A new charity wristband will be launched today which encourages Leaving and Junior Cert students to "Be Not Afraid". This biblical phrase was often quoted by the late Pope John Paul II, most notably in his final days.
The idea for the wristband came from a 16-year-old student who was inspired by the courage shown by the dying pope.
Daniel Philbin Bowman, son of the broadcaster John Bowman, was sick in bed watching coverage of the pope's death when he had the idea for a wristband that would raise funds for charity and remember the late pope's message.
He approached Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin, who supported the project. It was agreed proceeds from the sale of the wristbands would go to the Turning the Tide of Suicide group, and the Irish Red Cross for its work in Darfur, Sudan.
The wristbands have been endorsed by celebrities including golfer Pádraig Harrington, footballer Damien Duff, pop acts Westlife and Girls Aloud, writer Maeve Binchy and RTÉ's Bryan Dobson and John Bowman. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill, is also supporting the project.
Daniel, who is finishing transition year in Sandford Park school in Ranelagh, said he was not a Catholic and was not "officially religious", but he was inspired by the strength and bravery shown by Pope John Paul. "I didn't really know a lot about him before, but I learned a lot about his life in the week after his death and was able to see how courageous he was in the last few months of his life."
Costing €2, they are in the papal colours of white and yellow and will be on sale in Superquinn and Veritas outlets around the State, as well as the Nude chain of cafes and takeaways and churches in the Dublin diocese. The Football Association of Ireland has given permission for the sale of the wristbands during the Ireland-Israel soccer match in Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Fr Pat O'Donoghue, director of the Dublin Diocesan Liturgical Resource Centre, said the idea had "taken on a life of its own" since it was first mooted by Daniel. "So many people have come on board to support it. There's no limit to it, so we'll see where it goes from here."
While it is being launched to coincide with Junior and Leaving Cert exams, Fr O'Donoghue said the "Be Not Afraid" message was for everyone.
Dr Martin said he hoped the message would empower people to take action when faced with difficult circumstances.
"Our young people need the confidence to face the many pressures in their lives and to respond to current issues with vision and courage."
