Throughout the week, students have been learning about the persecution of Christians around the world. They were invited to write a short message of prayer for those who do not have the freedom to observe their faith openly in safety, as part of our 'Postcards for Peace' initiative.

We were privileged to welcome Bishop Jude Arogundade from Ondo, Nigeria, who spoke at assembly. Forty people died in his diocese in June when gunmen opened fire during the Pentecost Sunday service.

Yet his message was one of hope: “You are the ten percent of young people in the world who are well-educated, in a safe, secure, beautiful environment. To whom much is given, much is expected. Care for the poor. Fight persecution and injustice. The world is in your hands.” Benedictine education is about knowledge, formation, and transformation, he said. “Be open to formation and transform the world.”

After his visit to St Benedict's, Bishop Arogundade went to the House of Lords to attend the launch of Aid to the Church in Need's 'Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2020-22'. Some of our sixth-form students were privileged to attend.