Some of the gifts brought up in a procession at the beginning of the Mass, which symbolised the various works the parish has been involved with. Newcestown parish in Co. Cork marked the 150th anniversary of St John the Baptist Church and the 50th anniversary of Bishop Galvin Central School Friday, June 24.
Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin and Fr Bernard Cotter PP concelebrated Mass, before the bishop planted a tree on the school grounds to mark the special occasion.
A procession of gifts, including a Newcestown and a Ukraine flag and a picture of the founder of the Columbans, Newcestown native Bishop Edward Galvin, symbolised the variety of works the parish has been involved in.
A history book telling the story of the school over the last 50 years was also launched, the work of a 10 person committee, staff and pupils, past and present and the wider community.
