Diocesan News

Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland

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.

Selfie time! Bishop Fintan with pilgrims Alannah Hegarty, Cillian Ó Cróinín and Caolán Ward.

Cork and Ross pilgrims enjoying a Rooftop Reflection Gathering at the Irish College in Rome.

Young pilgrims in Rome spend day in reflection and prayer

Day 5 was a powerful day of prayer and reflection for the Cork and Ross pilgrims. The morning began with the final Irish catechesis led by Bishop Alan McGuckian. The session included time for Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the celebration of Mass.

In the afternoon, all Irish pilgrims gathered for the Stations of the Cross, beautifully organised by the Pontifical Irish College. The journey concluded at the Basilica di Santa Croce, where pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate a relic of the True Cross.

The Cork and Ross pilgrims ended the night on the rooftop of the Irish College for a special evening of reflection, where they shared their faithful encounters from the week so far.

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 pilgrims with the Sisters of Life

Bishop Fintan Gavin

Bishop announces additional priest changes in the Diocese of Cork and Ross

In addition to priest changes already announced this summer, Bishop Fintan has made these additional appointments:

Fr Vineesh K Ulahannan MI (Camilians, India), to become Curate pro tem in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross effective from 26th July 2025.

Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, to become Co-Parish Priest in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton, taking effect from 15th August 2025.

Fr Jojo Thalikasthanam CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, India),to become Curate in the the Family of Parishes of Ballinora, Ballincollig, Kilmurry and Ovens & Farran, taking effect from 30th August 2025.

Fr Con Doherty MSC Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton has been appointed to the MSC Community in Carrig na bhFear by the MSC Provincial.

Commenting on the changes, Bishop Fintan paid tribute to the priests involved.

"I am grateful to the priests who are generously offering their services in the Diocese of Cork and Ross in undertaking these new appointments. I am grateful to Fr Con Doherty MSC for his ministry in Sacred Heart Parish since 2022.”

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.