The Cathedral was overflowing this afternoon as Mass with anointing of the Sick took place.

This is the final day of the visit of the relics of St Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, to the diocese.

Members of the Cork and Ross Lourdes pilgrimage animated the Mass through choir, servers and readers.

John Doolin, who sketched a picture of St Carlo Acutis presented Bishop Fintan and Msgr Anthony with a copy of his drawing.

Veneration of the relics continue until the Closing Mass at 5pm. Please note there will be no veneration after this point.

Mass with annointing of the Sick this afternoon

Tom Cassidy, Ellen's father, receives a blessing from Bishop Fintan ahead of the Marathon

Ss Peter and Paul’s Church was at full capacity for the 7am Mass this morning as runners, supporters and volunteers gathered for a special Mass ahead of the Cork City Marathon.

The Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Ellen Cassidy, who died shortly after taking part in last year’s half marathon. Members of her family and friends were present for the Mass, alongside the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy.

Those at the Mass also had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St Carlo Acutis and receive a blessing with the relic before making their way to the marathon start line.

The relics arriving to St. Patrick's Cathedral Skibbereen

Over a thousand participated the Welcome Mass this evening in St Patrick’s Cathedral Skibbereen.

There was great excitement in Skibbereen as the relics arrived under garda escort, with the First Holy Communion children forming a guard of honour.

The packed Cathedral gathered in prayer and celebration for what was a deeply moving and historic occasion for the parish and wider diocese as Skibbereen Cathedral celebrates its bicentenary this year.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan spoke of St Carlo’s love for Jesus in the Eucharist and how we can be guided by his example as we prepare for the 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession.

Primary schools from across the diocese were invited to bring their students to the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, and Christ Our Light in Ballincollig to venerate the relics of St Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.

Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, custodian of St Carlo’s relics, spoke to the students about the young saint’s life. He explained how Carlo enjoyed soccer and video games while also having a deep love for Jesus and the Eucharist. St Carlo described daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration as his “highway to heaven” and encouraged others to discover that active participation in the faith brings true fulfilment and happiness. Monsignor Anthony suggested that this is why St Carlo is such a good role model and witness to help us prepare for our own 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession.

Students in the Cathedral of St Mary and Anne

The Diocese of Cork and Ross has published a Prayer to St. Carlo Acutis

The prayer will be used across the diocese and beyond as the diocese prepares to host a visit of the young saint's relics as part of its preparation to mark the 100th year of Cork's Eucharistic Procession. 

Copies of the printed prayer card are being sent to all churches in the diocese and it can also be downloaded using the button below.  You can pray it on your device or print a copy and keep it with you.

Download the Prayer Card

St Carlo Acutis Prayer Card (select image to download)