Papal Visit Celebrations

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On 16 September, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in the UK for the first ever state visit by a Pope. On Friday morning, New Hall School students watched The Big Assembly live, where the Pope gave an address particularly aimed at students.

Three New Hall students, Head Girl, Camille Hamilton-Villemur (Year 13), Daniel Mullens (Year 11) and Lucy Barratt (Year 4), attended The Big Assembly as representatives of New Hall. Camille appeared on national television after being interviewed by ITV news on the way to see the Pope at St Mary’s College, Twickenham.
 
In the spirit of celebrating this historic and special event, the school was decorated with papal bunting and balloons in the gold and yellow colours of the Vatican flag. Senior School students were given prayer cards and Preparatory School pupils took home a papal flag as a souvenir of the event. A special Italian themed lunch was also enjoyed by all to mark the occasion.

Students and staff formed part of the 80,000 strong crowds at the Prayer Vigil at Hyde Park, London, on Saturday 18 September. They were delighted to spot Miss Brown on the big screens, who had been invited to be part of the choir that sang from the stage for His Holiness.