Bishop Fintan visits Coláiste Muire in Crosshaven for Catholic Schools Week

Sr. Eleanor PBVM, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Aine Nangle (Acting Deputy), Gráinne O’Mahony (R.E. Teacher) & Paul Kelly (Diocesan Coordinator for Post Primary)Sr. Eleanor PBVM, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Aine Nangle (Acting Deputy), Gráinne O’Mahony (R.E. Teacher) & Paul Kelly (Diocesan Coordinator for Post Primary)

Bishop Fintan was welcomed to Coláiste Muire in Crosshaven as part of Catholic Schools Week by members of the Students’ Council, Parents’ Council, Board of Management and school staff before joining the whole school community in the local parish church

Through music and prayer, Bishop Fintan along with the students and staff of Coláiste Muire reflected on the theme of Catholic Schools Week 2025, Alive in Christ, and the significance of Pope Francis’ designation of 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope. Bishop Fintan addressed the students personally during the Prayer Liturgy and spoke about his experience of visiting the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis who will soon become the first millennial saint.

 

Bishop Fintan emphasised three key sayings from his life:

  1. You are not on your own, God and other people love you – this will allow you to grow and flourish.
  2. Build a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer
  3. Have courage, don’t be afraid

The liturgy was enhanced with Hymns such as ‘Christ be our Light’ and ‘One Step Beyond’ which were sung beautifully by the school choir accompanied by many talented musicians.

A number of students had the opportunity to ask Bishop Fintan some questions on topics such as the role of the Catholic School in the parish, how he felt about becoming Bishop of Cork & Ross and his hopes for the Catholic Church in our diocese and in Ireland.

Bishop Fintan meets with students from Coláiste Muire in Crosshaven
Bishop Fintan reflected on the theme of Catholic Schools Week 2025, 'Alive in Christ'.

 

Bishop Fintan then visited the newly-renovated school library where he was presented with a gift in recognition of his visit by Head Students, Dara Lynch and Amy Broderick.

The gift of a beautiful model boat, designed and handcrafted in the school, celebrates the location of Crosshaven by the sea and the prayer of the diocese as we pray, listen and discern for the future.

 

A number of senior cycle students then took part in a focus group with Bishop Fintan where they discussed the role of young people within the parish today, the need for connection between church and young people as well as their thoughts for the future.

Students then took part in a focus group with Bishop Fintan where they discussed the role of young people within the parish todayStudents then took part in a focus group with Bishop Fintan where they discussed the role of young people within the parish today

 

 

Bishop Fintan then visited the Nano Nagle Prayer Room, and as part of a wider tour of the school facilities and learned of students' achievements in areas such as Art, Science and Sport.

Bishop Fintan met with students in the newly-renovated school library.Bishop Fintan met with students in the newly-renovated school library.

The whole school community joined Bishop Fintan in the local parish church for Catholic Schools Week.The whole school community joined Bishop Fintan in the local parish church for Catholic Schools Week.