Bishop Fintan with members of the school's Meitheal Team
Bishop Fintan Gavin recently made a Pastoral Visit to Edmund Rice College, Carrigaline
He was warmly welcomed by Principal Ms. Adele Flynn, Deputy Principal Mr. Peter Hyde, members of the Student Council & Meitheal Team and members of staff. Local clergy were also present to greet the Bishop, including Msgr. Aidan O’Driscoll, Fr. James McSweeney & Fr. Michael O’Connell MSC. Mr. Willie Walsh represented the Board of Management of the College.
During his visit, Bishop Fintan was guided on a tour of the school's facilities by the Meitheal Team, where he had the opportunity to meet with several class groups and their teachers.
Following the tour, Bishop Fintan joined students and staff for a Prayer Liturgy titled “Darkness into Light”, which symbolised the movement from November Remembrance into the Advent season. The liturgy was enhanced by the beautiful singing of the school choir with musical accompaniment, that was conducted by Ms. Emily Magner (Music Teacher).
Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis the Italian teenager who will become the first Millennial Saint when he is canonised by Pope Francis in Rome next April. The Bishop spoke about how Carlo was such a typical teenager in so many ways yet he was extraordinary when it came to his remarkable faith insights within his short lifespan.
The Bishop also shared his experience of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, where he accompanied 40 young people from the Diocese. Bishop Fintan urged the young people present to recognise that they are unique individuals who are loved by God. He encouraged them to let their light shine, to listen to God’s voice and not be afraid.
The visit concluded with a light-hearted Q&A session with the Bishop, which provided some light-hearted moments including a GAA All-Ireland Final conundrum – would he support Cork or Dublin? To conclude the visit Bishop Fintan was presented with a beautiful winter-flowering shrub in remembrance of his first official visit to the school.
Bishop Fintan joined students and staff for a prayer service
Bishop Fintan's pastoral visit to Edmund Rice College Carrigaline
