Diocesan News

Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland

As thousands of young people across the diocese prepare the receive the results of their Leaving Certificate Examination, Bishop Fintan Gavin asks students to remember that exam results are just one stepping stone in the road of life.

“To all of you receiving your Leaving Cert results this week, whether you are celebrating or feeling disappointed, know this: your worth is not defined by any exam or number,” Bishop Gavin said.

Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross is Chair of the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development.

He also offered a message of reassurance to students who may be disappointed by their results.

“If you didn’t get the points or the place you were hoping for, don’t despair. God has a plan for you. Sometimes, it’s in the moments when our own plans fall through that a greater purpose begins to unfold. I want you to remember that there are many paths forward, and each one is valuable. Stay open, stay hopeful, and trust that your journey is only beginning. You are never alone in it.”

At a meeting of West Cork parishioners and clergy about planning for the future of parishes.

Bishop Fintan Gavin

Lourdes YH group Lourdes Young Adult Helpers 2024

We have just a couple of spaces left for young adults on our Lourdes pilgrimage.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young adults to assist pilgrims in need, and deepen their faith by experiencing the unique spirituality of Lourdes.

For more information, contact Sheila at youthministry@corkandross.org or call 021 430 1717.

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.