Advent began today with the blessing of the Advent wreathe at Morning Prayer and a weekend Recollection led by Fr John Carlyle. In these unusual times the promises and hopes expressed in the Advent prayers and readings take on a new meaning. Our Advent icon in front of the lectern reminds us of Mary's trust and acceptance in God's word. Come, Lord, do not delay.

The annual November Mass for those who have died during the past twelve months is celebrated this evening in the Beda chapel. During Mass the names of the members of the Beda Association , together with the names of close relatives of present Beda staff and students, who have died in the past year will be read out and prayers will be offered for them all. May their souls, and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

The annual Academic Mass which recognises the achievements during the previous academic year took place today. For obvious reasons the Vice-Chancellor of St Mary's Anthony McClaren was not able to be with us in person but we were very grateful that he could join the plenary staff meeting on Zoom later in the morning. Congratulations to the 8 students present this morning and to 3 other students in the UK all of whom did so well this year.

As elsewhere, Remembrance Day 2020 was unusually quiet. Instead of the Mass with English, Scots and Irish Colleges at the church of San Silvestro, we held our own Mass and prayers to remember the war dead. In addition, the Beda Book of Remembrance is on display throughout November in the chapel reminding us of the families and friends of Beda students past and present who have died. Later in November, we will hold the Mass for deceased members of the Beda Association. May they all rest in peace.