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University College Cork
Sun 17 Nov 2024
starting at 9:30am
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I hope that whatever you are seeking you may find some steps here that will lead you to know the God of Love in your life. You are welcome to walk with us on our social media channels, too.
Bishop Fintan Gavin
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We are very excited to announce that the Sisters of Life will be joining us for CONNECT 6, which will focus on the theme ‘Hope does not Disappoint’.
Our keynote speaker is Sr. Mary Grace, originally from Australia, a highly sought-after speaker at youth conferences attended by thousands, and a prominent figure on YouTube.
The day will feature insightful presentations and sharing, Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the opportunity for Confession.
There is a registration fee of €10, which includes pizza.
CONNECT 6 (10 May 2025)
Photo taken at Lourdes in 1972 (full image in post)
One of the established traditions with pilgrims who travel to the Marian Shrine in Lourdes, France, is to have a photo taken outside the basilica.
There must be many such photos in homes across Ireland!
This photo of the Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes was taken in 1972. It was taken by Photo Viron -- a local firm who still take photos as Lourdes. (Click Read more to see the full photo.)
This year's pilgrimage to Lourdes is from Sept 19th to 24th. A similar mix of people will travel also this year: people who are sick, their family members and helpers, professional carers, young adult helpers as well as able-bodied pilgrims who join from across the diocese.
The congregation included An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; members of the Cork City Council, led by Lord Mayor Cllr. Dan Boyle, along with Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council.
The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr. Mal Mutton and Lady Mayoress of Coventry, Margaret Hickman were also in attendance.
In his homily at the Mass, Bishop Fintan reminded people of the important religious dimension of St. Patrick’s Day.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a religious feast. We celebrate our national saint, St. Patrick. We celebrate the important place our faith has played in our story over many centuries here in Ireland and beyond. We remember the thousands and thousands of Irish missionaries, religious and lay, around the world who have carried the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.”
Bishop Fintan Gavin blesses shamrock at the St. Patrick’s Day Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.In a joyful ceremony on Sunday, March 9th, in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Bishop Fintan welcomed those who have been preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter which will lead to their becoming Catholic
Our three catechumens (people who have not been baptised Christians) were called by name and signed the Book of the Elect, signifying the next step on their faith journey. The elect (those who have signed the Book of the Elect in the presence of the bishop)were joined by many candidates who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
As the Easter Vigil approaches, the excitement continues to build. The Rite of Election serves not only as a milestone for those preparing to receive the Easter sacraments, but also as a great sign of hope as these adults choose to become Catholic.
During the liturgy Brian Murphy played the organ beautifully accompanied by Pat Ryan and Caroline Fraher.
Candidates and Sponsors at the Cathedral
Newly formed Council of Priests
The Council is consulted by the bishop on pastoral matters to do with the faith life of the diocese.
The majority of members are elected by the priests ministering in the 16 families of parishes. In addition, priests working in chaplaincies nominate a representative, as do the priests who are retired. The communities of religious priests ministering in the diocese are also represented (by Fr. Hilary OFM (inset)).
The Council meets bi-monthly with Bishop Fintan at Mardyke House, Cork.
In Sept 2024, Bishop Fintan Gavin announced the start of a period of time during which parishioners and clergy together would consider how the faith communities of the diocese will reorganise to answer the mission of the Lord in this time and place.
Meetings are now ongoing in each family of parishes across the diocese.
To date the Office for Mission and Ministry has completed three sessions in each of the Families of Parishes of:
Parishioners reflect on the meetingMake a secure donation to
the Diocese of Cork and Ross
