On Wednesday 25th October staff, students and guests witnessed the unveiling of the restored statue of Our Lady which once stood in the grounds of the Sisters of Notre Dame Convent in Parbold. When the convent closed, the statue was brought to St Julie’s but was rather weather beaten with peeling paintwork. It is now restored to her former glory and is at the centre of our Peace and Remembrance Garden. 

Several sisters of Notre Dame were in attendance, alongside our former Headteacher, Mr Tim Alderman and Fr Stephen Pritchard. Members of the 1804 Society, Year 11 prefects, Chaplaincy Prefects and the Gardening club represented the St Julie’s student community. 

Our Chaplain reminded us that the statue holds great significance for us as a Notre Dame school not only because it came from the SND Convent, but as a reminder of the importance of faith and fortitude. Mary embodies courage over fear and a willingness to say ‘yes’, allowing God to guide her. Similarly, Julie’s trust in God enabled her to found the Sisters of Notre Dame (which means ‘Our Lady’) in 1804 and go on to help so many in their education.  

As well a place for prayer and contemplation, the garden area where the statue is situated is also a focal point for remembering those loved ones we have lost. In particular, it is a place where we remember our loved and respected colleague Danielle Duffy, who we lost so suddenly two years ago this month.  

Through the unveiling of this statue, we pray that our faith will be strengthened and God willing, this statue will remain here for many years to come to inspire even more generations of the Notre Dame family.