Young People Called to Be Christ’s Light in the World at Pope John Paul II and Muiredach Cross Award Ceremony
Young people from across the Archdiocese of Armagh gathered in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, on Tuesday 16 June 2026, for the Pope John Paul II and Muiredach Cross Award Ceremony.
The evening was a joyful celebration of faith, service, generosity and hope. Award recipients, their families, schools, parishes, clergy, youth leaders and supporters came together to recognise the gifts and talents of young people who have given their time and energy in service of their parish, school and wider community.
This year’s theme, “Christ’s Light in the World – Go and Make a Difference,” continued the focus of the recent Archdiocesan Congress on Youth, Family and Faith. That Congress invited the whole diocesan family to listen to young people, to recognise their place in the life of the Church. The award ceremony carried that same spirit forward, reminding all present that young people are not only the future of the Church but part of its present life, witness and mission.
The celebration opened with a welcome read by Kacey Quigley, a young adult from the LEAP Group from Armagh. Those gathered were reminded that through acts of faith, leadership, service and witness, the young award recipients had already begun to shine Christ’s light in the world.
The Scripture readings deepened the theme of the evening. The first reading, from Isaiah, called the people of God to “arise” and “shine out” because the glory of the Lord is rising. The Gospel, from Matthew 5:13-16, placed before the young people the words of Jesus: “You are the light of the world.” These words shaped the whole celebration and offered a clear invitation to every recipient to allow their faith to be seen through goodness, service and courage.
Archbishop Eamon Martin led the liturgy and was assisted by Bishop Michael Router. Archbishop Eamon spoke with young people, delegates and volunteers from the recent Congress on Youth, Family and Faith. The conversation included Matthew Nugent from St Patrick’s, Keady; Cassie McArdle, Cait McArdle and Lucy Maxwell from St Catherine’s College; and Noel George from St Patrick’s, Armagh. Matthew Nugent also performed a piece he had written as part of his project for the Papal Cross Award, adding a moving and personal expression of creativity, faith and commitment to the evening.
The prayers of the faithful were offered by award recipients from across the Archdiocese. They prayed for the Church, for peace in the world, for the fruits of the Congress on Youth, Family and Faith, for all award recipients, for families and loved ones, and for those who need hope.
Music also formed an important part of the celebration, with St Paul’s School Choir, Bessbrook, lead by Mr Colm Murphy. Following the presentation of medals, Bishop Michael prayed for all the young recipients, thanking Christ for the gifts, faith and generosity of all gathered, and asking for courage to live their faith boldly, serve others generously and bring light into every place they go. He thanked all those who have accompanied the young people and helped out in organising the awards ceremony. Bishop Michael pointed the young people to Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Christus Vivit, reminding them that “God Loves You”, “Christ Saves You” and that “Christ is Alive” and moving in the world today.
At the end of the celebration, Archbishop Eamon encouraged the award recipients to continue their journey of faith and to take seriously the call placed before them. A call to “Be Christ’s Light in the World – go and make a difference,”
The evening was marked by joy and the vibrancy of young people whose faith is already alive in their homes, schools, parishes and communities. It was a celebration not only of completed awards, but of young disciples ready to continue their journey of service, leadership and witness to Christ in the world today.
