The death has occurred of Canon Michael Riordan in Cork University Hospital, on 6^th May 2024.  

Canon Michael, a native of Kilmichael Parish, was ordained to the Priesthood on 23rd May 1959 in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, and began his ministry on temporary mission in the Archdiocese of Calabar, Nigeria for two years.  On returning to the diocese, he ministered as Assistant Curate in Ballingeary, Curate in Muintir Bháire and Passage West.

He then served in the Cork and Ross South American Mission in El Porvenir, Trujillo, Peru, from 1965 – 1971.  On his return home, he ministered as Curate in Watergrasshill, Carrigaline and St. Patrick’s Parish.  

Canon Michael returned to Peru to again serve with the Cork and Ross South American Mission in La Esperenza, Trujillo, from 1985 – 1991.

He then ministered as Parish Priest in Togher Parish from 1991 – 2011.

May he rest in the peace of the Lord whom he served. 

The 98th Cork City Eucharistic Procession to mark the feast of Corpus Christi will take place on Sunday May 26th and details have been announced by the diocese.

The procession will leave the North Cathedral at 3pm and make its way through the city to Saints Peter and Paul's where there will be a short liturgy and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Parish groups are encouraged to gather at the Cathedral and to process together under their parish banner. For those who may have mobility issues, you will be able to join the procession at the river side of the Opera House under a Eucharistic Banner.  The Stewards will facilitate and direct this group to join the Procession.

The news media reported that over 4,000 people processed in 2023, and it is wonderful to see that the Eucharistic Procession continues to unite people of faith across Cork from many different communities and backgrounds. 

The procession which will celebrate 100 years in 2026, is a great public witness to our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  People from Parishes throughout the Diocese and especially those around the city are strongly encouraged to join us for this important event for our city and our people of faith united around the Eucharist.

Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork and Bishop Fintan Gavin. at the launch of the 98th Cork Eucharistic Procession. (Pic. Brian Lougheed)

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.