John Paul 2 Awards, City Hall, 29th September 2011

Last evening, Br Liam and I attended the John Paul 2 awards ceremony in City Hall, Dublin. Over 50 young people from all over the Dublin Diocese received these awards marking their achievements in community / social awareness and Parish involvement. Similar to the Gaisce award, young people can choose Gold, Silver or Bronze levels. Achievements ranged from working with young children preparing for Confirmation to going on mission to Zambia. I was very struck by what one participant wrote of the experience ' This really does show that the spiritual journey begins at Baptism but doesn't end' Archbishop Martin presented the awards and said 'don't consider your certificate a leaving certificate from participation but rather a precious entry ticket'. It was a wonderfully live giving and enriching event. Congratulations to CYC. Last night also marked 32 years, to the day, since John Paul came to Ireland...very fitting!