gold-award-recipients-2016The Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Most Reverend Charles J. Brown, visited the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan on Saturday 15th October to present over sixty young people from the Diocese of Kilmore with their Pope John Paul II awards, at a special ceremony at which Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore presided 

14 people receiving Papal Cross Awards, 33 receiving Gold Awards and the remainder receiving Silver and Bronze. The Pope John Paul II Award was established a number of years ago in order to honour the memory of the late pontiff, especially his love, affection and care for young people. 

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Papal Cross Recipients

Carina McGinnell, Diocesan Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, welcomed all present to the ceremony especially the participants, their families, mentors, parish priests and school representatives as well as Archbishop Brown, Bishop O’Reilly, representatives of the local Knights of St. Columbanus and the Diocesan Youth Ministry Volunteers, Claire McGlade and Kathleen McCabe.

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Bishop Leo O’Reilly Bishop of Kilmore, Carina McGinnell, Claire McGlade, Kathleen McCabe, Archbishop Charles J. Browne.
 
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Representatives of the Knights of St. Columbanus (CK47) who sponsored the awards.

After a short liturgy, Bishop O’Reilly added his words of welcome to all present, especially to the Nuncio who was on his first ever visit to Cavan.  He commended the young people for participating in the awards and for the witness they give in their parishes and schools.  He also thanked those who supported the young people in achieving their awards.

The Award is run in most Irish dioceses and was launched in Kilmore in 2011.  Candidates can receive gold, silver or bronze awards.  Each young person chooses to get involved in parish life as well as participating in some social awareness activity which could be fundraising, coaching or visiting the elderly to name but a few.  This year three candidates received the Papal Cross Award, which is the highest award on offer and involves a commitment of 26 weeks to parish work and social awareness.  All of the award recipients completed a presentation in which they reflected on the tasks they had undertaken in the light of gospel values.  Finally they reflect on how the award has helped them understand and appreciate the contribution that young people can make in the Church today.

If you would like to get involved in the Pope John Paul II Award or just find out more about it contact your local Parish Priest or Carina McGinnell, Diocesan Youth Director, at the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre 049 4375004 (ext. 103).

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Cavan Parish Group.