Ampleforth: St Benedict of Nursia (480 – 547 AD) – Faith in God
St Benedict was an innovator. No one had ever set up monastic communities like his before
or directed them with a rule. Benedict had the holiness and the ability to take this step. His
beliefs and instructions on religious life were collected in what is now known as the Rule of
Saint Benedict — still directing religious life after 15 centuries. He had faith in God. As a school community we look to St Benedict and his love of C
hrist as we live out the Bishop’s vision to make Christ known and loved.
Clitherow: St Margaret Clitherow (1556 – 1586) – Courage in Adversity
Margaret’s zeal led her to harbor fugitive priests, for which she was arrested and imprisoned
by hostile authorities. Recourse was had to every means in an attempt to make her deny her
Faith, but the holy woman stood firm. Finally, she was condemned to be pressed to death on March 25, 1586. As a school community we look to St Margaret when facing uncertainty, remembering her strength, courage, grace and resilience.
Postgate: Blessed Nicholas Postgate (1596 – 1679) – Charity through Care
Blessed Nicholas Postgate lived in Yorkshire at a time when it was
dangerous to be priest. A vocation which was punishable by death if caught. Alongside celebrating Mass in secret, he shared his food and clothes with the poor and offered them both spiritual and practical help. As a school community we look to Blessed Nicholas in all our acts of charity, remembering it is better to give than to receive.
Whitby: St Hild (Hilda) of Whitby (614 – 680) – Wisdom in Judgement
Hild is a significant figure in the history of English Christianity. As the abbess of Whitby – a monastery for both men and women – she led one of the most important religious centres in the Anglo-Saxon world. In 664 Hild’s monastery hosted the Synod of Whitby, which set the course for the future of Christianity in England. As a school community we look to St Hild and her wisdom when facing important decisions.
