Stonyhurst Mission: Pupils let their light shine

Pupils and staff run fur refugees

Stonyhurst College in Lancashire held its first ever whole-school Mission last week. The normal school timetable was suspended for two and a half days to allow the entire Stonyhurst community to focus on the 400 year-old Jesuit school's purpose and identity. Every pupil, aged 3 to 18, considered their faith, their unique talents, and their vocation in life.

'Let Your Light Shine' was the theme underpinning the Mission.

Visiting speakers talked about some of the world's urgent challenges, such as religious persecution, the plight of refugees, homelessness and isolation. Baroness Caroline Cox spoke about her charity, Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, which offers advocacy and aid to persecuted people who are 'off the radar'. Professor Lord Alton raised awareness about the plight of persecuted people in Pakistan and Burma. Six Jesuits talked about making good decisions and discerning how we should lead our lives. (Jesuit schools educate pupils so they can make a difference in the world, for the good of others.)

Stonyhurst pupils were also very active during the Mission, raising over £2,000 for Xavier Project, an African refugee charity, by taking part in a relay race. Younger children, at Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall, held a lively party for local senior citizens. Every sixth-form student volunteered their services at local special schools, care homes, hospices, charities for the homeless and foodbanks. They also cleared the local cemetery of brambles, leaves and dead-wood.

Visiting theatre companies and professional musicians led pupils in drama and singing workshops. Award-winning Rise Theatre gave a presentation on well-being and happiness, which is essential as young people currently face increasing social and academic pressures. The Ten Ten theatre group worked with children at the prep school, while CJM Music led each year-group in joyful singing.

Each day concluded with the stillness and prayerfulness of the Jesuit examen, at which everyone could reflect on everything they had encountered and experienced. On Thursday evening, pupils, staff and visiting musicians performed in a wonderful concert. A celebratory firework display took place on the final evening.

Two extraordinary days at Stonyhurst culminated in a Mass, on Saturday, 14th November. The principal celebrant was Fr Philip Endean SJ. He began his homily by saying how impressed he had been by the engagement and commitment shown by Stonyhurst pupils of all ages to the Mission's many activities and events.

On the morning after the appalling terrorist attacks in Paris, Fr Philip said it was worth thinking about the lesson in that accident of timing: "When we talk and sing about letting our lights shine, we're not talking about something that is easy or cheap. The terrible news shouldn't take away the joy and enthusiasm with which we celebrate our faith, but it can serve to remind us that the faith we celebrate will always be something of a challenge, a provocation, an expression of hope against the background of a world often tempted towards despair."

Pupils read prayers of thanksgiving and, led by CJM Music, everyone sang contemporary liturgical music and traditional hymns with equal vigour.

Stonyhurst's lay chaplain, Sarah Young, who has co-ordinated the planning of the Mission over many months, said: "Sometimes it is worth taking a risk and doing something different. This Mission has been different and, by the smiles on people's faces, it has been worth the risk. It has felt extraordinary and yet it has also been a celebration of our ordinary, everyday endeavour. The Chaplaincy team hoped that these days would reach out to every member of the community so that they might consider how their story fits in to the story of Stonyhurst but, even more crucially, how it relates to the story of Jesus who calls them to the fullness of life. We might not witness the effects of this whilst they are still here in the school but we may well hear about it in the years to come. I sincerely hope so!"

A sixth form student said: "I have had a great time throughout the Mission. It was at times challenging but ultimately it was a very refreshing experience, for which I am very grateful."

The Headmaster Andrew Johnson said: "The Mission is a unique event at Stonyhurst and has been a huge success. This vital time-out from routine has allowed our pupils to grow in self-esteem and to discern how they can make a difference in the world by using their unique gifts and talents. It has given us all time to reflect on what really matters."

Read more about Stonyhurst College here: www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/