The annual competition of the Columban Missionaries attracted a record 349 entries across Britain and Ireland, the highest number in the nine years the Columbans have run the Schools Media Competition. Young people aged between 13 and 18 years were asked to produce a piece of writing (prose or poem) or image that explored perceptions of people seeking sanctuary, considering practical examples of welcome and solidarity.
Every entry was positive about the Church’s stance of ‘welcoming the stranger’ despite recent threats and animosity against people seeking sanctuary in Britain and Ireland. In Britain, winners’ names have been anonymised amidst the tensions. James Trewby, Coordinator of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team and a competition organiser in Britain, reflects that, “it is a testament to the courage and commitment of the schools that they are willing to stand up and witness to living out Catholic Social Teaching.”
Entries from 31 schools in England, Wales and Scotland were judged by media experts who praised the high quality of all the entries shortlisted. Judges incuded Ruth Gledhill (Assistant Editor at The Tablet), Josephine Siedlecka (Founder and Editor of Independent Catholic News – ICN), Columban Fr. Tim Mulroy ( former Columban Superior General and now based in Britain), Lexi Moulton (an art teacher involved in Columban programmes with refugees), James Trewby, and a group of 14 people with lived experiences of migration from Hope Garden in Birmingham.
The winning piece of writing came from A. (18), St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Sixth Form in Birmingham, which is a School of Sanctuary. In this thoughtful reflection, the writer explores how refugees rarely choose their journeys, but societies can choose compassion. Drawing on personal experience and Catholic Social Teaching, they argue that welcoming the stranger strengthens communities and reflects the Gospel call to uphold human dignity and solidarity.
The winner wrote: “Refugees do not choose their journeys, but we can choose to walk beside them. And in doing so, we may discover that welcoming the stranger does not diminish us, but it transforms us.” Headteacher Chris Martin wrote: “We are delighted that a student in our 6th form has written so passionately and eloquently about supporting refugees. He has shown real faith in action by reflecting on what refugees encounter by fleeing their homes and we should welcome each person into a new and strange environment.”
A. (18), from St. David’s Catholic Sixth Form College in Cardiff, who was awarded second place explains “I’m honoured to have taken part in a competition that emphasises such an important issue. Becoming a refugee is never a choice, and in my entry I hoped to share the importance of how empathy and solidarity guide the way we respond.” In their powerful personal reflection, the writer shared their experience of fleeing gang violence in El Salvador and rebuilding life in the UK. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, they highlighted dignity, solidarity and the transformative impact of compassion in helping refugees feel welcomed, valued and hopeful for the future.
J. (15), from Holy Trinity Academy in Telford, Shropshire was awarded third place with their moving story about a parish community that responds to the arrival of refugees with compassion and faith. Inspired by the Gospel call to “welcome the stranger,” the people of St. George’s Church open their doors and hearts, helping newcomers rebuild their lives and discover a true sense of belonging. J. explains “My article is not a true story but inspired of what is happening around the world.”
The winning image came from G. (14), The Holy Cross School, New Malden. G. said of her first place submission, ‘Between Borders’: “A young refugee gazes beyond a border, with flags reflected in raindrops on the window and distant memories of home in her eyes, symbolising how, after the storm, we can offer hope so refugees never forget where they come from.” Her art teacher, Ms Rita Peneda, wrote: “I am so proud of G. for her winning piece. Her originality in detailing world flags within raindrops displays both impressive artistic skill and a deeply sensitive heart that embodies the values of kindness and solidarity we cherish at Holy Cross School.”
Runners up were K. (16), Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in Upminster, East London and J. (15), Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. K’s image shows a boat of refugees in rough waters representing the thousands of refugees who arrive on small boats in the UK cupped in a pair of hands. These hands represent us and how their new life and comfort depends on our actions. Faintly in the background appear quotes of stereotypes about refugees, but instead of believing these stereotypes we should be welcoming and hospitable towards them because, as stated in the image, no one chooses this.
The bible verse Romans 15:7 perfectly encapsulates our moral duty as Christians to accept and support refugees.
K. explains “In my piece, I wanted to display the struggles and hardships refugees have to go through to achieve a better life. Knowing this, we have the responsibility to accept them and ignore the stigma that often surrounds them. I want to thank The Columban Missionaries in Britain again for this wonderful opportunity and choosing me for 2nd place! I am so grateful!”
“We are so proud of K. for the amazing art work she produced and the placement in this competition.” explains Head Teacher, Ms V Qurrey. “K.’s image illustrates her compassion for her fellow human beings and really illustrates CST in action. I really hope that this art work enables others to see the love and care we need for those in the greatest of need.”
In third place was J. (15), from Loreto Grammar School in Altrincham, Greater Manchester who’s figure representing refugees is filled with the word ‘Refugee’ in many languages including the languages of countries in conflict. They are being held back by the outcomes of war and violence however, hands representing help and acceptance is freeing them allowing them to reach hope.
J. says “I wrote the word refugee in different languages in my piece to highlight that refugees can come from anywhere and we shouldn’t treat them as one single group.”
The Hope Garden Refugee Group “admired the talent of the young people and their understanding of the topic.” The Columbans thanked all the young people who entered the 2026 competition and the judging panels for their support. Former themes of the Competition have focused on Climate Change, Migration, Throwaway Culture, Racism, 21st Century Changemakers, Peace, Biodiversity and, last year, ‘Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope.’