The Diocese of Kilmore recently held their annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony in the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan. His Excellency Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, presented 61 young people from the diocese with their Pope John Paul II Awards at a special ceremony at which the Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, presided.
At the Award ceremony, 14 people from across the diocese of Kilmore received the Papal Cross Award. 33 received the Gold Award and a further 14 received Silver and Bronze Awards.
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.
After a short liturgy, Bishop O’Reilly added his words of welcome to all present, especially to the Nuncio who was on his first official visit to Cavan. He commended the young people for participating in the Award and for the witness they give in their parishes and schools. He also thanked those who supported the young people in achieving their Award.
Archbishop Brown echoed the words of Bishop O’Reilly, adding that he was delighted to attend the presentation ceremony and to present the Award to a cohort of fine young people who have taken such an active part in the life of their Church, in the life of their community and society.
The Pope John Paul II Award was created to commemorate Saint John Paul II. The award celebrates young people who take an active part in the life of their parish, in the life of their community and in society. The award was introduced to the Diocese of Kilmore in 2011. For more information about the award, visit www.thepopejohnpauliiaward.com.