Winners have been announced in a media competition for young people in Britain and Ireland on the subject ‘Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope.’ The competition attracted a record 272 entries across Britain and Ireland, the highest number in the eight years the Columbans have run a Schools Competition.
Young people 13-18 years were asked to produce a piece of writing or image that highlighted a community or groups bringing hope in the world in this Jubilee Year, making a difference locally, nationally or globally.
In Britain, entries from 22 schools were judged by media experts who praised the high quality of all the entries shortlisted: Ruth Gledhill (Assistant Editor at The Tablet), Josephine Siedlecka (Founder and Editor of Independent Catholic News – ICN). Also judging were CAFOD Campaigns Manager Andrea Speranza, Columban Fr. Ed O’Connell, now back in Britain after many years on mission in Peru, Columban JPE Co-ordinator James Trewby and a group with lived experiences of Migration from Hope Garden in Birmingham.
In Britain, the winning article came from Armance Young of St. Catherine’s in Twickenham. Runners up were Aleksandra Niklewska from Loreto School in Altrincham, a school which had three winners, and Elsie Healy from Bishop Challoner in Birmingham.
Armance Young highlighted the ‘Jubilee’ work of CAFOD, Jesuit Refugee Service, the Sant’Egidio Community and Mary’s Meals. She said, “I was delighted to participate in the essay competition on a topic that I am passionate about, and to have learnt about the work of the Columban Missionaries.” She urged all Catholics “to recognise the power of communal action.” Catherine McDonough, the Head of RE at St. Catherine’s, said: “We are delighted to hear that Armance has won this nationwide competition celebrating communities that bring hope in the world today. Hers is an inspiring message that resonates deeply within our community at St. Catherine’s, as we embark as pilgrims of hope in this special Jubilee Year. It’s truly special when such a powerful example of hope and service comes directly from a young woman.”
The winning image came from Arianna Boardman from Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham. WIth the title ‘Love God’s World’, Arianna drew bubbles highlighting diverse environmental problems, with Earth at the centre and celebrating the Laudato Si Movement. The Head of RE at Loreto, Ann-Marie Bridle, said, “This competition has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with such an important theme in the wider context of our Catholic faith.”
Judge Fr. Ed O’Connell explained “The image is strong and understands the connectedness of us humans with the whole of creation. It represents well the Laudato Si’ Movement.
Second place was Favour Eze from All Saints, Dagenham. Ruth Gloedhill, Assistant Editor at The Tablet, said: “This unconventional image is nevertheless beautifully executed and shows great artistic talent. It is very much in the spirit of current trends in youth and street art, with an authentic ‘retro’ feel that anchors the viewer both in nostalgia for a past before the depredations wrought on our planet by humanity, as well as in a longing for a better future. The graphics and line drawing are highly-skilled. The artist is to be congratulated for their courage in using vintage-style monochrome. They draw the viewer in to study it all closely and explore for the wisdom in the finer details, and leave them wanting more.”
‘Be a pilgrim of hope’ by Alice Holt of Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham was awarded joint third place by the judges. “My image shows people standing up and showing love for others and the environment and spreading hope in the world.” explains Alice.
Cassi Walesiak of St. Paul’s, Milton Keynes, titled her entry ‘ A Better Future Is In Our Hands’. “I have painted a picture of my mum planting plants in order to restore some of Gods work back into Earth and to help put a stop to the climate change crisis.” said Cassi when asked about her artwork. “The soil in the original picture I have changed into a plaster to show how a plant can heal the Earth. I have also scattered some relevant newspaper articles to encourage people to think about the seriousness of this issue and how it is affecting everybody, everywhere.”
The Columbans thanked all the young people who entered the 2025 competition and the judging panels. Former themes of the Competition have focused on Climate Change, Migration, Throwaway Culture, Racism, 21st Century Changemakers, Peace and Biodiversity.