Our opening mass of the year was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, concelebrated by Fr Alexander Masters and served by Paul Moynihan, the Cardinals master of ceremonies. Their presence was a much-welcomed gift to the College and we are most grateful for helping us mark the start of the year with such joy and celebration especially after such a turbulent year.

The Cardinal made note in his homily about what it means to be Catholic and what it means to be part of a Catholic institution living out an ethos, that is particular to both a spiritual and academic identity and that is unique yet also universal.  It was a well-timed message and much needed to get us on our feet and take note of our rich Dominican and spiritual heritage.

It was a pleasure that such a good number of staff and students managed to attend, as well as our Governors and the new Chair of Governors, Mr David Martin.  Life in College would not be the same without all of them and as always, where even two or three are gathered in Christ's name, there Christ is in our midst (Matthew 18:20).   The presence of Christ among us was palpable and a fitting experience to mark the opening of our year where our theme is "Emmanuel, God is with us" (Matthew 1:23).

God is with us this new academic, every step of the way and every day.  We press on with confidence and assurance as we walk together in the light of Christ.

Dominic Cunliffe - Chaplain