Wednesday, 25 June, Bishop Bernard Longley marked the 100th Good Shepherd Mass at Westminster Cathedral by Celebrating a Mass for 2,300 diocesan school children.

The Good Shepherd Mass is held each year to mark the participation of schools in the Catholic Children's Society's annual Lenten Appeal on behalf of children and families in crisis. Although the Mass has been held annually for more than a century, the Cathedral has become its home for this Mass ever since the Cathedral was consecrated 100 years ago.  For a bigger picture, click here

In celebration of this momentous occasion, Bishop Bernard Longley, who has recently been appointed, not only as Auxiliary Bishop to the diocese, but also as Chairman of the Catholic Childrens Society (Westminster) gladly welcomed the opportunity to introduce himself to so many of the Diocese's young people.

He said: 'It was a marvellous occasion. The theme of the Mass was the Rainbow - the covenant of hope between God and Man and the children responded wonderfully, in dance, drama, song in reflecting the joy and hope of this message. It was a very exhilarating and moving event and I would like to thank all schools who attended and took part'.

The Mass was the best attended in a decade, with 75 primary and secondary schools represented who, from the resounding cheers at the end of the Mass, clearly enjoyed the experience. The appeal is set to reach in the region of £50,000.