Celebration of 150 years of Ballyguiltenane National School

Celebration of 150 years of Ballyguiltenane National School

June 14, 2026

Homily Notes of Bishop Brendan Leahy

This is a great day. We are marking generations of pupils and teachers, parents and priests, members of Boards of Management and staff, past and present, associated with this school built by Mr O’Driscoll in 1876. With this Mass, we express our gratitude to God. You have prepared well for this occasion, and I would like to draw on the readings you choose to draw out three points that shape our celebration.

First, though, two general observations. We know that a school is more than bricks and mortar, even if we admire the modern school rooms of this school. A school is also more than simply an institution that channels information. It is primarily a community of people who, together, are entering a space where teaching and learning happens. I’ve always liked a comment by the great philosopher and educationalist Plato who wrote that the deepest and most important things are learned only after much time and effort, by engaging in a community of discussion and learning from one another until the spark of understanding is kindled within us as we “strike upon” ideas and experiences grasped together.

A second general observation. As you know, Pope Leo has recently published an encyclical on artificial intelligence which he observes is, of course, very positive in itself. This school has always embraced technology. Canon Ryan who served in Glin from 1949-1979 started fundraising here in the school including purchasing a TV and charging people 2 pence to watch! But one of the comments that gained most traction in Pope Leo’s encyclical was this: “Artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean. Nor do they have a moral conscience.”

A school, in the best sense, is precisely the place where those affective, relational and spiritual perspectives lacking in artificial intelligence are to be found. At school, we learn that our life is a project that we pursue together by helping and encouraging one another, through the choices we make, even through the mistakes from which we learn, but above all through the community of life that teaches us the importance of togetherness, patience and love, forgiveness and fidelity.

So now for the three points suggested by the readings.

A School is a place where Memory is treasured. The First Reading is a lovely reading that begins “Let us praise illustrious people, our ancestors in their successive generations.” It is a reading that speaks about memory. And it recalls people who come in all shapes and sizes. And in the symbols you brought up the Roll Book, representing the thousands of pupils who have passed through the doors of our school since 1876 and a school Workbook.  It is sometimes said that today there is a loss of historical memory going on in society. We are all so driven with technology and striving to the future, which in itself is positive, that we easily end up, however, forgetting the past and recognising the value of a living memory that provides us with examples and stories, lessons of both good and bad from which we can learn and, of course, remembering the past can inspire us to recognise that it doesn’t have to be the big names that change history. There is an often-hidden story going on day by day in the lives of people who care for one another, who build up relationships. They don’t have to be perfect people but each one of us can make a difference. It is wonderful that we are here today remembering so much history. I know there people here today whose family members of 5 generations have attended this school.

A school is a place that promotes fluency in values. The second reading you chose comes from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. It is a great reminder of how we need to become fluent in values that build up the community, values such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, love, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. Saint Augustine described human history as a struggle between two loves, which give rise to two ways of living in our world and living together. He sometimes spoke of two “cities” and we have to decide which one we want to live in, even if we’re out here in beautiful West Limerick. The first city is the love of God and neighbour. The other is a selfish love of self. These two loves are always battling to become dominant in our hearts and world history. 

Parents place great expectations on schools as valuable partners in their children’s education precisely in communicating true values. Parents want their children to grow in the capacity to form relationships, develop critical thinking skills and embrace solid values. I’ve heard that parents were delighted when Julia Ryan, for instance, who started teaching here in 1964 was ahead of her time in terms of wellbeing and nature appreciation. The symbols you brought up included the Bible and Rosary Beads, a ball, a tin whistle and a circle of friends. All of these speak of education not just about information but a fluency in values and vision and friendship that is what makes a school so precious. We know today with the revolution of new technology we are going to have to re-think education to make sure it continues to promote an integral education that addresses every dimension of the person. 

A school is a place that prepares us to do our part in society, especially today to be peace-builders. The Gospel you chose spoke of letting your light shine. It also spoke of salt that seasons food. A school has an essential role in the wider community. It is about creating in the children an awareness that their lives aren’t just about knowing many things but rather to make a difference in the world, to realise they have an important part to play in building up a new world, a new humanity, characterised by peace. This is so important today. We need schools to develop authentic, critical and creative thought so that children can find direction in their lives and a deep sense of purpose – to be peace-builders in a world that is increasingly polarised and at war.

Pope Leo speaks of the need for a peace that is unarmed and disarming today. True peace requires disarming the human heart. We have to learn to be disarmed of the language of aggression and violence – unfortunately this week we have seen terrible examples of that aggression and violence – and learn, instead the language of reconciliation, mercy and justice. And that involves also hearing the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We can be grateful today that a school under Catholic patronage pursues this important agenda, not least with the Trocaire message, the Green flag initiative, the sports, the music, the religious education and the many cultural aspects, all ways that help the children be more attentive to human dignity in all its aspects as well as to issues of justice and peace, care for the planet and the importance of culture. Yes, your school, though small, has played an important role in creating responsible citizens at the service of society.

We are all of us delighted to be here today. We congratulate you all. And we pray that you will always continue to be a community where memory is treasured, where fluency in values is promoted and where the goal of peace is pursued. In the words of today’s Gospel, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden… Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”