Earlier this month, the Archdiocese of Liverpool welcomed His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, for a five-day visit celebrating the life and mission of the Church across the Archdiocese.

The visit began on Thursday 10 September at St Mary’s Church in Leyland, where a Mass for Catholic education was celebrated by the Most Reverend John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool.

Music played a central role, with a massed choir formed from the area choirs of the Archdiocese of Liverpool Schools Singing Programme: Knowsley, Widnes, Liverpool South and Liverpool Central Catholic Children’s Choirs. Together, the 36 singers represented 20 different schools from across the Archdiocese.

The choir led and uplifted the liturgy with music by S. S. Wesley, Mike Stanley and the Taizé Community. Their joyful contribution particularly impressed Archbishop Maury Buendía, who thanked them personally afterwards and commented that they ‘sing so joyfully’.

Representatives from more than 30 schools across Lancashire attended the Mass. Addressing dignitaries afterwards, the Nuncio said: ‘On behalf of the Holy Father, I thank you for all that you do: for your fidelity to the Church and for your service of children and young people. Please be assured that the mission entrusted to you is valued by the whole Church.’

A headteacher from Widnes commented: ‘We are so proud of our students representing the school at such a unique event. We will show the pictures in assembly on Monday to celebrate their achievements!’

Music continued throughout the visit, with the Nuncio attending a concert at St Francis de Sales Church by the Hope Street Consort and friends, featuring polyphony and early music by Tallis, Guerrero, Byrd, García and Palestrina. Three Choral Directors from the Schools Singing Programme also took part.

The visit concluded with Choral Evening Prayer at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, with the Cathedral Choir and community.

The Archdiocese of Liverpool Schools Singing Programme is proud to have played such a central role in the important visit, in particular showcasing the strength of its area choirs initiative for which further growth is planned this academic year.