Given on 26 June 2025 for the Foundation Day Mass of the St John Southworth Academy Trust at Westminster Cathedral.
Dear Friends,
I know that in your schools and across the St John Southworth Trust you have been celebrating and reflecting on the meaning of the Jubilee Year of Hope which the late Pope Francis initiated. I want you to know that as you have made a kind of pilgrimage to the Cathedral today; that each one of you is a sign of hope; your schools and the Trust you belong to are places of hope.
You are God’s message to the future. That message is that through God’s grace, we have a future and a hope that does not disappoint.
Today of course we celebrate the Foundation and achievements of the St John Southworth Academy Trust. The motto of the trust Omnia in Uno - Everything in One - encapsulates well your reality and purpose. Your schools model unity in diversity, together and yet unique.
For each school and place of learning in the Trust has its own story to tell, its particular history, character, gifts and challenges. You are all made stronger by being part of the Academy.
And the Trust is enriched by the unique gifts of each member school.
Sisters and brothers, I do not underestimate the long hours, extra work and personal sacrifices that so many of you have made and continue to make, so often unseen by others; in order to make the Saint John Southworth Academy Trust a reality of which we may all be proud.
Thank you. I am truly filled with admiration for your professionalism, diligence, ingenuity and generosity.
Your Trust of course rejoices in the name of Saint John Southworth whose feast day we celebrate in this Mass and whose mortal remains lie amongst us here in the Cathedral. His shrine is a place of prayer for countless pilgrims and visitors. St John holds a special place in the hearts of all members of the Trust.
St John Southworth, a priest who lived many years ago in England, was a brave man who lived during a time when it was difficult to be a Catholic priest. He was born in 1592 and martyred on June 28 1654. He valued his education and went to the English College, Douai, to become a priest. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, he continued to serve God and his people.
St John Southworth is a wonderful example for us because he shows us how important it is to use our gifts and education to help others, even when it’s hard.
The Church has always recognised the importance of education for all people. In fact, the Second Vatican Council said that education is a universal right, because everyone deserves the chance to learn and grow.
The Church knows and so do you, that education is more than just learning facts and getting good grades.
True education aims at the formation of the human person, in view of his or her final end and the good of the society to which he or she belongs. This means that education needs to help you grow in all areas of your life: your mind, your heart and your soul.
The Church emphasises what we call “integral human development.” This means that education should help you to:
- Develop your talents and abilities;
- Learn about the world around you;
- Grow in your faith and relationship with God;
- Learn how to love and serve others;
- Become responsible and active members of society.
Your parents, carers and family are of course the first and most important teachers you will ever have. They are responsible for teaching you about love, kindness and faith. The Church supports the rights of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their children is in line with their own beliefs.
So, what does this mean for you? It means that your education is a precious gift. When you study hard in school, you’re not just learning facts and figures; you’re also developing your mind and preparing yourself to make a positive difference in the world, just like St John Southworth did. And when you learn about your faith, you’re growing closer to Jesus and learning how to love God and your neighbour.
Our new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has spoken about the marvel and wonder of Artificial intelligence AI, and the possibilities for learning offered by the internet and social media.
The Pope has challenged us to use this amazing technology for the building up of people, not their tearing down.
Pope Leo said recently:
'All of us, I am sure, are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development. Our well-being depends upon their being given the ability to develop their God-given gifts and capabilities, and not allow them to confuse mere access to data with intelligence'
'In the end, authentic wisdom has more to do with recognizing the true meaning of life, than with the availability of data.”
Dear young friends, I encourage you to cherish your education. Listen to your teachers, do your best in your studies, and always seek to learn new things.
And more importantly, never forget to learn about your faith. Attend Mass, read the Bible and ask your parents and teachers questions about God and the Church.
May the power of the Holy Spirit and the prayers and bravery of St John Southworth sustain us in all we do for those we serve in the name of the great teacher, Jesus of Nazareth.
Amen.