The 9th Pope John Paul II Awards took place in the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas on Thursday 15th November. The award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II, who was so committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in them. The candidatesare enabled to take an active part in the life of their Church and local community in order to earn their awards. We are lucky that a lot of the activities – both Parish and Social – could be completed here in Clongowes:
Social: Tutoring, volunteering to help with many school activities, African Immersion Trip, Age Action and event nightsraising funds for charity with Trad for Trócaire.
Parish: Eucharistic Minister Training, Retreats, Ignatian Camino Pilgrimage, Lourdes Pilgrimage, Faith Friends, Schola, setting up for Mass and Night Prayer.
On the night itself, Ms Anne Marie Dolan and Mrs Eileen Lumb, as well as some parents, accompanied the boys to Portlaoise, where 382 award recipients from 38 parishes and 30 post-primary schools across the Kildare and Leighlin diocese received awards. Award Coordinator Ms Caitríona Kelly spoke about the importance of the John Paul II award and thanked them sincerely for their commitment over the past year. Bishop Denis Nulty also spoke, and presented the boys with their award medals.
This year we had 23 students complete the award:
| Papal Cross | Gold Award | Gold Award | Silver Award |
| Michéal Beirne | Michael Behan | Sam Lumb | Sabin Moon |
| Aaron Clarke | Ben Boylan | Tom Mahon | |
| Tim O Brien | James Coonan | Luke Mc Mahon | |
| Fred Sargaison | Tomó Culhane | Evan O Boyle | |
| Robbie Savage | Ruairí Foley | Andrey Runov | |
| Hugo O Donnell | Jack Hilliard | Adam Wozniak | |
| Rhys Hylle | Adam Quinn | ||
| Julian Ospina | Dylan Liddy |
Speaking after the event, Award Leader and Pastoral Co-Ordinator, Ms Anne Marie Dolan said: “it has been a pleasure and privilege to journey with you through your activities over the past year, St. John Paul II always believed in youth. By taking part in this award you have been a source of inspiration and help and my hope is that you will continue to contribute in a positive way to the life of the Church in your parishes, schools/colleges and local communities.”
