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.
Recent Posts
Our World Youth Day pilgrims have been met with glorious sunshine in Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023. The Holy Father, Pope Francis will lead parts of the programme throughout [...]
The legacies of Saint John Paul II and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be passed to the next generation of youth this summer through an American non-profit organization, the John [...]
Today I am happy to announce the new clergy appointments effective from 8th September 2023, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I would like to express [...]