Bishop Philip writes…

This week, summer comes to a close as the new academic year opens in our schools. We have 70 Catholic schools in the Diocese and some more of them will be converting to academy-status this year, joining one of our two Catholic Multi-Academy Trusts. Let us pray for all the school leaders, the staff and governors, pupils and parents as the new term gets underway. Let us pray that our schools will be places of encounter with the Person of Jesus Christ and contexts in which every member will grow in knowledge and love, and also closer to Him.

Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News for Tuesday 2nd September 2025. I had an amazing summer, with the diocesan pilgrimages to Taizé, Lourdes and to Rome. We celebrated the ordination of Fr. Ryan Browne and Deacons Emmanuel Chitu and Richard Martin. I also managed to have a week away. Lots to thank God for! I hope and pray that this summer has been a good one for you.

Thanks to Deacon Craig for his editing work and to all of you for submitting your news stories. If you have a good news story to tell or a diocesan event to advertise, please email Deacon Craig. Have a blessed week ahead.

In Corde Iesu

+ Philip

Bishop of Portsmouth

[Image: St. Edmund’s College Chaplaincy Team, Portsmouth]]