Members of the Richard Challoner School community enjoyed a highly emotive Mass at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark last week as part of the school’s tradition to mark the birthday of the school’s founder, Bishop Richard Challoner.
Over 1,300 students, staff and families, travelled to London to participate in the annual celebratory Mass, which was enhanced with powerful music performed by eighty students and staff, with pieces including the Gloria by Schubert and ‘Beloved, Let Us Love’ by Alan Bullard, which he wrote for his own daughter’s wedding.
The Mass’s Principal Celebrant was Bishop Paul Hendricks, assisted by Fr Kevan Hayden of St Matthias Church in Worcester Park, who celebrates weekly Mass in the school’s Chapel, as well as Fr Paul Kyne.
The unique event was organised with meticulous attention to detail at every stage, ensuring that all students, irrespective of any additional difficulties they may have, were adequately supported by high levels of staff in their journey. All staff agreed that the unique celebration was testament to Bishop Challoner’s belief of “doing ordinary things, extraordinarily well”.
Reflecting on the special event, Mr D’Aguiar, the school’s Lay Chaplain, said: “It was a special day – I feel privileged to have experienced over 1,300 people worshiping as one and demonstrating how unique and important our school community is”.
