New, specially made Stations of the Cross at Bishop Challoner Catholic Federation of Schools were unveiled and blessed by priests from all across the deanery of Tower Hamlets on 20th February led by Fr Keith Stoakes, Dean, and joined by the school’s Executive Headteacher, Richard Fitzgerald and Chaplain, Scott Hanlon.
Each of the 14 stations in the playground is dedicated to a parish, chaplaincy or religious community in the deanery, celebrating those communities and the school’s place among them. Throughout the Lenten seasons students will process past the Stations, praying for all those in these communities; for peace, reconciliation and forgiveness both locally and around the world. They intend this to be the beginning of an annual tradition.
Richard Fitzgerald, Executive Headteacher said: ‘It is part of our mission to ensure that the presence of our faith is experienced in all that we do. Obviously the physical environment of the school plays a very large part in that. These stations help us make that faith evident, not only because they are physically present but because they have allowed us to take part in an important way in what goes on in the Church during the Lenten season.
‘Every student in the school will experience praying, reflecting through the stations, before the Easter break helping to teach them this important aspect of the life of Jesus Christ and the role it played in the formation of Christian faith.
‘I particularly welcome the opportunity that dedicating each station to a local parish gave us to further emphasise to each student the strong links that exist between home, school and church as part of a wider faith community.’
Scott Hanlon, School Lay Chaplain said: ‘Our new Stations of the Cross are not only beautiful pieces of artwork; they are a humbling journey. They provide our students and staff the opportunity to reflect on Christ’s journey to Golgotha, but also, act as a guide for deep reflection into the thoughts and worries within our own lives. As our students pray the Stations throughout Lent, they will be praying for our communities too. May Jesus’ example be a guide to us all through this Lent.’
