As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, the Catholic community joins the global conversation, recognising the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and promoting compassionate care for those affected. Grounded in the teachings of Christ, Catholicism offers a rich framework for understanding and responding to the complexities of mental health with empathy, support and solidarity.

At the heart of Catholic social teaching lies a respect for the inherent dignity of every person. In the eyes of God, each individual is precious and deserving of love, understanding and support. By affirming the dignity of those struggling with mental health challenges, we reject the stigma and embrace a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

Jesus Christ himself exemplified compassion in his ministry, reaching out to the marginalised, the suffering and the broken-hearted. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate his example, walking alongside our brothers and sisters who wrestle with mental illness with empathy and understanding. Through acts of kindness, listening ears and supportive presence, we can offer solace and companionship to those in need.

Mental health remains shrouded in silence and shame, perpetuating stigma and hindering access to care. As Catholics, we are called to break this silence, fostering open dialogue and creating safe spaces for individuals to share their struggles without fear of judgement or condemnation. By raising awareness and promoting education, we can dismantle misconceptions and foster a community of understanding and support.

Central to the Catholic faith is the belief in the power of prayer to bring about healing and wholeness, both physically and spiritually. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we lift our prayers to God, asking Him to grant comfort to those who suffer, strength to those who care for them and wisdom to those who seek to advocate for their well-being. In our prayers, we entrust all those affected by mental illness to the loving embrace of the Divine Physician, who offers hope and restoration to all who call upon Him.

Catholicism recognises the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, emphasising the importance of holistic care for the whole person. Alongside medical interventions, therapies and medications, we acknowledge the significance of spiritual support, pastoral care and community solidarity in promoting mental health and well-being. By integrating faith with professional expertise, we can offer a comprehensive approach to healing and recovery.

Let us take up the call to action issued by Pope Francis, who reminds us that “mental illness is everyone’s business”. May we, as members of the Catholic community, respond with compassion, advocacy and solidarity, working together to create a world where all individuals are valued, supported and empowered to live full and meaningful lives.

In the spirit of Christ’s love, let us journey together towards a future where mental health is no longer a source of stigma or shame, but rather a testament to the resilience, courage and inherent dignity of the human spirit. Let us stand in solidarity with all those affected by mental illness, offering our prayers, support and commitment to building a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Congratulations to the students who have achieved a place in the national competition of Poetry By Heart. This is a testament to their dedication, talent and passion for poetry. Their hard work and creativity have enabled them to achieve this, showcasing their ability to captivate an audience and express themselves through the power of words. In recognition of their efforts, these students have been awards with badges. This award shows their dedication and commitment as well as their achievement in this competition.

Poetry By Heart is a national competition for students to display their talents at poetry. It serves as a platform for young people to showcase their poetry and demonstrate their understanding of the art form. This competition provides an environment for students to build their skills and share their creative voice with a wider audience.

Students could perform their talents either individually or as a part of a group, with the option to participate in either the freestyle or classic categories. This framework allowed the students the freedom to express themselves according to their own poetic style and preference, meaning that a wide range of performances could be seen within the competition.

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the performances delivered by all the participants during the event. Congratulations again to our students moving to the national level and well done to all participants of the competition!

Participants: Sara R, Imogen A, Eva S, Alaha B, Angelica E, Jorgie G, Leah E, Kelechi E, Beatrice B, Paulina P, Anna L, Maddison R and one other student.

Badge winners: Leah E, Eva S, Alaha B, Isabella O, Imogen A and one other student.

Today, we observe World Malaria Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the global fight against malaria and renewing our commitment to ending this devastating disease. As Catholics, we approach this day with a sense of compassion and solidarity, recognising the suffering of our brothers and sisters affected by malaria and our shared responsibility to alleviate their burden.

Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases in the world, affecting the most vulnerable populations, particularly in sub-Saharan African, in an unbalanced way. The toll of malaria is not just measured in lives but in the suffering endured by individuals and families dealing with the debilitating effects of this preventable and treatable disease.

Central to the teachings of the Catholic Church is the call to love and care for our neighbour, especially those who are sick and suffering. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, reminds us of the importance of solidarity and fraternity, urging us to recognise the inherent dignity of every person and to work towards a world where no one is left behind.

As Catholics, we are called to respond to the cries of the afflicted with compassion and generosity. Our faith compels us to address the root causes of suffering and to advocate for policies and interventions that promote health and well-being for all. This includes supporting initiative to prevent and treat malaria, as well as addressing the social and environmental factors that contribute to its spread.

In the spirit of Catholic social teaching, which emphasises the importance of the common good and the dignity of every person, let us redouble our efforts to combat malaria. Let us support organisations and initiatives that provide access to life-saving treatments, mosquito nets and other preventive measures. Let us also pray for wisdom and guidance for leaders and policymakers as they work to implement strategies to eradicate malaria once and for all.

In the words of Saint Mother Teresa, “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” Let us, inspired by her example and guided by our Catholic faith, do our part to alleviate the suffering caused by malaria and to build a world where all can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Together, let us strive towards a future where World Malaria Day is no longer necessary, where malaria is but a distant memory, and where every person enjoys the fullness of health and well-being.

In the vast tapestry of creation, Earth stands as a sacred gift, entrusted to humanity by the Divine Creator. As stewards of this precious planet, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect it, not just for ourselves but for future generations. As we celebrate World Earth Day, we are called to reflect deeply on our role in safeguarding the environment through the lens of Catholic teachings.

At the heart of Catholicism lies a great respect for creation. In the book of Genesis, we read that God looked upon His creation and found it to be good. This fundamental belief emphasises the deep-rooted value of every aspect of the natural world. From the majestic mountains to the smallest creatures, each part of creation reflects the beauty and wisdom of its Creator.

Saint Francis of Assisi, valued as the patron saint of ecology, embodies this deep connection between faith and environmental stewardship. His love for nature, expressed in his Canticle of the Creatures, celebrates the interconnectedness of all living beings and the dependance on the Earth. Saint Francis’s example teaches us to approach the world with humility, recognising our interconnectedness with all creation and our responsibility to care for it with love and compassion.

As Catholics, we are called to notice the cries of the Earth and its inhabitants. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si’, issues a clarion call for ecological conversion, urging us to recognise the urgent need for an integral ecology that respects both the environment and the dignity of every person. He reminds us that our care for the environment is inseparable from our commitment to justice and solidarity, particularly towards the poor and vulnerable who are unequally affected by environmental degradation.

On World Earth Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of Catholic social teaching, which advocate for the common good and the protection of God’s creation. Let us strive to live more sustainably, mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment and future generations. Let us advocate for policies and practices that promote environmental justice and respect for the integrity of creation.

In the spirit of Pope Francis’s integral ecology, let us embrace a holistic approach to environmental stewardship that includes both individual and collective action. Let us pray for the wisdom and courage to be faithful stewards of the Earth, safeguarding its beauty and diversity for generations to come. As we celebrate World Earth Day, may we be inspired by our Catholic faith to work tirelessly for the healing and renewal of our planet, our common home.

Let us embrace the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.” In this spirit of gratitude and reverence, let us honour Earth not just today, but every day, as an expression of our love for God and all His creation.

Today, we commemorate Stephen Lawrence Memorial Day, a solemn occasion to remember a young life tragically cut short and to renew our commitment to justice, equality and solidarity. As Catholics, we are called to reflect on this day through the lens of our faith, which compels us to stand against injustice and to work tirelessly for the dignity and rights of every person.

Stephen Lawrence’s story is a stark reminder of the persistent evil of racism and discrimination that continues to plague our society. His senseless murder, driven by hate and prejudice, shook the conscience of a nation and exposed the deep-rooted injustices faced by Black communities. Yet, amongst the pain and sorrow, Stephen’s legacy has become a beacon of hope and a trigger for change.

Central to Catholic social teaching is the principle of human dignity, which asserts that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses inherent worth and value. Racism and discrimination violate this sacred dignity, denying individuals their God-given rights and diminishing the unity and harmony of the human family. As Catholics, we are called to confront racism in all its forms and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer its effects.

Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, emphasises the importance of building a culture of encounter and dialogue, rooted in the recognition of our common humanity and shared responsibility for one another. He calls on us to reject indifference and division, and to work towards a society where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity or background.

On Stephen Lawrence Memorial Day, let us remember Stephen’s life and legacy with compassion and solidarity. Let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, ensuring that those who commit acts of racism and discrimination are held accountable for their actions. Let us also aim to address the systemic inequalities and injustices that contribute to racial disparities, working towards a society where all can flourish and thrive.

As Catholics, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace and reconciliation in the world. Let us pray for the strength and courage to confront racism and discrimination wherever we encounter it, and to build bridges of understanding and solidarity across divides. let us also support initiatives that promote racial justice and equality, and advocate for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all people.

In the words of Pope Francis, “The times we live in demand that we develop a profound capacity for discernment… We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.” May we, inspired by our Catholic faith and guided by the example of Stephen lawrence, continue to work towards a world where justice, equality and solidarity reign supreme.

Let us honour Stephen’s memory not just on this day, but every day, by striving to create a society where every person is welcomed, valued and loved as a beloved child of God.