St Cassian’s, the present Lasallian retreat centre house, has been used for many things over the years. It started off as a family home of one of our Prime Minister’s family!(GLADSTONE). Then it was owned by Oxford University. It was bought by the De La Salle Brothers, who used it as a novitiate and juniorate, a school so young men could become brothers themselves. Eventually, there wasn’t a need for the school, so one of the brothers, Damian Lundy, along with Brother Dominic and Joe had the idea of turning this place into a retreat centre, and so 50 years later, here we are - a retreat centre open to young people all over our district!

On Thursday 17th until Sunday 20th October, nine Year 11 students, including Our Head Boy Christian and Head Girl Aneesa, along with our Chaplain Doug and Mrs Quinnell attended this special retreat, which was also attended by our Lasallian Superior General Bro Armin Luistro FSC and the retreat team at Kintbury. It was attended by staff and students from the whole district of Great Britain, Ireland and Malta. Special thanks also go to Mr Futcher who drove us to and from Kintbury and to Mr Norris who joined us on Friday night and Saturday.

Doug Mongan - Lay School Chaplain