The College feastday in honour of St Bede was celebrated a day later than ususal this year because the feast of the Ascension fell on 25th. But this in no way diminished the festivities! The solemn Mass was celebrated by the rector, Canon Philip Gillespie. Former rector and now Chair of the Beda Association Mgr Rod Strange was the preacher. After Mass, guests, professors and friends of the college joined students and staff for drinks in the garden followed by a magnificent meal in true Beda style.

At a short ceremony on the eve of St Bede's Day (celebrated on the 26th this year because of the feast of the Ascension on the 25th) a bronze of Mgr Rod Strange was unveiled during his visit to the college. Created by sculptor Ed Gibney during his time here as a student, the bronze will eventually take pride of place alongside the other bronzes in the Common Room Corridor. Ed Gibney, currently one of our deacons, will be ordained for Saskatoon Diocese in Canada in June. Photos and video of the unveiling and the preparation of the bronze will be posted shortly.

The four students in First Year today received the Ministry of Lector at a Mass presided over by the Rector. The four are Norman Allred (Meath Diocese), Adrian Lowe (Brentwood Diocese), Mark O'Farrell (Waterford and Lismore Diocese), and Oak Rosaspitak (Chiangmai Diocese, Thailand). The Mass was followed by the customary celebration meal for the college community and guests. Congratulations and best wish to the four new lectors as they take this significant step on their vocational journey. Ad Multos Annos!

The fourth and final meeting of the College Forum in this academic year took place last night. In a short discussion at the end of the meeting, students and staff expressed their appreciation that the Forum has achieved its purpose of promoting openness and connectivity throughout the college. One student commented, "An acorn has been planted which is beginning to bear great fruit for the future life of the college".

An extended time of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place this afternoon in the college chapel from 2.30 to pray for vocations. This was suggested through the Beda Forum and is timed to be on Vocations (Good Shepherd) Sunday. Past, present and future friends of the college might join with us in praying for vocations. Please remember especially in prayer the discernment weekend in September for men aged over 30.

Over the next few weeks many familiar faces will be returning to the Beda. This week we welcome Tish Nicoll for a week of voice training. Also this week two students ordained in 2013 are taking a short break with us. Charles Merrill from the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama and Terence McGovern from Kildare in Ireland will be taking some rest and relaxation in our midst. We look forward to seeing them all again and to hearing their stories.

The Annual meeting of the Beda Association takes place today at Wistaston Hall in Crewe. Members will gather to meet old friends, to celebrate the Eucharist together and to pray for the spiritual welfare of the college and students. Membership of the Association is open to all former staff and students. Details can be obtained from the secretary Fr Michael McLaughlin, mikeml2k@yahoo.com .