On Tuesday 24 June, Westminster Cathedral welcomed pupils from 130 schools across the Diocese of Westminster for a Jubilee Festival of Hope, presided over by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

The festival began with students exploring a range of stalls and workshops set up in the Cathedral’s chapels. Each explored a different theme of the Jubilee Year. CAFOD focused on ‘Managing Debt’, Caritas Westminster on ‘Food Poverty’ and ‘Modern Slavery’, Westminster Justice and Peace on ‘Care of Creation’, Pax Christi on ‘Peace’, the Agency for Evangelisation on ‘Forgiveness’ and the Youth Service on ‘Rest and Worship’. These activities offered pupils an opportunity to engage with the Church’s social mission and deepen their understanding of faith in action.

During the liturgy, students presented their Jubilee pledges to the Cardinal, outlining commitments inspired by their reflections ahead of the festival. St Thomas More Language College also performed their drama piece, The Temptations – Unstoppable, which was originally showcased at the Flame Festival.

The service concluded with a time of Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, bringing the day to a prayerful close.

In his message to staff and pupils in the order of service, Canon Michael Dunne, Chair of the Education Commission, said:

‘Congratulations to all pupils and schools who, responding to the call of Jesus, have discerned together what pledges they can commit to on this festival day, and so receive from today the grace to live what has been pledged.

‘I want to thank very much those who have worked so hard to bring us this Festival of Hope, often in their volunteering beyond work commitments.”