Today we celebrated the feast day of St Bede. Last year I was lucky enough to be granted a sabbatical and spent a few days in the area that St Bede lived his life in the 7th century. His remains are in Durham Cathedral and he spent most of his life in two monasteries nearby, one called Jarrow, the other Wearmouth.

The remains of the Jarrow monastery still exist and the church that he worshipped in still remains nearby. St Bede was a scholar and one of his famous achievements is the translating the bible into English. A carving called ‘The Last Chapter’ which once was in the old chapel and now in my office depicts the scene of the elderly Bede, with the assistance of one of the younger monks translating the last chapter of the last Gospel into English. Legend has it that he died soon after, it also being the last chapter of his life.

Jarrow monastery was built where two rivers, the Don and the Tyne intersect. It was a port and therefore quite susceptible to disease. During Bede’s time a plague wiped out many in the north of England. The then youthful Bede helped bury well over 120 of his fellow monks who succumbed to the plague. Bede was one of only two that survived.

Our feast day began with mass and some of the boys introduced the occasion with an almost historical snapshot of our patron!!!! While embellished and somewhere near the truth it was also very funny!! It set the tone for feast day.

Mass was celebrated by Father David Kennerley, the provincial of the Society of Mary. His homily moved many of the congregation – boys, staff and the many old boys and parents who attended.

He tied some messages that St Bede’s pondered on all those years ago and made them relevant to our boys in this age some 1300 years later. The importance of being aware of the spirit within us all, to follow our dreams, and keep searching for what God is willing each of us to do or be.

Another moving part of the Mass was the blessing of the pledge the head students wrote in the first term and Isaac’s commentary of each line. The Pledge follows and Isaac’s ‘take’ on each line is worth sharing as well.

Bedean Pledge

Crest on heart,
I call myself a Bedean.
(When we put on our uniform, we become a Bedean. Bedean forever. Once a Bedean, always a Bedean.)

I commit to “Fide et Opere”
(Our school motto: Fide et Opere, by faith and works. To put what we believe into action.)

A Bedean,
A man of Integrity,

(As Bedeans we are challenged to show integrity. Integrity is defined as a quality of being honest and having high moral principles.)

Loyal to the school he loves,
(Being proud to put on the blazer. To support the school, your mates, and the school’s groups and teams through the good and the bad.)

Guided by his mother, Mary.
(St Bede’s was founded by the Society of Mary and we are proud to be part of a wider Marist community, which helps us to develop as men and as a school.)

As a Bedean
I will do God’s will,

(This links perfectly to a quote said here at the college… “Gentlemen, I want you to become the best possible version of the person God created you to be.” Fr Cormac Hoban)

I will persevere in all aspects of my life,
(Never give up, if you want something, strive for it. Always pursue excellence.)

I will serve my brothers courageously.
(Have respect for the boys around you. Don’t put anyone down. If you hear someone being put down, stick up for them. All you boys here sitting today have been one of the best gifts the College could give me.)

For we are men of God,
We are brothers of Bede.

(This is pretty self-explanatory.)

I hope, one, if not all, of the lines stick out for you. Develop these habits in your day-to-day life at the college and adhere to them when you leave here as an Old Boy. This will challenge us, and I will be the first to say it will be hard, but please try. I definitely will.

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