Bishop Lyons

Every year students at Catholic secondary schools in Canterbury compete in public speaking for the Bishop Lyons Shield.

It was established by Bishop Lyons in 1947, who was the Bishop of Christchurch at that time. The competition is between the seven Catholic secondary colleges in the Christchurch diocese and victory is highly coveted. The event involves Debating, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, Scripture Reading and Religious Questions.

Not only is the competition intense and the standard superb, it is also a wonderful opportunity for the young Catholic men and women, and also staff, from the competing colleges to socialise. St Bede’s College has had a fine tradition of success in this competition.