Friday May 18th 2018 saw another group from Salesian School Chertsey attend the second Diocesan Secondary School Pilgrimage to Arundel Cathedral. Nine pupils from years 8-10 were driven by minibus by Fr. Marco, Mrs. Morrison and Br. Mateusz.

After a remarkably stress-free drive for an hour and fifteen minutes, the group arrived at the designated car park where the schools were to congregate. Salesian School Chertsey was joined by about five other secondary schools from across the diocese of Arundel and Brighton.

In glorious sunshine, we walked through hills and quiet footpaths, before arriving at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St. Philip Howard. The pilgrimage Mass started at noon, with Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, presiding. Representatives Two pupils from Salesian School Chertsey, Olivia Woods and Nicola Howie, were asked to represent our school by reading the first reading and responsorial psalm.

A picnic lunch outside the Cathedral and a short visit to the Cathedral gift shop was followed by a stroll through the town and a sampling of local Arundel ice cream before our return to Guildford Road Chertsey by the end of the school day.

Particular thanks go to the Diocese and the Catholic Education Service for organising the pilgrimage and also to Mrs. Morrison and Br. Mateusz without whom the trip would not have been possible.

Story & Photo: Fr Marco Villani SDB