About nineteen members of the Beda community set out on Wednesday morning to walk the traditional seven churches of Rome. Most made it all the way, saying the prayers of two of the Stations of the Cross at each Church. The walk is over 21kms and there were some tired feet by the end of the day. Well done to those who set out, and to those who completed some or all of the walk.

After days of unseasonally cold winds, the blessing of palms and procession from the garden took place today in warm Spring sunshine. Fr John Breen celebrated the Palm Sunday Mass and Deacon Anthony Kelly narrated the Passion, with a little help from Sisters and students reading the minor parts. Earlier Fr Peter Verity had led the house in a time of Recollection for the beginning of Holy Week.

Sr Carmel FMDM, on this St Patrick's Day, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession. She renewed her vows during morning Mass and we gave thanks for her 60 years of service to Christ and to the Church. A joyful and wonderful occasion for the whole college. Ad multos annos.

At Mass yesterday evening, our two second year students, Norm Allred and Adrian Lowe, received the Ministry of Acolyte. The presiding bishop was Bishop Mark O'Toole who is visitng the college this week along with Archbishop Bernard Longley in the annual bishops' visitation to the college. Congraulations, best wishes and prayers to Norm and Adrian on this important step on their vocational journey. Ad Multos Annos.

The congregation at the Lenten Station Mass at the Basilica of St Paul's this morning were as usual invited to the Beda for breakfast. The hospitality offered at the Beda after the early start was enjoyed by seminarians, priests and lay students from all over Rome. Canon Gillespie preached at the 7.00am Mass which was presided over by Cardinal Harvey. The Beda choir and servers assisted at the Mass.

The traditional mid-Lent celebration, Lenten Oasis, when the Beda hosts another college in Rome, took place today. Our visitors this year were the staff, students, and sisters from the Pontifical Scots College. They joined us for Mass followed by the customary celebration meal. A convivial and very enjoyable occasion to see us through the rigours of the remaining weeks of Lent.