Bishop's grass-roots visit

The Bishop of Salford John Arnold visits St. Anne's RC Primary School to bless its new prayer garden, after a personal invitation by the pupils.

THE Bishop of Salford visited an Oldham school to bless their prayer garden and meet students.

Bishop John Arnold accepted an invitation from the school's pupil chaplains to visit St Anne's RC Primary School in Greenacres and bless the garden, which was originally a vacant concrete space.

The bishop arrived at the school where he received a guard of honour as he entered the building before attending a school assembly and then blessed the prayer garden.

Afterwards he was given a tour of the school, where he visited each class and spoke with the pupil chaplains who shared with him all the work they had done throughout the year.

Suzanne McHale, head of RE, said: "The bishop was impressed with the prayer garden and the school.

"He said that he found us to be a welcoming school and was impressed with the behaviour of the children. He particularly enjoyed visiting the classes and speaking to each year group.

"The ethos of the school was clear to see and feel.

"He loved the fact that children could go to an area of the school to pray on their own or in small groups.

"The children were very respectful and enjoyed the bishop's visit.

"I think it is absolutely wonderful that our pupils have had the opportunity to meet their bishop.

"They will probably remember this day for the rest of their lives.

"The bishop has listened to the voice of out children and that mean a lot."

The bishop also got a chance to speak to staff and governors of the school as he enjoyed a buffet lunch at the school.

Mary Garvey, head teacher, said: "We were delighted to welcome Bishop John Arnold to our school today. He took time out of his busy schedule to open and bless our prayer garden in response to the invitation from our pupil chaplains.

"It was a great honour."