Bishop Philip writes about his visit to Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School, Basingstoke

Last Thursday, I made a most enjoyable visitation of Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School in Basingstoke. Mr. John Wright, the Head, Mrs. Theresa Cripps, the lay chaplain, staff, governors and students gave a very warm welcome. The visit began with a Mass in which the new school chapel was dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here is the homily I preached.

I thank Mr. Wright, Staff and Governors, Mrs. Cripps and students, for welcoming me today to this magnificent school, Bishop Challoner. We’re pleased to have with us our priest chaplains: Fr. John Lee and Fr. Paul Leonard, also Canon PJ Smith, Episcopal Vicar for Education. In the Diocese we have 70 Catholic schools and I am currently on tour. It’s good to be here today, especially to offer Mass and to bless this school chapel. When corresponding with Mr. Wright, I was delighted to learn the chapel was to be dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The heart is a symbol that speaks powerfully, especially to the young who yearn for happiness and a better world. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is what our Catholic faith is all about. His love for us and our love for Him is at the centre of all the writings Bishop Challoner has left us. More, my episcopal motto is: In Corde Iesu ‘In the Heart of Jesus’. Jesus Christ must be at the centre of everything we think, say and do, and our faith in Him is the most important thing in life. It’s what makes this wonderful school here in Basingstoke outstanding and distinctive.