Maristnetwork civicreception
THE third annual meeting of the heads of the educational centres of the European Marist Education Network was held at St Mary’s College in Dundalk, the first two annual meetings having been held in Paris.
There are fifteen educational centres in the network: thirteen schools, a youth centre and a chaplaincy. The centres are located in five countries: France, Germany, Italy, England and Ireland. Together they are currently providing education for 18,545 young people.
The theme of the meeting in Dundalk was ‘Building the Network together: the next step.’
A spokesman for St.Mary’s College said ‘ The aim was to strengthen further the links between the centres and, specifically, to agree the common projects for the network for the coming year.’
It was also an opportunity for the delegates to visit the new St Mary’s College building which was opened in May 2016, and to learn about how the staff use the excellent facilities to enhance learning.
Dundalk Town Council also hosted a civic reception for the delegates in the County Museum, where they were wel-
comed by Chairperson Cllr. John McGahon.
The civic reception featured traditional Irish music and song performed by staff of the college.
The delegates were welcomed to the new college building by Principal Mr. Alan Craven and were then entertained on arriv-
al by the students.
The Conference was formally opened by Fr. Martin McAnaney, the European Provincial Superior.
The delegates attended mass celebrated at St. Brigid’s Shrine, and were presented with St. Brigid’s crosses made by the students.