PRESS RELEASE – THE DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS
Order of the Knights of St Columbanus Mourns the Death of His Holiness Pope Francis
Dublin, Ireland
The Order of the Knights of St Columbanus expresses its deepest sorrow at the passing of His
Holiness Pope Francis. With reverence and profound gratitude, we join the global Catholic community
in mourning the loss of a humble servant of Christ who dedicated his life to the Gospel, the poor, and
the mission of peace and mercy.
Pope Francis was a shepherd to the world whose legacy will be marked by his unwavering
commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and a Church rooted in
compassion. His Pontificate inspired millions to live out their faith through action, understanding, and
love.
Brother John Murphy, Supreme Knight of the Order, said:
“Pope Francis brought the light of Christ into some of the darkest corners of human suffering. His
voice was one of moral clarity in uncertain times, and his example of humility,
mercy and joy challenged us all to deepen our faith and widen our hearts.
The Knights of St Columbanus stand in prayerful solidarity with the Church throughout the world,
and we entrust his soul to the infinite mercy of God.”
The Order encourages all members and the faithful throughout Ireland and beyond to offer prayers for
the repose of the Holy Father’s soul and for the College of Cardinals as they begin the solemn process
of discernment and the election of a new Pope.
In this time of mourning, we give thanks to God for the life and witness of Pope Francis — a servant of
servants and a true disciple of Christ.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Public Speaking Competition
Young People Find Language for their Faith through Public Speaking
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION WINNERS 2025
Great day in the Carlton Hotel.
St Dominics, Belfast won the All Ireland Final with Assumption Grammar School second. All the young people were inspirational and a joy to listen to. A huge congratulations to both teams and well done to all the schools from across Ireland who took part in this excellent competition. Read more
Christmas Day Dinner – 100 Years in the making
This year will celebrate the 100th Christmas Day Dinner held.
Since 1924 the Christmas Day Dinner has supported many homeless,
lonely and poor people from all over the world living in Ireland.
This year we hope to reach and serve many more guests, to ensure everyone spends
Christmas Day together.
Spread the word to enable us serve and support all those in need.
The annual Christmas Day Dinner is dependent on its partners, many volunteers,
contribution of services and donations. For more information,
please see our dedicated Christmas Day Dinner webpage. READ MORE
Public Speaking Competition – Connacht Final
Above: Students from Abbey Community College Boyle winners of the Connacht Final
with their mentor MS. Maria Moynihan pictured with Supreme Knight Brother John Murphy
The topic the students addressed was “We cannot claim ignorance or uncertainty about what is happening on Climate”.
Below are Castlerea Community School who are runners up in the Connacht with their principal and team mentors.
The students from Castlerea addressed the topic “There is no alternative to peace. There is no sense going to war”.
Both teams qualify for the All-Ireland Finals in Dublin on Saturday 16th March.
New Appointment
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Raphoe,
as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor.
(The Irish Catholic)
The announcement was made by current Apostolic Administrator of Down and Connor Bishop Donal McKeown during Mass this morning at St Peter’s Cathedral,
Belfast. Bishop McGuckian will succeed Bishop Noel Treanor as the incumbent, ending a two year vacancy in the Diocese after Bishop Treanor
was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union in November 2022. Read More…
POPE JOHN PAUL II AWARDS – CLONFERT
Bishop Michael’s address at the Pope John Paul II Awards in Ballinasloe on the 18th January 2024.
Over Forty Young People from the Diocese of Clonfert receive John Paul II Awards
Clonfert Awards… Read more
Winners of the 2023 Public Speaking Competition St Louis Grammar School Ballymena with their teacher Ms Pickering and the Deputy Supreme, Adrian King, who made the presentation. See more..
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