Inside the Vatican's secret saint-making process – an Audio Long Read podcast
Canonisation has long been a way for the Catholic church to shape its own image. As the Vatican prepares to anoint its first millennial saint, we ask how it decides who is worthy
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Glasgow Times
16 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
'Delighted': Glasgow primary school praised by inspectors
Pupils and teachers at St Clare's Primary in Drumchapel are celebrating following the positive report from Education Scotland after a recent visit. The team also found that across the school, pupils achieve above both Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy. The report praised the school's young leaders, adding: 'Children in 'class councils' have been responsible for identifying and ordering a range of resources for the school … including playground equipment and class furniture' which 'helps children understand better that they have unique gifts and talents that can be used to influence positive change.' The inspectors also praised the school's headteacher Maryann McGuinness, senior leaders and teachers, adding: 'They have worked effectively to develop a culture where raising attainment is a key focus for improvement. 'Staff have a deep understanding of the children and context of the school. They have a strong focus on supporting children's wellbeing. This is helping children to feel more confident, secure and be ready to learn.' The report said: 'Children are welcoming, friendly, polite and proud of their school. They are keen to share and celebrate their successes and achievements. 'The positive opportunities for children to achieve success and develop a wide range of skills through a variety of clubs, committees and groups … is supporting successfully children's understanding of leadership and developing their skills for learning life and work.' As areas for improvement, the inspectors said the headteacher and senior leaders 'now need to develop more effective approaches to seek and respond to the views of all stakeholders.' They added: 'This includes parents and staff to inform improved decision-making. 'Staff should continue to develop consistently high-quality approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.' The report also noted that senior leaders and teachers should 'develop plans to help parents understand how best to support their children's learning and wellbeing' and 'continue to raise attainment of all children, particularly in writing by providing sustained opportunities for children to write independently.' Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow City Council's education and early years convener, said: 'This is a lovely report for the school, and I think what shines throughout it is how valued pupil voice is in St Clare's. 'I love the idea of the 'class councils' where the children get to influence decisions in their school and get to pick resources that will ultimately impact their learning. 'The school's motto is 'believe and you will achieve' which is something we want every child and young person in the city to do. 'Well done to everyone in the school community for such a good inspection.' Ms McGuinness said: 'It makes us so proud to know that the inspectors recognised our deeply embedded Catholic values across the school. 'We are also absolutely delighted that the inspection team recognised our effective work in developing a culture where raising attainment is a key driver for improvement. 'Children are achieving above both their Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Former Church of Ireland Primate's 50 years of service are honoured at St Columb's Cathedral
Among the congregation were his wife Lady Eames and members of his family including their sons Niall and Michael. They were joined by a number of bishops from the three dioceses where Lord Eames served, namely Derry and Raphoe, Down and Dromore and Armagh where he was archbishop and primate from 1986 to 2006. Parishioners from the Derry and Raphoe Diocese also attended yesterday, the Feast Day of St Columba, which is celebrated by both main religious traditions. In Ireland, Columba is also remembered as a patron saint of poets, and is associated with the Book of Kells. The sermon was preached by the current Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Reverend Andrew Foster, who earlier paid tribute to Lord Eames. He said: 'Lord Eames has been a blessing to our diocese, to the Church of Ireland as a whole, and to the wider society on this island during his decades in ministry. He has been a distinguished and courageous church leader who has made an immense contribution to peace-building and reconciliation. 'We in Derry and Raphoe give thanks for Lord Eames' stewardship of our diocese in a troubled period of its history in the late Seventies. 'We are thankful for his leadership of the Church of Ireland over two decades during which our society went from the darkness of the Troubles into the light of a new, admittedly fragile peace. Even in the darkest days, Lord Eames preached a message of hope, born out of his faith in God. He is someone who can always see the good in humanity.' During his five years as Bishop of Derry before he moved to Belfast, Lord Eames worked closely with the Catholic Bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, and the late SDLP leader John Hume. He also made a special point of visiting homes in the Bogside area. He said: 'I wanted to hold out the hand of friendship to the whole Catholic community in Derry.' During his long career, Lord Eames, who is now 88, travelled widely to help solve problems in the worldwide Anglican communion. News Catch Up - Tuesday 10th June 'It was my experience in Derry which taught me much about bridge-building and reconciliation and this benefitted me greatly in subsequent stages of my ministry, including my time as Bishop of Down and Dromore and also in Armagh,' he said. When he retired as primate, he became a cross-bencher peer in the House of Lords and continued to foster the interests of Northern Ireland, and to continue his widespread ministry through preaching. With Sir John Major, he paid tribute at a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey for Peter Brooke, a former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Last year, Lord Eames was injured in a fall, but is making a steady recovery. He said prior to the Derry service yesterday that 'it was one of the most touching invitations of my career which brought back memories of the vast changes in church life and politics in the last half century'.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Plans for remedial works at St. Winefride Church in Holywell
A planning application has been submitted to Flintshire Council regarding the St. Winefride's Roman Catholic Church in Holywell. The church holds national significance - with Holywell being recognised as one of the most historically important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the country. The church's presbytery, with its 17th-century origins, is of particular historical importance, reflected in its Grade II listing. Its designation highlights the well-preserved historic buildings, which provide insight into the architectural style and liturgical functions of the church during its period. The church is named after St Winefride - a 7th-century Catholic martyr. The nearby St Winefride's Well, a holy well and shrine, has been welcoming Catholic pilgrims for 14 centuries and is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The proposal is for extensive remedial works at the church's western façade. A planning statement says: "The presbytery is in a state of significant disrepair. Extensive water damage has affected the structure, leading to chipping paint, broken windows, deteriorating render, and roof defects. "These issues have contributed to mould growth, rotting timber, poor internal air quality, and persistent dampness, among other concerns. Without intervention, ongoing deterioration is highly likely to result in structural failure or irreparable damage." It adds that if repair works aren't carried out, a "substantial amount of important historical architectural history could be lost". The statement continues: "The proposed works require a re-model of the western façade of St Winefride's Catholic Church Presbytery with the removal of the conservatory at its gable end. The state of repair of the gable end is contributing to an ingress of rainwater, which is damaging the structure of the building. "Page 4 of the report of by Vale Consultancy states that the current structural condition of the conservatory means that renovation would practically be close to impossible, without extensive replacement and underpinning to conform to modern Building Regulations. "Their assessment concluded 'Due to evidence of water ingress/ dampness, sloping ground floors, possible subsidence, and poor detail between the glass roof and the main wall, it is suggested that the Green House is demolished and rebuilt in modern construction'." (Image: Planning documents) The work would be completed in four phases - which would begin with the demolition of the conservatory. Phase two will also involve carrying out conservation works on windows considered to be the most important in the building, appearing to date from the second quarter of the 19th century and having "fine gothic detailing". (Image: Planning documents) Phase three would involve repairing all internal walls within the utility room and toilet area damaged by ingress of rainwater with lime plaster. MORE NEWS: Phase four includes repainting the presbytery gantry due to corrosion. (Image: Planning documents) The statement concludes: "The planned refurbishment and remedial works will improve the overall condition of the dwelling, prolong the life of the listed building, and enhance the surrounding area's appearance. "While the repairs may introduce minor changes to the building's heritage, the practical benefits far outweigh any impacts, leading to a significantly improved visual appeal. "In conclusion, the proposals are considered essential to the ongoing care of the presbytery, thoughtfully designed with respect for its existing materials and architectural aesthetic."
