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Bishop Fintan Gavin
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Bishop Fintan was the Principal Cebrant of Mass to mark the 40th anniversary
It's 40 years since what was then a small parish on the edge of Cork city was established as a parish.
Ballinora Parish has grown during its 40 years and parishioners and clergy celebrated the milestone last weekend.
Bishop Fintan Gavin was the Principal Celebrant at Mass and was joined by Fr. Alan O'Leary, Co-PP and Moderator of the Family of Parishes, former parish priests Fr John Collins and Fr Declan Mansfield and Deacon Frank MacKevitt.
Speaking at the Mass, Bishop Fintanhe was delighted to celebrate this special occasion — the 40th anniversary of Ballinora as a parish.
"We give thanks today for all who have been part of the life of this parish over those 40 years: for the priests who have served here, for generations of parishioners, and for all who have shared their faith, time and gifts in building up this community.
I am particularly delighted to welcome Fr Declan Mansfield back among us today, and we remember with gratitude Fr William Dinneen and Canon Donal Linehan, who also served as Parish Priests of Ballinora.
Above all, we gather around the Eucharist to give thanks to God for all that has been, and to entrust to him the life and mission of this parish for the years ahead."
The gathering brought together people from parishes and Families of Parishes across the Diocese as they marked the feast of St Finbarr, one of the patrons of Cork and Ross.
In his message, Bishop Fintan invited the Diocese to pray in a particular way for its parishes, priests and religious, families and young people, and for all those seeking to live and share the Gospel.
He also encouraged those present to look to the example of St Finbarr and to listen for where God may be calling them to serve.
Prayer for vocations to the diocesan priesthood was a particular focus of this year’s celebration. Fr Marius O’Reilly, Director of Vocations for the Diocese, preached the homily, highlighting the importance of prayer for vocations and encouraging the faithful to support those discerning a call to priesthood.
Hundreds of pilgrims from across Cork and Ross gathered at Gougane Barra to celebrate the Feast of St Finbarr, with a particular focus on prayer for the mission of the Diocese and for vocations to the priesthood (Connie Cronin Photography)
Fr. Marius celebrated Mass in Clonakilty Church. (Photo: BGM Media)
This is the message being proclaimed in parishes across the diocese by the recently appointed Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Fr. Marius O'Reilly has begun a series of visits to parishes at which he is preaching about diocesan priesthood.
Speaking at Mass in Clonakilty this past weekend, Fr. Marius explained how before answering the call he felt to be a priest, he had first graduated from college and set up his own successful business.
Since being ordained a priest of the diocese he has served as chaplain at UCC, chaplain at the Mercy University Hospital and as Curate in the Cathedral Family of Parishes while being based at SS. Peter and Paul's Parish.
During the summer, Bishop Fintan Gavin appointed Fr. Marius as Director of Vocations with Canon Robert Brophy as Assistant Director – roles which includes promoting vocations, supporting people who are discerning a vocation and engaging with people in their formation years.
Fr. Marius is also asking people in the parishes to commit to prayer for vocations and to pray for those who are thinking about becoming a priest.
Cork and Ross Lourdes Pilgrimage Group 2026
As we say goodbye to Lourdes, we give thanks for all that we have experienced together. From our celebrations of Mass and moments of prayer at the Grotto to the friendships formed and the kindness shown to one another, these past few days have given us memories that will remain with us long after we return home. As important as those memories are, Bishop Fintan encouraged us to bring more than just memories home: “We are called to return home changed in some way by what we have experienced here. Perhaps more attentive to somebody who needs us. More willing to make time for prayer. More patient. More ready to forgive. More conscious of the person who is lonely or struggling. More willing to speak about our faith and about the hope that Christ gives us. More willing to get involved in my parish or the diocese. He continued, “Our mission does not necessarily begin with anything dramatic. It begins in our homes, our parishes and Families of Parishes, our schools and workplaces, among our friends and the people we meet each day.”
This 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.
