On 24th September we marked a very special Day in the life of De La Salle when we celebrated our 50th celebration Mass with Bishop Alan Williams SM and six concelebrating priests, 300 people made up of present and past staff and Students, two former head teachers including Brother Mark, our first head. Among the concelebrating priests were local clergy priests, who had been involved with the school through their ministry in the Parish, Fr Stephen Myers Episcopal Vicar for Education who read the Gospel and former pupil, Fr Damian Wade, who recently ordained and former teacher at DLS Basildon.

In his homily Bishop Alan (a former lasallian student himself) reflected on how our readings (Micah 6:6-8 Act Justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God, Psalm, Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord, Second reading: St Paul's Second letter to Timothy (as of his feast day reading 7th April) Gospel: The Beatitudes.) reflected the five core lasallian principles; Faith in the presence of God, Quality Education, Inclusiveness, concern for the poor and Social Justice and Respect for all.

It was also a chance to say thank you to Mr Nick Crouch for 40 years’ service in Catholic Education. So in recognition, after a few words from Mr Paul Norris our Head, Bishop Alan presented Nick with a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis acknowledging his service.

After the Mass, we joined all together in the School Canteen for Lunch, live music and some reminiscing of stories, photos and great times. It was a great day and certainly one for the record books.

De La Salle, Basildon – we salute you and all that you do for Catholic Education in Essex.

Live Jesus in our Hearts - Forever

Ad Multos Annos.