St Bonaventure’s Catholic School in Forest Gate recently welcomed a delegation of Franciscan friars from the United States as part of the school’s ongoing celebrations for the Jubilee Year of St Francis. 
Among the visiting friars was Fr Casey Cole, known for his popular “Breaking in the Habit” social media channels and books on faith and evangelisation. He was joined by Fr Jason Damon, Fr Roberto Serrano, and Fr Yusuf Bagh.
Throughout the day, the friars spoke with students across several year groups, sharing insights into Franciscan life and encouraging young people to live with humility, compassion and faith. Their talks focused on the importance of service, peace and caring for others within the community.
The friars’ message focused on the Franciscan way of life and its core values in humility, respect, and unconditional love, encouraging students to be instruments of peace in their daily lives with their families, friends, and people around them in the community.
The visit also included the celebration of Holy Mass at St Antony of Padua Church, offering students and staff an opportunity for prayer and reflection rooted in the school’s Franciscan heritage.
Students spoke positively about the experience, describing the visit as inspiring and uplifting. One student said the friars offered “excellent insight into the reality of being a friar in the modern world” while another described the day as “a mini spiritual retreat at school”.
Headteacher Christopher McCormack said: “Our entire school community was deeply touched and inspired by the visit of these three remarkable Franciscans. As a school with a rich and deeply rooted Franciscan heritage, it was wonderful to witness that charism so vibrantly alive in the world today. The day offered a powerful and authentic example to all within our community. They reminded us that the Franciscan spirit is not simply a legacy of the past, but a living call to action, encouraging each of us to serve others with generosity, joy, and faith.”
Founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1877, St Bonaventure’s Catholic School is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year with a series of special events.
