We were pleased to welcome many ecumenical guests for our Unity Service. This year marks 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea. We focused on the Creed and made a resolute profession of faith together. We moved to the front of the church and lit candles in small groups of four and spoke aloud: ‘The Light of Christ’.

Those members of the Beda Community who were back early after the Christmas break were invited to witness the opening of the Holy Door from close quarters and then to follow the procession through the Holy Door into the basilica for Mass. Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Basilica, presided at the ceremony. A unique occasion for those present.

It was a joy to celebrate mass with the new Candidates (10 from the Beda and 2 from the Scots College). They were formally admitted to Candidacy by Bishop John Sherrington who presided at the Liturgy. We were able to welcome over twenty guests and enjoy a festive supper afterwards.

Academic Meeting and Mass Each year, at this time, we have a Plenary Academic Staff Meeting. For this autumn meeting we invite a senior member of St. Mary’s University, Twickenham to attend the meeting and to formally greet students who have graduated through the university. The Pro Vice-Chancellor and CFO, Richard Soloman, was our guest this year. He congratulated students at the end of Mass and gave us all a warm word of encouragement.

We were able to celebrate Mass for Remembrance Sunday with the community of San Silvestro on Sunday 10 November. Fr Rory and Fr John (Pallottine Fathers), who have a particular ministry in San Silvestro, each year invite one of the Colleges to look after the Mass. This year the Scots College led the liturgy, with Fr Mark Cassidy, their Rector, presiding. The Beda College and the Venerable English Colleges participated along with the British and Irish Ambassadors to the Holy See and the whole community of San Silvestro.

New students at the Papal Audience (plus some old ones!) We were seated up close and were called forward later in the proceedings to meet the Pope and have a photograph taken. Quite a surprise

Friday 4 October 2024 After three days in-house the Induction Period had space for a visit to Lake Bracciano. We celebrated Mass in the church of Santa Maria Novella (Bracciano) at 10.30. The parish priest and parishioners welcomed us: it was a ‘cleaning morning’ in preparation for the weekend. The PP (Don Francesco) was happy to receive our good wishes on his Onomastico. We then had a guided tour of the Castello; only a five-minute walk away. Trom there we travelled to Trevignano Romano for a short lake walk and lunch.

The new year is under way. The new students have arrived and several of the older students have returned early to welcome them. We always gather at the basilicas of St Paul and St Peter at the beginning of the year. These photos are from St Peter’s.

Three seminarians from the third year were ordained to the Sacred Order of Diaconate on Wednesday, 12 June 2024 in Saint Paul's Basilica by Right Rev. Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen. We wish wish Br. Philip McMahon (OFM), Br. Louis Kwadwo-Osei (OSB) and Philip Thornley (Diocese of Leeds) all the best for this new Ministry.

Eight new Readers were instituted on Wednesday. The photographs tell their own story. It was a joy to have one of the members of the Scots College amongst the group.

This is a new Inter-Seminary football competition. It was organised by the Beda/Scots this year and hosted by the Parish of San Leonardo Murialdo in their excellent parish sporting facilities. The parish Priest, Don Carmelo, is a keen advocate of an active link between the College and the Parish, and he presented the trophy to the winning team (you’ll be able to spot him). The Irish College prevailed over the French College in the Final. The Beda/Scots Team can be identified by their complete claret/purple strip and the goalkeeper’s distinctive yellow top. There are some good photos of them in formal team pose. It is so pleasing to have this developing pastoral/prayer – as well as sporting - link with the parish.

Twelve of the Beda Community commissioned as Acolytes

Edna Tongco retires after 31 years of service

Years 2 and 3 participate in Safeguarding Training