As thousands of young people across the diocese prepare the receive the results of their Leaving Certificate Examination, Bishop Fintan Gavin asks students to remember that exam results are just one stepping stone in the road of life.

“To all of you receiving your Leaving Cert results this week, whether you are celebrating or feeling disappointed, know this: your worth is not defined by any exam or number,” Bishop Gavin said.

Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross is Chair of the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development.

He also offered a message of reassurance to students who may be disappointed by their results.

“If you didn’t get the points or the place you were hoping for, don’t despair. God has a plan for you. Sometimes, it’s in the moments when our own plans fall through that a greater purpose begins to unfold. I want you to remember that there are many paths forward, and each one is valuable. Stay open, stay hopeful, and trust that your journey is only beginning. You are never alone in it.”

Bishop announces additional priest changes in the Diocese of Cork and Ross

In addition to priest changes already announced this summer, Bishop Fintan has made these additional appointments:

Fr Vineesh K Ulahannan MI (Camilians, India), to become Curate pro tem in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross effective from 26th July 2025.

Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, to become Co-Parish Priest in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton, taking effect from 15th August 2025.

It’s over 60 years since the people of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, lead by Bishop Lucey, took a decision which would change the lives of many people in South America.

On St. Patrick’s Day, 1965, Bishop Cornelius Lucey took pastoral responsibility for thousands of people living in the sands around the city of Trujillo in northern Peru.

Decades later, the mission was extended to include an area near the city of Manta , Ecuador. 

The Mission in Peru was in the sandy suburbs of Trujillo

Appointment of Diocesan Director of Safeguarding for Diocese of Cork and Ross 

Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the appointment of Des Bell as Diocesan Director of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Des is based at the Diocesan Offices in Redemption Road.

Des joins the diocese following his recent retirement from An Garda Síochána. He brings with him extensive experience and numerous qualifications in the areas of child protection, welfare, risk assessment and intervention, psychology, and governance. His academic background includes a Masters in Social Policy, Child Protection and Welfare from University College Cork (UCC), and an MSc in Cybercrime from the University of Portsmouth. He is also an active volunteer in sports coaching and other community organisations.

As Diocesan Director of Safeguarding, Des is responsible for planning and managing the diocesan safeguarding service, with a particular focus on developing, maintaining, and monitoring a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults in all aspects of Church life and ministry. He will oversee all safeguarding training and ensure the safeguarding message is effectively communicated across the diocese, promoting best practice in every parish and ministry.

Bishop Fintan Gavin has announced the following changes to priest appointments in the diocese  

Retirement:

Fr John Collins AP in the Family of Parishes of Ballincollig, Ballinora, Kilmurry, Ovens and Farran retires from this full-time appointment, though his priestly ministry will continue. 

Priests taking up appointments in Families of Parishes in July 2025:

Canon John Kingston Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ardfield & Rathbarry, Barryroe, Clonakilty, Kilmeen & Castleventry, Rosscarbery & Lisavaird and Timoleague to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes. 

Fr Noel O’Sullivan Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes. 

Fr Michael Regan Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ballinhassig, Clontead, Courceys and Kinsale to become Assistant Priest (AP) in the same Family of Parishes. 

At a lunch hosted by Bishop Fintan Gavin for priests marking jubilees of ordination to priesthood in 2025.

Just over a week ago, Bishop Fintan Gavin hosted a lunch for priests marking jubilees of ordination to priesthood in 2025 and who minister in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

The priests who attended included priests who were ordained to the priesthood between 15 and 60 years ago and included Emeritus Bishop of Cork and Ross, Bishop John Buckley who was ordained a priest in 1965.

The attendance also included Fr. Oscar O’Leary OFM who was also ordained 60 years ago as a Franciscan priest. Regrettably, Fr. Oscar returned to the Lord on Sunday June 29th at the Franciscan Friary in Cork.

Among Fr. Oscar’s long years of ministry were many years spent devoted to the pastoral care and support of the Traveller Community in Cork. 

The photo shows: Back row: Fr. Fergus Ryan OP CC (15 years), Fr. Declan Brennan OSA (45 years), Fr. Pat O’Donovan Co-PP (30 years), Fr. Dwayne Gavin (25 years). 

99th Cork Eucharistic Procession - Invitation to Choirs

The 99th Eucharistic Procession takes place in Cork city on Sunday, 22 June 2025. 

Preparations are underway for this annual procession which is part of the tradition in the city and in parishes across the diocese. Organisers of the City Procession extend an invitation to parish choirs, school choirs, and music groups to participate and help lead the congregation in joyful song during this year's procession. 

There will be a music practice on Tuesday 10th June at 7pm in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork. All voices are welcome! 

For more information or to express your interest, please contact the organisers

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Click here to watch video invitation