St Bede’s was honoured on the 24th March by a visit from the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. The Order was founded in New York in 1988 to bring Franciscan simplicity and joy to the poor within the Western world. In the UK they are based in Leeds but were delighted to visit us for the day. They spent time with the Prep, the College, and the Sixth Form. Every encounter was delightful, but I particularly want to share about the assembly with the Upper Fourth.

 

Sister Juan Maria had spoken to me on the phone in advance of the visit and we had talked through some ideas. She told me that she was bringing a guitar and would need an amp so that she could get the children ‘up and singing, maybe doing some actions.’ I warned her that our children were sometimes shy regarding singing with actions. She laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, we work with young people all the time.’ On the day the Sisters met the children in the chapel, the Upper Fourth immediately responded to their kindness and encouragement. The singing was instant, beautiful and heartfelt. Sister Chiara told the children that God’s message was very simple – he wants them to be happy and to be holy. It was lovely to see the children relaxing and enjoying the visit.

 

The Sisters then visited a range of year groups – always getting an enthusiastic response. Just before lunchtime, I selected a group of pupils to help the Sisters load the food donations into the car. I had sent out a plea to all of our families just two days before the visit and, oh my goodness, our families certainly delivered. The Sisters were astonished by the generosity of the Bedian community and filled their car to bursting. I then visited their convent during the holidays and took the extra food that wouldn’t fit in their car. It was wonderful to see the shelves of the food bank filled with Bedian donations. You have all made such a difference.