Not many schools can say they have special blessings from three Popes over the past 120 years but that’s exactly what St Bonaventure’s can proudly claim.

The school has just received a personalised blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis to bless the Headteacher, staff, students and community on the occasion of our 140th  anniversary that begins this summer. 

This wonderful blessing has just been framed and has been added to the corridor outside Mr Halliwell’s office along with the blessing from Pope Paul VI that was bestowed on the school in 1977 for our centenary but never displayed until now. 

The blessing from Pope Leo Xlll, dated 1896, was discovered in a dusty corner of our cellar about a year ago and has now been restored and framed and added to the other two blessings outside the Head’s office for everyone to see.

Mr Halliwell said: “I am honoured to have three Papal blessings spanning over 120 years and knowing that three Holy Fathers have blessed and prayed for our school, it’s students and staff makes me feel very humble indeed.

“2017 is a very special year for us and although the school has changed dramatically in the 140 years since it was founded, the love and care our students receive has not changed and staff still strive to get the best out of them every single day in a bid to improve their life chances. Pope Francis’ special blessing will invigorate us all to “Live, Love and Learn in the Presence of the Lord” –  as our motto states – every single day.”