Feast Day of Saint John Fisher

22nd June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint John Fisher, an eminent English bishop, and theologian, is revered for his staunch defence of Catholicism during the tumultuous times of the Protestant Reformation. Born in 1469, Fisher became known for his exceptional intellect and devotion to scholarship. He served as the Bishop of Rochester and as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, where he made significant contributions to academia. However, Fisher’s true significance lies in his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church and his refusal to acknowledge King Henry VIII’s break with Rome. Despite intense pressure and threats, Fisher steadfastly defended the Pope’s authority and the Catholic doctrines. For his steadfastness, Fisher was imprisoned and later executed in 1535. Saint John Fisher is remembered as a courageous defender of faith and principles, and his martyrdom serves as a powerful example of fidelity to one’s beliefs, even in the face of persecution.
Saint John Fisher – Pray for us
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Feast Day of Saint Thomas More

22nd June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint Thomas More, a renowned English statesman and lawyer, is rememberedĀ as a man of unwavering integrity and scholar, diplomat, and eventually, as Lord Chancellor of England. DespiteĀ his remarkable career, More’s most enduring legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. When King Henry VIII sought to obtain an annulment of marriage, More refused to support the king’s actions, leading to his resignation and subsequent imprisonment.
Even in the face of great adversity, More remained resolute in his loyalty to the Catholic Church, refusing to compromise his principles. His steadfastness ultimately led to his execution in 1535. Today, Saint Thomas More is revered as a martyr for religious freedom and serves as an inspiration for those who strive to uphold their convictions in the face of adversity.
Saint Thomas More – Pray for us
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

21st June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, born in 1568 into an influential Italian noble family, chose a life of remarkable holiness and selflessness. Despite his privileged upbringing, Aloysius felt a strong calling to serve God from a young age. He renounced his inheritance, dedicating himself to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a Jesuit novice. Aloysius’ deep devotion to God was reflected in his exceptional compassion and care for the sick and dying during a severe outbreak of plague. His unwavering commitment to spiritual life and his unselfish service earned him the reputation as a model of virtue. Tragically, Aloysius contracted the plague while ministering to the sick and died at the age of 23 in 1591. Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is venerated as the patron saint of youth, students, and those suffering from contagious diseases, inspiring others to lead lives of selflessness and devotion to God.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga – Pray for us
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundantĀ peace and security. – Jeremiah 33:6

World Refugee Day

20th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
We recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every human, including those who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violenceĀ  or conflict. On this day, we are called to reflect on the plight of refugees, offer prayers for their well-being, and advocate for their rights and protection. It is an opportunity to promote compassion, understanding, and solidarity with those who are seeking safety and a better future. We are encouraged to support organisations that provide assistance and resettlement for refugees, to challenge prejudices and stereotypes, and to work towards just and inclusive policies that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their migration status. World Refugee Day invites us to live out our faith by extending a welcoming and loving hand to those in need, fostering a world where refugees are embraced and offered a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The foreigner residingĀ among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. – Leviticus 19:34

English Schools Athletics Championships Qualifier

20th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Congratulations to Josh Welford on his impressive achievement of winning the gold medal in the 200m race at The Mason Trophy Athletics Competition! Completing the race in 22.76 seconds is a remarkable feat.

It’s fantastic news that Josh has earned a spot to represent the West Midlands in the upcoming English Schools Athletics Championships, which will take place on the 29th and 30th of June 2023. This opportunity is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his sport.

On behalf of everyone, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Josh and wish him the best of luck in the English Schools Athletics Championships. May he continue to perform at his best and achieve even greater success in his 200m race.

Poem by Maryam Al Fadhili

19th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

In a world that spins with fleeting pace,
There stood a mind of timeless grace.
A tale untold, yet wisdom it imparts,
The legend of one who never changed his heart.

 

When storms raged wild, and tempests roared,
He weathered the chaos, his spirit soared.
With empathy’s touch, he calmed the gales,
Binding shattered souls, mending the trails.

 

In the realm of hatred, where anger breeds,
He sowed seeds of kindness, scattered deeds.
For he knew within each souls core,
Lay potential to blossom, love to restore.

 

He championed forgiveness, let grudges depart,
Knowing compassion held the power to restart.
In the depths of darkness, he lit a flame,
Illuminating paths, igniting hope’s name.

 

So let us learn from this noble soul,
To embrace the world, to make it whole.
For in his legacy, a timeless art,
Resides the strength of one who never changed his heart.

Maryam Al Fadhili ( 8EPO )

Refugee Week

19th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Rooted in the Gospel teachings of love, compassion and solidarity, World Refugee Week recognises the inherent dignity of every human, including refugees and forcibly displaced individuals. During this week, we are called to reflect on the plight of refugees worldwide and respond with empathy and practical assistance. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge prejudice and promote a culture of welcome and inclusion. Inspired by Jesus’ teachings to “welcome the stranger” and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, we are urged to advocate for just and humane refugee policies, support organisations that provide aid and resettlement, and offer prayers for those affected by forced displacement. World Refugee Week provides a unique occasion to put faith into action, promoting solidarity and fostering a world where refugees are received with open hearts and compassionate embrace.
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. – Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart

16th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful symbol of love and compassion. It represents the profound and unconditional love that Jesus has for all humanity. This sacred heart is often depicted as a burning flame surrounded by a crown of thorns, reminding us of the immense suffering Jesus endured out of love for us. It serves as a reminder that love is at the core of the Catholic faith, urging us to emulate the selfless and compassionate love of Jesus in our own lives. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us that love knows no bounds and that through love, we can find solace, forgiveness and redemption.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29

Rosary Rally for the Month of May

13th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

On Wednesday 3rd of May, we began our “Rosary Rally” for the month of May. This began with a meeting of the academy Chaplaincy Group who made a floral crown for the statue of Our Lady in the Peace Garden. We processed around the garden and crowned Our Lady as Queen of the May, singing hymns and praying a litany to her. From that day, and every lunchtime, we prayed a decade of the Rosary in many of the different languages spoken by our students and their families, or which are taught by our wonderful Modern Foreign Languages department (thank you Miss Rainey for giving us names of students and languages they speak). The languages we prayed in were:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Italian
  • Polish
  • Slovak
  • Czech
  • Yoruba
  • Igbo
  • Punjabi
  • Malayalam
  • We finished in Latin, the universal language of the Church.

We had hoped to finish by half term but two bank holidays and strike days meant we had to extend May into the first week of the new half-term. We would like to thank all those students who came to pray the Rosary, to lead it in a different language, but especially Alan Kalinowski, Anshdeep Singh Kaur (who came every single day), and Treasure Solanke
who were the bedrock of this period of prayer.

We would like to remind all our students and staff that the chapel is always open and all are welcome to come and pray, sit in silence, or have a chat about faith and life in general. We have our voluntary Mass each Monday during tutor time, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday lunchtime.

We look forward to seeing you.

Rev and Molly

Photo: Rev McKearney, Alan Kalinowski, Treasure Solanke, Anshdeep Singh Kaur, and Miss Kerrin