The Holy Faith Past Pupils Choir With Choir Director Sr Marie Dunne, Holy Faith Congregational Leader Sr Rosaleen Cunniffe, Celebrant Fr Joe Jones and Ciaran Coll (piano).
The 11am RTÉ 1 televised Sunday Mass on 8th October celebrated the foundation of the Holy Faith Sisters in 1867. A hundred and fifty years ago, Margaret Aylward, with the support and guidance of Vincentian priest Fr John McGowan established the congregation of the Holy Faith Sisters. The Celebrant was Fr Joe Jones and the music was provided by the Holy Faith past pupils’ choir directed by Sr Maria Dunne. This choir included staff member Mrs Mary Mulcahy, two past pupils – Emma Humber and Mary McCarthy and a present pupil Casey Harris from 6th year. Musical accompaniment was provided by Denice Doyle (past pupil) on violin, David Doyle on cello and Mr Ciaran Coll on piano.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Denice Doyle (past pupil) on violin, David Doyle on cello and Ciaran Coll on Piano. The choir was directed by Sr Marie Dunne.
The Holy Faith Past Pupils’ Choir with Choir Director Sr Marie Dunne, Holy Faith Congregational Leader Sr Rosaleen Cunniffe and Mr Ciaran Coll (piano).
Friends of St Mary’s Glasnevin! St Mary’s was suitably represented at this special event. Left to Right: Ciaran Coll Music teacher, Sr Marie Dunne (choir director and ex-teacher), Lauryn McCausland (Head Girl) , Emma Humber (soloist and past pupil), Mary McCarthy (past pupil) Ms Bourke (principal), Mrs Lennon (past principal) and Sr Pat O’Malley (ex-teacher and Board of Management Representative).
The welcome address was delivered by Sr Rosaleen Cunniffe, the Holy Faith Congregational Leader who spoke about the foundress of the Order Margaret Aylward, a woman of deep faith who was devoted to those living in poverty and who believed ardently that education was the greatest hope they had. Sr Rosaleen reminded us of the words of Pope Francis that ‘Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey’. To illustrate this point Margaret Alyward’s own small lamp was displayed and lit on the altar throughout the ceremony. This beautiful and memorable Mass concluded with the hymn about Margaret Alyward composed by Sr Marie Dunne and entitled ‘Woman of Faith.
