Bishop Fintan visits Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork

During Catholic Schools Week Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Coláiste Éamann Rís Cork

The bishop was warmly welcomed on arrival by School Principal Mr Aaron Wolfe and Deputy Principal Ms. Edel Farrell, members of the Student Council, ERST Schools Trust representatives, Teaching Staff representatives and members of the Board of Management. Some retired members of staff were also present for the occasion.

The assembly gathered for a Prayer Liturgy with Bishop Fintan in the school hall where Archdeacon Kerry Murphy-O’Connor PE and Fr. Kevin O’Regan Co-PP also participated. The Liturgy was prepared by Ms. Anne Marie Nolan & Ms. Ann Leahy RE Teachers.

The ceremony was greatly enhanced by beautiful singing

The ceremony was greatly enhanced by the beautiful singing and musical accompaniment provided by the school Choir and Orchestra comprised of both Staff and Students.

Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on his experience of World Youth Day in Lisbon last August with young people from the Diocese. It was attended by Pope Francis who was accompanied by 1.5 million young participants from across the globe. Bishop Fintan echoed Pope Francis’ words on that occasion and urged the young people present to realise that God loves us, to let our light shine, to listen to God’s voice in their lives and not be afraid.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Fintan imparted a Special Blessing on the school to celebrate its new identity as a co-educational school under a new name - Coláiste Éamann Rís.

The school continues its traditions and founding intention as a Catholic School since it was first established on the site by the Christian Brothers as Deerpark CBS in 1968.

The blessing included a rededication of the school under the patronage of Blessed Edmund Rice who founded the Congregation. Br. Ben Cusack CFC represented the Christian Brothers at the ceremony.

A brief tour of some of the school facilities was followed by light refreshments which afforded Bishop Fintan an opportunity to interact with staff, students and invited guests as his visit concluded.