‍

Students from across the Diocese joined our popular annual Secondary Schools' Pilgrimage in Arundel on 4 October. Bishop Richard led the pilgrims in prayer at the start of the walk - which was attended by 130 students from 12 diocesan secondary schools, members of the Diocesan Education Service, and a number of school staff.

Having completed the pilgrimage route in the grounds of Arundel Castle, students from St Richard's, Bexhill, welcomed people to the Mass and formed the offertory procession, pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove led the singing and young people from St Joseph’s Specialist Trust; St Andrew’s, Leatherhead and St Philip Howard, Barnham read and served at the altar.

Connie, Darcey and Caitlin, students in Year 8 at St Paul's Catholic College, Burgess Hill, reflecting on the day for their school newsletter, wrote:

"On Friday 4th October we went to Arundel Cathedral for the Secondary Schools Pilgrimage and Mass. As soon as we got off the bus, and started our pilgrimage walk, we knew it was going to be interesting as we walked past a cafe that was full of real ducks! We walked through the Arundel Castle Grounds which was enchanting and very hilly. It was beautiful! Some of us nearly fell down the hill, and we really wanted to roll down them at times too.

"We then walked to the Cathedral and it was stunning. When we got inside we were impressed by the vast ceiling covered in beautiful statues. During the Mass, different students from different schools were involved in the readings, the music and the prayers. At the end of Mass, we were invited to have a picture with the Bishop. He was very kind and made us laugh.  

"We then had a picnic lunch in the Cathedral gardens with all the other schools. After lunch, we took a shortcut through Arundel back to the bus. Arundel was very pretty with lots of historical shops and buildings.

"Overall it was a magical experiences, and we'd definitely love to go again if we had the chance."

Speaking shortly after Mass, Education Service Director Julie Oldroyd said:

"It was wonderful to welcome our school communities to this year's Schools' Pilgrimage which took place on the feast of St Francis of Assisi. Bishop Richard spoke of the wonders of God’s creation in his homily; the beauty of nature was certainly something we were able to celebrate and reflect on as we marked the close of the Season of Creation and journeyed in prayer in the glorious Arundel sunshine."

‍

Sources: DES: St Paul's Catholic College