Every child's Confirmation is a red-letter day, one that has special significance and holds many memories. For Fermoy boy Edmond Roche though it's going to be extra special.

Edmond has been chosen as one of two young people from the Diocese of Cloyne to travel to Rome this weekend to be confirmed by the new Pope, His Holiness Pope Francis.

12-year-old Edmond, from Baile Ard, Fermoy and Emily Mulcahy, also aged 12, from Cobh, will take part in a Confirmation ceremony in the famous St Peter's Square this Sunday, April 28.

Edmond is an altar server in Fermoy and a sixth class pupil in Gaelscoil de h-Íde. He'll be accompanied on his special trip to Rome by his mother Bernadette and older brother David who was also an altar server for a number of years. Also travelling for Edmond's big day are his granny, also named Bernadette Roche, his auntie Rosaleen Roche and his godfather, Jason Roche, a soldier stationed at Collins Barracks. Other family members are also planning to go.

Edmond was surprised and delighted to hear he'd been selected to be confirmed by Pope Francis. He has been overseas once before, on a trip to Lourdes and says he is "hugely excited" to be going to Rome, as are his family. His mum Bernadette revealed that they will have a few days to explore Rome's many sights and places of interest and will attend a special concert. They leave for Rome on Friday and will return home on Monday evening next.

When news of Edmond's very special Confirmation filtered through to Gaelscoil de h-Íde he was made a big fuss of by Principal Sean MacGearailt, staff and his fellow pupils.

Edmond served at the Confirmation on Tuesday last of his classmates. While he missed taking part, he's absolutely thrilled to be going to Rome to be confirmed by the Pope. Bishop Crean gave him a special blessing on the day.

Edmond and Emily are going to Rome in response to an invitation received by the Diocese of Cloyne to send a girl and boy to be confirmed by the Holy Father in a ceremony which is part of the Year of Faith celebrations. The children and their families met with Bishop Crean in Cobh on Wednesday.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Edmond and Emily to be confirmed by our new Holy Father at this important stage in their lives," the Bishop said. "Personally I'm delighted that they will be confirmed by Pope Francis who is making such a wonderful impression on the world. It is a great honour for the Diocese of Cloyne to be invited to take part in this special ceremony," he added.

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