Daily Archives: May 19, 2012

Desiderata – Final Message to TY 2012

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Hello TY’s

Because of the busy schedule of the TY programme, it is possible that we have had our last religion class of the year. Therefore, I want to leave you with a final message – it has been a pleasure to teach each and every single one of you. Your goodness, openness, sincerity and fantastic participation in class have put a song in my heart.

Remember the sentiments of Morrie: Accept who you are and revel in that; Jack (CS Lewis): Why love if losing hurts so much? (I hope you know the answer!) Stuart: Determination, courage, acceptance, hope for the future.

These inspirational men did not become bitter, they became better; they did not choose the shadows, they chose to live in the sunshine.

I want to leave you, TY’s with a song/reflection that we looked at during the year to remind you that it is a beautiful world we live in and that you have a very special place in the universive. Some words of wisdom from the piece – do not compare yourself to others… be gentle with yourself… strive to be happy…

 

 

 

Confirmation in Gormanston

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A rare occasion in Gormanston but one of great joy and pride is the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Under the guidance of our rector Fr Ulic Troy, eight senior students were confirmed on Thursday last by Bishop Fiachra O’Ceallaigh, the only Franciscan Bishop in Ireland. The ceremony took place in the private oratory of the Franciscan Community in the castle connected to the College. The students have been preparing by attending confirmation lessons with Fr Ulic since before Christmas. The group being confirmed composed of 5th and 6th year students from Spain, Germany and Austria. It is traditional in these countries for young people to be confirmed at 16 plus. Gormanston College was honoured to provide the facilities and opportunity for such a service.

It was particularly fitting that Bishop Fiachra (Emeritus) was available to perform the ceremony. The Bishop was ordained a priest of 2 July 1961. He was appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin and at the same time by Pope John Paul II on 7 June 1994 at the age of 61. Prior to his appointment as bishop, he had been provincial of the Franciscan Order in Ireland and was the first Franciscan to become a bishop in Ireland for over 170 years.

After the ceremony, the students, Fr Ulic, Bishop Fiachra and the sponsors had a celebratory meal in Whytes of Stamullen.

Congratulations to the students – (pictured below) Alejo, Jaime, Jaime, Javier, Gabriel, Mario, Philipp, Pablo on this great milestone in their lives. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them now and always. Many thanks to Bishop Fiachra for the lovely ceremony and to Fr Ulic for the preparation involved.