This year’s celebration held particular significance as the Trust marks its fifth anniversary during the 800^th anniversary year of the death of St Francis of Assisi, offering an opportunity for pupils and staff to come together in faith and reflect on his enduring example and legacy.

The Mass was led by Fr Axcel Soriano, the new Parish Priest of the Church of St Joseph and the English Martyrs in Bishop’s Stortford.

In his homily, Fr Axcel encouraged pupils to follow the example of St Francis by placing their trust in God and becoming “channels of peace” in their everyday lives and school communities.

He said: “God wants to rebuild each and every one of us, and He wants you to go out and be like St Francis – to bring Christ and His love to others, and to bring peace. Let us ask the Lord to make us channels of His peace.”

The celebration was enriched by the beautiful singing from the choirs of St Mary’s Catholic School in Bishop's Stortford and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Waltham Cross, accompaniment by musicians from the St Mary’s School band.

Following the Mass, members of the Chaplaincy Teams from the Trust’s nine schools gathered for a time of prayer and reflection inspired by the values and example of St Francis.

The pupils prayed together in thanksgiving for their school communities and reflected on how they could follow the example of St Francis by working together to share God’s Word within their schools and across the wider Trust family.

Chaplaincy Team members also exchanged ideas for fundraising initiatives during the academic year, continuing their shared commitment to putting faith into action and supporting others.

The Trust extends its heartfelt thanks to Fr Axcel and Fr Marco for celebrating the Mass with its pupils and staff, and for their continued support of the Trust community.

About St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (https://www.stfrancistrust.net)
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (St Francis Trust) is a multi-academy trust established in 2021. It currently serves nine Catholic schools – eight primary schools and one secondary school and which is growing to welcome two more Secondary schools and four more Primary schools over the next one to two years.

The Trust’s mission is to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all the children in our schools, helping them to grow in faith and reach their full potential. Guided by the values of St Francis, the Trust promotes academic excellence, spiritual development, and service to others.