05Feb 2026
- Catherine Farrell - PRO
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25
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Yesterday, St Nathy’s College hosted a special Prayer Service for the grandparents of our 1st-year and TY students. It highlighted the importance of relationships across generations. The visit gave us an opportunity to celebrate grandparents, to honour their role in the lives of our students, and to share together in meaningful prayer and conversation.
The focus of the gathering was the blessing of St Brigid’s crosses, which had been carefully and thoughtfully made by teams of our hardworking students in the days leading up to the event.
As the grandparents gathered with staff and students in the College Chapel, there was a shared sense of gratitude for the traditions that have been passed down through generations. Many of our grandparents remembered making St Brigid’s crosses themselves as children. This moment served as a reminder that faith and culture are often carried forward through simple, meaningful practices shared within families.
St Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints and is closely associated with kindness, hospitality, and care for the poor. She is remembered for her generosity and strong faith, as well as for her close connection to nature and the land. St Brigid’s Day, celebrated on the 1st of February, marks the beginning of spring and reminds us of new beginnings. The making and blessing of St Brigid’s crosses continues to be a powerful symbol of these values, and it was fitting that our students and grandparents could come together to honour her legacy.
In addition to the blessing of the St Brigid’s crosses, the prayer service also included the blessing of throats for St Blaise’s Day. This blessing is a long-held tradition within the Church. St Blaise is known as the patron saint of those suffering from throat illnesses, and the blessing is a prayer for good health and protection throughout the year.
St Blaise was a bishop and healer who lived in the fourth century and was known for his care for the sick and suffering. According to tradition, he miraculously cured a child who was choking, which led to his association with throat blessings.
Following the prayers and blessings, grandparents were invited to gather in the school canteen for tea and coffee. This more informal part of the morning was filled with conversation, laughter, and a real sense of connection. It was a wonderful opportunity for grandparents to meet one another, to chat with staff, and to spend time in the school environment that their grandchildren are part of every day. The canteen quickly became a lively and welcoming space, filled with stories being shared and memories being recalled. They also got a sneak preview of our giant billboard, which was filled with photos for our upcoming musical, “Billie,” on March 12th–14th.
Many of the grandparents present were past pupils of St Nathy’s College themselves, which added an extra layer of significance to the occasion. Hearing their stories of school life from years gone by was both interesting and inspiring, and it highlighted the long history of the school within the community. It was touching to see families represented across generations, with grandparents returning to the same halls and spaces, now accompanying their grandchildren.
We are deeply thankful to all the grandparents who took the time to visit us yesterday.
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Journey Back in Time with Billie! 
Show Dates:
Three incredible nights — don’t miss out!
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