Dr Christina Pal has been appointed at the new Academic Director for the Pontifical Beda College. She will begin in the second semester (but will be here from 24th January for a handover period). There is some information below on Dr Christina. The joy of new arrivals is always accompanied by the sadness of partings. On Wednesday 28th January we will be having a special leaving event for Sr Patricia McDonald (with solemn Vespers and a festal meal). It will be an occasion to say an enormous ‘thankyou’ to Sr Patricia for her great service and contribution to this college over so many years. Please hold Sr Patricia and Dr Christina in your prayers at this time of transition. Dr Christina Pal Dr Christina Pal is a senior lecturer for Lux in Tenebris and Claritas Spiritual Theology, and she is an adjunct lecturer for Oscott College (Seminary) and at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Prior to founding Lux in Tenibris, Dr Pal was an adjunct professor for the Augustine Institute and for Christendom College’s Rome programme, as well as Adjunct Professor of Theology for the Institute for Continuing Theological Education and Priestly Formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. She was also Senior Academic Tutor for the School of the Annunciation at Buckfast Abbey and the Academy of the Annunciation in Bournemouth. Dr Pal is a convert to the Catholic faith. She specialises in Systematic Theology & Biblical Theology. Dr Christina is a consecrated lay woman. Education Doctorate in Sacred Theology, Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, (Angelicum) Rome. Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Specialisation: Dogmatic Theology), Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, (Angelicum) Rome. Master of Arts in Sacred Theology (Specialisation: Thomistic Studies) Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, (Angelicum) Rome. Sacred Theology Baccalaureate, Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, (Angelicum) Rome. Philosophy, Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas, (Angelicum) Rome. Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Southern California.

The Beda Review for 2024-2025 has officially been launched. Well done to Benwen Lopez and John John, our seminarians who worked hard to produce this.

Today we had a visit from Chris Trott, His Majesty's Ambassador to the Holy See. He came to greet Canon Marcus, the new Rector of the Beda College.

Fr John Breen, Vice Rector of the Pontifical Beda College, has made the decision this summer to retire from his role in the seminary. The College would like to thank Fr John for a long and dutiful service in the work of formation. The staff and members of the college, past and present, owe a great debt of gratitude to Fr John for his many years of dedication at the Beda. All wish him well and offer assurances of prayer for the years of retirement ahead. Fr John will return to the Beda for a special Mass and supper on 5th November. This will be an opportunity to say a special ‘thankyou’ to him. Fr John has commented - “In May of this year I turned 75. At this pivotal age I began exploring the possibilities of retirement. These retirement plans have unfolded quite briskly. I look forward to saying goodbye to everyone in November”.

Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls The College year finished on Wednesday 18 June with the ordination of new deacons at St Paul’s by Archbishop Malcom McMahon. There were nine candidates. One additional member of the year was ordained in his home parish some days later. As always, it was a wonderful occasion and a beautiful way to end the year.

Three of our number received the ministry of Reader this evening. It was a warm and encouraging celebration. The cardinals had just entered the Conclave so we were able to pray for them as well. The three new Readers will always remember the day on which they received this ministry!

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

https://www.flickr.com/photos/137459279@N08/albums/72177720325162052

Eight candidates received the Ministry of Acolyte on 26 March. There were seven from the Beda College (their Rector presided) and one from the Scots College (his Rector preached). We were joined by about twenty guests. It was a warm familiar occasion followed by a convivial festive supper.

We were pleased to welcome many ecumenical guests for our Unity Service. This year marks 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea. We focused on the Creed and made a resolute profession of faith together. We moved to the front of the church and lit candles in small groups of four and spoke aloud: ‘The Light of Christ’.

Those members of the Beda Community who were back early after the Christmas break were invited to witness the opening of the Holy Door from close quarters and then to follow the procession through the Holy Door into the basilica for Mass. Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Basilica, presided at the ceremony. A unique occasion for those present.

It was a joy to celebrate mass with the new Candidates (10 from the Beda and 2 from the Scots College). They were formally admitted to Candidacy by Bishop John Sherrington who presided at the Liturgy. We were able to welcome over twenty guests and enjoy a festive supper afterwards.

Academic Meeting and Mass Each year, at this time, we have a Plenary Academic Staff Meeting. For this autumn meeting we invite a senior member of St. Mary’s University, Twickenham to attend the meeting and to formally greet students who have graduated through the university. The Pro Vice-Chancellor and CFO, Richard Soloman, was our guest this year. He congratulated students at the end of Mass and gave us all a warm word of encouragement.

We were able to celebrate Mass for Remembrance Sunday with the community of San Silvestro on Sunday 10 November. Fr Rory and Fr John (Pallottine Fathers), who have a particular ministry in San Silvestro, each year invite one of the Colleges to look after the Mass. This year the Scots College led the liturgy, with Fr Mark Cassidy, their Rector, presiding. The Beda College and the Venerable English Colleges participated along with the British and Irish Ambassadors to the Holy See and the whole community of San Silvestro.

New students at the Papal Audience (plus some old ones!) We were seated up close and were called forward later in the proceedings to meet the Pope and have a photograph taken. Quite a surprise

Friday 4 October 2024 After three days in-house the Induction Period had space for a visit to Lake Bracciano. We celebrated Mass in the church of Santa Maria Novella (Bracciano) at 10.30. The parish priest and parishioners welcomed us: it was a ‘cleaning morning’ in preparation for the weekend. The PP (Don Francesco) was happy to receive our good wishes on his Onomastico. We then had a guided tour of the Castello; only a five-minute walk away. Trom there we travelled to Trevignano Romano for a short lake walk and lunch.

The new year is under way. The new students have arrived and several of the older students have returned early to welcome them. We always gather at the basilicas of St Paul and St Peter at the beginning of the year. These photos are from St Peter’s.

Three seminarians from the third year were ordained to the Sacred Order of Diaconate on Wednesday, 12 June 2024 in Saint Paul's Basilica by Right Rev. Hugh Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen. We wish wish Br. Philip McMahon (OFM), Br. Louis Kwadwo-Osei (OSB) and Philip Thornley (Diocese of Leeds) all the best for this new Ministry.

Eight new Readers were instituted on Wednesday. The photographs tell their own story. It was a joy to have one of the members of the Scots College amongst the group.