Youth Ministry

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

40 young adults from Cork and Ross joined hundreds of other young adults from around the country in Knock for a day of events to mark the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The Dare to Hope event, hosted by the Irish Bishops’ Conference in collaboration with Knock Shrine, brought together young people for a day of prayer, participation and possibilities.

The day included a keynote address by Fr Conor McDonough O.P., engaging workshops, a panel discussion, and the official launch and blessing of the new Youth Village at Knock. The evening concluded with Mass in the Parish Church, celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin.