​BASTILLE Day celebrations were extra special this year for St John Fisher College, Bracken Ridge, when Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane led a Mass in French to mark the occasion.

The momentous Mass had particular significance for St John Fisher College students who are part of the college's Language Immersion Excellence Program.

The program provides Year 8 and 9 students with the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the French language by electing to study the subject of Religion in French.

St John Fisher College Principal, Catherine Galvin they were honoured and humbled to have His Grace attend the college and celebrate Mass in French on Bastille Day.

“It was a memorable and joyous occasion for our college, as we mark our 40th year and of particular significance for our Language Immersion students who really had to utilised their French language skills to understand the ceremony."

Archbishop Coleridge, who speaks fluent French, told the students he started learning the language at age 10.

He is passionate about learning foreign languages and encouraged them to never think they were wasting time learning another language.

“It opens so many doors and provides great perspective and understanding of other cultures," he said.

Year 9 Language Immersion student Gloria Adzraku said she was pleasantly surprised at her level of comprehension of the Mass spoken in French.

“It was a unique and enjoyable experience, and I was surprised at how much I could actually understand," Gloria said.  

Students studying French at St Rita's College, Clayfield, and Brigidine​ College, Indooroopilly, were also invited to attend the special Mass and said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.