A former Archbishop of Canterbury gave an inspirational sermon to pupils, teachers and staff during a moving St Catharine’s Day service.

Amid stunning performances by Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls’ choir, The Right Reverend and The Right Honourable The Lord Rowan Williams of Oystermouth spoke about God’s endless gift of life.

More than 650 girls and members of staff gathered for the annual service to celebrate the School’s Patron Saint at St Mary’s Priory Church on Friday, which was opened flawlessly by HMSG’s Chamber Choir.

During his sermon, The Rt Rev Lord Williams talked about the panic around buying exactly the right Christmas presents for people, and how we should only be concerned about one gift at this special time of year.

“Christmas is supposed to be about ‘gift’, not ‘gifts’,” he told the congregation.

“God’s life is the gift that makes all the difference, the kind that changes the sort of world we live in.

“It’s not something we’ve paid for, which we deserve – it just happens.

“It arrives in our hands, all we have to do is keep them open.

“God never runs out of life, love or generosity. He never runs out of the desire to be here with us, making a difference to us.”

The Rt Rev Lord Williams encouraged pupils and staff to have the courage and strength to share God’s love with everyone.

“It seems like a time when people who call themselves religious are making more of a mess than ever,” he said.

“I hope and pray that we know better.”

Five uplifting and emotional performances by HMSG’s Concert Choir, Junior Singers and Chamber Choir were each delivered impeccably, filling everybody with warmth and goodwill.

Following hymns and prayers, The Rt Rev Lord Williams blessed the congregation.