Double Celebration at the First Mass of the Academic Year

Today we continued our tradition of celebrating the first Mass of the academic year. Staff and pupils from Year 3 to Year 13 were joined by parish priest, Father Simon Gillespie, as he celebrated the Mass for the whole School community which includes the Rosminian Sisters of Providence. Father Simon very kindly travelled from Stamford to Loughborough to share in this special occasion.

The readings and prayers were led by Prefects from Year 13 and with the Senior School choir leading the singing everything combined brilliantly, creating a prayerful and meaningful celebration for all involved.

Head girl, Zahra Bhojani, commented, “It was a truly enlightening and spiritual moment, a great way to start the year.” Pupils Maisie and Daisy, who made their first holy communion at the end of last term, brought up the gifts of bread and wine for the offertory making this an even more memorable event for them.

The Knights of Saint Columba run an annual art competition and this year entrants had to depict a scene from Easter week to Pentecost. Mr Richard Mitchel joined the congregation as a representative of the Knights of Saint Columba and to present the girls who are now in Year 9 with their prizes.

This year prizes were awarded for regional recognition to Yasmin Wilbram who was presented with a cheque for £15 at the end of the Mass and to Adelaide Biggs who was sadly unavailable.

Headmaster, Dr Julian Murphy said, “Making time and space for quiet contemplation and giving thanks for all our blessings is important in today’s increasingly hectic lifestyle. Everyone present will have taken something special away from today – we are very grateful to Father Simon for travelling to Loughborough to celebrate Mass with us, it means a great deal to the School community.”