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.

The 100th Cork Eucharistic Procession was featured on RTÉ Nationwide last night, showcasing this year's historic celebration and the faith of the thousands who took part.

The programme highlighted the tradition of the Eucharistic Procession, which was first established in 1926 as a prayer for peace and reconciliation following the War of Independence and Civil War. One hundred years later, the procession continues to be a powerful public witness of faith in the heart of Cork.

If you missed the broadcast, or would like to watch it again, you can catch it on the RTÉ Player here:

RTÉ Nationwide

The 100th Anniversary of the Cork Eucharistic Procession on June 7th 2026.

Eucharistic Procession in Cork on Sunday, June 7. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Cork's Eucharistic Process features on Nationwide on RTE Television on Wed Aug 5th.

This was the 100th year of the procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Cork.

The procession was held on June 7th and even though the rain poured down thousands attended and took part.

A Nationwide crew also attended and the programme on Wednesday August 5th will feature interviews with some of the organisers and some people who took part. 

The Eucharistic Procession in Cork was established in 1926 to pray for peace and reconciliation following the War of Independence and Civil War, and has been going ever since with the Blessed Sacrament being born by the bishop.

The Nationwide programme will also be on the RTE Player.

Bishop Fintan Gavin announces new appointments of priests and a deacon in the diocese.

The diocese has published the details of the new appointments which will be effective on July 25th 2026.

Bishop Fintan has said that he is grateful to the priests who are undertaking new appointments this year and to those who retire from a fulltime appointment.

"I continue to be grateful to all of you for your ministry and your commitment to serve the people of the diocese.

I also extend a warm welcome to the priests who are coming from abroad to minister in our diocese. We are deeply appreciative of their generosity in responding to the needs of our local Church here in Cork and Ross and we look forward to the gifts, experience and richness they will bring to our faith communities."

Retirement

Fr Pat Nugent CC in the Family of Parishes of Carrig na bhFear, Glanmire, Glounthane, Watergrasshill and Glenville retires from this full-time appointment, though his priestly ministry will continue.

Appointments:

Bishop Fintan Gavin