On Wednesday 16th October 25 students from 5 Vincentian Schools met for a Formation day on the life of Margaret Aylward, founder of the Holy Faith Sisters. Pupils came from Castleknock College, St. Louise’s College Belfast, St. Mary’s Glasnevin, St. Pauls Raheny and the day was hosted in Holy Faith Secondary School Clontarf.
Ms. Aoife Kavanagh a teacher from Holy Faith Secondary School Clontarf presented the life of Margaret Alyward to the students and used a variety of ways to tell her story using music, video and engaged the students in many activities including creating a timeline of Margaret Aylward’s life. One of the many activities of the day was when the pupils were asked to write a poem about Margaet Alyward. This is one of the poems they wrote.
MARGARET AYLWARD
From Waterford to Dublin so she came
The people in poverty their lives were changed
She wanted to make everyone’s lives the same
She founded the Holy Faith Sisters
Without employing the Misters
She tried to help everyone
That’s what she swore
And managed to do this
With the help of the Lord.
The day concluded with a time of prayer and reflection during which the students were asked to think about what Margaret Aylward do if she were alive today. Each student composed a prayer for the needs of our world today. Ms Kavanagh then read these prayers out as reflective music was played in the background and candles represented the light of God listening to and answering the many prayers that were prayed.