Page 14 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | events The Blessing of the Rosmini Centre Friday 23rd September 2011 Although the Rosmini Centre has been hangar, where guest speakers and the Many had asked about the vision behind in operation for over five years, the congregation found their places. The the Rosmini Centre, and it was the turn of official opening of the Centre and the Bishop commented that the hangar was the director to place into focus its three blessing of the Chapel dedicated to a “magnificent” building, full of character main purposes: 1- To be a contemplative Blessed Rosmini took place on Friday and very much suited to the double use of place, a house of prayer for the religious 23rd September 2011. Bishop Malcolm storage of books and as a lecture hall. It community and for the many people who was welcomed by beautiful sunshine and was the Bishop who opened the series of came to seek God; 2- To be the spiritual a large congregation of over 130 people, five speeches, which did not seem to put power house of Ratcliffe College, like, representing the many friends of anyone in the audience to sleep. On the for example, the Benedictines in their the Centre. contrary, there was great appreciation for monastery at Ampleforth; the Rosmini all of them. The Bishop gave a deep talk Centre is meant to be a constant source on prayer, linking it to the name of the of spirituality, of educational principles, place, the Rosmini Centre House of Prayer. a place where staff, students, parents and Old Ratcliffians can find the unifying After the speeches, the people were thread which is Rosminian Ethos and entertained by a small orchestra as spirituality; 3- To be a Centre for the refreshments were being served. The diffusion of Rosminian spirituality, College excelled itself both for its philosophy, and theology. Blessed Rosmini presence at the event and for the superb was a great saint, one of the greatest level of cooperation in providing music, Christian philosophers of all times, and food, entertainment, and equipment. Bishop Malcolm speaking to the The Headmaster’s speech won great a very original theologian. He ought to invited guests support as he stressed the huge value of become better known in Britain. Rosminian spirituality and educational The last words were spoken by Fr The chapel had to be extended, but nearly principles for the life of the College. He Provincial, who thanked the Bishop in everyone fitted in and could follow the commented that intellectual charity was at particular, and all who had come for the solemn liturgy of Holy Mass with the the centre of all that is being done at the celebration. He expressed his gratitude consecration of the altar and the blessing College, and that the Rosmini Centre has that what was perhaps difficult to imagine of the walls of the chapel. At the end provided and will provide the necessary only a few years ago had now become a of Mass, the Bishop, followed by the guidance and spiritual support. beautiful reality, thanks to the Providence congregation and singing the litany of the of the Almighty God. Saints, proceeded to bless each of the The Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood other buildings, going to the start of the Council were our guests, and the Fr Antonio Belsito IC Stations of the Cross and the Rosary Walk, Mayor spoke about the good fortune Director of the Rosmini Centre among the trees. of Leicestershire to have a place where For further information go to: people can withdraw for quiet meditation www.rosminicentre.org.co.uk The procession ended inside the to recover their direction in life. Past Presidents’ Annual Dinner, 14th October 2011 Thanks to the generous hospitality of restaurants. The catering and serving Casartelli (56) Fr Anthony Meredith the Headmaster and College, the annual staff were highly commended. (1957), Jonty Myles (1957), Dick Past Presidents’ Dinner was held once Cunningham (58), Philip Jones (59), again on Friday 14th October. This was the 13th PP Dinner with Paul Carter (60), Fr Ted Mullen (60), a record 25 attendees showing Paul Rudd (60), Fr Simon Giles (60), their support for Ratcliffe and the David Jolliffe (64), Richard Gamble (64) Rosminians. The consensus was and Peter Astill (71) that this year’s event was the best and most enjoyable to date. Gareth Current President, Bishop John Arnold Lloyd welcomed the guests before (71), was required elsewhere and was leaving early to represent Wales in unable to attend. the Amsterdam Marathon, requiring a 4.00am start. Toasts to Ratcliffe, the Michael Heath (56) Association Council Member Fr Anthony Meredith (57) concelebrates Headmaster and marathon success were Mass with Frs Tony Baxter (38), Fr Ted well received. Mullen (60) & Fr Simon Giles (60) Present were: Mr Gareth Lloyd (Headmaster) and Mrs Katharine Lloyd, A Mass, concelebrated by four priests Vice President Abe Mee (92) and who are all Past Presidents, made a Association Secretary Jackie Bennett. fitting start to the evening, with piano accompaniment to the hymns provided Past Presidents: Fr Anthony Baxter by the Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd. (38), Clifford Della Porta (43), Philip Hebbert (44), Leo Simmons (49), A champagne reception in the Old Michael Coker (52), Patrick Jolliffe Library was followed by a superb meal (53), Anthony Jewell (54), Sir Anthony which one Past President commented Holland (56), Michael Heath (56), Peter Michael Coker (52) & Tony Jewell (54) was better than most top London sharing a joke 14