St Michael's pupils were able to join in the "Big Assembly" via an internet link during his recent historic visit to the UK.

Pope Benedict was speaking to representatives from a range of religious congregations including the Benedictines, the De La Salle Brothers and the Christian Brothers in the chapel of St Mary's. Pupils and teachers listened carefully to his words of encouragement.

''Our responsibility towards those entrusted to us for their Christian formation demands nothing less,'' he said.

''Indeed, the life of the faith can only be effectively nurtured when the prevailing atmosphere is one of respectful and affectionate trust.''

He said he prayed that this may continue to be a ''hallmark'' of Catholic schools in this country.

Later, the Pope was meeting around 4,000 school pupils and young people.

The "big assembly" gathering, around the running track of the Catholic college, was being streamed live on the internet enabling up to 1 million pupils across the country to take part in this special event.