On a sunny 18 June, more than 500 students and teachers from schools across the Archdiocese of Southwark gathered for our ‘Come Pray With Me’ event. It was a day filled with faith, joy, and togetherness.
The annual gathering, a collaboration between Southwark’s Education Commission and Missio’s children’s branch – Mission Together – is all about celebrating the faith of children and young people in the Archdiocese. This year was no different; we truly felt like cherished members of God’s family, both locally and globally!
‘Hallowed be thy name’
Led by Fr Anthony Chantry – National Director of Missio – and Fr Ged Walsh, ‘Come Pray With Me’ centred around the powerful message of The Lord’s Prayer. Fr Anthony explained each line, making it meaningful for everyone present, and even added simple signs to help pupils remember the significance of the words we pray each day. Watch them here:
‘Give us this day’
There were so many wonderful moments throughout the day, but we have to make special mention of the fantastic dramatization of the day’s Gospel by students from St Elphege’s in Sutton. And let’s not forget the heartfelt Mission Rosary prayers, so confidently led by St Thomas More, Bexleyheath, for children around the world.
‘On earth as it is in heaven’
After the prayer service, pupils had the chance to explore interactive prayer stations set up around the Priory grounds. It was an opportunity for peaceful reflection and personal connection with The Lord’s Prayer, which the children rose to beautifully. Many of them also wrote their own touching prayers for our global family, displayed on red paper hearts at one of the stations.
Thank you so much!
A big thank you to all the schools, the dedicated team at Aylesford Priory – especially John Toryusen – and the Education Commission of Southwark Archdiocese for making ‘Come Pray With Me’ a day to remember.
Let’s continue spreading love and faith wherever we go!