Bishop Fintan with Ella Smith, Aislinn Walsh and Anna Smith at the launch of Maranatha 2026.
Maranatha 2026 – our second annual celebration of music, faith, and young people in the Diocese of Cork and Ross – has officially been launched.
At the launch, teachers from post-primary schools across the diocese took part in a workshop on the music that will be part of the programme was presented.
A group of young adult singers from the Rome pilgrimage recorded the official Maranatha 2026 playlist, which is now available on Spotify (listen here: Maranatha Playlist on Spotify).
Some of these young adults attended the launch and gave teachers a taster of the songs at the workshop.
Maranatha 2026 will take place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in Cork City Hall. Up to 500 students will gather for a full day of activities, including catechesis and music, all leading up to the concert that evening.
Speaking at the launch, Bishop Fintan highlighted the importance of engaging with young people in new and meaningful ways: “In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, Maranatha reminds me – and I hope it reminds you – that our faith is a source of strength and joy, and that our gifts are meant to be shared”.
Sheila Kelleher, Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry, outlined the practical details about preparations and what to expect on the day.
Last year, hundreds of students, teachers, and musicians from parishes and schools across the diocese came together for the inaugural event. Building on that success, Maranatha will now become an annual gathering for our post-primary school communities.
Bishop Fintan highlighted the importance of engaging with young people in new and meaningful ways
Music Director for Maranatha Ian Callanan led the teachers through the music workshop.
Sheila Kelleher, Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry, outlined the practical details for Maranatha 2026.
