After the February break, the Second Semester began with the annual retreats. This year Third and Fourth Years went to Bagnoregio from 14th to 22nd February for their pre-Ordination Canonical Retreat which was given by Mgr Pat Kilgarriff. First and Second Years went to the Divine Word Centre in Nemi from 14th to 20th February for a preached retreat given this year by Fr David Glenday MCCJ (Comboni Missionary).

In 2019, Pope Francis directed that the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time every year should be a day of “Celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God". He asked that all communities should mark this Sunday with solemnity and that Word of God be 'enthroned'. In the Beda we ‘enthroned’ the Bible in front of the altar throughout the day and reflected on how we value and pray with the Scriptures. Pope Francis' Motu Proprio, Aperuit Illis, is available on the Vatican website.

The eleven students in Third Year were admitted as Candidates yesterday evening at a Mass presided over by Cardinal Piat, Archbishop of Port Louis in Mauritius. A lovely celebration meal followed the Mass. Grateful thanks to Cardinal Piat for his presence with us. and to all the students and personale who helped make this a special occasion. Congratulations also to the eleven students at this important point on their vocational journey. Click here for photos.

Our Advent prayer began at first Vespers yesterday (Saturday) with the blessing of the Advent wreath and the lighting of the first Advent candle. Over the weekend we have been led in a prayerful time of recollection by Fr Jim Walls, spiritual director at the Scots College. His talks guided us towards the formation of a priestly heart and to the movement in priesthood from hero to servant to mystic. A wonderful start to set us on our Advent journey.

About 30 Jubilarians from the Dioceses of England and Wales came for lunch at the Beda today. Ordained, 40, 50 and 60 years they are celebrating their anniversaries this year. Last year the visit was not possible because of Covid but it was good to welcome the group again today for a wonderful meal and memorable conversations. Ad Multos Annos and grateful thanks for their many years of service to all of them. Click here for a few photos.

On Saturday 20th November, a team of students from the Beda College took part in the annual Ragheed Ganni five-a-side football competition hosted as always by the Pontifical Irish College for teams from colleges in Rome. In spite of disappointing results, a good time was had by all, before, during and after the competition, including a traditional Irish stew provided by the college, and a reviving gelato on the way home. For photos (click here).

Following a Plenary Staff Meeting attended by external professors, the academic achievements of our students in the past year were acknowledged and celebrated during Sunday Mass. Five students, now deacons, who received Bachelor of Theology degrees were congratulated in person. The eight students ordained in the summer were also congratulated by name for achieving the Theological Diploma.

On a beautiful sunny autumn day twenty nine members of the college, staff and students, travelled to the Benedictine Monasteries of Sacro Speco and St Scholastica in Subiaco. An excellent guided tour in both monasteries described the history, art work, significance and spirituality of the place we were in. An informative and enjoyable day was had by all. Click here to see all the photos.

Sixty one years ago today Pope John XXIII came to the Beda to open the new college building. The present community celebrated Mass for the anniversary this morning and later today there will be a reception for invited friends and guests with a buffet supper. We remember especially on this day the students and staff who have passed through the college during that 61 years.

After a prayerful time of Recollection given by Fr John Carlyle at the weekend for the whole house, lectures began this morning. In spite of the rain and a Rome transport strike all was in place for a prompt 9.00am start to the semester. Sensible precautions to protect against Covid are in place but thankfully all classes are 'live' in classrooms. Please keep us all in your prayers as we embark on this year's work.

The new students, together with many returning students, attended the Wednesday Audience of the Holy Father in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Tickets had been obtained for good seats near the front and the Pope came close to our group as he walked about after his address. The college now prepares for University registration and the time of recollection for the opening of year over this weekend.

There have been many opportunities this week to discover Rome and to travel to local places. A walk round central Rome on Wednesday; a day trip to Grottaferrata, Castel Gandolfo and Nemi on Friday; the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Ardeatine caves on Saturday; and Mass in Santa Maria in Trastevere on Sunday. Over 60 photographs of these events can be accessed by clicking the title above.

On Monday 27th September we went for an early morning Mass in the Crypt of St Peter's Basilica as part of the induction for new students. To see all the photographs of this, click on the title above.

The opening Mass of the induction for new students took place today in the Basilica St Paul. Of the six students beginning this year, three are resident at the Beda, including one Anglican exchange student, and three are external students resident at other communities in Rome. We prayed for them in the chapel of St Benedict at Mass today and we wish them well as they begin this new stage of their journey.

At Mass in St Paul's Basilica this morning, Cardinal Harvey ordained the five members of Third Year to the Diaconate. Two of the students are from Glasgow Archdiocese, and one each from Liverpool. Melbourne and Argyle and the Isles. We wish them well in their Diaconal placements this summer and on their future vocational paths. Click the pic to see nearly 100 photos of the day. Ad Multos Annos

In spite of restrictions due to Covid, the 2021 Bede's Day was a wonderful celebration. As always, the altar was beautifully decorated by Edna, and Robbie McMahon received the Ministry of Acolyte (postponed from earlier due to illness). We thank all our friends for their good wishes and in return we wish everyone associated with us a very happy feast day. Click the pic for the photos.

Sister Carmel from our FMDM community had the great privilege of proclaiming the second reading of the Papal Mass in St Peter's on Pentecost Sunday. The recording of the Mass is available on the Vatican News YouTube channel. Click the picture above to see the recording. Congratulations to her on giving an excellent clear reading, with no sign of any nerves!

In a short video produced by Philip Bua on the eve of Pentecost, three of those ordained deacon in 2019 reflect on their experiences of being a deacon in a pastoral placement during the pandemic and look back on the past year with the challenges and opportunities it has brought. Visit our Facebook page to see the video or click on the photo above.

At a Mass on 12th May, nine First Year students received the Ministry of Lector in the College Chapel. Two are from Edinburgh Archdiocese and one each from Port-Louis, Portsmouth, Meath, Lancaster, Armagh, Waterford and Lismore, and Ferns. Congratulations to all of them on taking this step on their journey. Our prayers and best wishes go with them. Ad Multos Annos.

At a Mass on 14th April, ten Second Year students received the Ministry of Acolyte in the College Chapel with the Rector presiding. Five are from Dioceses in England and one each from Derry, Goa, Killala, Gboka and Stockholm. Congratulations to all of them on taking this step on their journey. Our prayers and best wishes go with them. ,Ad Multos Annos.