Pope John Paul II Award Ceremony – 2019

The Pope John Paul II Award Ceremony in the Diocese of Elphin took place in the College of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo on the 23rd October 2019. Seventy six young people representing twenty four parishes and nine post-primary schools received Papal Cross, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

The ceremony was attended by Bishop Kevin Doran, Mr Barry McMahon (Representing the Knights of Saint Columbanus), Local Area Knights, School Principals, Award Leaders, Teachers, Priests, Parents, Family and Friends of those receiving their Awards.            

Mr Niall McDonagh was the guest speaker.  He shared his inspiring personal journey to faith in God, which included some deeply personal challenges along the way.  He spoke with passion, energy and conviction and encouraged all in attendance to open their hearts to Jesus, especially in the midst of trials and challenges.

Three recipients of the Award shared personally and profoundly about their experience of partaking in the Award. They and all of the other young people who received their awards are a credit to their families, parishes and schools and are to be commended for their commitment and engagement over the past year.

In his address on the night Bishop Kevin congratulated the young people and thanked them for giving their time and energy to their local parishes, schools and communities. Quoting Saint John Henry Newman (recently canonised) Bishop Kevin  shared some thoughts and reflections on the idea of “doing some definite service” for God and encouraged the young people to recognise their uniqueness and remain open and willing to serve God in the particular way he was calling them.

The evening was greatly enriched by the musical talents of choirs and musicians from the Ursuline College Sligo, the Mercy College Sligo and the College of the Immaculate Conception Sligo.

Sincere thanks to the College of the Immaculate Conception, its Principal Mr. Paul Keogh, Principal and the Board of Management for making their beautiful school available to us for this wonderful celebration once again.

For more information on the Pope John Paul II Award please contact Frank McGuinness, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry on 087 9880690