On Wednesday 15 April, three pupils from Holy Family Primary School in Ealing were invited to Archbishop’s House to meet Archbishop Richard Moth. Charlotte, George and Astrid attended alongside Headteacher Mr Doherty and Miss Morgan, having been named winner and runners-up in the school’s 'Through the Lens of Lent' photography competition.

The competition invites pupils to capture an image that reflects their understanding of Lent, accompanied by a title and short explanation. This year’s entries were judged by Fr Patrick Van Der Vorst, Cathedral Precentor and founder of the Christian Art website.

During the visit, Charlotte presented Archbishop Richard with her winning photograph, New Beginnings, which he chose to hang on the wall at Archbishop’s House.

Fr Patrick Van Der Vorst commented:

'Judging the Lenten art competition at Holy Family Ealing was an absolute joy. Astrid (Year 2B), George (1F), and Charlotte (6T) each brought something truly special: such maturity, such depth, and

yet such freshness in how they explored the theme of Lent in art. Not an easy task. The winning piece beautifully places the San D

amiano Cross against a tree just beginning to blossom, what a perfect image of Easter: the Cross, once a sign of death, now standing before new life in bloom, as if all creation were quietly proclaiming the Resurrection.

'It was lovely see how the San Damiano Cross was used as it is so intimately linked to Saint Francis of Assisi, for it was before this very cross that he heard Christ speak to him, saying, “Francis, go and rebuild my Church”, a moment we recall especially in this 800th anniversary year of his death. Art has this wonderful way of opening hearts to God, and you could see it so clearly with the all the children who submitted their artworks: faith expressed with colour, imagination, and joy!'