Bishop Niall Coll celebrates Mass on visit to Deele College in Raphoe

The newly-installed Bishop of Raphoe, Niall Coll, celebrated Mass for students and staff of Deele College in Raphoe.

The Mass, which was concelebrated by Canon McGettigan and Fr Eamon Kelly, marked one of Bishop Coll’s early engagements in his episcopacy of the Raphoe Diocese.

Sixth year and transition year students attended the ceremony in person, while the remainder of the school community joined via webcam, ensuring the entire college could share in the occasion.

Bishop Coll delivered a Homily centred on hope, faith and community - themes that resonated strongly with students and staff.

School management paid tribute to the Bishop for his visit, noting that it was a significant moment for the college to welcome him so early in his ministry.

They also acknowledged the work of staff members Ms Creagh and Ms Hegarty in organising the liturgy, as well as Ms Bonner, Ms Stewart, Mr Austin Quinn and the school choir for their musical contribution.

Following the Mass, Bishop Coll carried out a blessing of the school’s Garden of Remembrance - a space dedicated to past students, staff and loved ones connected to the school. Bishop Coll was accompanied to the school by his mother, Kathleen.

The garden holds special significance within the Deele College community, offering a place for quiet reflection and prayer. The blessing was described as reinforcing its role as a place of peace and remembrance.

Thanks were also extended to Mr Gary Quinn and his team for their work in preparing the garden ahead of the visit.

The school community said it looks forward to Bishop Coll’s leadership in the Diocese of Raphoe and expressed appreciation for what was described as a memorable and uplifting visit

In January, Bishop Coll, a native of St Johnston, was formally installed as the new Bishop of Raphoe having served as the Bishop of Ossory since 2022.

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“One aspect that became very clear to me in Ossory is that our parishes need to be better equipped to catechise people of all ages,” Bishop Coll said just prior to his installation. “The parishes need to become catechumenal hubs, places where adults, young and not so young, can explore the faith together and receive solid instruction.”