When I first joined the school, I found it very strange – it was my first experience of Catholic rituals. However, I slowly became fascinated by the weekly prayer routine and religious practices. Morning and evening prayers are compulsory for everyone and, during assembly on Monday, we pray before the assembly starts and sing a hymn at the end.

Additionally, on Friday evenings we have Vespers where we pray and sing. The name is derived from the Latin word vesperum, which translates to ‘evening’ and marks the end of a day. Moreover, for full boarders, attending Mass on Sunday mornings is required and, for Catholics, includes taking communion on top of prayers and hymns.

Through my many attendances to Vespers and Mass, I observed many different ways of praying, such as singing, kneeling, and genuflecting. Personally, I kneel and sing for the choir. Although I remain an atheist, I still kneel to show respect to God and to experience what it is like to be Catholic.

Now, after four years at the school, I find Vespers and Mass relaxing. At times of tension from exams (GCSEs and A-levels), the services help to reduce my stress and clear my mind.

Now a senior student in the school, I have become more involved in the choir and charity school committees, while also sharing my own Chinese culture. Interestingly, I also joined a group with the chaplain to create the school’s first-ever school prayer.

Religious studies is compulsory up to GCSE level, which I was reluctant to study at first. However, through my involvement in my school’s Catholic life, I have become more interested in religion, and I have even chosen the subject for one of my A-levels.

In addition to fostering my interest in religion, the school has made me more open-minded, allowing me to consider different perspectives on religion and life. This leaves me wondering: how might the world change if more people were exposed to diverse religious practices from a young age, shaping their understanding and tolerance?