to grow as it needs.
How many are your works, LORD In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. – Psalm 104:24

Feast Day of the Ascension of the Lord

18th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

Today marks the sacred Feast Day of the Ascension of the Lord, a momentous occasion that commemorates the ascent of Jesus into Heaven following his resurrection. It is a holy day of obligation, calling upon believers to reflect on this significant event.

To honor this day, Father Sean and Rev Michael McKeaney led a jubilant mass in the chapel, uniting both staff and students in a spirit of celebration.

The account in the Acts of the Apostles recounts a poignant exchange: “Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

This passage encapsulates the profound message of the Ascension, emphasizing the disciples’ role as witnesses and heralds of Jesus’ teachings throughout the world. The imagery of Jesus ascending into the heavens, concealed by a cloud, signifies his departure from Earth and his divine presence in the celestial realm.

On this Feast Day, let us reflect upon the significance of Jesus’ Ascension, and may it inspire us to carry forth his teachings and serve as faithful witnesses to his message, both within our immediate community and to the ends of the earth.

 

Solemnity of the Ascension

18th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

On this day we commemorate the ascension of Jesus into Heaven, an act that showed his power over death and inaugurating his reign over heaven and earth as the Living King. While we do not hold this divine power as Jesus did, we are able to be God-like in the small acts we accomplish. This is a day for joy, celebration, and reflection with God.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:16-20

Feast of the English Martyrs

4th May 2023Mrs D Curtis

On this day we remember the martyrdom of 40 men and women who were executed between 1535 and 1679 for treason and related offences under various laws enacted by Parliament during the English Reformation. 25th October is a sister day to this event which commemorates the Welsh members of the group. Amongst these people was our patron saint, St Edmund Campion, who was arrested while conducting an underground Catholic ministry in an officially Anglican England.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. –  Matthew 10:28

World Malaria Day

25th April 2023Mrs D Curtis
World Malaria Day serves to remind us of the threat malaria still causes and that there is still work to be done to combat this disease. We are reminded that we must work towards the common good and look beyond our own interests. Fighting to end malaria will benefit many people. The majority of these people do not have sufficient access to healthcare facilities. It is vital that we prioritise the most vulnerable in society. It is in these areas where we can fight against malaria in the most effective way.
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait for them.
At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.
– Luke 4:38-40

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mark the Evangelist

25th April 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint Mark brought to us the Gospel of Mark. On this day of celebration, let us read this gospel in prayerful thought. Through reflection on the gospel we can relate our lives to the words of the Bible. The words of Mark were written hundreds of years ago but the spiritual meaning in them is something we can still feel to this day.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'” – Mark 1:1-3

Solemnity of Saint George

24th April 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint George relied on his faith in God to provide him with strength during his trials. When we put our faith in God he can provide us the strength to overcome our struggles as well as to help others through theirs. As protector of the persecuted, Saint George should inspire us to fight for those who need support. Actions and words to support the rights of all people help to make the world a more accepting and tolerant place. We can achieve this with the strength of God.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:29

Today is the celebration of Eid al-Fitr

21st April 2023Mrs D Curtis
Today is the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a significant day for Muslims all around the world. We can take this day to learn about Islamic culture and beliefs, to be active in our understanding of others. Understanding others’ faith can strengthen our own. Love and respect for people allows us to love God deeper and be steadfast in our faith. This is a day of prayer and celebration, let us also spend this day in celebratory prayer together.
And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him – al-Talaaq 65:3
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. – John 10:28-30