Archbishop of Mark O’Toole visits the new chapel in St John Lloyd Primary School in Cardiff

On the feast day of St. Matthew, His Grace Archbishop Mark visited St. John Lloyd RC Primary School in Cardiff. He was invited to the school to celebrate Mass with Parish Priest Fr. Brian Gray and to bless the new school Chapel. The pupils themselves named the Chapel, the Chapel of Peace and Light. Over the last couple of months, an unused classroom was converted into a special, sacred space for staff and children to engage in collective worship, class Mass, meditation, Stations of the Cross, and private prayer.

The Mass was very thoughtfully prepared, and the children sang and read beautifully. In his homily, His Grace engaged the children in the Call of Matthew by using Caravaggio’s painting of Matthew and the Angel.

After Mass and the blessing of the Chapel, followed by some light refreshments, His Grace was taken into the school’s edible garden and presented with produce that the children had cultivated themselves.

It was a delightful occasion shared with the entire school community, including our Parish Sister and Chair of Governors, Sr. Marie de Monfort, members of the school’s Governing Body, parishioners, parents, as well as staff and pupils from St. Illtyd’s High School and St. Cadoc’s Primary School.

Headteacher Mrs. Claire Hart said,

“What a happy occasion this has been! The school looks forward to using the Chapel for many years to come. We are so blessed to have this special place.”

After his visit to St. John Lloyd, the Archbishop wrote to the school to thank them for their “warm hospitality” and to thank staff and pupils for the “manner in which the Mass was celebrated so beautifully.” He also expressed his anticipation of enjoying the produce from the edible garden with Father Laurence.”