Newton-le-Willows schools unite for Jubilee pilgrimage

Young Pilgrims of Hope

St Mary's Catholic Infant Academy, St Mary's Catholic Junior Academy, and Hope Academy - all part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust - came together for a special Jubilee pilgrimage on World Children's Day, 20 November.

Each academy began its pilgrimage from its own school site around Newton-le-Willows, processing towards St Mary and St John's Catholic Church as a way of living out this year's Jubilee theme, 'Pilgrims of Hope'.

Pupils and students carried beautifully crafted banners representing both their school and the Jubilee celebrations. Each school also brought a candle, which was lit at school and carried to the church, symbolising how the individual lights of the three academies unite in celebration and hope.

As part of their journey, pupils from St Mary's Catholic Junior Academy sang their school song 'Together'.

Each academy also carried with them a basket of hopes, written by children and students in their own settings. These heartfelt messages, which included hopes for their futures, their school and their Trust communities, and for the wider global family, were offered up to God as part of the celebration.

Upon arrival, the three academies met outside the church and processed in as one community, singing 'My Lighthouse'. The three candles were then placed together on the altar, and a Celebration of the Word took place.

Children from across the academies played an active role in the service, helping to create the prayer focus and taking part in readings and prayers.

Centred on Luke 4:14-22 'He has sent me to bring good news to the poor', the service reflected on the Good News of God's love as an anchor of hope, especially as the school communities look towards Advent and the end of the Jubilee year.

Staff and children were also reminded that by sharing God's light and love with others, they can help anchor their wider community in hope, too.

To conclude the service, Mrs Kasia Boydell, chaplain at Hope Academy and for the Trust, presented St Mary's with the Trust Jubilee plaque, which has been on a pilgrimage across the All Saints Multi Academy Trust schools throughout the year.

Miss Alexandra Mowatt, head of school at St Mary's Catholic Junior Academy, said: "This pilgrimage was a beautiful expression of our children's faith and unity, and a chance for the All Saints family to join together through our three academies, St Mary's Infant and Juniors, and Hope Academy, in one act of worship.

"To walk together on World Children's Day, marking the end of the Jubilee Year, reminded us all that hope is not just a word, it's a way of life we nurture in our schools every day, and the message is clear: the journey of hope continues, led by the youngest among us."

Miss Heather Duggan, CEO of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, added: "It was fantastic to see our three academies in Newton-le-Willows come together for this special pilgrimage. It reminded us that we are better together, and that nurturing kindness, care, and faith in our schools allows our children to bring light and hope into the wider world."