Over the 14th and 15th of March, seven Catholic colleges from the Christchurch Diocese had travelled to St. Bede’s College and participated in various public speaking competitions to win the Bishop Lyons’ Shield, a significant icon originating from the 1950s.

The 2025 Team: 

The competition was full of heart, mind and spirit!
In speeches, students expressed soulful emotions—forming ideas, manifest in our minds; debating teams stood steadfast in belief; and in questions, our minds united to explain the meaning of faith and the Word. We especially celebrate Lachlan for their heartfelt speech on loyalty, Joejerry for their moving speech on his personal journey, and the debating team for the first St. Thomas debating win in history. Hemi’s confident speech for the manuhiri in the mihi whakatau was also a wonderful example of servant leadership.

But outside of competitive events, we connected; united through Catholic faith, we found joy in the community around us—even trading blazers, badges, and praise.

All seven schools had demonstrated their dedication, time, and practice in their challenges, and closed into fierce competition between St Bede’s and St. Thomas. But in the final stretch, St Thomas emerged victorious.

Special thanks to our coaches Mr. Kennedy, Mrs Shields, Mr Kawenga and Mr. Mullally. Special thanks to Mr Daniel Fogarty for making this possible, and congratulations to the whole team for all of their hard work and effort!

Next year many of us will return to the team and we’ll defend the Shield in Timaru at Roncalli College!

• Marcus Quinanola, Edmund Rice Inclusive Community Leader