In sending greetings for the New Year to the Beda family, Canon Gillespie highlights Mary's example from the Gospel of 1st January. To treasure and ponder the Christmas feasts will be a solid 'centre of gravity' for the months that lie ahead. His full message is below. Photos are from the Beda community Mass of St Thomas Becket on 28th December in the Basilica of San Stefano Rotundo.

In his website message for Christmas, Canon Gillespie urges us, in these difficult times, to keep sight of the hope and vision of the Christmas feasts. Sixteen students, four staff and three FMDM Sisters remain in the college over Christmas while others have returned to their homes and families. The whole community wishes all our friends a Christmas rooted in the Good News which, as the Rector says, will bring much needed joy and warmth into our lives.

At a Mass on Wednesday evening, the five students in Third Year were admitted as Candidates for Ordination. They are Philip Bua (Argyle and the Isles), Douglas Green (Glasgow), Michael Harwood (Liverpool), Frank McKendry (Glasgow) and Ignatius Tan (Melbourne).Congratulations to all of them on taking this important step in their vocational journey. Ad Multos Annos.

In a message published today on the college website, the rector Canon Gillespie gives an update on the situation in the college during the pandemic and the plans for over Christmas. The message, printed in full below, also sends good wishes, prayers and heartfelt thanks to our families, friends and benefactors throughout the world during the season of Advent and Christmastide.