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Archbishop John celebrated Mass and blessed school and local community

Archbishop John Wilson celebrated Mass and blessed the completion of the new build at Our Lady St Philip Neri Catholic Primary School in Lewisham.

In his homily, Archbishop John described his “great joy” at being asked to dedicate the school and thanked everyone in the school, parish, local community and Archdiocese for remaining committed while the school was being rebuilt.

In a prayer, Archbishop John asked God to bless the “school community's growth, now and into the future” and said “let God’s love and compassion infiltrate your being, strengthening you with wisdom and understanding”.

Archbishop John concluded his homily with the following prayer.

Along with Our Lady, St Philip Neri, is also your friend in Heaven.

With thanksgiving, we make his prayer to Our Lady our own:

Mary, I love you. Mary, make me live in God,

with God, and for God.

Draw me after you, Holy Mother.

O Mary may your children persevere in loving you.

The school was officially opened by Archbishop John who cut a ribbon at the entrance of the school. Staff, parents and people from the local community were in attendance. Ellie Reeves MP, who had recently been re-elected as the local Member of Parliament, also attended.

The service with Archbishop John took place in the evening of the 11 July. Earlier that same day, Canon Victor Darlington led a Mass with pupils at staff and was joined Fr Regus from Our Lady St Phillip Neri Parish. In an interactive homily, pupils joined in with Canon Victor in singing.

You can find out more about Our Lady and St Philip Neri School at their website.