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Bishop Fintan is welcomed to Presentation Secondary School BallyphehaneBishop Fintan received a very warm welcome to Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane when he visited on Tuesday 24th October
The students and staff arranged a beautiful prayer service with Bishop Fintan which was followed by an engaging question and answer session with students. A highlight was Bishop Fintan’s conversation in Italian with exchange students from Italy.
Bishop Fintan was presented with a beautiful painting of The Lough which was painted by school art teacher, Ms. Wall.
The school will change status to co-educational from September 2024.
Here is a list of November Blessing of Graves and Cemetery Prayers throughout the Diocese
Blessing of Graves and Cemetery Prayers
St. Peter's Square at the VaticanDuring his general audience on 18th October, Pope Francis declared that this Friday 27th October is to be a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace.
The Holy Father invited ‘the various Christian confessions, members of other religious, and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate.’
A Vigil will take place at 5pm (Irish time) in St. Peter's Square, where an hour of prayer in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time in this world will be held.
"Our thoughts turn to Palestine and Israel. The number of victims is rising and the situation in Gaza is desperate," the Pope continued.
"Please, let everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian disaster."
You will be able to join the Vigil of Prayer here
On Monday 23rd October, Bishop Fintan visited St. Patrick’s College, Gardiner’s Hill.
In the course of his visit Bishop Fintan led a beautiful prayer service arranged by the school. Following a visit of the school facilities, he participated in a question-and-answer session with students. He reminded them of the three words of advice from Pope Francis at the recent World Youth Day - to shine, to listen and to be unafraid.
Bishop Fintan also visited An Cuan, met parents and staff and spoke to students.
Bishop Fintan in An Cuan with staff and students
Bishop Fintan with the Syro Malankara Community in Cork and RossOn Sunday 8th October Bishop Fintan joined the Syro Malankara Community in the Diocese to mark a number of milestones including the 93rd Anniversary of the Syro Malakara Eastern Rite Church Re-Union with Catholic Church.
This is a memorable date for the Syro Malankara Eastern Rite Church.
The Bishop’s pastoral visit also marked the official inauguration of Sunday School Faith Formation classes and the celebration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for a number of children.
There was a huge attendance to celebrate First Holy Communion and the other milestones.
The Syro Malankara Community gather in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne on each Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm.
Young people from across the Diocese gather for CONNECT 3
Over 100 young people from across the Cork and Ross Diocese gathered on Sunday 15th October in UCC for CONNECT 3, a youth faith gathering which included a talk, Mass, lunch, testimonies, Adoration and Confession.
CONNECT was an initiative started by Bishop Fintan Gavin, along with representatives from various youth groups within the Diocese, to bring young adults together to talk about their Catholic faith and develop connections with other young adults in Cork and Ross.
Participants at CONNECT 3 with Bishop Fintan Gavin in Cork
Fr. Criostóir MacDonald Co-PP
The Diocesan Office has announced that Fr. Criostóir MacDonald has died suddenly this morning
Fr. Criostóir, Co-PP in the Mayfield Family of Parishes, was travelling with a pilgrimage group in Rome at the time.
Bishop Fintan extends prayerful support to his sister Ann and her family at this difficult time.
A native of Skibbereen Fr. Criostóir was ordained to the priesthood on 8th June 1985. He began his priestly ministry as Curate in the Lough Parish (1985 – 1990). He then served as Curate in Crosshaven Parish (1990 – 1998), Bantry Parish (1998 – 1999) and The Cathedral Parish (1999 – 2001).
Following a period of study in Rome, he then served as Curate in Dunmanway Parish (2002 – 2006), Curraheen Road Parish (2006 – 2010), Parish Priest in Glounthaune Parish (2010 – 2011), Administrator of The Cathedral Parish (2011 – 2013), Parish Priest of Curraheen Road Parish (2013 – 2021) and then Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Mayfield since 2021.
As well as praying for Fr. Criostóir, we also pray for his family, friends, parishioners and the pilgrimage group with which he was travelling when he died.
Bishop Fintan is greeted by First Years in Scoil Mhuire
Bishop Fintan was warmly welcomed to Scoil Mhuire on Wellington Road in the course of his pastoral visit to the school recently.
He was welcomed by School Principal, Ms. Regina Butler and Head Girl, Lily Anne Wheelock. He then was given a short tour of the school facilities and enjoyed musical performances by First Year and Fourth Year Groups.
Bishop Fintan then participated in a great question and answer session with senior students.
The pastoral visit concluded with the celebration of Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Popes Quay when school foundress, Ms. Mary O’Donovan was remembered in prayer. Sister Joan O’Donovan, Dominican Sister was also present for the Mass.
Priests and bishops of the Diocese of Cork and Ross have been attending the annual retreat for priests at Garryvoe in east Cork
This year, Sr Marie Fahy, Abbess of Glencairn Abbey, is directing the retreat.
There are men from many parts of Cork, from Dublin, Poland, India, Nigeria. Some are recently ordained; some are marking 60 years of service as priests.
Priests of the Diocese of Cork and Ross at the annual priests’ retreat
Bishop Fintan with Patricia Kelleher and her husband Pat and family members in St. Columba’s Church
On Sunday 8th October, Bishop Fintan celebrated 11am Mass in St. Columba’s Church in Douglas and also presented the Benemerenti Papal Honour to Patricia Kelleher.
Patricia has been Choir director in St. Columba’s for 34 years. Over those years she has faithfully directed the choir welcoming new members and always ensuring prayerful and joyous celebrations throughout.
Patricia was joined by her husband Pat and family members for the presentation.
Canon Teddy O’Sullivan Co-PP and Fr. Pat O’Mahony SMA CC concelebrated Mass with Bishop Fintan.
A lovely celebration for family members, choir members and parishioners took place in the Parish Hall after Mass.
(Photographs by Pat Peate)
Latest News
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March 2026
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February 2026
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January 2026
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December 2025
- Bishop Fintan's greeting and blessing for the new year
- Highlights of the past year in our diocese
- Two priests take sabbaticals; two priests appointed
- Fr Bernard Cotter Publishes New Book
- Bishop Fintan’s live crib Christmas message 2025
- Bishop Fintan’s Live Crib Christmas Message 2025
- Almost 800 pupils participate in Confirmation retreats with NET Ministries
