Glanmire Community College was the location for a recent visit by Bishop Fintan Gavin.

Glanmire Community College was the location for a recent visit by Bishop Fintan Gavin.

Bishop Fintan was warmly welcomed by Principal Ronan McCarthy, members of the 4^th Year Meitheal Team, Chaplain Ms. Marie McInerney and Deputy Principals Ms. Caroline Byrne & Mr. Seamus Kenefick and members of the Student Council. 

Bishop Fintan was given a tour of the school facilities, which included a visit to the ASD Unit, where he was introduced to the school therapy dog Alma and observed the positive impact Alma has brought to school life. He also witnessed the impressive dog-handling skills demonstrated by the students. The tour continued with visits to specialist classrooms, the Sacred Space and the Christmas Crib.

Bishop Fintan then joined students, staff and invited guests, including Fr. Pat Fogarty, Co-PP of Glanmire, for a prayer liturgy. 

Guests representing various local organisations and charities including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Age Action and Cork Penny Dinners were presented with donations which the students fundraised for recently. The ceremony was greatly enhanced by the beautiful singing of senior students Michael and Jenny, with musical accompaniment provided by Ms. Ann Mannix, the school’s music teacher.

Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on his experience of visiting the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis last summer in Assisi, Italy. Carlo will become the first Millennial Saint when he is Canonised by Pope Francis in Rome next April. The Bishop spoke about some of the remarkable faith insights which Carlo had despite his short lifespan – he died of leukaemia aged just 15 years. 

Bishop Fintan also spoke about his experience of World Youth Day in Lisbon in August 2023 when he accompanied 40 young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross including some past pupils of GCC. Bishop Fintan echoed Pope Francis’ words on that occasion and urged the young people present to realise that they are unique individuals who are loved by God.  He encouraged students to listen to God’s voice in their lives and not be afraid. 

The liturgy was followed by a brief Q&A session with the Bishop, followed by the presentation of a gift as a token of appreciation to mark the occasion. The visit ended with light refreshments, allowing Bishop Fintan to interact informally with students, staff, and invited guests.

Bishop Fintan joined students, staff and invited guests for a prayer liturgy

Bishop Fintan visited the ASD Unit, where he was introduced to the school therapy dog Alma.