At the Pentecost Mass this morning, the Rector offered prayers for the whole Beda Community, those in Rome and those who have returned home. The altar was beautifully decorated for the occasion as usual by Edna. Photographs of the garden in May help us to celebrate the feast and can be accessed by clicking the picture here. We pray that the Holy Spirit will enliven the hearts of us all in the coming year.

Four students from Second Year received the Ministry of Acolyte during the Mass for the Feast of St Bede. Due to the Coronavirus lockdown no guests were able to be present but the personale provided a wonderful celebration meal for all residents in the sunny summer garden. Photographs of the new Acolytes and this year's unusual Bede's Day can be found by clicking the photo or title above.

Celebrations for the Feast of St Bede are taking place as usual today for the resident community but sadly, this year, there can be no guests. However, we take great encouragement from receiving the many messages of goodwill and prayer from former students and friends. We sincerely thank everyone for their good wishes and in turn wish the whole Beda family a joyful and memory-filled day of celebration.

A new video about the college chapel has been created by Second Year student Philip Bua to mark the feast of the Ascension and as a preparation for Bede's Day next Monday. The chapel is at the heart of the building and for all of us, residents and visitors past and present, it is the focal point drawing us together, as the disciples were drawn together after the Ascension.

With 15 students having chosen to return home at the start of the coronavirus lockdown, the annual house photo of 2020 records a smaller gathering than usual of the 15 students and 5 staff who have remained. However, it reminds us of how we look forward to the new semester in the autumn when the complete Beda family will be re-united once again.

Good Shepherd Sunday is traditionally a day of prayer for vocations. Despite the unusual circumstances, staff and students resident here will be making this a special intention during the Holy Hour this evening. We invite the whole extended Beda family to join us in this prayer and particularly to pray for the work of the Beda in promoting and fostering mature vocations.