Eleven Beda students were ordained deacon today in St Paul's Basilica by Bishop Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia. The moving ordination Mass was followed by a celebration buffet for 300 staff, students, and family and friends of those ordained. The ordination marks the end of the Beda year and students will return to their dioceses for pastoral placements in the next few days.

The Rector's Gita yesterday was to Montefiascone, a small town overlooking Lake Bolsena north of Viterbo. Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated in the Basilica di San Flaviano, a Romanesque Church built about 1000 on the ancient pilgrim route the Via Francigena. After a walk to the cathedral and other sites in the town, a lovely meal was enjoyed just below the Rocca di Papa - a thunderstorm timed perfectly for during the meal. Many thanks to all for a very successful and enjoyable Gita.

The Programme Examination Board of St Mary's Universaity met at the Beda tonight and, after due consideration, approved the marks awarded to students in the current academic year. Dr Tarcisius Mukuka, Moderator from St Mary's, chaired the meeting and Dr Clare Watkins, external Examiner, was also present. After the meeting, staff, students, personale and their families and other guests enjoyed an evening barbecue in the garden.

At the end of the week of exams, the college gathered for a special lunch to say farewell to the students who will be finishing this summer. Twelve resident and two external students are returning to their dioceses for ordination in the near or more distant future. We wish them well as they return home and send our prayers with them for their future ministry in the Church.