🌸 Girls Friendly Society Annual Service and Prize-Giving at St Canice’s Cathedral 🌸
Under glorious sunshine on Sunday, 18th May 2025, a large crowd gathered at St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, for the Annual Service and Prize-Giving of the Girls Friendly Society (GFS).
The service, which began at 3pm, was a joyful and colourful celebration of friendship, faith, and service.
🎉 Procession of Banners
The afternoon opened with a vibrant presentation of banners, as each GFS branch proudly processed into the cathedral to the hymn Will You Come and Follow Me? The spirit of unity and shared purpose was palpable as girls, leaders, families, and clergy came together in worship and thanksgiving.
🎵 Music Ministry
The music for the day was led by mThe 4 Hims, whose uplifting accompaniment added a special energy to the hymns and worship throughout the service.
✝️ Commissioning of the New GFS Chaplain
A special highlight of the service was the appointment of the new GFS Chaplain. The Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory officially commissioned the Revd Edna Wakely, Rector of Castlecomer Union, to this important role, marking a new chapter in the spiritual leadership of GFS in the diocese.
Revd Edna Wakely reflected:
“It was a pleasure to lead today’s Diocesan Girls’ Friendly Society’s Annual Prize-giving service in Saint Canice’s Cathedral, where I was formally commissioned as Diocesan Chaplain — a commissioning that had to be postponed by a year, when I became ill with covid in May, 2024.
Well done to all the prize winners — you did yourselves, your parents and your GFS leaders proud. Clearly a lot of hard work and dedication went into your results. I feel honoured to be your Chaplain.
Thanks must also go to your parents and dedicated leaders.
Thank you also to Kathleen Anangwe, Lucy Irungu and Revd. Roger Thompson for their interesting and challenging address, and for teaching everyone a worship song in Swahili.
The glorious sunshine contributed to a most enjoyable afternoon. Thank you one and all.”
🌍 Supporting Global Mission
During the moving hymn When I Needed a Neighbour, Were You There?, girls from each branch came forward to present donations. These generous gifts will support GFS mission partners in Kenya, as well as the GFS World Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, demonstrating the society’s ongoing commitment to global compassion and solidarity.
🕊️ Learning a New Song of Faith
One of the most memorable moments of the service was the teaching of a joyful new song known as “the Kenyan song” Asante Sana Yesu / Thank You, Thank You Jesus. The congregation enthusiastically joined in, learning the words and rhythm with delight, and celebrating the global connection of faith communities.
🍞💧 Message of Inspiration
The address was delivered by Kathleen Anangwe, accompanied by Lucy Irungu and Revd Roger Thompson from the Church Mission Society (CMS). With the theme Jesus and the Life-Giving Water: How God is at Work in Kenya, the speakers shared inspiring stories of transformation, service, and hope, reminding all present of the power of faith in action.
🏅 Prizes and Blessings
The bishop concluded the service with the blessing, after which he presented prizes to the girls of the GFS in recognition of their achievements and commitment over the past year.
🧺 Picnic in the Orchard
The celebrations then moved outside, where the congregation gathered in the orchard and at the back of the cathedral for a relaxed and cheerful picnic. Games, laughter, and sunshine brought the day to a fitting close a true celebration of community, growth, and joy in Christ.
🕊️ To learn more about the Girls Friendly Society and upcoming events, visit www.girlsfriendlysociety.ie/about/our-history
📸 Please note: Due to the nature of the pictures, permission is required before use. To request access, please contact the Diocesan Communications Officer, Mr Shane Reynolds, at cfodco2023@gmail.com.