10.11.2023
‘Let There Be Light’ – Diocesan School Children Encouraged to Walk in the Light
Children from schools all over Dublin and Glendalough filled Christ Church Cathedral yesterday morning (Thursday November 9) for the Diocesan Service for Primary and Junior Schools.
The theme of the service was ‘Let There Be Light’ and this was reflected throughout with uplifting hymns and powerful, positive messages affirming the light of Christ which banishes darkness. The collection was taken up in aid of Pieta House, which organises the annual ‘Darkness into Light’ event and works to prevent suicide and self–harm.
Organised by the Diocesan Board of Education, the service was led by the Revd Sean Hanily and the Revd Jane Burns with Archbishop Michael Jackson presiding. The young students had an opportunity to bring light into the cathedral with glow sticks as they affirmed their commitment to bring the light of Christ into the world around them.
In his address, the Revd Sean Hanily said that we can make a choice every single day to walk in the Light of Christ. However, he said that everyone makes mistakes but explained that God doesn’t keep a record of them. During every service there was an opportunity to confess our sins, he added, and God gives an assurance of forgiveness when we walk in the light.
“Every day you have a choice to make: are you going to walk in the Light of Christ or are you going to turn away and walk in the darkness? You have that choice every day and my prayer for you is that you may be encouraged to walk in the path of the light,” he said.
Prayers were said for all involved in education, including children and their teachers and those in the Department of Education. Before giving the blessing, Archbishop Jackson prayed for children who were caught up in the arena of war. Mindful of the privilege of education he prayed for children who could no longer access education because of war.
