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.

On the Wednesday of Holy Week, 25 students and staff took part in the traditional 7 Churches walk. Fortunately the restrictions in Lazio had been relaxed on Tuesday and after the semi-lockdown of recent weeks it was a relief to be free to walk round the city - albeit in small groups and with masks. Philip Bua wolked futhest, clocking up 29.28 miles in just under seven and half hours. Well done to him and to everyone who took part. Click pic for all photos.

A time of prayerful reflection led by the Rector on the Saturday and Sunday of Palm Sunday got the Beda Holy Week off to a good start. Because of current Covid protocols, the Palm Sunday Mass began with a simple blessing of palms to replace the customary procession through the grounds. As last year, all the Holy Week Services will take place in the College in a simplified form to comply with the current safety measures.

The annual visitation from the committee of bishops who look after the Beda took place via Zoom this week. Archbishop Bernard Longley, Archbishop John Wilson and Bishop Mark O'Toole met with staff and students on Monday and Tuesday. They offered great reassurance to us all and they sincerely hope that next year a visit in person will be possible. We thank them for their enouragement and support and look forward to next year's visit.

The annual college retreats begin tomorrow, marking the start of the second semester. After a successful exam week followed by a leisurely week off, the house assembles again today prior to the retreats. 3rd and 4th years have their canonical pre-ordination retreats in Nemi led by Fr John Carlyle; 1st and 2nd years remain in-house and will be led by Fr Peter Verity. Please keep all our students in your prayers.

In sending greetings for the New Year to the Beda family, Canon Gillespie highlights Mary's example from the Gospel of 1st January. To treasure and ponder the Christmas feasts will be a solid 'centre of gravity' for the months that lie ahead. His full message is below. Photos are from the Beda community Mass of St Thomas Becket on 28th December in the Basilica of San Stefano Rotundo.

In his website message for Christmas, Canon Gillespie urges us, in these difficult times, to keep sight of the hope and vision of the Christmas feasts. Sixteen students, four staff and three FMDM Sisters remain in the college over Christmas while others have returned to their homes and families. The whole community wishes all our friends a Christmas rooted in the Good News which, as the Rector says, will bring much needed joy and warmth into our lives.

At a Mass on Wednesday evening, the five students in Third Year were admitted as Candidates for Ordination. They are Philip Bua (Argyle and the Isles), Douglas Green (Glasgow), Michael Harwood (Liverpool), Frank McKendry (Glasgow) and Ignatius Tan (Melbourne).Congratulations to all of them on taking this important step in their vocational journey. Ad Multos Annos.

In a message published today on the college website, the rector Canon Gillespie gives an update on the situation in the college during the pandemic and the plans for over Christmas. The message, printed in full below, also sends good wishes, prayers and heartfelt thanks to our families, friends and benefactors throughout the world during the season of Advent and Christmastide.

Advent began today with the blessing of the Advent wreathe at Morning Prayer and a weekend Recollection led by Fr John Carlyle. In these unusual times the promises and hopes expressed in the Advent prayers and readings take on a new meaning. Our Advent icon in front of the lectern reminds us of Mary's trust and acceptance in God's word. Come, Lord, do not delay.

The annual November Mass for those who have died during the past twelve months is celebrated this evening in the Beda chapel. During Mass the names of the members of the Beda Association , together with the names of close relatives of present Beda staff and students, who have died in the past year will be read out and prayers will be offered for them all. May their souls, and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

The annual Academic Mass which recognises the achievements during the previous academic year took place today. For obvious reasons the Vice-Chancellor of St Mary's Anthony McClaren was not able to be with us in person but we were very grateful that he could join the plenary staff meeting on Zoom later in the morning. Congratulations to the 8 students present this morning and to 3 other students in the UK all of whom did so well this year.

As elsewhere, Remembrance Day 2020 was unusually quiet. Instead of the Mass with English, Scots and Irish Colleges at the church of San Silvestro, we held our own Mass and prayers to remember the war dead. In addition, the Beda Book of Remembrance is on display throughout November in the chapel reminding us of the families and friends of Beda students past and present who have died. Later in November, we will hold the Mass for deceased members of the Beda Association. May they all rest in peace.

Eleven Second Year students received the Ministry of Lector on Wednesday evening. Originally scheduled for 13th May the Ministry had been delayed until all students could be together. Because of the current restrictions, no guests were allowed and masks and social distancing were the order of the day. But a good evening was enjoyed by eveyone. Congratulations and prayers for all the new Lectors. Ad Multos Annos.

Two priestly and two diaconate ordinations took place during the summer of 2020. Adrian Lowe (Brentwood) and Norm Allred (Meath) were ordained priest. Alex Chow (Melbourne) and Matthew Bond (Wrexham) were ordained deacon. All were ordained by their respective bishops in their home cathedrals, with very few people allowed to be present due to the restrictions of the Covid pandemic.