Launch of Pope John Paul II Awards
Papal Nuncio launches the Pope John Paul II Award in St Nathy’s College
The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown, officially launched the Pope John Paul II Award for the Diocese of Achonry in St Nathy’s College on 16th October last. Present with the Nuncio were Bishop Brendan Kelly, Fr Paul Farren of the diocese of Derry (who founded the award) and students from St Nathy’s College and other schools in the diocese, with their principals and R.E. teachers. Also present were members of the Knights of St Columbanus (who are funding the launch of the award), with the Supreme Knight, Mr Barry McMahon and the regional Grand Knight Mr. Joe Conlon. The event was MC’d by Fr Joseph Gavigan, P.P. and the Cathedral Folk Group provided sacred music and song. The Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them.
Through the Pope John Paul II Award, young people will be enabled to take an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community and society and also become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in the world. This will enable young people to engage at a deep level with Christ, whose body the Church is.
It will allow young people to understand that religion and faith is not just for learning, nor is it a list of rules, but that it is for living. Through a mixture of parish involvement, social awareness activities and a written presentation, Fourth Year or T.Y. students can work to achieve one of the four awards available: the Papal Cross, the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.
St Nathy’s College was delighted to host the launch of the award in the diocese of Achonry. We wish our four students who have been accepted to work for the award every success and blessing in their endeavours.
