In an open letter to the Leaving Cert Class of 2021 throughout the State, Archbishop Dermot Farrell published the following message ahead of the start of the public examinations tomorrow:

Letter

I wish all the 2021 Leaving Certificate students, those who are going through the Predicted Grades System or sitting the written examination every good wish and God’s blessings.

This year’s Leaving Certificate students have been challenged in their preparation for the Leaving Certificate by the Covid pandemic during the school years 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021. I want to thank the Principals, Boards of Management, Teachers, Staff, School Chaplains, Pastoral Care Teams for the dedicated care of our Post Primary Students especially this year’s Leaving Certificate Students.

I am grateful to Minister Foley and the officials of the Department of Education and Skills for the work and support they have given to this year’s Leaving Certificate group. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct the Leaving Certificate students now and in all the decisions they will make about their future.

I pray that Our Lady will protect you all and that St. Joseph, her husband, in this year dedicated to St. Joseph, will watch over you as he protected his foster son, Jesus.

Yours sincerely,

+ Dermot Farrell

Archbishop of Dublin

ENDS