After a 6.30 a.m. start the new students joined other members of the Beda community for Mass in the Crypt at St Peter's. This year we were in the Lithuanian chapel with its wonderful icon of Mary, Mother of Mercy. Beneath this icon we celebrated the Mass of the memorial of Our Lady of Walsingham and asked for Mary's intercession on the life-changing journey that is beginning.

The induction programme for the new Beda students began today with Mass in St Benedict's Chapel in St Paul's Basilica celebrated by the Rector. Later today, on a bright sunny afternoon, a walk round some of the sights of Rome is planned to pave the way for their discovery of the ancient and modern city over their four years here. We wish them well as they begin to come to know the ways of the Beda and of the city of Rome.

Ten new people are arriving this week to begin the new Beda year. There are eight new students in first year, one post graduate priest who will be studying at the Angelicum, and one Anglican exchange student. This evening there is a welcome supper for the new men and tomorrow their induction programme begins with a Mass at the Basilica di San Paolo and a visit to the tomb of St Paul.