The sound of the St Colmcille Bell at St Mary’s carried across the Falls Road and into the wider Belfast community on Tuesday morning, 14 October 2025, as Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St Mary’s University College, and Students’ Union President, Caoilte Hamill, together announced the official beginning of the College’s 125th anniversary year.

Welcoming the congregation before a Mass for the Dedication of Studies, Professor Peter Finn reflected on the significance of this milestone occasion:

“Since the first students began their studies here in 1900, St Mary’s has stood as a beacon of faith-based education — an institution rooted in the Catholic tradition and guided by enduring values of love, respect, justice, integrity, and service. As we celebrate 125 years, we give thanks for all who have shaped our mission and look forward with hope to the years ahead.”

In his homily, Rev Dr Eddie McGee reflected on the theme of the Jubilee Year of Hope:

“Hope inspired our founders to begin this College in faith,” Fr Eddie said. “Hope sustains our mission to educate and to serve. And hope will carry St Mary’s into the next chapter of its history.”