Today the Year 6 members of the Pupil Chaplaincy Team visited the Westminster Cathedral, to take part in the ‘Festival of Hope’.
We were so lucky to be invited to such a wonderful Liturgy, to celebrate the Jubilee Year and remind us of the important role they play for our school. The Pupil Chaplaincy Team have been working hard all year to support and strengthen the faith of their peers, and today’s Festival reminded us of why this is so important every year, but especially this year during the Jubilee.
When we arrived at the Cathedral there was a lovely steel band playing to greet everyone, and members of the Diocesan team to provide us with welcome packs and interesting leaflets for the Pupil Chaplains to take home. We took part in a whole event piece of artwork, where the outline of the Jubilee Logo was displayed. Every child who attended the festival painted their finger and placed their finger print on the large logo. A wonderful idea to for everyone to take part and show why we all gathered at the Cathedral.
We were honoured to be joined by His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who led us in a time of silent Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. This was a moment of profound stillness and grace in the heart of the Cathedral. His presence and prayerful leadership helped set the tone for a truly spiritual and uplifting day.
During the Liturgy, we listened to the Gospel of Luke (2:41–52) which told us an account of Mary and Joseph searching for young Jesus, only to find him in the temple, “sitting among the teachers.” This powerful passage reminded us of Christ’s divine wisdom even in his youth, and the importance of seeking him in the sacred spaces of our lives.
Later, we watched a creative and thought provoking dramatisation of Jesus’ time in the wilderness, where he is tempted by the devil, as read in both the Gospels of Matthew (4:1–11), and Luke (4:1–13). The performance brought the Gospel to life, helping us to reflect on our own spiritual struggles and the strength that comes from trusting in God. It was brilliant to watch a pupil led performance bring the Gospel to life!
The day was a beautiful expression of our shared faith and a reminder of the grace that comes with pilgrimage and prayer. As we continue our journey through the Jubilee Year, may this visit to Westminster Cathedral inspire us to deepen our trust in the Lord, seek him always, and walk together in hope.
It was wonderful to learn about the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
I had lots of fun travelling to such a big and grand cathedral. We did lots of great things like watch a wonderful performance by St. Thomas More school and putting our fingerprint on a painting of the symbol of Pilgrimes of Hope. Not only did we get to do all these things we also got to take a photo with the bishop. I learnt so much and I will always remember this trip to Westminster Cathedral.
That looks really fun. I cannot wait to go next year. I hope Year 6 enjoyed going there this year.
It looks so fun 🤩. Hope you had a great time. I can’t wait to learn more.
I hope you enjoyed it year 6 I can’t wait to go to the cathedral next year because I have never been and I want to learn more about it.
I hope you had the best time and that we will have such a good time when we go next year!