Celebratory Concert …featuring many past and present pupils and staff, and invited guest performers Continuing with the Anniversary of 170...
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On 22nd October 2025, Loreto Grammar School and friends celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving to mark 170 years from the very date on which Sr Felicitas Murray CJ, left Rathfarnham, Dublin in 1855 along with 5 Loreto Sisters to travel via stagecoach to open a Loreto Post Primary School in Omagh. The original school began in George’s Street and later moved to the wonderful Loreto grounds where the Loreto Sisters established a convent, and the place of the current school which has grown and developed over the years. The magnificent Convent House and Chapel stand today as a constant and steadfast reminder of the impact the Loreto Sisters have had on the education of young girls in Omagh and Tyrone committed to the legacy and vision of Foundress, Mary Ward, ensuring that “women in time to come, will do much.” It is without doubt that the Loreto Sisters and all who continued their mission and legacy have shaped the community of Omagh and beyond since 1855.
Monsignor Andrew Dolan, who has generations of family connections with Loreto Grammar School, celebrated the Mass which was attended by Loreto Sisters from Rathfarnham, Dalkey, Coleraine, Belfast and Omagh, along with many friends of the Loreto community including Staff, Governors, Trustees, Community Partners, Parents and Families, past and present. The Mass was a very poignant, significant liturgy, a shared thanksgiving and celebration of faith, education and service through the generations.
Mrs Cullinan, Principal, highlighted that “the ceremony represented a connection between Loreto past and Loreto present, a lasting connection which embodies the legacy of faith, education and service which will remain steadfast and will endure”. She stated that all present, in confidence and in great faith, share in the foundation of our very strong and lasting – Loreto future”.
Mrs Cullinan acknowledged the presence of her fellow Principal, Mr Gallagher, from Loreto College, Coleraine as a symbol of the shared journey within a worldwide network of Loreto Schools.
The impact of the visual display of a journey of 170 years, and counting, offered a tangible link between the Loreto Sisters and the education, talents and skills of Loreto pupils today. In particular, the recreation of a stained-glass window from the Convent House, designed by Year 11 Art and Design students and displayed behind the altar, placed the Loreto Sisters at the heart of the Mass of thanksgiving and highlighted the strong connection to their legacy which, as Mrs Cullinan pointed out “is more important now, than ever.”
Mrs Cullinan thanked all who prepared or participated in the Liturgy, collectively representing the whole Loreto community, past and present. She acknowledged the outstanding choir led by Mrs McGirr which really embellished the Liturgy and reminded all present of the joy in the Loreto journey.
The Deputy Province Leader of the Loreto Sisters, Sr Gabrielle Murphy, CJ delivered a message of promise and hope from St Barbara Murphy, CJ, Province Leader:
“The more you celebrate who you are; the clearer you are on your identity; the more you believe in yourselves and celebrate your identity as Loreto Grammar School – the more ready you will be for any change in your lives. In moving on from this amazing Loreto Grammar School towards the new campus in Strule, you will bring the best of yourselves, and you will meet the best of others… and this is exciting!”
In addition to refreshments and a chance to reconnect, there was an opportunity to hear a recital on the restored Grand Erard Piano from the Convent House, for which Mrs Cullinan extended gratitude to all in the community who provided sponsorship or funds.
Celebratory Concert
Continuing with the anniversary of 170 years of Loreto Convent / Grammar School, there was also a celebratory concert on 27th November 2025 in the School Assembly Hall.
This was a wonderful addition to our celebration and was a feast of song, dance, drama, all genres of music, recollections and a talk from renowned historian, Dr Deirdre Raftery.
