Retreat and Pilgrimage | Cottesmore St Mary Catholic Primary School

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RETREAT & PILGRIMAGE

Franciscan Centre Ladywell Pilgrimage

To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the life and legacy of St Francis of Assisi, our school was invited to join a special Pilgrimage day at the Franciscan Centre, Ladywell in Godalming. The day gave us the opportunity to step away from the busyness of school life and reflect on the values that were so important to St Francis — peace, simplicity, care for creation, kindness and love for others.

Through prayer, reflection and time together, we explored how we can follow St Francis’ example in our own lives and be peacemakers, good stewards of creation and loving members of our community. Our RE Councillors from KS2 plus two members from our Minnie Vinnies and Faith in Action groups took part in this wonderful retreat. Blessed with a day of glorious weather, the children experienced something of the Franciscan spirit through pilgrimage, journeying together, prayer, reflection and encounter with one another, creation and God.

"Our journey to Ladywell was fantastic. We began the day by playing games in a special tent where we had to work in teams. After that, we had a break and a chance of fresh air. Later on, we talked about St Francis of Assisi and St Claire of Assisi. Then, we went to the shrine of Mary and baby Jesus. Next, we visited a chapel where we had to take our shoes off and took part in Adoration. We made little bookmarks of St Francis. It was a wonderful day."

- Sofia

"We went on a coach to Ladywell to represent the school. We explored so many things like a lovely shrine, of Mary and baby Jesus, a beautiful chapel and a massive field. We met another school and had so much fun playing plenty of games at break and lunch time. It was so fun being with younger children and praying all together. Our main role model was St Francis of Assisi. We made St Francis of Assisi bookmarks. This was such a special treat and it was very spiritual."

- Lucas

Staff Retreat to Worth Abbey

As part of our ongoing focus on staff formation at Cottesmore St. Mary, staff were invited to Worth Abbey to reflect on the beauty of the mission the Lord has entrusted to them.

The day encouraged them to recognise that their work is, in fact, a vocation through which God calls them to holiness, offering them a path towards Heaven.

Staff were invited to a take part in a talk by one of the Benedictine Monks, periods of silence, prayer, rest and renewal in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey.