MCS pupils sing for Pope

On Sunday, September 19th, a group of MCS students and their families left Oxford at 3am and headed for Cofton Park, Birmingham. The occasion was a special Mass, celebrated by the Pope on his state visit to the UK, to beatify John Henry Newman - the final step before declaring him to be a saint.

The group joined 55,000 other Catholic pilgrims in the rain, waiting five hours before the Pope was due to appear. Some pupils were there especially to sing in the 1200 strong choir that was assembled for the occasion. In his homily, the Pope reminded the gathered of Newman's contribution to education, among other qualities.

After the mass the group enjoyed a picnic, and soaked up the carnival atmosphere in the park.