25 March – Presentation of the JPII Awards – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh

I thank all concerned with the organisation of the Pope John Paul II Awards in this diocese this year and especially Dermot Kelly, the new Youth Director.  

A couple of years ago I was invited to Derry to present the Awards there and I was greatly impressed by the enthusiastic up-take – the energy that was invested and the whole-hearted response.  

I was sorry to have missed last year’s presentation.

We had to choose a separate Awards for Co Louth and the name Muredach Award came to the rescue for a number of reasons.  

St Muiredach is the first saint we all meet as we enter this magnificent Cathedral of St Patrick  here in Armagh.

When I was planning my coat of Arms – the Cross of Muredach was included.  The Muredach Awards take their name from the Cross of Muiredach – one of the famous crosses.  One of the scenes of that cross is called the Ecce Homo – its west face depicts Christ being presented to the Jews after his scourging.
Muiredach is the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Killala    
Muredach – Abbot and Steward of Armagh

I thank all those who took part.  I hope you found the experience fulfilling and satisfying.  

It is more blessed to give than to receive

In an age where the predominant instinct is to grasp as much as one can, the Church in Armagh relies on you to bring the true face of Christ to your peers and your contemporaries – to your classmates and your teams.  Faith in Jesus Christ faces tough challenges in Ireland just now and there is much work for all of us.