Bishop Fleming welcomes first students of The Newman Institute to graduate with degrees.
“Adult faith formation is a vital element in the future development of our Catholic faith. Without it many people will fail to discover the richness of our Catholic tradition; through it, an energetic Catholic faith can become a feature of life in Ireland in the future” – Bishop Fleming
On Friday November 6th, six students of The Newman Institute, Ballina, Co Mayo graduated from Saint Angela’s College, Sligo, with degrees recognised by the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). They were awarded the degree Bachelor in Theology and Community Involvement at a ceremony in Sligo.
This was the first time in the history of The Newman Institute that a university degree from an Irish university was awarded in Ballina. Speaking after the conferring ceremony, the Bishop of Killala and Chancellor of The Newman Institute, Bishop John Fleming said: “Today history has been made. I congratulate our six students and wish them well as they receive their degrees. This is a first for Ballina. For the first time, students living in our community have been able to access third-level education without having to go to one of the university towns in our country. I take this opportunity, therefore, to encourage people who are interested in following in their footsteps to contact The Newman Institute to ensure that this most welcome development can continue in the future.”
Bishop Fleming continued, “I am particularly happy that the degree course taken by our students is in the area of theology. Adult faith formation is a vital element in the future development of our Catholic faith. Without it many people will fail to discover the richness of our Catholic tradition; through it, an energetic Catholic faith can become a feature of life in Ireland in the future. Enrolments this year did not reach the target set by Saint Angela’s and NUIG but I am hopeful that this ceremony will encourage others to explore the many opportunities now on offer at The Newman Institute. Many people in the diocese worked hard over many years to see this dream come true. On this important and special occasion, I remember them and thank them,” Bishop Fleming said.
Front row left to right.
Rev. Dr. Michael G. Duignan, B.Ph., S.T.B., S.T.L., S.T.D, Academic Director, St. Angela’s College, Sligo,
Ms. Aishling Mulherin B.Th, M.PS,
Most Rev. John Fleming, DD., DCL., Bishop of Killala and Chancellor of The Newman Institute Ireland,
Mr. Vincent Murray, B.Sc., B.D., S.T.L., P.G.C.E.,
Mr. Eugene Toolan, B.Ed/MA (Education), Head of Education Department, St. Angela’s College, Sligo.
Back row left to right.
Alice Melody B.A,
Sr Attracta Tighe, B.A., B.D., S.T.L., Academic Director, The Newman Institute Ireland,
Áine Davis B.A,
Louise Maloney B.A,
Denise Kilgallon B.A,
Helen Murphy B.A,
Bridget Lynch B.A.