The Annual Schools Mass was held on Wednesday 17 June at St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth.

It provided an opportunity for the Diocesan community of schools from all corners of the Diocese – and also, through live streaming, our schools in the Channel Islands – to gather with Bishop Philip in a packed cathedral to give thanks for God’s grace on our schools and ask His blessing on those in need.

As we are celebrating a Holy Year, a focus during this year’s Mass was ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, which St John’s Cathedral Primary School reflected on during a dance to introduce the Mass.  As St Mary’s School, Ascot, led the congregation in singing the opening hymn, schools processed forward with their pledges to ensure a lasting legacy of the Holy Year.

Following the uplifting Mass, the celebrations continued across the road in Victoria Park with picnics and, in the heat of a very hot day, a very welcome ice lolly from Bishop Philip.