On Wednesday 14th June, the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, staff and pupils from All Saints Catholic College came to Westminster Cathedral to pray for all the victims of that terrible event.
Bishop John Sherrington was the principal celebrant at the Requiem Mass for the victims. He was joined by the Parish Priests of the three parishes nearest the tower: Fr Gerard Skinner from St Francis of Assisi, Notting Hill, Fr Peter Wilson from St Pius X, St Charles Square, and Fr Damian Ryan from Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Kensal New Town. All three parishes were home to some of the victims of the fire.
The school's Schola Cantorum led the congregation in the singing. Especially poignant was the processional hymn ‘I heard the voice of Jesus say’, which speaks of the invitation of the Lord to find rest in him, while the recessional hymn ‘Tell out my soul’ speaks of the trust we place in God’s grace and mercy.
Andrew O’Neill, Headteacher of All Saints, explained why this Mass was so significant for the school community:
‘Our school is situated 600 metres from Grenfell Tower, so the memorial is always very important to our school community.
‘Many of our children and staff members were deeply impacted by the fire and the lasting consequences of it. On the day of the fire we could see the tower ablaze from our playground, it was truly shocking. We had debris landing on the school site for many days after.
‘The chance to bring the whole school community to the cathedral is one that we seized with both hands. To be able to worship and pray for those who died with the whole school community in the mother church of the diocese was truly special.’
Echoing this sentiment, Bishop John said in his homily: ‘We gather in the hope of promise of eternal life in heaven for those who have died.’
‘We do this,’ he said, ‘because Jesus told his followers to come to him in their need, to offer their prayers, to gather around the altar and to celebrate the Mass.’
Praising the school community for all they have accomplished in the subsequent years, he said: ‘You have shown how the power of God’s grace and a community working together can build a new future.’
Pointing to the example of Our Lady who ‘like so many mothers, remained faithful to her Son and prayed for him, suffered with him, and trusted in the promise of God,’ he encouraged the pupils to turn to her as Our Lady of Sorrows ‘in whom we can trust and whom we can ask to help us as we pray for all who died or who were affected by the events of that tragic night.’
Main photo: Fr John Scott/Oremus
Schola Cantorum photo: Lichena Bertinato
