Senior church leaders visit Ann Maguire’s school

CARDINAL Vincent Nichols and the Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon, on Wednesday visited Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds where Ann Maguire was stabbed to death in a classroom last week, writes James Macintyre.

The church leaders prayed with the local community for the 61-year-old teacher, and passed on the condolences of all bishops from England and Wales who have gathered in Leeds this week for their plenary meeting.

A spokesman for the bishops’ conference said: “They have been greatly moved by the resilience, prayerfulness and dignity of the community at this tragic time. They are keeping Ann Maguire and her family in their prayers at this time.”

The visit came after Mrs Maguire was remembered with special prayers during Masses in the diocese on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a book of condolence was opened at Leeds Cathedral, with members of the public writing their tributes and prayers for Mrs Maguire; and on Saturday, the National Association of Head Teachers Conference in Birmingham held a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs Maguire.
A 15-year-old boy was last week charged with the murder.