A Morning of Music, Joy, and Edmund Rice Spirit at Our School
Our school hall was transformed into a place of rhythm, colour, and pure joy as we welcomed the Asylum Link Choir for a very special visit. The moment the first notes rang out, something magical happened—there wasn’t a single child or adult who could keep still! Feet tapped, shoulders swayed, and smiles spread across the room like sunlight. It was the kind of music that didn’t just fill the hall; it lifted every heart in it.
The Choir, made up of people from many countries and cultures, brought with them stories of courage, hope, and welcome. Their music echoed messages that sit at the very heart of our Edmund Rice 8 Essentials, making the morning feel not just enjoyable but deeply meaningful.
As they sang, we saw presence in its truest form—every person in that hall fully alive to the moment, connected through shared sound. Their harmonies carried a message of compassion, reminding us of the importance of seeing and honouring the dignity of each person. The Choir’s resilience and joy spoke beautifully to us all, showing how music can free the spirit even in the face of difficulty.
Students later shared how the visit helped them understand justice and solidarity, hearing first-hand how the Choir supports people seeking safety and belonging. In the way our pupils welcomed our guests—smiling, listening, dancing—we also witnessed inclusivity, one of our most cherished values. The Choir’s performance encouraged courage, too, inspiring everyone to stand up for kindness and understanding. And finally, the morning reminded us of love of the marginalised, a call to extend our hearts beyond ourselves.
By the final song, the hall was buzzing with energy. Teachers found themselves clapping along just as enthusiastically as the youngest pupils. When the last note faded, the applause was thunderous—not just because the music was wonderful, but because the message behind it touched us all.
The Asylum Link Choir didn’t just visit our school; they brought the Edmund Rice story to life through every beat and breath. It was a morning we will remember—one that left us humming, hopeful, and more connected than when we walked in.
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.