Early in 2012, Mr Williams, father of boarding student Alexander in Year 11, approached Ratcliffe College with the idea of presenting His Holy Father Pope Benedict with a gift as Mr Williams was due to be in Rome on business later in the year and had the opportunity to attend a Papal Audience.
Given that Alexander had attended Grace Dieu Manor Preparatory before moving up to Ratcliffe College, Headmaster of Ratcliffe College Mr Gareth Lloyd felt that a suitable idea would be to select a talented Art student who had done the same, and who could paint a scene that would reflect the Rosminian ethos and values shared by the two schools.
Thus, in discussion and tutelage with Head of Art, Mr Dominic Berry, Amelia Woolford created a wonderful painting depicting the mother pelican with her young brood, representing Christ leading His flock, as well as the sacrifice of Christ on the cross willing to die for His flock.
When the painting was completed, it was handed over to Mr Williams who took it with him to the Vatican in November. On seeing the pictures of her painting being handed to the pontiff, Amelia was, quite rightly, extremely excited.
Prints of Amelia’s wonderful painting are available for £5 each from the Art Department of Ratcliffe College.