Bishop's Invitation to Gougane Barra (watch the video)

Sunday Oct 1st is a special day in Gougane Barra this year

Bishop Fintan will lead celebrations marking 1,400 years since St Finbarr - the founder of Gougane Barra – died.

Rosary at 2.30pm will be followed by concelebrated Mass at 3pm on the island.

The principal celebrant will be Bishop Fintan Gavin and the homily will be preached by Fr Bernard Cotter.

Processional music will be by Ballingeary Pipe Band.

Everyone is welcoome.

On the evening before flying back to Cork from Lourdes (while Storm Agnes was raging around!), Bishop Fintan Gavin paid tribute to all who made the pilgrimage possible.

He acknowledged in a special way the generosity of the helpers who freely give of their time and expertise to make sure that everything goes well and the assisted pulgrims have every help they need.

One of the helpers has been part of the pilgrimage for 40 years this year and Bishop Fintan presented her with a special momento.

Deirdre Courtney from Bishopstown, Cork, is now part of the pilgrimage leadership team and has work alongside thousands of other helpers over the years.

Bishop Fintan helps Deirdre cut the social cake

Video of the Sacrament of the Sick at Lourdes

The Sacrament of the Sick was celebrated during Mass with pilgrims at Lourdes on Tuesday.

The principal celebrant was Bishop Fintan and he was assisted by concelbrating priests, deacons and others ministering from among the helpers. 

The central moment of the sacrament is when the bishop or a priest places the Oil of the Sick on the forehead and in the palms of the person receiving the sacrament while proclaiming the blessing prayer.

"Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin, save you and raise you up. Amen".

Sunday's Mass for the pilgrims on the Cork and Ross group was the International Mass which is celebrated in the underground Basilica in the grounds of the demesne. 

The vast basilica has rooom for throusands of pilgrims who come from all corners of the world. Mass is celebrated in many languages and concelebrating bishops and priests from across the globe lead the celebration. 

After Mass the Cork and Ross pilgrims had time to visit the Grotto individually, visit the baths and take some time in the town to explore the many shops!

Lourdes: Cork & Ross - Day 3

Day Two in Lourdes had the groups' first opportunity to celebrate Mass in one of the chapels across the river from the Grotto

Bishop Fintan Gavin was the principal celebrant.

Many of the pilgrims were involved in the various liturgical roles: singing, music, reading, leading prayer, processions, stewarding, assisting those who needed help.

This chapel is very near the special hospital; where the pilgrims who need assistance are accommodated. 

After Mass, everyone headed for the front of the Basilica where the traditional group photos are professionally taken. 

Many homes across the diocese have some of these photos which were taken during pilgrimages over the years. Collectively, they tell of the faithful response of the people of our diocese to Mary's invitation to "come here to bathe and to pray".