The Catholic Ethos of Our School
Scoil Naisiúnta Oilibhéar Pluingcéad is under the patronage of the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin and is a Catholic School, with strong links within our Parish. The purpose of the school, as a centre of Catholic Education is to help the students to take their place in society as educated, responsible and committed Christians, with a philosophy of life which is spiritually enriching and which will enable them to contribute positively to the society in which they live.
The educational program of the school is directed to the growth of the whole person, and has its source in a Christian vision.
Our school endeavours to be flexible in facilitating alternative arrangements for those who do not wish to avail of the Catholic religious education we offer. It is important that the beliefs and sensibilities of every child are respected.
St. Oliver Plunkett
“The Patron Saint of Our School”
Our school is named after St. Oliver Plunkett. He was born at Loughcrew, Co. Meath on the 1st November 1625. In 1647 he travelled to Rome to study for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on the 1st January 1654.
In the summer of 1669 he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and he returned to Ireland, where he was warmly welcomed by the people. The conclusion of his life is well known. He was betrayed by those who should have been assisting him. He was arrested near Dublin and was convicted for high-treason (betraying his country) in London. He was condemned on trumped-up (false) evidence in Tyburn Hill, London on 11th July 1681.
St. Oliver tried to give the people hope in a time when most were near despair. He longed to teach them the truths of the Faith and he travelled daily to spread this good word, even though he knew there was a price on his head.
In 1918 Pope Benedict proclaimed him a Martyr. On 23rd May 1920 he was beatified and on the 12th October 1975 he was canonised by Pope Paul VI.
In the summer of 1669 he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and he returned to Ireland, where he was warmly welcomed by the people. The conclusion of his life is well known. He was betrayed by those who should have been assisting him. He was arrested near Dublin and was convicted for high-treason (betraying his country) in London. He was condemned on trumped-up (false) evidence in Tyburn Hill, London on 11th July 1681.
St. Oliver tried to give the people hope in a time when most were near despair. He longed to teach them the truths of the Faith and he travelled daily to spread this good word, even though he knew there was a price on his head.
In 1918 Pope Benedict proclaimed him a Martyr. On 23rd May 1920 he was beatified and on the 12th October 1975 he was canonised by Pope Paul VI.