Bishop blesses new statue

Bishop Mark Davies was the guest of honour at St John’s Catholic Primary School earlier this week, where he also blessed a statue of St John and Mary.

The Bishop was welcomed by both students and staff at the Bridgnorth school on May 23, where he took part in a whole school assembly.

The new additions to the Bridgnorth school, which are positioned in the school's foyer, were bought by the Parish of St John's to contribute to the school's values and Catholic way of life.

Bishop Mark was greeted by Jessica Buzzing, the school's headteacher, who was appointed back in September last year.

Mrs Buzzing said: "Bishop Mark and the faith council which is made up of representatives from years two and six went to the school foyer to bless the statue of St John and Mary. Earlier this week children took part in a May procession, a year six girl was crowned our lady with a crown of flowers as part of the May devotions.

"Children were then invited to lay flowers around the statue as a sign of devotion. The children have enjoyed taking part in the recent Catholic traditions and meeting Bishop Mark."

The Bishop used holy water to bless the new alter and lectern and talked to the children about the process. This process is a tradition in the Catholic Church, where religious objects are to be blessed.

Since being appointed on the September 1, 2017, Mrs Buzzing has lead the school through an Ofsted inspection, with the school being graded as a ‘good provider’ and more recently awarded ‘outstanding’ in March 2018.

St. John’s is a Catholic voluntary aided primary school within the diocese of Shrewsbury.

The school has been in existence since 1856, providing education for the children of the Catholic community of Bridgnorth and the surrounding area.