Bishop Fintan was the Principal Celebrant 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 McKevitt.

Speaking at the Mass, Bishop Fintan 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 Dineen 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."

Ss Peter & Paul’s Young Adult Community welcomed its new members for this coming year, gathering for an induction day in Kinsale's Carmelite Friary last Saturday.

Meeting for the very first time, there was a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. The day began with morning prayer, some ice breakers to get to know each other, followed by a group discussion of the community’s hopes & expectations. The group reflected on the importance of placing Christ at the centre of this community.

The community's base is Ss Peter and Paul's Presbytery in the heart of Cork city.

The community shared a meal together, met priests from the Cathedral Family of Parishes and enjoyed the beautiful views of Kinsale Harbour. The day ended with Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan, who offered his encouragement and support throughout.

Con Hurley, Co-author; Fr. Kevin O'Regan, Co-PP, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Gerald O'Brien, Co-author; Michael Dwyer, Committee Chairperson

The history of Skibereen’s Cathedral is the story of its people, Bishop Fintan has said.

Bishop Fintan was speaking at the launch of a book which chronicles the church’s history over its 299 years.

“St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen 1826–2026: A History” was launched at a function in the West Cork Hotel. The large attendance included parishioners of Skibbereen and the surrounding parishes, current and former clergy of the parishes along with contributors to the book.”

Launching the book, Bishop Fintan said that while it talks about stone and stained glass, architecture and art, bishops and priests, its deepest story is really the story of people and of faith.

“For 200 years it has stood at the heart of this community. Generations have come through its doors to celebrate baptisms, first communions, confirmations and marriages. They have gathered Sunday after Sunday for Mass. They have come to pray in times of uncertainty and difficulty, to light a candle, to make the Stations of the Cross and to bring their hopes and worries before God. And they have gathered in the Cathedral in some of the most difficult moments of life to mourn and commend those they loved to God.”

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Bishop Fintan Gavin with members of the Ukrainian Community in Cork. (Photos: Oren Gontmaher)

While many Ukrainians who have come to live in Cork since the war have made a home in Cork, Bishop Fintan says that for many their hearts remain at home in Ukraine.

Bishop Fintan was speaking during a sacred liturgy held by the Ukrainian community in Cork to mark Independence Day. Hundreds gathered in Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork for a day that was filled with celebration, prayer and cultural activities.

Bishop Fintan praised the Ukrainian people for their extraordinary courage and resilience.

“I have seen that courage here in Cork, too: in people beginning again in a new country, learning a new language, finding work, making a home, caring for children, building friendships and communities, while at the same time carrying deep concern for those left behind.”

The bishop’s central message to the hundreds of people of all ages who gathered is that they are not alone.

Many parish communities gather each year to mark the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady on August 15th. They meet at roadside grottos, at shrines, Mass rocks and holy wells.

This year saw the 75th annual Mass and devotions at the Holy Rosary Shrine on the Lee Road in Cork. Bishop Fintan Gavin was the principal concelbrant.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan noted that many of those who gathered and prayed at the grotto in the early years have long since gone home to God.

“Others continued the tradition. Parents brought children; grandparents brought grandchildren. People have come quietly to pray the Rosary and to entrust their lives and the lives of those they loved to God through the intercession of Mary.”

One of the prayers at the Mass describes Mary as “a sign of sure hope and comfort to your pilgrim people.”

“Perhaps we particularly need that hope today. The Church in Ireland and here in Cork and Ross is very different from the Church in which these devotions began 75 years ago. We are living through a time of great change, but also a time of new possibility. We cannot simply recreate the Church of the past, nor are we called to do so. We are called to discover how the Lord is asking us to live and share the Gospel today.”

Bishop Fintan Gavin withy concelebrating priests, L to R., Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap., Fr Aidan Vaughan OFm Cap, Fr Tijo John, Fr Ken Cooney SMA, Fr Frasad Rad, Fr Dermot Lynch OFM Cap, Fr Declan Mansfield and Fr. Sean O’Sullivan. . Photo: Tony O’Connell.