Youth Ministry

Cork and Ross Pilgrims return home spiritually enriched after Rome pilgrimage

The group of 53 young pilgrims from the Diocese of Cork and Ross have returned home inspired and uplifted after a powerful week-long pilgrimage to Rome, highlighted by an overnight vigil with Pope Leo and over a million young Catholics from around the world.

On Saturday, their journey began with a deeply moving celebration of Mass beneath the Chair of St Peter in St Peter’s Basilica. Some members of the group had the privilege of actively participating in the Mass; serving, reading, and singing in the choir.

In the afternoon, the group travelled to Tor Vergata, the site for the overnight vigil. There, they joined over a million young pilgrims from all across the world for an evening of prayer, music, joy, and celebration of our faith with Pope Leo. 

Young pilgrims in Rome spend day in reflection and prayer

The Cork and Ross pilgrims are continuing their joyful and faith-filled Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage with another prayerful day.

The morning began with the Irish Catechesis, where the pilgrims were joined by the Sisters of Life with Sr Mary Grace SV speaking on how faith sets the stage for lasting hope. The Catechesis was then followed by the celebration of Mass.

Cork and Ross Jubilee of Youth Pilgrims

The Cork and Ross pilgrims joined over 600 young people from across Ireland for the first Irish Catechesis session of the Rome Jubilee of Youth.

The gathering was led by Bishop Robert Barron, renowned Catholic influencer and founder of Word on Fire.

Bishop Barron encouraged the Irish pilgrims to return home with the spirit and mission of St Patrick to spread the faith in new ways in these times. The session concluded with the celebration of Mass, presided over by Bishop Barron.

Day 2 was a busy and enriching day for the Cork and Ross pilgrims in Rome.

The day began with a visit to the beautiful Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where the group passed through their first Holy Door of the pilgrimage. The group held morning prayer outside the basilica, during which Bishop Fintan presented each pilgrim with a special spiritual journal.

There was great excitement at Cork Airport this morning as 53 young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross departed for Rome.

The pilgrims are taking part in the international Jubilee of Youth celebrations, which will see young people gather from all over the world to celebrate our Catholic faith.

Fifty-three young people from the Diocese of Cork & Ross are making their final preparations ahead of their departure for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome next week.

The group gathered last night at Mardyke House for their final preparatory meeting. The evening included a detailed presentation outlining the practical arrangements and programme of events planned for the week-long pilgrimage.

The evening concluded with Compline, led by Bishop Fintan Gavin. Each pilgrim was then presented with a Bible and two specially designed t-shirts to mark the occasion.

Sarah Ryan-Purcell

In today's Irish Times, Sarah-Ryan Purcell, who cantors at Mass in St Michael's, Blackrock on Sunday, wrote an article on her experience of the revival of Catholic faith amongst young people here in Ireland. She is part of the group of over 50 young adults who will travel next week with Bishop Fintan to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome next week.

Irish Times Article