Following the conviction and sentencing in London of James Murphy, a former priest who served for a time in this diocese, the following statement has been issued by the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

James Murphy served in parishes in England until 1992. He returned to Ireland and was appointed to minister in parishes in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. At that time, there was no indication or report that he had abused minors in London parishes.

In 2000, when he pleaded guilty to charges relating to offences committed in London in earlier decades, his right to minister as a priest was immediately withdrawn and he has not ministered anywhere since. The Bishop of Cork and Ross and the priests in the two parishes where he had ministered (St. Patrick’s, Cork and Glounthaune) addressed the issue at Sunday Masses and reassured people who might make contact with concerns that they would receive support.

The diocese has not had any contact with James Murphy since he was sentenced to prison. 

The diocese has not received any report that he offended during his time in Cork.

Anyone who may have a concern or a report to make is encouraged to contact the Gardaí or Tusla or the Diocesan Director of Safeguarding.

Bishop John Buckley

On April 29th,1984, Bishop Jojhn Buckley was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Cork and Ross.

Bishop Fintan Gavin has paid tribute to Bishop Buckley for his dedication to his ministry and to the people of the Diocese.

"I'm grateful to Bishop John for all his kindness and support to me since I came to Cork and I congratulate him on his 40 years of episcopal ministry. I wish him many more years of health and happiness," Bishop Fintan said.

Bishop John Buckley was born in Inchigeela (Uibh Laoire parish) in West Cork.

He studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained a priest in 1965.

Bishop continues to serve in the diocese and is conferring Confirmation on some of the young people of the parishes again this year.

Catholic priests from India to be hospital chaplains in Cork

Priests from India will minister to the sick in hospitals in Cork. This follows discussions between Bishop Fintan Gavin and the leadership of the Order of St Camillus in India. 

This order of priests is inspired by the life of sixteenth century Italian St. Camillus who devoted his life to care of people suffering from plagues. 

The Camillian Order is now worldwide – and also has centres in Ireland. 

The Diocese of Cork and Ross nominates priest chaplains to Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and Marymount University Hospital.

Edina Teopoldo de Campos (to the left of Bishop Fintan) and Danilo Fraga Peixoto (to the right of the bishop) are pictured with families and friends after they were baptised and confirmed at the Easter Vigil. (Photo: Mike English).

The celebration of Easter in Cork this year includes welcomes for new Catholics from Brazil

The Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, was celebrated with principal celebrant Bishop Fintan Gavin.

It included the initiation into the Catholic Church of two people who have come to Cork from Brazil.

Edina Teopoldo de Campos (to the left of Bishop Fintan) and Danilo Fraga Peixoto (to the right of the bishop) are pictured with families and friends after they were baptised and confirmed at the Easter Vigil. 

This is the highpoint of their participation in a preparatory programme known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This programme is provided by parishes with the support of the Mission and Ministry Office of the diocese.

Bishop Fintan Gavin was the principal celebrant of Mass to mark St. Patrick’s Day at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne

The Mass was attended by members of the Cork City Council, lead by Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, along with Ann Doherty, Chiel Executive of Cork City Council and Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council.

The congregation enjoyed the hospitality of the Cathedral Parish after Mass at the Cathedral Visitor Centre.

On Saturday, February 17th 2024, the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion was celebrated in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork.

“I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

 This liturgy is a joyful moment for the diocese when adults who have been preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are formally called by name by Bishop Fintan.

We invite you to pray for Winny, Réidín, Edina, Edith, Sarah and Danilo in your prayers. Please also pray for Emily who could not attend due to circumstances outside of her control.

May we support them in faith, prayer, and example.