There was standing room only at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on Thursday as Bishop Fintan presided at the Mass of Chrism

Parishioners travelled from across the diocese to join in the only Mass celebrated in the diocese on Holy Thursday morning.

The Mass was concelebrated by dozens of priests from the parishes, chaplaincies, religious orders and missionary societies in the diocese.

Deacon Frank McKevitt also ministered at the Mass along with Ministers of the Word and Eucharist, the Cathedral Choir directed by John Casey and altar servers from Cork and Barryroe.

Fr. Christy Fitzgerald and Fr Fergus Ryan were Masters of Ceremonies.

Mass of Chrism, Holy Thursday, Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Ann.Pic: Brian LougheedMass of Chrism, Holy Thursday, Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Ann
Picture: Brian Lougheed
 

During his homily, Bishop Fintan thanked the priests for their commitment to adapt to fast-changing circumstances in our diocese.

During the Mass of Chrism, the priests renewed the priestly promises made at Ordination and the congregation promised to pray for the bishop and the priests.

While the changes around us are many, Bishop Fintan said, he remains convinced that this is our time to be witnesses to the abiding love of God — not just the clergy but every baptised person.