On Thursday 13 October, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School celebrated 130 years of Catholic education in Wood Green with a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent in the parish church. Among the concelebrants was Canon Vincent Berry, who was a student at the school in the 1940s.
Canon Vincent shared memories of his school days when all the students shared a single classroom and school uniforms were not yet the norm. Following on, Cardinal Vincent explained in his homily the importance of learning from the past in order to carry the Catholic faith into the future, mentioning Canon Vincent’s experiences and memories.
Using St Paul, for whom both the school and the church are dedicated, as an example of someone whose memories and experiences shaped him into the great saint that he became, he encouraged the children to learn from all who had gone before them and to emulate the example of St Paul in growing in holiness.
Head Teacher Richard Curry paid tribute to past generations of teachers and students who shaped the history of the school. He also thanked the current school community, including the parents, many of whom were present at the celebrations.
At end of Mass, Cardinal Vincent blessed the statue of Our Lady given to the school by the parish to commemorate this milestone.
