Published: Thu 28 Mar 2024, 6:54 PM
Students, staff and parents from the Sacred Heart School in Tullamore were at the centre of the Holy Thursday Mass which was broadcast live on RTÉ One television this evening.
The service, which was celebrated by Tullamore-based priest Fr Joe Campbell, was filmed in the RTÉ studios in Dublin.
Throughout the Mass, excellent singing was provided by students from the school's choir, under the direction of James Murphy.
At the outset, school principal Pauline McKenna introduced viewers to the all-girls Offaly school, explaining that it values "the personal, moral, social and spiritual development of each student, encouraging respect for self and others".
She added that the school "has a strong extra-curricular ethos and has achieved national and international success at music, sport, and performing arts, within the context of an underlying, all-inclusive, non-elitist philosophy".
During the service, members of the school community participated in the Holy Thursday ritual of the washing of the feet. During the offertory procession, students brought forth gifts for the poor which were blessed and will be donated to the Society of St Vincent De Paul.
Readings during the Mass were also provided by staff and students from the school.
During his homily, Fr Joe reflected on the deeper meaning behind Jesus's washing of the feet, and on the theme, 'God is love'.
At the end of the service, the priest thanked the choir, musicians and all of the school's staff and students who participated in the liturgy.
"A word of thanks also to RTÉ for their hospitality and their welcome here in Montrose," he added, and also thanked those who tuned in to the service.
"I hope that you have a blessed Easter, and that through our prayers here this evening, for this celebration of the Holy Eucharist, you receive comfort and strength at this time. Every blessing for you and for your families," he concluded.
For those who missed the live broadcast and wish to watch it back, the Mass is now available for viewing on the RTÉ Player.
Published: Thu 28 Mar 2024, 6:54 PM
