The first gathering of the priests of the diocese for several years was a retreat held in East Cork.
Bishop Fintan Gavin invited all the priests of the diocese, including priests from elsewhere who minister in the diocese, to take part in a four-day time of renewal and rest.
The director of the retreat was Fr. Hugh Lagan SMA who is a Derry native and has served on the Missions in Africa and elsewhere.
Priests of missionary societies and religious orders made themselves available to serve in parishes for funerals while the local priests were absent.
The retreat days included morning and evening prayer from the divine office prayed by all the priests together, two illustrated talks per day, concelebrated Mass, meals together, quiet time, time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and time to socialise, walk and catch up.
The priests also prayed for parishioners and coworkers in the various places where they minister, for priests who have died recently an during the pandemic, and for the various needs of people who had asked for prayer.
