Catholic schools across England and Wales have been recognised by the Vatican for their outstanding response to the Jubilee Year, celebrating the powerful impact of their witness as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
More than 1,000 schools made a Jubilee Pledge this year, a long-term commitment to Catholic Social Teaching and global solidarity.
Christine Allen, director of CAFOD said: “Children and young people have embraced the call to be Pilgrims of Hope with creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to Catholic Social Teaching”.
Hundreds of thousands of pupils have displayed Jubilee banners across towns and cities, declaring they are “working together for a better world”, while taking part in prayer, action and acts of service to support their communities.
Now, a group of students and educators have travelled to Rome to take part in the Vatican’s Jubilee for Education celebration, representing the faith and creativity of Catholic education in England and Wales.
Bethany Friery, CAFOD’s Jubilee for Schools lead, told Premier Christian News: “We are so excited to be here at the Vatican, because it’s really an endorsement and a recognition of the wonderful ways in which schools in England and Wales have put the Jubilee into action. They’ve really brought it to life”.
She added: “Students have been putting their faith into action, sharing prayer cards, creating jars of hope, and collecting for those in need. This Jubilee Year has inspired children to stand in solidarity with their global sisters and brothers and to work for a world where everyone can flourish”.
Pope Leo, in an Apostolic Letter on 28th October, urged educators to keep “the human person at the centre of education”, warning that “when education loses sight of the poor, it loses its very soul”.
The Jubilee for Education event also coincides with the declaration of St John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church during the Jubilee Mass on 1st November, recognising his lifelong commitment to the sacred vocation of teaching.
Tom Baptist, lead lay chaplain for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said in a statement: “To be invited to the Vatican for the Jubilee of Education is such an honour, not just for our students, but for every pupil, teacher, and family who have embraced this Jubilee year with deep faith and hope.”
The Jubilee for Schools framework is a collaboration between the Catholic Education Service, CAFOD, Caritas Social Action Network, and the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation.