About 50 priests from England and Wales who are celebrating their ruby, golden and diamond jubilees this year came to the college today and enjoyed traditional Beda hospitality. They brought with them the joy of their years as priests and shared their stories with students and staff. Click the picture for more photos.

The annual Academic Mass took place today and Vice Chancellor of St Mary's University Francis Campbell publicly congraulated those who had obtained degrees during the past academic year. The Mass was followed by a celebration meal to give thanks for all the academic achievements over the past twelve months.

It was the turn of the Beda on 10th November to lead the Remembrance Day Mass in San Silvestro for the UK community in Rome. Fr John Breen was the main celebrant and preacher, servers and sacristans were on duty, and our schola provided the music.

The latest issue of the Beda Review was toasted with a glass of Prosecco in the garden before lunch today. The Rector introduced it and welcomed the new editor Markus Ohlsson and deputy Mike Smith who have started preparing next year's Review.

To conclude their induction, the first year had a day out at two Franciscan Sanctuaries in the Rieti Valley, Fonte Colombo and Greccio. A lovely meal in the Nido del Corvo (Crow's Nest) Restaurant, and some minor repairs to the coach, completed the day.

Lodovico Torrisi OSB, a Beda student for the past three years from the Benedictine community at St Paul's Outside the Walls, was last night ordained deacon by Cardinal Harvey at a Mass in the Basilica. Congratulations to him and to the Community at St Paul's. Ad Multos Annos.

On Wednesday, Frs John Carlyle and Patrick Harrigan received first class honours Licentiates in Spirituality from the Pontifical Angelicum University. At the graduation ceremony, certificates were presented by the Master General of the Dominicans. Congratulations to both Beda men on a magnificent achievement.

Prayers have been said for two former Beda staff members who died in the last few days. Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark, Micheal Bowen, taught theology 1963-66. Bishop Emeritus of Shrewsbury, Brian Noble taught Pastoral Studies and Liturgy 1980-87. May they rest in peace.

The annual Beda Lecture was given last night by Dr Colette Limbrick and Mr Chris Pearson to mark the 59th anniversary of the opening of the Beda building. The title of the lecture was: "Changing Landscapes, New Horizens - The Safeguarding Journey". A celebration buffet of porchetta in the garden was enjoyed afterwards by all.

At the Beda in these last few days we have welcomed many visitors who have come for the Canonisation of John Henry Newman by Pope Francis. The joyful ceremony took place this morning in brilliant sunshine in a packed Piazza San Pietro.

Twenty two MPs from Westminster who are visiting Rome for the Canonisation of J H Newman, came to the Beda college today. After visiting St Paul's, they had drinks in the garden and then lunch with staff and students.

Special seats near the Pope and a public welcome for the Beda students marked the end of the induction of the new students this morning.

We were blessed yesterday by a visit of 44 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Anglican Diocese of Worcester. After Vespers and a guided tour of St Paul's, they joined us for drinks before enjoying a pizza supper at Pepperoncino.

Visits to Grottaferrata, Castelgandolfo, Nemi and the Catacombs of San Callisto were enjoyed in brilliant sunshine at the end of the first week of induction for new students.

We publish an article by Fr John Tabor, ordained for Westminster Diocese in 2018, in which he writes about his joy and fulfillment in his first year as a priest.

Students and staff celebrated Mass in the Crypt of St Peter's, followed by breakfast for all in a local cafe.

Following a welcome meal on Friday evening, the opening Mass for the new students took place this morning in St Paul's Basilica.

After a long summer break, college life is beginning to start again. For all our faithful followers, expect more news and updates over the coming weeks.

The Beda academic year 2018-19 ends today and students return to their homes and dioceses for pastoral work and holiday over the summer. News from the Beda will also take a rest and will return when the new semester begins in September. Thirty two photo albums from this year are available here (click the photo)

Ordinations to the diaconate took place today in St Paul’s Basilica. Adrian Lowe from Brentwood and Norman Allred from Meath in Ireland were ordained by Meath Bishop Tom, Deenihan, Congratulations to both new deacons. Click the picture above for 150 more photos of the day.