R.E. & Social Justice News

RE NEWS

By Fulvia Gerosolimo

A big hello and warm welcome back to all our wonderful families! It’s such a joy to return to our vibrant school community after some time away. My husband and I were incredibly fortunate to spend time travelling through Europe. An enriching experience filled with beauty, reflection, and moments of spiritual inspiration. I’m excited to bring some of those experiences back with me, starting with this newsletter.

And what a significant moment in the life of the Church, on Friday, we welcomed our new Pope, 69 year old from Chicago, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost - now known as Pope Leo XIV - is the first pope from the United States. Pope Leo has  spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments. His election brings with it a renewed sense of hope, humility, and unity. While it's very early days, his gentle presence and commitment to pastoral care already promises to guide the Church with compassion and grace.

In this edition, I’m pleased to share a reflection on one of the most moving places we visited, Lourdes. Known for its peaceful setting and spiritual significance, Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage and healing that continues to draw people of faith from around the world. I hope this glimpse into its atmosphere brings a little of that peace into your homes as well.

It’s truly wonderful to be back. I look forward to all we will share in the term ahead as we continue to grow together in faith and community.

Every blessing for the week ahead,

Fulvia Gerosolimo 

My Lourdes Visit

On our trip we had the opportunity to visit Lourdes, a small town in the southwest of France, near the Pyrenees mountains. Despite the freezing cold weather, it was a truly special and moving experience. We were lucky enough to stay just a six minute walk away from the Holy Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a place known all over the world for its deep spiritual meaning and the story of Saint Bernadette.

It was here, in 1858, that a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous saw several visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto. During one of these visions, a spring of water began to flow, and since then, many people have claimed to be healed by it, both physically and spiritually. This has made Lourdes one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.

While there, I made sure to attend daily rosaries and masses, often surrounded by people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. We also took part in the cleansing ritual using the holy water from the spring, which is done as a sign of faith, renewal, and prayer. It was a powerful and humbling experience.

What touched me most was the sense of connection and peace I felt there. People gathered in hope, some praying for healing for themselves, others for someone they love. You could see people with no limbs, people in wheelchairs, or those looking completely lost or broken inside, all quietly asking for a miracle, or even just a little bit of strength. And in that space, no one felt alone. We were all united in prayer and hope.

For me, Lourdes has become a place of deep peace and reflection, a reminder that faith, no matter where we are in life, can bring light, comfort, and connection.

Sacrament of Confirmation

We wish to remind everyone that the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Sunday 15th June at 1:00pm. This is a truly important and joyful occasion for our school community, especially for our Year Six students who have been preparing with care and reflection.

The next couple of weeks will be a meaningful and busy time for these students as they get ready to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is a significant step in their journey of faith, a moment when they affirm their beliefs and open their hearts more fully to God’s guidance and grace.

Let us all support them with our prayers and encouragement as they approach this sacred milestone.

             “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will                      

               overshadow you.” 

              — Luke 1:35

May this time be filled with peace, strength, and joy for our students and their families.

• Tuesday 3rd June @9.15am 

  St Kevin’s Feast Day Mass - ALL WELCOME 

   

• Wednesday 11th June @7pm -8.30pm 

  Year Six Confirmation candidates - Commitment Prayers/Service & Child/Parent Workshop

   

• Thursday 12th June @10am - 2.30pm 

  Year 6 Confirmation Reflection Day 

   

• Sunday 15th June @1pm

  Sacrament of Confirmation 

   

• Tuesday 24th June @12.30pm

  Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass - ALL WELCOME 

   

• Sunday 29th June @ 5pm St Gregory's The Great Church

  10th anniversary of ordination celebration for Fr Charles - ALL WELCOME 

   

• Tuesday 1st of July @ 9:15am St Kevin’s Catholic Church

  10th anniversary of ordination celebration for Fr Charles - ALL WELCOME