On 13 May Andrew Cole was invested with as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory in the Chapel at St Mary’s University Twickenham. The principal celebrant of the Mass was Bishop John Sherrington with Archbishop Peter Smith, Bishops Howard Tripp and Paul Hendricks and clergy from the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark, Arundel and Brighton and Liverpool concelebrating. Mr Cole was awarded the special honour in recognition of his commitment and drive in founding St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham, which serves students from all three dioceses. He has served as the Chair of Governors of the College since it was formally opened by then-Archbishop Vincent in September 2013.
In his homily, Bishop John thanked Mr Cole for his dedication and commitment and pointed out that it was not he who was bestowing the title on him, but rather ‘the Holy Father, Pope Francis honours Andy’.
Continuing he said, ‘Andy’s zeal, stirred by the desires of many parents, led the Dioceses of Westminster and Southwark and the Richmond Borough Council to found this school. It is good to be working in partnership with the Local Authority, particularly in relation to locating part of Strathmore, a community special school, on the St Richard Reynolds site. I would also like to again thank Lord Nicholas True for his leadership of the Council which made the decision to found the schools. We continue to work with and look forward to a good working relationship with the Local Authority. Today we are delighted that the school has attracted so many applicants for the next entry of pupils in September, a confirmation of the vision of so many of you here tonight’.
Remembering the mission of the Catholic school, Bishop John said ‘All those who fought for St Richard Reynolds Catholic College did so because they believed in faith education and the role of the Church in providing education for its members and for others when possible. We do this because we believe that this vision of education ensures the full development of the child’s God-given gifts and the development of the whole person who is created to become a “friend of God” and find fulfilment in serving others and the common good. ‘
The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See. The honour is bestowed on men and women in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through their unusual labours, their support of the Holy See, and their excellent example set forth in their communities and their countries.
Andy Cole is second from the right in the photo.
The full text of Bishop John's homily can found here.
