Wallasey pupils reflect during Jubilee Icon pilgrimage visit
by Educate Magazine December 4, 2025 · Primary School News
Pupils at St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, Wallasey, were invited into moments of reflection as the Jubilee Icon arrived at the school. The visit was part of its pilgrimage across the Diocese of Shrewsbury.
2025 is the Jubilee Year, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The icon has, therefore, been travelling to all Catholic schools across the diocese as a symbol of hope. It arrived at St Alban’s on Wednesday, 26 November.
The Jubilee Icon depicts the biblical event, the Visitation. This is where Mary travels to meet her cousin, Elizabeth, after the angel Gabriel tells her that God has chosen her to become the mother of Jesus.
St Alban’s hosted the icon for two days. During this time, all pupils had the opportunity to reflect and pray before the icon. They contributed messages of hope in a journal that accompanies the pilgrimage for pupils in other schools to read.
What did pupils have to say?
Janessa, a pupil in Year 6, said: “It is very special having this icon in our school. We can celebrate the magnificent moment Mary was told she was having a child.”
Freddie, also in Year 6, added: “This icon makes me feel happy because it is celebrating a special moment. We were able to sit quietly and reflect on this extraordinary picture.”
St Alban’s was the 107th diocesan school to host the Jubilee Icon. Earlier this week [Monday, 1 December], it took part in a handover service with Holy Spririt Catholic and Church of England Primary School, Leasowe. The celebration of the word marked the handover service.
Words from leadership
Headteacher, Mr John McDonald, said: “Hosting the Jubilee Icon has been a truly special moment for our school community. It gave our pupils the opportunity to consider the significance of the Visitation within Catholic teaching, reflect upon this and, ultimately, think about how they can carry hope to others in this Holy Year and beyond.”
St Alban’s Catholic Primary School is a proud member of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT). The trust comprises nine schools, including two secondary and seven primary, across Wirral and Cheshire.
CEO of HFCMAT, Mr Andy Moor, added: “The Jubilee Icon pilgrimage is a wonderful example of how schools can come together in faith, solidarity and hope. It’s been fantastic to see St Alban’s play its part in this pilgrimage, making them the latest school within HFCMAT to host the icon.”
