Pupils from Year 7 Bosco form at All Saints School in York took part in the annual St Michael’s Day Procession at the Bar Convent, a tradition that has spanned more than 300 years.
In around 1696 an attempt was made by a mob to destroy the Bar Convent and therefore most of the children were sent away for safety.
The relics were hidden while the community waited for whatever might happen that night. Reverend Mother Bedingfield took the picture of St Michael that hung above the convent door and placed the convent under his protection.
Those in the house opposite described how they saw a tall person on a white horse brandishing a sword above the convent. The mob had retreated back down Micklegate, leaving the convent and its occupants unharmed.
In keeping with tradition, the youngest pupil in Year 7 along, with a number of other Year 7 pupils, attended the procession, which began in the Bar Convent hall with the retelling of the story.
As we sang the first hymn, Kobe C, the school’s youngest pupil, upheld tradition by leading the procession while carrying the picture of St Michael to the chapel.
Francesca E-C and Santiago B-B carried candles behind him. The rest of the pupils followed the procession to the chapel, where they sang and led the prayers of intercession.
It is wonderful that the school is able to continue to support its links to the Bar Convent by taking part in this great tradition.

Rebecca Kramm