Our House Saints

Our house patron saints were especially chosen as role models who lived extraordinary lives in such a way as to be rewarded with the Kingdom of God. They lived exemplary lives, providing our Community with examples to follow.

St Thomas More

 

More House

Thomas was a high ranking official to Henry VIII. He had great influence and was one of the most powerful men in England. He earned the reputation as an honest and effective public servant. When Henry decided he wished to go against the wishes of the Pope and divorce his wife and remarry Thomas felt he could no longer serve the King and resigned. When Thomas refused to acknowledge Henry as ‘Supreme’ Head of the Church in England rather than the Pope he was charged with high treason, found guilty and put to death. Thomas inspires us to stand up for what we believe to be right even if it comes at a great cost.

St Bernadette Soubirous

 

Soubirous House

Bernadette was a young girl who many had written off because of her age and background. She had a vision of Mary, the mother of Jesus, but many did not believe her. Eventually her persistence and courage inspired her parish priest to take her seriously and her vision was recognised as an important message to the world. Bernadette inspires us to never give up and to be true and honest in her faith.

St Therese Of Lisieux

 

Lisieux House

Therese was from Lisieux in France, where she is co-patron. She died aged only 24 through illness but never complained and showed great strength in her suffering. Her writings survived to carry her message to millions. She is one of only a few women to be called a ‘Doctor of the Church’ for her writings. She was humble and never wanted praise, encouraging others to ‘do the little things’ well. Therese inspires us to do everything we can, however small, to help others and to be strong when times are tough.

St Maximilian Kolbe

 

Kolbe House

Maximilian was a priest from Poland when the 2nd world war broke out he and other monks provided shelter to many refugees, including over 2000 Jews, who were fleeing form Nazi persecution. When he was found out they were arrested and transferred to Auschwitz. Following the escape of a prisoner 10 men were to be starved to death. One of the ten was a married man who cried out ‘My Children!’. Maximillian offered to die in his place. Maximilian inspires us to support those who need our help and to consider the needs of others before our own.

St John Bosco

 

Bosco House

John was a priest from Northern Italy who had a vision of Jesus and Mary who asked him to take particular care of the orphans and street children of Turin. For some of these children it was the first time they felt truly loved and valued. He encouraged them to realise their great value and many gifts that God had given each one of them. John inspires us to recognise the gifts that each person can bring to our community and to be strong in the face of adversity.

St Josephine Bakhita

 

Bakhita House

Josephine Margaret Bakhita, was a Sudanese-born former slave who became a nun in Italy. She was kidnapped by Arab slave traders, and ended up in Italy, which she made her home. She was baptized, confirmed and received her first Holy Communion from the future Pope St Pius X. In 1893 she entered the Canossian Sisters. Throughout her entire life  “her mind was always on God, and her heart in Africa” During her 42 years as a nun she was in frequent contact with the local community. Her gentleness, calming voice, and ever-present smile became famous. A young student once asked Bakhita: “What would you do, if you were to meet your captors?” Without hesitation she responded: “If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. For, if these things had not happened, I would not have been a Christian and a religious today” She was canonized in 2000 and became a Saint. Josephine inspires us to stand up for what is right and to forgive those who persecute us.