Over 4,500 people braved the inclement weather to take to the streets of Cork city on Sunday for the 98th annual Eucharistic Procession
Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin carried the Blessed Sacrament in the Procession from the North Cathedral to St Patrick’s Steet to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi.
All ages were represented in the crowds along the route and at Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church where Bishop Gavin preached the homily and imparted Benediction.
Families and individuals from Brazilian, Polish, Indian and Ukrainian communities also participated in the event alongside the Butter Exchange Band and a choir drawn from church choirs across the city.
Bishop Fintan Gavin carries the Blessed Sacrament in the Procession
Bishop Fintan holding the Blessed SacramentThe Eucharistic Procession has been a significant milestone in Cork’s religious calendar since its beginnings in 1926.
Speaking following the Procession, Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin said: “We have all come from so many different parishes and places but we gather in friendship and commit ourselves to making Cork and the world a better place through our very visible celebration of our faith.”
“In the annual Eucharistic Procession, we pray for a blessing for everyone who lives in our city. This is not something we keep hidden but rather bring respectfully – backed by tradition – to the streets of Cork to strengthen and celebrate our Catholic faith. As Christians, we live and express our faith with others, especially with the most marginalised…it is never lived in isolation,” the Bishop said.
Crowds also gathered on St Patrick's Street to view the Procession and watch the Benediction from SS Peter & Paul’s relayed on large screens which were added to accommodate the crowds.
The Eucharistic Procession was first held in1926, led by the then Bishop of Cork, Bishop Daniel Cohalan, following requests from community leaders for a healing event that would unite a city whose families and parishes were divided in the aftermath of the Civil War. It will celebrate its centenary in 2026.
The Corpus Christi Procession on Mulgrave Road
The Procession included members of Cork City Council and Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy
Cork City's 98th Corpus Christi Procession leaving the North Cathedral
Children scatter petals in the path where the Blessed Sacrament will follow
The Blessed Sacrament is brought in procession into Ss Peter and Paul's Church by Bishop Fintan, accompanied by Deacon Frank McKevitt and Deacon John Guirey
The Procession concludes with Benediction at Ss Peter and Paul's Church.
