An online mass and small celebrations are being planned for the over 200 students who attend Athlone IT and who won't be going home for Christmas.
Chaplain Fr Shay Casey says there are always students from Africa, China and other countries who can't travel home for the holidays, but he says that number has grown this year with students from several other European countries also staying here for Christmas.
Fr Casey says the usual Christmas celebrations won't be possible for the students who stay behind this year, but they are still hoping to help the young people not feel left out.
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He says they will say a special online mass at 9 o' clock on Christmas Eve and small groups of students will be gathering for celebrations throughout the day.
