Dudley O’Grady-Woods being baptised at the Easter VigilThe celebration of the Easter Vigil in the Cathedral was marked with joy, hope, and renewal as 25 adults were welcomed into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.
Some were baptised, confirmed, and received the Eucharist for the first time, while others were confirmed and welcomed more fully into the Catholic Church.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the profound significance of this moment, highlighting the visible signs of new hope.
There is only Mass celebrated in the diocese on the morning of Holy Thursday so it has to be special
Priests of the diocese leave their own parishes and places of ministry and travel with deacons, religious and lay people to the Cathedral in Cork for Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan and concelebrated by the priests.
This Mass is known as the Mass of Chrism - after one of the holy oils which are blessed during this Mass each year.
Referring to the oils in his homily, Bishop said the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of Chrism and the Oil of the Sick flow out as streams of grace to all parts of the diocese.
“They will touch the lives of our people in Baptism and Confirmation, in the Anointing of the Sick, in moments of joy and moments of great vulnerability” he said.
“They remind us that God’s grace does not remain here in the Cathedral. It goes out. It reaches people where they are.”
Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Holy Thursday, 2026, Diocese of Cork & RossBeginning with Mass for the volunteers at 6pm, the evening continued with Eucharistic Adoration, soft music and candlelight, offering a space where people could step away from the noise and busyness of the city.
Throughout the night, young volunteers headed out onto the nearby streets, gently inviting passersby to come inside, even if only for a few moments. Many people responded to this simple invitation, lighting candles, sitting quietly in prayer or simply taking time to reflect.
Inside the church, a steady presence of prayer was maintained by volunteers who remained before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for those who came through the doors.
Light Fever took place on Friday evening in St Augustine's Church, Washington Street
Bishop Fintan warmly invites all parishioners to join in the celebration of the Mass of Chrism on Holy Thursday (April 2nd 2026) at 10am in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne.
The Chrism Mass is a high point in the life of a diocese each year. It is a public celebration of the family of faith: people, priests, deacons, and religious gathered together in communion with the Bishop. During this liturgy, the sacramental oils are blessed and consecrated, and the priests, together with the Bishop, renew their priestly promises.
This is the only Mass celebrated in the diocese on Holy Thursday morning. This highlights our unity as one diocesan family and our shared belonging to the family of God.
Overflow parking is available at St. Anthony’s Convent, with light refreshments afterwards in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre. All are welcome to attend.
Young adults were invited to an information evening to learn more about the Diocese of Cork and Ross pilgrimage to Lourdes as Young Adult Helpers in September 2026.
Attendees heard details about the upcoming pilgrimage, which will take place from 18th–23rd September 2026, and the important role Young Adult Helpers play in supporting pilgrims while in Lourdes.
The evening offered an opportunity to better understand what is involved on the pilgrimage, as well as to reflect on the personal and spiritual benefits of taking part. While on pilgrimage, there will be opportunities for prayer, formation, and reflection, providing young adults with a meaningful way to grow in faith while serving others.
Attendees at the Lourdes Young Adult Helper Information Evening
For further information about participating in the Lourdes pilgrimage as a Young Adult Helper, contact
Bishop Fintan with Bishop Phonsie at the book launch of 'Priesthood in Ireland Today'
Priesthood in Ireland Today, a new book edited by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (Bishop of Waterford & Lismore), was launched on Monday, 23 March at Mardyke House, Cork.
The publication brings together 16 reflections from a range of contributors, exploring the role of the priest in contemporary Ireland as leader, prophet, pastor, and servant. The book includes a contribution from one of our own priests, Msgr Gearóid Dullea.
The book seeks to offer encouragement to those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, while also reflecting on the meaning and challenges of priestly ministry in today’s world.
Speaking at the launch, Bishop Phonsie highlighted key themes emerging from the contributions and the importance of supporting vocations in the modern Church. He also met attendees afterwards and signed copies of the book.
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