Cork set to celebrate 100 Years since the First Eucharistic Procession

FREE PIC - NO REPRO FEE - May 6, 2026A series of events to mark the centenary of Cork’s Eucharistic Procession were launched by Bishop Fintan Gavin, Cllr John Sheehan, deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork and Sheila Kelleher, co-ordinator of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne — the North Cathedral in the city. The relics of Saint Carlo Acutis — the first millennial saint — will visit the Diocese of Cork and Ross as part of the preparations for the 100th anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, 7th June.Pic: Brian LougheedCork’s Eucharistic Procession was launched at St. Mary and St. Anne's Cathedral last night

This year marks the 100th year since the first Eucharistic Procession took place through the streets of Cork City - one of the longest-running traditions in the city.

The Diocese of Cork and Ross officially launched the centenary celebrations last night at the Visitors Centre in the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne, where Cllr John Sheehan, Deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork City; Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross; Sheila Kelleher, Coordinator for Youth Ministry and Jonathan Healy, MC for the launch, addressed over 120 attendees.

In preparation for this milestone, a two-week diocesan mission will take place, accompanied by the visit of the relics of St Carlo Acutis, and 100 hours (for 100 years) of Eucharistic Adoration - marking a century of walking with the Lord in our city and renewing our faith for the future.

Watch the Launch Livestream

The details of the events on the lead up to the Procession were announced last night:

  • The Relics of Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, will visit the Diocese over the June Bank Holiday weekend.
  • A two-week diocesan mission, led by young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross, who will be joined by a Canadian mission team from Catholic Christian Outreach.
  • There will be 100 hours of Adoration - an hour for each year - beginning at 1:30am on Wednesday 3 June and concluding at 10am on Sunday 7 June. 
  • A nine-day novena of prayer has been written specially for the occasion and will take place in advance of the Procession.
  • There will be a special Mass and blessing for the runners of the Cork City Marathon on Sunday 31st May.

Bishop Fintan Gavin launched this year's Eucharistic Procession

 

Cllr John Sheehan addressed over 120 attendees at the launch

Speaking at the launch, Bishop Fintan said; “This year marks a unique and historic milestone in the life of our diocese and our city. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment - the 100th anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession in Cork. The events taking place in advance of it - the mission, the visit of the relics of Carlo Acutis, the 100 Hours of Adoration, the Novena - all lead us to this one moment. A moment when we will walk together with Jesus in the Eucharist, with one another, as one people of faith. This is an invitation to people of all ages, from parishes throughout the diocese and from our many other faith communities, to join us by walking and participating in this historic event.”

This year's Eucharistic Procession takes place on Sunday 7th June 2026. The Procession will begin at 3pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne and finish with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the Grand Parade.

Photos: Brian Lougheed