Saint Barbara, also known as the Great Martyr Barbara, holds a revered place in Christian tradition as a protector against thunderstorms, fire, and sudden death. According to legend, Barbara was a third-century Christian martyr who faced persecution under the Roman Emperor Maximian.

Renowned for her beauty and intellect, Barbara chose to embrace Christianity against her father’s wishes. Imprisoned and tortured for her faith, she remained steadfast and resolute. The most famous account of her story involves a miraculous escape into the mountains, where she hid in a cave. After her betrayal and subsequent capture, Barbara faced further torment and was eventually executed by beheading.

Throughout the centuries, Saint Barbara has been venerated as a symbol of courage, faith, and the triumph of spirituality over worldly challenges. She is often depicted holding a tower, representing her imprisonment, and a palm branch, symbolising her martyrdom.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed life the eagle’s – Psalm 103:1-5

Today the academy celebrated the feast day of Saint Edmund (01/12) with two dedicatory masses.

Lead by Father Alex, lower and upper school were called to reflect on their spiritual lives and how they can be closer to God.

It was a poignant time for both staff and students as we celebrate the Patron of our academy.

To be a Catholic is my greatest glory – Saint Edmund Campion

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. –

The 26th November marked the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe celebrated by the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Our St Edmund’s students led and participated in 11:30 am mass at St Michael’s Church in the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish as musicians and singers, readers and altar servers and the service was celebrated by our Priest Chaplain and assistant priest at Blessed Carlo, Father Alex Taylor.

Many of our students are already part of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, but seeing them all come together to celebrate mass was an absolute treat.

One of the standouts of the service was the band and choir, comprised of talented singers and guitarists from St Edmund’s Faith Band and our Sixth Form, supported by a handful of individuals from the parish band, Praise and Worship and led by our Chaplain, Deacon Michael McKearney.

At the end, the congregation gave a well-deserved round of applause for our students and the part they played in leading the service.

The evening of Tuesday 21st September was one of great joy for our St Edmund’s community, as a number of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Blessed Carlo Acutis parish celebration of the sacrament.

There were 46 young people confirmed, including Kelechi E, Joseph and Raymond N, Alba and Rocio O O, Francesco L-O and Michael E O from St Edmund’s.

Fr. Mark, parish priest of Blessed Carlo parish, welcomed Canon Paul McNally, the Episcopal Vicar for the northern areas of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, who would be conferring the sacrament. In his homily for the Mass, Canon Paul talked about how the Holy Spirit would empower the confirmandi to “walk and talk and be like Jesus”, drawing heavily on an example from the Jungle Book.

The Mass was a beautiful occasion for the parish and a very special night for all the young people confirmed and their families. We offer all our congratulations and prayers for our seven new “full members” of the Church, that the Holy Spirit will guide them through the rest of their time at St Edmund’s and through their lives as disciples of the Lord.

World Day of the Poor serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to address the pressing issue of poverty with compassion and solidarity. Instituted by Pope Francis, this day calls us to reflect on the Gospel values of justice and mercy, encouraging a renewed commitment to alleviate the suffering of those living in poverty. It is a day to recognize the inherent dignity of every person and to promote a culture of encounter and inclusion. As we mark this occasion, let us not only extend our material assistance but also open our hearts to genuine relationships with the marginalized, fostering a world where the cries of the poor are heard, and their needs are met with love and empathy. World Day of the Poor beckons us to be agents of change, working towards a society where the inherent worth of every individual is upheld, and the bonds of shared humanity unite us in a common quest for justice and peace.

Give according to what you have. The more you have, the more you should give. Even if you have only a little, be sure to give something. – Tobit 4:8