The Cork, Cloyne and Ross Centenaries Commemoration and Reconciliation Programme concluded with a Diocesan Service in St Peter’s Church, Bandon on Thursday, 25th May 2023. The Service marked the end of the Irish Civil War and was combined with the annual Diocesan Schools’ Service which all Diocesan Primary Schools attend. The students had spent the last few weeks practising hymns and getting their Peace Banners ready for this imaginative event in the life of our Diocese, and to mark a significant event in the Decade of Centenaries for our country.

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton led the service and the preacher was Canon Elaine Murray, Incumbent of Carrigaline Union. Clergy, members of the Board of Education, and members of the Diocesan Council also attended the service.

The theme for the service was Peace and all schools were asked to bring the Peace Banners which they made at a workshop in September 2019, but did not use due to the pandemic. Everyone at the service also brought a small torchlight with them, to share the light and peace of Christ with each other and with the community during the singing of a hymn.

The choir of St Michael’s NS, Blackrock sang a piece under the direction of Peter Stobart and with Matthew Breen on the organ. The service ended with the traditional ringing of all the school bells which the students brought with them.