Message from Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly:
The Pope John Paul II Award was created to commemorate the late Pope Saint John Paul II who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them.
Through the Pope John Paul II Award, young people in the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly are enabled to take an active part in the life of their local Church and in the life of their community and wider society.
At the end of the recent Synod on “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment”, held in Rome in October, the final message from the Synod addressing young people said the following:
“The Church and the world urgently need your enthusiasm. Be sure to make the most fragile people, the poor and those wounded by life your travelling companions.” Through your participation in these awards I hope you will be enabled to fulfil this hope of the Synod members.
The participants in the John Paul II award programme also provides the opportunity to become more familiar with the teaching and role of the Catholic Church in our world. This enables young people to engage at a deep level with Christ, whose body the Church is. It allows young people to understand their catholic identity better and to deepen their faith.
The Diocesan Award Co-Ordinator, Fr. Vincent Stapleton, would be delighted to travel to schools or parishes that are interested in getting this important initiative under way. Please make every effort to support the Pope John Paul II Award and any student in your parish or school who is interested.
Application Forms/Reflection and further information can be assessed here: Pope John Paul II Award Information Pack
Please also see the Pope John Paul II website – https://thepopejohnpauliiaward.com/
For further information please contact Fr. Vincent Stapleton, Diocesan Award Co-Ordinator on 087 9747933 or Karen in the Diocesan Office on 0504 21512.
