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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
Diocesan news direct to your emailThis morning, we gathered for Mass at the Grotto, a celebration at the heart of our Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. In the place where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, and where countless pilgrims have come with their burdens and hopes, we gathered as part of that great procession of faith, carrying with us the prayers of our families, friends, parishes and Families of Parishes across the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan invited us to reflect not only on what we had brought to Lourdes, but also on what we would take home with us: “We are being sent back to Cork and Ross carrying something of what we have received here – the faith and simplicity of Bernadette, the tenderness of Mary, the friendship we have shared with one another and, above all, a renewed awareness of the presence and love of Jesus Christ.”
Lourdes Grotto Mass 2026
Mass with the Anointing of the Sick
Our third day in Lourdes was a reminder of why so many people come to this special place, seeking comfort in times of suffering, strength in times of uncertainty and a renewed sense of hope.
The morning began with an alternative Stations of the Cross held indoors due to restrictions in preparation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Our student and young adult helpers processed with the Stations, bringing each one forward to the Pilgrim Cross, blessed by Archdeacon Kerry Murphy O’Connor in 2014, as a reminder that we can bring our pain and worries to Jesus who offers us the hope of healing and new life.
Fr. Charlie Kiely led pilgrims on a walking tour in the footsteps of St. Bernadette to learn more about Bernadette and the way in which God chose her to share Our Lady’s message with the world.
The morning began with the International Mass at the St. Pius X Underground Basilica, where our pilgrims joined thousands of people from across the world in celebrating the Eucharist. Many pilgrims remarked on how moving it was to see people from across the world, speaking different languages and coming from different cultures, united in prayer. It was a powerful reminder of the universal Church and the faith that connects us.
Later in the day, pilgrims gathered at Côté Carmel for a moving Penitential Service. Amid the busyness of the pilgrimage, this was an important opportunity for personal reflection, reconciliation and an encounter with God’s love and mercy.
Cork and Ross had the honour of leading the Candlelight Rosary Procession tonight
The Blessed Sacrament Procession, which was led by the Diocese of Cork and Ross, as pilgrims from across the world gathered in prayer.
Today marked the first full day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Over 450 pilgrims, including assisted pilgrims, doctors, nurses, young adult and student helpers, adult helpers, carers and parishioners from across the diocese, gathered this morning for our Opening Mass at Côté Grotte.
People come to Lourdes for many different reasons, each carrying their own prayers, hopes and intentions. During his homily, Bishop Fintan reminded us that, whatever we may be carrying, the Lord is with us: “The Lord is with you in your illness and in your worries. The Lord is with you in your questions. The Lord is with you when your faith feels strong and when it feels fragile.” These words were particularly meaningful as we brought the prayers and petitions entrusted to us by people at home to the Grotto this afternoon, remembering all those who could not be with us in Lourdes.
You are invited to join the Sisters for a:
at the Poor Clare Monastery, College Road, Cork
Poor Clares Vocations Afternoon - Sat 3 October 2026This year, Gougane Sunday takes place on:
For more than 1,400 years Gougane Barra has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage, associated with St Finbarr and the beginnings of the Christian story in Cork.
Today it continues to be a special place where people come to pray, to give thanks and to seek God’s blessing.
Bishop Fintan Gavin invites people from parishes and faith communities throughout the Diocese to join together for this annual diocesan Mass and pilgrimage.
Everyone is welcome to join us at Gougane Barra as we honour St Finbarr and pray together for our Diocese, our families, our parishes and faith communities, and for the pastoral year ahead.
Gougane Barra Sunday 2026
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