Message from the Archbishop of Cashel

In the course of my visits to post-primary Schools, I have discovered that there are two quotations which every student recognised instantly. The first is: Who said, “I have a dream”. The second is: "Young people of Ireland I love you". I had the privilege of being present in Galway on that memorable day when the young people of Ireland, three hundred thousand of them at least, exploded into clapping, cheering and singing. It went on for fifteen minutes before the Holy Father could finish his homily.

Less well remembered were his words, "I believe in youth, I believe in youth with all my heart". I think that it is most fitting that these Awards for young people who are outstanding in their participation in the life of the Church and this local parish and community should be called after Pope John Paul II.

I wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of these Awards in the Diocese of Cloyne and look forward to being present on Tuesday, 31st January when they are presented.

Pope John Paul II established the World Youth Day and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, has kept up the tradition. Indeed, Pope Benedict is also on the wavelength of young people as evidenced in Cologne, Sydney and Madrid. I have seen for myself the very positive change in the lives of the young people who have been privileged to attend World Youth Day down the years. If I might allow a number of them to give their own accounts: Aoife: "I found the trip to Madrid amazing. A unique experience. It was great to see young people practising their faith without any inhibitions".

Seamus: "I have no difficulty in saying that World Youth Day was one of the most significant events in my life".

Eddie: "On arrival in Madrid, nothing could have prepared us for the heat and the sheer volume of the crowds. It was an eye-opening experience to let us see first hand how other nationalities profess their faith and devotion to the Catholic Church. It was a far cry from standing at the back of the church on a Sunday morning at home. A number thought the Prayer Vigil was memorable despite the storm and the rain. We slept under the stars on Saturday night while singing and dancing continued until the small hours. Confessions continued through the night and I personally had the wonderful experience of a deeply honest and moving Confession. It gave me a wonderful feeling of peace and reassurance".

Aishling: "I had the honour to be close to the Pope at the Prayer Vigil. As the Pope began, a massive thunderstorm began and a lot of people began to panic and rush for shelter. But the Pope said: "coraggio amigos, courage friends" and they began to chant "Benedicto, Benedicto" and this continued until the storm ended. I can honestly say my faith has firmed and become stronger ... remember the theme of World Youth Day was Firm in the Faith: Rooted and Built-Up in Jesus Christ".

Seamus again: "It was with a heavy heart I left Madrid since I had grown so attached to the spirit and emotion of World Youth Day. But I left stronger in my faith with a positive outlook on my future. Contribution to my parish community from now on. We are called to be examples of Christ's love and I am more confident now than ever that I am capable and willing and I am not alone."

Rosaleen: "I hope I can travel to Brazil in 2013 (for the next World Youth Day). My pilgrimage to Madrid with Cashel & Emly (group) has really strengthened my faith and has given me a sense of calm that I could never have found anywhere else".

Jack from World Youth Day 2005: "For that week in Cologne it was cool to be a Catholic and I was proud of my faith. We prayed together, we sang and we danced together. We never had such fun and it was only afterwards that we realised that we hadn’t had a single drink all week!"

I think Pope Benedict caught the spirit of the Pope John Paul II Award in his homily in Madrid when he said: "Having faith means drawing support from the faith of your brothers and sisters, even as your own faith serves as a support for the faith of others. I ask you, dear friends, to love the Church which brought you to birth in the faith, which helped you to grow in the knowledge of Christ and which led you to discover the beauty of his love. Growing in friendship with Christ necessarily means recognising the importance of joyful participation in the life of your parishes, communities and movements, as week as the celebration of Sunday Mass, frequent reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation, and the cultivation of personal prayer and meditation on God’s word".

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could create the spirit of World Youth Day in every parish in Cloyne! May the Pope John Paul II Award be a start, please God.

Most Rev. Dermot Clifford, DD
Archbishop of Cashel & Emly
Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne

Message from the Archbishop of Cashel

Contact Us

Top-Ups

The Awards

Downloads