Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School is delighted to announce its deepening involvement in the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year, highlighting its commitment to faith, unity, and hope within the school and wider community.

Earlier in the academic year, the school celebrated the opening of the Jubilee Year with a special First Friday Mass, gathering pupils and staff in prayer and reflection. This celebration marked the beginning of Mount Carmel’s participation in Jubilee events, including the honour of receiving the Jubilee Anchor.

On 5 November, Mount Carmel proudly welcomed the Jubilee Anchor from St Mary’s, Oswaldtwistle. The arrival was marked by a Celebration of the Word in the school chapel, during which pupils reflected on the symbolism of the anchor as a sign of hope and steadfast faith. Following the service, the school community shared a breakfast together, celebrating unity and gratitude.

Two days later, on 7 November, members of Mount Carmel’s Gift Team accompanied by school leaders and chaplains took the Jubilee Anchor to St Anne’s Church in Accrington. During Mass, pupils and parishioners came together to continue the anchor’s journey around the diocese. As part of the liturgy, Fr Wadsworth reminded everyone that “in this Jubilee Year, Christ is our anchor,” a message that resonated deeply with both schools. After Mass, Mount Carmel pupils and staff made a pilgrimage to St. Oswald's Primary School, Accrington where we handed over the Anchor in a beautifully crafted Celebration of the Word, complete with singing and reflection. Everyone wrote Jubilee Pledges too!

This local celebration forms part of the wider diocesan preparation for the Jubilee Year. Earlier in the year, Mr Ben Davies, Head of Religious Education at Mount Carmel R.C. High School, undertook a “mini pilgrimage” to Rome. Carrying the Pilgrim Cross on behalf of the school, he visited the four Holy Doors, walked over 40 miles, and delivered prayer petitions gathered from Mount Carmel pupils and staff. His journey symbolised the school’s spiritual commitment and allowed the hopes and prayers of the Mount Carmel community to be brought to the heart of the Church.

Mount Carmel sees the Jubilee Anchor not simply as a travelling symbol, but as a powerful reminder of the school’s mission: to be a “family of faith and learning,” rooted in Christ and united in hope. The Jubilee celebrations have offered pupils a unique opportunity to reflect on their faith, serve their community, and share moments of meaningful prayer.

“Receiving the anchor was deeply humbling,” said Mr Davies. “It reminds us that even through life’s storms, Christ remains our constant – our anchor.”

Mount Carmel looks forward to further Jubilee activities throughout the year including a food bank collection and continues to celebrate and deepen their faith during this special time in the life of the Church.