Jubilee Icon visits Tower Hamlets school

Fr Keith Stoakes blesses pupils at the Mass

Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets welcomed The Jubilee Icon on Thursday 18 December as part of its tour of the Diocese of Westminster. The Mass brought together parish and primary and secondary school communities in a shared act of worship rooted in hope, justice and renewal, as we bring our Jubilee Year celebrations to a close.

The visit centred on a shared Mass celebrated by Fr Keith Stoakes, bringing together students from Bishop Challoner, children from St Mary and St Michael Primary School, and members of St Mary and St Michael parish. The gathering reflected the Jubilee's emphasis on pilgrimage, collaboration and walking together as one Church.

The Jubilee Icon, created by Ethiopian artist Mulugeta Araya, depicts Christ proclaiming hope and liberation in the synagogue at Nazareth. Its presence resonated strongly within the school community, where over 65 languages are spoken in students' homes. The liturgy incorporated British Sign Language and multiple spoken languages, highlighting the global nature of Jubilee. The wide range of ages, cultures and backgrounds present from our schools and parishioners offered a visible expression of a pilgrim Church following Christ together.

James Johnston, Lay Chaplain at Bishop Challoner Catholic School, said: "The Jubilee Icon speaks powerfully to our community, showing that the Church is truly global and that Christ's promise of liberation is inseparable from justice and solidarity with the poor. For our students, it is not just an image to admire, but a call to discipleship. We are incredibly privileged to have been able to welcome this beautiful piece of art to our school."