The choir of Ste Marie de Neuilly, Paris, joined the St Augustine’s Priory annual Carol Service on Tuesday 5th December at Ealing Abbey. Ste Marie, a school which occupies the site on which St Augustine’s Priory was situated from 1862 – 1911, is twinned with St Augustine’s Priory and enjoys a flourishing exchange programme. St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing Catholic independent school for girls, was delighted to welcome Ste Marie to the Carol Service.
This was an evening of wonderful music and moving readings. The Abbey was packed with pupils, family members and past pupils and staff who all enjoyed the evening, a lovely introduction to Advent and the coming of Christmas.
The choirs of both schools blended together beautifully and a programme of both English and French carols was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone with soloists from both schools enriching the already excellent event.
The evening began with a candle-lit procession with props designed by the talented students from Year 9 at St Augustine’s Priory. This was also an occasion where funds were raised for two inspirational charities: Caritas, which works with the poor, vulnerable and excluded around the world, and the Ealing Soup Kitchen, which has been helping the homeless and those in need since 1973.
The amazing sum of £1469.60 was raised, which will be divided between Caritas and the Ealing Soup Kitchen.
This was an inspirational beginning to the Christmas season for pupils and staff alike, a true introduction to the meaning of Christmas.