Pictured on their arrival in Dublin are eighteen students from Our Lady’s Castleblayney who accompanied by three of their teachers, attended and volunteered at the closing mass with Pope Francis in the Phoenix Park last Sunday 26th August. All agreed it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Saturday 25th August saw eighteen students, accompanied by three of their teachers, depart from Our Lady’s Secondary School for Dublin to be part of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Ireland as part of the World Meeting of Families. These students and staff were part of the 1,500 volunteer force organised through Ceist, the school’s trustee body.
The students arrived in Our Lady of Mercy College Beaumont, our hosts for the evening along with 400 other Ceist volunteers. A busy schedule was laid on for the evening; first stop was the Phoenix Park for a run-through of their roles and responsibilities during the closing mass with Pope Francis on the following day. The students felt the anticipation build as they visited the mass venue and collected their volunteer badges and t-shirts. Next up was a return to the school in Beaumont for dinner after which the Festival of Families was streamed from Croke Park. It was an early night for all as the 4.30am wake-up call loomed.
The early morning, long walk into the Park and the heavy rain could not dampen the spirits of our enthusiastic volunteers as they greeted mass pilgrims with a welcome smile. The students and staff were honoured to be part of the event. Their main role was to assist at Holy Communion holding the umbrella above the Minister of the Eucharist. The umbrellas made for an excellent keepsake of the day. A day our students will not forget for a long time!
All in Our Lady’s would like to acknowledge Ceist for making the opportunity possible, Our Lady of Mercy College Beaumont for their hospitality and lastly the students and teachers, Ms Duffy, Ms Hughes & Ms Brennan for representing the school on such a momentous occasion. A once in a lifetime experience for all involved!