The Peace Garden and St Francis Cabin at English Martyrs’ Catholic Primary were created to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St Francis, which was designated by Pope Leo XIV to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death in 1226.
Headteacher Maria Elliott was among those welcoming Bishop Stephen to the school.
“Bishop Stephen joined Key Stage 2 children for a Celebration of the Word focusing on CAFOD [Catholic Agency for Overseas Development] Catholic Social Teaching principles, and how they linked to our Beatitude School values,” she said.
“This then led in to the children exploring some prayer stations. He then blessed and opened the Peace Garden and St Francis Cabin.”
She continued:
“The cabin was named in honour of St Francis to mark this special year. The garden and the cabin will allow children to access outdoors as part of our Nurturing Nature provision, where the cabin will allow for all-year-round usage. The cabin will provide a space for whole-class input as well as shelter.
“Creating a Peace Garden and an outdoor cabin can bring a wide range of educational, emotional, and social benefits for primary school children. These spaces extend beyond the classroom, and support children’s overall wellbeing and development in meaningful ways.”
After the service in the Peace Garden, Bishop Stephen visited English Martyrs’ Oscar Romero Centre ARP (Additionally Resourced Provision) and Cupertino Room Enhanced Provision, before holding a question-and-answer session with the Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils. He then ended the morning with the Year 5 children at the school, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
Mrs Elliott added:
“A visit from Bishop Stephen to our Catholic primary school is important, because it strengthens our connection to the wider Church, and brings our faith to life for the children.
“As the spiritual leader of the Diocese, the Bishop represents Christ and the unity of the Church, helping pupils understand that they are part of a much larger faith community.
“His presence affirms our school’s Catholic identity and reinforces Gospel values such as love, respect, and service. It is also a special and memorable experience for the children, inspiring them in their faith journey, while showing that their spiritual growth and education are valued and supported by the Church.”
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