Tish Nichol returns to the college this week to put people through their paces in public speaking and singing. In the course of the week she will see every student at least once, helping everyone to project their voice when reading or leading the liturgy. It's all part of the necessary preparation to be an effective priest in parish ministry. .

Anniversary of Opening of College Building On 20th October 1960 Pope John XXIII came to the Beda College to solemnly open the new building. As we celebrate this anniversary, we give thanks for the many students and staff who have lived and worked here during that time. And we ask the prayers of the now Saint John XXIII for the well-being of all who dwell here now and in the future.

It isn't often that the Beda is able to celebrate a Golden Jubiliarian, but Mgr Peter Ryan, a Liverpool priest ordained from the Beda in 1967 is visiting the college this week and will be principle celebrant at Mass on Sunday. Many congratulations and best wishes to him. Ad Multos Annos indeed!

The Beda hosts the first monthly meeting this academic year of the English-speaking Seminary Spiritual Directors based in Rome. Fourteen Spiritual Directors are attending the meeting. New members who are welcomed today are Fr Randy Soto from the North American College and Fr Andrew Recepcion from the Philippino College. The group meets about six times each year.

The Rectors of the English-speaking seminaries in Briain, Ireland, Norway and Sweden have been meeting at the English College over the past few days to share concerns and to discuss the Ratio Fundamentalis. Their meetings finished yesterday with indications of a successful and fuitful outcome.

The latest issue of our annual publication, The Beda Review, was launched today. The Rector thanked the editor, John Tabor, and all the people involved in the production for providing such a wonderful record of the college during the year 2016-2017. A copy of the Review is available on the Beda Life page and photos of the pre-lunch event are on our Flickr page.

The new students had a privileged position at the Wednesday Papal Audience this morning. In the greetings to English speaking groups, Pope Francis mentioned especially the Beda College saying; " I especially greet the new students of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, with the assurance of my closeness in prayer as they begin their studies for the priesthood."