On Monday, 12th March 2018 hundreds of people gathered in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh for the Archdiocese’s annual Diocesan Faith Award Ceremony. This event, celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin, took place to rejoice in the gifts and talents over 250 young people who were there to receive awards for volunteering in their respective parishes, communities and schools. Young people from all over the Archdiocese received the Muiredach Cross Award and the Pope John Paul II Award.
The Muiredach Cross Award and the Pope John Paul II Award are prestigious awards focusing on the area of faith development. To receive one is undoubtedly a thing of great achievement for those who were being celebrated on this occasion. The Muiredach Cross Award is particularly aimed at the younger members of society throughout the schools within the Archdiocese. It is hoped that participation in this award will provide a solid foundation upon which to build in later life when a young person is eligible to take part in the Pope John Paul II Award. There is great interest in participation in these two awards and this was highlighted by the sheer enthusiasm shown in attendance on Monday night.
160 young people received their Pope John Paul II Award
160 young people from across the Archdiocese received their Pope John Paul II Award. The young people and their schools/parishes were actively involved throughout the whole ceremony, providing music and displaying the talents that are being put to such good use within their local communities and parishes.
Guest speaker Katie Ascough
The event continued with the guest speaker, Ms. Katie Ascough, the impeached UCD Student President and pro-life activist. She spoke passionately on the challenges faced by young people in today’s society, as well as standing up for one’s Faith in this day and age. Katie was very engaging with the young audience present and many there got a great deal from the experiences she shared.
The evening was accompanied throughout with the beautiful singing and music provided by the Senior Choir of St. Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon, under the conductorship of Mrs. Mairéad Duffy.
Archbishop Eamon Martin and Monsignor Colm Curry presented the awards. There was a great sense of achievement and enthusiasm in the Cathedral.
The Armagh Diocesan Faith Award Committee would like to thank those involved in the ceremony: the award participants, their Faith Award Leaders, parents/guardians, clergy & religious, and all who took part in what was clearly a successful and gratifying occasion.
Get involved with the Award
To hear more or to get involved in the Pope John Paul II Award please contact the Armagh Diocesan Youth Ministry Office on:
Telephone: 028/048 3752 3084
Email: armaghyouth@yahoo.co.uk
Facebook – AdycBeInspired
Twitter – @ArmaghYouth