Earlier this month, 90 members of the Clogher don Óige community embarked on a profound pilgrimage to Lourdes, a place renowned for its deep spiritual significance and miraculous healing. Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is where the Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, offering messages of hope, faith, and conversion.

Our pilgrims, young in age but rich in spirit, ventured to Lourdes with hearts open to the transformative encounters that awaited them. Each step of the journey was woven with prayer, reflection, and a profound sense of solidarity, as they joined together in the universal Church's mission of faith.

many of the young pilgrims commented that one of the most moving experiences was the candlelight procession, where the glow of thousands of candles lit up the night sky, symbolising the light of Christ shining in the hearts of His people. In these moments, our pilgrims united their prayers with those of countless faithful from around the world, offering their petitions and thanksgiving to Our Lady of Lourdes.

As they return home, the pilgrims carry with them strengthened faith, lasting friendships, and a renewed commitment to live out the Gospel values in their everyday lives. Lourdes reminds us of the power of faith and the community that nurtures it, inspiring us all to continue our journey with trust in God's providential care.

We invite you to explore the photographs and share in the beauty of this pilgrimage experience.

The Diocese of Clogher proudly hosted the Pope John Paul II Award ceremony at Saint Joseph’s Church in Monaghan on Friday, November 8, 2024. The event honours young people who have made significant contributions to their parishes and communities through service, leadership, and faith.
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The ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including award recipients, their families, clergy, and local dignitaries. The event celebrated the achievements of 90 young people from across the diocese who demonstrated commitment to Christian values and community engagement.

After a break of a number of years due to pandemic related restrictions, we were once again pleased to have Bishop Larry present the Pope John Paul II Award to nearly 100 young people from across the diocese, on Friday 10th November.

Saint Michael’s Church, Enniskillen hosted the diocese's 13th JPII Award Ceremony, an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our young people in their parishes and in the wider community, the first group of young people from the Dicoese of Clogher received their award in 2009. 

A huge congratulations to all the young people who received their award, and thanks to the Award Leaders in their parishes who facilitate and journey alongside the participants each year.

Our thanks also to the Knights of Saint Columbanus, who continue to support the Pope John Paul II Award in the diocese, and to Supreme Knight, John Murphy for his presence and his assistance in presenting the awards on the night.

July 5th-10th 2019
62 young people from across the Diocese, accompanied by Fr. Leo Creelman, Youth Director James McLoughlin and 9 volunteer leaders travelled to Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage.
The young people played a key role with the Assisted Pilgrims from the Diocese, making sure they got to all the Masses, liturgies and other events of the pilgrimage. The young people of Clogher don Óige also played a central role in the liturgies during our six days in Lourdes - leading the Low Stations, the Closing Ceremony and various prayers and music at Masses. The young people excelled themselves, with servant hearts were a credit to themselves, their families, parishes and communities.

The Diocesan Pope John Paul II Awarding Committee met last night to assess, verify and confirm the Awards for all record cards, presentations and projects submitted for 2017/18.

The committee were pleased with the continued high standard of submissions and the clear evidence of the different activities undertaken by participants in their parishes and communities.

All award participants and parish award leaders have been emailed their results. If you have not received an email, please get in touch [email protected]. The Annual Award Ceremony will take place on Friday March 1st 2019, at the Slieve Russell Hotel. Parish Award Leaders have been sent all invitations for their group. We would be grateful if all those planning to attend could RSVP here.

All the team at Clogher don Óige would like to congratulate and thank our Parish Award Leaders on another successful year! We are constantly looking for volunteers to assist young people in our parishes in working towards the Pope John Paul II Award... is this something that interests you? Get in touch - [email protected]

The news has just been announced that Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Larry Duffy, current Parish Priest of Carrickmacross, to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of Clogher!
We have been without a Bishop now for a little over two years since Bishop Liam McDaid's resignation on health grounds. We keep Bishop-Elect Larry in our prayers as he prepares to begin this new chapter of his priestly ministry. We look forward to working with him in the future and have lots of dates to be put in his diary!!

Staying involved through his years at university James was often a pilgrimage leader, and was always willing to lend a hand at any other CdÓ events. James, who recently got married to the wonderful Catherine, has spent the last number of years working for the Kenelm Youth Trust in the Archdiocese of Birmingham in England.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back home to work in the diocese with Clogher don Óige," says James. "I have many happy memories of Church growing up: from altar serving and singing in the choir in Saint Mary's in Pettigo; to the school and parish community in Saint Joseph's, Ederney where I received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. This solid formation of faith was developed through my years in Saint Michael's College, Enniskillen, and through my involvement with CdÓ in my late teens and ever since! I can't wait to get to work to build on the great work of CdÓ and see what new possibilities and opportunities are available for the Young Church of Clogher."

We wish James all the best as he begins his work with us here at CdÓ! 

We are currently accepting applications (age 16+) for the 10th group of young people from across the diocese of complete the JPII Award. Since 2008, over 2000 young people have received the Award in the diocese.

Get in touch with the Parish Award Leader in your Parish, or contact the CdÓ office.