Shining Like Stars: St Matthew Academy Pupils Attend Aylesford Priory Retreat

Pupils from St Matthew Academy travelled to the historic and peaceful grounds of Aylesford Priory for a powerful day of reflection, community, and faith.

The theme for this year's pupil celebration was deeply inspiring: "You are the light of the world."

A Warm Welcome and Sacred Liturgy

The day began with a warm welcome from Canon Victor Darlington, who brought together schools from across the diocese. Canon Darlington led the gathered students in a moving liturgy, setting a joyful and reflective tone for the rest of the retreat.

Living the Word

During the service, our students listened closely to a reading from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The scripture offered our young people several key pieces of guidance for their daily lives:

Strength and Comfort: A reminder that Christ's love comforts us and gives us the ultimate strength to face any challenge.
Purity of Heart: An encouragement to approach our daily tasks and responsibilities positively and without complaining.
Shining Bright: A call to live as innocent, pure, and perfect children of God, acts that allow us to truly "shine like the stars in heaven."

Our students represented St Matthew Academy with outstanding reverence and joy, fully embracing the call to be a positive light both in their school and the wider world.