Most ordinations take place in the summer months but a few are at other times of the year. Today Paul Smith is ordained in St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham. This is the first ordination this year and we send our congratulations and best wishes to Paul. Next week, on 2nd February, Ignatius Tully o.s.b. will be ordained in the New Camaldoli Monastery, Big Sur, California, and on 19th February, John Lovell will be ordained for Maitland and Newcastle Diocese in Australia. Congratulations, best wishes and prayers for all these past students. Ad Multos Annos.

Sixty years ago today, an event took place a few yards away from the Beda College which changed the Church for ever. Across the road, in the Abbot's Parlour at the Basilica of San Paolo, Pope John XXIII made the announcement that he was calling an Ecumenical Council of the Church - what was to become the Second Vatican Council. As we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul today, we remember this historic event which took place geographically so close to us 60 years ago.

Beda staff and students started the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity last night by attending Papal Vespers at St Paul's Basilica. Pope Francis presided at the prayer, accompanied by leaders from many other Christian denominations. This evening we have our own Unity Service in the college chapel where the preacher will be Fr John O'Toole, National Ecumenical Officer for England and Wales. A good attendance by members of other Christian denominations living in Rome is expected and the Service will be followed by a celebration meal. For the text of Fr O'Toole's Homily click the title above.

Past students and friends of the College will know the wonderful work that Larry and Edna Tongco have done in the service of the College for many years. Today we celebrated Larry's 60th birthday. His family and friends gathered with staff, students and the whole Beda family to thank him and to celebrate his work and his presence with us. About 80 people sat down for a lovely meal prepared by Edna and the family. Ad Multos Annos!

As 2019 begins, a flier has been sent to Bishops and Vocations' Directors to keep the name of the Beda in their thoughts when prospective students apply in the coming months. The countries covered so far are Australia, Canada, India and the Nordic States. A copy of the flier can be seen on the Vocation Promotion section on the Beda Life page of this website.

The Feast of the Epiphany is an appropriate time for people to gather from the far corners of the world, as staff and students are doing today at the end of the Christmas break. Bearing stories of Christmases with familiy and, friends and varied experiences from different Continents, we return today ready for lectures to begin tomorrow. The Rector's new year website message highlights the Holy Father's call for peace to be at the heart of all we do. A happy and peaceful 2019 to everyone.