Bishopstown school celebrates installation of new Christmas crib

Bishop Fintan recently joined students, staff, Presentation Brothers, Board of Management, P.B.S.T. and friends in Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork, to bless the beautiful new crib figures, which had been ordered from Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of the school.  

Bishop Fintan reminded those present of the origins of the Crib, which was introduced by St. Francis of Assisi as a way of bringing the Christmas message to the people at that time. 

Principal Ms. Brenda Moriarty welcomed Bishop Fintan and the other guests to the school, noting that the new crib figures were a magnificent addition to the school’s Catholic tradition and living faith. Senior students read the scripture readings and read prayers of intercession.

On Thursday December 5^th Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Maria Immaculata Community College (MICC) Dunmanway. He was welcomed by Principal Mr. Niall Collins, Deputy Principal Fiona Nic Chárthaigh, School Chaplain Elaine O’Sullivan, Student Council members Ciara Galvin and John Smith and school staff. Local clergy, Fr. Liam Crowley and Fr. Pat O’Donovan, were also present to welcome the Bishop to the school. 

Following the Principal’s welcome address to the school assembly, Bishop Fintan celebrated a thoughtfully prepared Prayer Liturgy with staff and students titled “Counting our blessings as we journey through Advent”. The ceremony was beautifully enhanced by the school choir with musical accompaniment from both students and staff.

Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager who will become the first Millennial Saint when he is Canonised by Pope Francis in Rome next April. The Bishop spoke about his visit to the tomb of Blessed Carlo last summer and how Carlo was a typical teenager in so many ways yet he was extraordinary when it came to his remarkable faith. Carlo had a short life and died of leukaemia aged just 15 years in October 2006. 

Bishop Fintan receives a gift from Co-chairs of Student Council Ciara Galvin and John Smith

Primary school teachers in the Diocese attend a Day of Reflection

Recently Bishop Fintan invited primary school teachers throughout the Diocese to a Day of Reflection to support and nourish their own personal faith lives.  In response, teachers gathered on Saturday 30^th November in Mardyke House, Cork.  

The day was led by Fr Chris O’Donnell, a priest of Limerick Diocese, who is a former primary school teacher. He worked for many years in youth ministry and participated in the final stages of the development of the Grow in Love Programme. The peaceful and prayerful surroundings of Mardyke House contributed to a wonderful day for all involved.  

The death has of occurred of Fr. Seamus Mac Ginneá (McKenna) in his native Kerry.

Fr Seamus was ordained for ministry in the Diocese of Kerry. 

He has also served for many years on the staff of the Cork Regional Marriage Tribunal and also regularly celebrated Mass at the Poor Clares Convent in College Road, Cork.

The funeral arrangements for the late Fr Seamus McKenna are available 

Funeral Arrangements

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

 

The late Fr Seamus McKenna

Brazilian Community in Cork celebrates as 14 members are Confirmed at the Cathedral

On Sunday, December 1^st, the first Sunday of Advent, a significant and joyful occasion unfolded at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne in Cork when 14 members of the Brazilian Community received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Brazilian community, known for its vibrant and joyful spirit, has been an integral part of the life of the Diocese in Cork and Ross. The Cathedral Choir, led by John Casey, welcomed members of the Brazilian Community Choir who sang in Portuguese and English, adding to the joy of the occasion.

The ceremony, celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin, marked a pivotal moment in the faith journeys of these young adults who have been undergoing significant preparation for this sacrament for several months. The candidates affirmed their commitment to their faith and received the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide them in their lives.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan Gavin reflected on the significance of the Advent season as a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. He encouraged the congregation to reflect on their own faith, especially as they witnessed the candidates take this important step in their faith journeys. “Where am I with my faith as an adult?” he asked, inviting all present to take some time in the busy days and weeks ahead to slow down, to pray and reflect on this question.

Bishop Fintan also thanked Fr. Bernard Morawski OFM Cap, the chaplain to the Brazilian community. He commended Fr. Bernard for his commitment to the community, especially noting his effort to learn Portuguese in order to better preach the Gospel.

Over 200 parish reps. expected at final diocesan information meeting on Sunday

This Sunday December 1st, priests, parish leadership teams and chaplaincies from 28 parishes will gather for the third information meeting. The topic is the next steps in the diocese's year of prayer, listening and discernment

The short video captures the energy and life of the first two meetings. 

These meetings set the context for the year ahead and outline the next steps for parishes and families of parishes. The process for prayer, listening, and discernment has been piloted in one Family of Parishes and is being fine-tuned based on the feedback to be rolled out across the Diocese in the new year. 

There will be a special time of guided prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in St. Columba’s Church, Douglas on Sunday 1^st December from 12:30pm to 2:00pm to which everyone is welcome. 

The Bishop's Office has announced that the death occurred on Saturday last of Fr Des Campion at The Bon Secours Hospital Cork

Bishop Fintan Gavin has extended his sympathy and prayerful support to all of Fr Des’s family, Salesian Confreres, Naval colleagues and friends at this time.

Fr Des has been ministering as Chaplain Naval Services and Port Chaplain, Haulbowline, Cork since 1988. 

Fr Des, a native of Drimnagh, Dublin 12 , was ordained on December 7^th 1973 to the Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Mourne Road, Drimnagh.  After ordination he served in many teaching, chaplaincy and pastoral roles in various Salesian Houses including Crumlin - Dublin, Ballinakill - Laois and Pallaskenry and Milford in Limerick.

In 1985 Fr Des took up appointment as Chaplain to Sarsfield Army Barracks in Henry Street, Limerick.  In 1988 Fr Des was appointed Chaplain to the Naval Base at Haulbowline, Cork where he served until his death.   

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.