Bishop Leo O’Reilly’s Message

I warmly welcome the proposal to introduce the Pope John Paul II Award in the diocese of Kilmore. Parish Pastoral Councils frequently discuss the issue of how to find creative ways to engage young people with the faith and how to involve them more fully in the life of the parish. The initiative of the Pope John Paul II Award is a very concrete way of inviting young people to reflect more deeply on their faith and take part in activities which will be engaging and rewarding for themselves, and at the same time be of service and benefit to others. It will enable young people to live out their faith and witness to it in their parishes and communities.

Bearing witness to our Christian faith means having the courage and conviction to speak about it to others, to share what we believe in and to invite others to do the same. It is an exercise of Christian leadership that needs to be practised and cultivated. The Pope John Paul II Award provides opportunities to do that. I know that there is a great wealth of idealism and generosity in our young people. Very often all it needs is a little bit of encouragement and the opportunity to express it. It is also greatly helped by the support of a group of peers who are similarly motivated and engaged.

There is a lot of talk about the need for renewal in the Church today. Renewal means change and that has to begin with each one of us embarking on a journey of change. Like every journey, the journey of change begins with a first step. This initiative is a very worthwhile first step.

It is my fervent wish that the Pope John Paul II Award will provide the opportunities, the motivation and the support to some of our young people so that they can make their contribution to the life of their parish or community.

I wish this initiative every blessing and success.

+ Leo O’Reilly
Bishop of Kilmore