25 October 2026 · Event recap
On Sunday 25 October, St. Gerald’s Academy gathered around its P.7 candidates for a blessing Mass and a joyful afternoon with families, teachers, and friends.
The story of the day
The day began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass led by Father Safari. It then opened into an afternoon of music, mimes, dances, words of encouragement, and shared celebration as the candidates were reminded that they are surrounded by a whole school community.
Faith at the beginning. Courage for the journey.St. Gerald’s Academy · Candidates’ Blessing Mass 2026
The day, hour by hour
Morning · from 10:50
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Father Safari led the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on the school veranda, turned into a sanctuary for the day. Candidates proclaimed the readings, carried the offertory gifts, and then stood in long rows on the lawn as each of them received a personal blessing for the weeks ahead.
Afternoon · from 1:00
P.7 takes the stage
After Mass, the lawn became a stage. The candidates entertained parents and guests with skits, mimes, and dances, bringing laughter, movement, and a little more confidence to the afternoon, and a reminder that exam preparation also makes room for creativity and joy.
Through the afternoon
Words for the journey
The director, the headteacher, and the head of teachers spoke, alongside parents and guests. Their messages gathered around one clear hope: that every candidate would move forward with discipline, courage, faith, and the knowledge that the St. Gerald’s community is behind them.
Evening · from 4:40
A sweet close
The candidates gathered around their cake, many hands on the knife at once, and the formal programme softened into a relaxed celebration. Families, teachers, clergy, and candidates lingered for photographs, the kind of evening that stays in a school’s memory long after the chairs are folded away.
Frame by frame
One school · one community · one hopeful journey
