The bells will be rededicated and rung for the first time after 5pm Mass on Saturday the 17th of December alongside the installation of new outside lighting

The bells of the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne will be heard across the Northside of Cork city once again after undergoing essential restoration works thanks to an ongoing fundraising campaign

The bells gradually fell into disrepair and by 1966 only one bell remained working. Sometime later this bell too was put to rest.

Bishop Fintan recently met Fr. Roman Biletskyy, a Ukrainian Catholic Priest now resident in Fermoy and Svetlana Zakarova, a representative of the Ukrainian Community in Cork, to make arrangements for the Ukrainian Community to celebrate Christmas Mass in our Diocese this year.

Fr. Roman and the Ukrainian Community in Cork will be reaching out to all Ukrainian people and families to gather in the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield on Christmas Eve at 4pm for the celebration of Mass and to be together in a time of suffering and turmoil for their country.

As we gather in our parishes and faith communities this Christmas we will pray that the Birth of the Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will bring hope to Ukrainian people and families who have been welcomed to Cork and Ross.

The Syro Malabar Church Community in the Diocese of Cork and Ross recently completed elections for their new Parish Council

Bishop Fintan was delighted to meet with Savio Jose, Tessy Mathew and Abin Joseph who will serve as kaikars for the Church Community and Lijo Joseph who will act as secretary along with Fr. Jilson Kokkandathail, curate in the Family of Parishes of South Parish, SS Peter and Paul’s and St. Patrick’s as well as chaplain to the Syro Malabar Church Community.

The Syro Malabar Church Community meets weekly in St. Joseph’s SMA Parish, Wilton and continues to grow.

Bishop Fintan with Cork Retired Teachers Choir

Kevin O'Donovan Secretary Bishop Fintan, Marc Ó Síocháin, Cathaoirleach

At the invitation of Cork County Board, Bishop Fintan celebrated Mass before its Annual Convention 2022 in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday 11th December

In his homily Bishop Fintan spoke of the close links with GAA clubs in parishes throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

He also prayed for members of the Association who have died in recent years and prayed God’s blessing on the activities of the Association for the coming year.

Music for the Mass was provided by members of the Cork Retired Teachers Choir.

At the end of the Mass, Marc Ó Síocháin, chairperson, made a presentation to Bishop Fintan on behalf of the County Board.

Fr. Vincent Kelly SAC died peacefully in Haven Bay Care Centre, Kinsale

Fr. Vincent was ordained in 1959 as a member of the Pallottine Order. He also served in a number of diocesan appointments in our diocese over the years including as Chaplain to Bishopstown Community School and curate in the parishes of Blackpool, Ballinlough and Dunmanway.

In more recent years he continued to celebrate Mass in Haven Bay Care Centre Kinsale.

Reposing at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire on Sunday (December 11th) from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

Reception of remains in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ballinlough, on Monday 12th at 12.45pm, for Concelebrated funeral Mass at 1.00pm which can be viewed via this link

Burial immediately afterwards in Rathcooney Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.

Bishop Fintan made a pastoral visit to St. Joseph’s Parish Blackrock Road last weekend, 26th/27th November

In the course of the visit, he celebrated all three weekend Masses and met with parishioners after each Mass. He also joined parishioners at the weekly reception in the priests’ residence after 10am Mass for a cup of tea and chat which was appreciated by all. Fr. Jerome Sassou SMA CC concelebrated each of the Masses as well. Fr. Gus O’Driscoll SMA is Father-in-Charge in St. Joseph’s Parish since September last.

Previously, Bishop Fintan had visited St. Joseph’s Parish for the closing of the Annual Novena to St. Therese in 2019, not long after his episcopal ordination.

Recently Regina O’Sullivan has joined the Diocesan Education Secretariat as co-ordinator for primary schools

She replaces Sean O’Caoimh who has filled this role for the last ten years.

In this role, Regina will support Bishop Fintan in his responsibility for the Catholic ethos and identity of 174 primary schools throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross under his patronage.

In thanking Sean O’Caoimh for his work in the Education Secretariat over the last ten years, Bishop Fintan spoke of Sean’s excellent relations with all primary schools.

Through his hard work and dedication, Sean has supported the Diocese and its schools in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Regina O’Sullivan, Bishop Fintan Gavin and Sean O’Caoimh

Photo: Vitaly Makhnanov