Cathedral celebration for Two New Saints

Last Sunday evening, Newry Cathedral was packed as people from parishes all across the diocese gathered to celebrate the canonisation of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr Brian Fitzpatrick, with help from Fr Colum Murphy and Deacon Anthony Moffett. Young people had a special role throughout the service – with readers from Magheralin and Dromara, singers from many parishes, and a Newry family bringing up the offertory.

Youth groups who took part in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, the Knock VAKS programme, the Lourdes pilgrimage, our Young Leaders summer camp, the Pope John Paul II Award and the Prayer Walk for Peace were all represented. Many others came simply because they wanted to help and be part of the celebration.

At the end of Mass, Frances McNally, our diocesan youth director, thanked parents and grandparents for encouraging young people to attend and reminded everyone they are always welcome.

The evening ended with ice cream, tea, coffee and tray bakes on the Cathedral steps – a chance for young people to catch up with friends, and for parents and leaders to connect and give thanks for a joyful evening of faith and friendship.