St Benedict's celebrates its Patronal Feast

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 13th of April 2012

On 21st of March St Benedict's School celebrated the Patronal Feast of Our Holy Father St Benedict. The School was visited by Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, who enjoyed the Charity fundraising activities in the morning and then celebrated Mass for the whole school in the afternoon in the Abbey Church.

School lessons stopped after morning break and a host of activities and stalls selling all kinds of things vied with each other to raise money for the school's chosen charities CAFOD, PESTS, Treloar's School, Westminster Catholic Children's Society and Mary's Meals. The total raised was £7,693.04.

Alvin Lee and StefanTsang (Year 8) gave their impressions of the morning in the Senior School: 'The whole school was transformed into a 'funfair' of entertainment when the clock struck 10.30am. There was a carnival atmosphere. You had the chance to try your luck at the 'Haribo Sweet Drop' or other Fun Fair games including doughnut challenge, Xbox & Wii tournaments and chocolate challenge. Various sales of photos, books, games and a hamper raffle helped to raise funds. The jewellery collections made by our very own students at the Jewellery Club, under Miss Vadgama's care, proved popular. The sumo wrestling and gladiator battles raised buckets full of money. In the background, you could smell the frying delight of bacon coming from the ever popular BBQ stall run by Lower Fourth Green with Mr Guise (Director of Sport), which raised a staggering £800. We all had lots of fun!'

In the Junior School the children set about doing their very best to raise as much money as possible by having a fabulous 'bazaar' on the lawn. Then it was time for the long awaited 'House Dance Factor'. Children and members of staff were enthralled by the dance talent on display and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.

The mood changed in the afternoon to a joyous celebration of St Benedict's Feast Day in the Abbey Church. Pupils, staff and the monks of Ealing Abbey raised their voices in honour of their patron Saint, as Bishop Hendricks concelebrated Mass. Junior School Deputy Head Mrs Monica McCarthy said, 'Watching the whole school pray, sing and celebrate together was a wonderful way to end a most joyful day.'