Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, Éamon Martin, pictured with Principal of St Paul’s High School, Mr Jarlath Burns and School Chaplain, Father Dermot Maloney, during his recent pastoral visit to the Bessbrook school.

The new Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh, Éamon Martin paid his first visit to St Paul’s High School last Thursday.  Archbishop Martin was greeted by Principal, Mr Jarlath Burns, who welcomed him to the Bessbrook school on behalf of the governors, students and staff, and remarked that it was fitting that Archbishop Martin is a former principal and educationalist giving the challenges facing Catholic education.

Mr Burns said that St Paul’s has been looking forward to the Episcopal visit for some time and he was delighted that Archbishop Martin had chosen to visit the school on 13 February, a day which holds special significance in the calendar of St Paul.

Archbishop Martin celebrated Mass in the packed school oratory, after which he had an opportunity to meet students and staff who have recently travelled to Kenya and Romania as part of the school’s International Projects.

The archbishop was welcomed the Year 9 Assembly by Head of Year Mrs Gráinne Campbell, and Archbishop Martin took the opportunity to impart a blessing on the students assembled at the start of their school day.

The archbishop received a tour of the school’s facilities and spent some time in the Religion Department and with the staff and students of the school’s learning support centre.

See below our gallery of photographs from Archbishop Éamon Martin’s visit.