Diocesan News
Tom Cassidy, Ellen's father, receives a blessing from Bishop Fintan ahead of the Marathon
Ss Peter and Paul’s Church was at full capacity for the 7am Mass this morning as runners, supporters and volunteers gathered for a special Mass ahead of the Cork City Marathon.
The Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Ellen Cassidy, who died shortly after taking part in last year’s half marathon. Members of her family and friends were present for the Mass, alongside the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy.
Those at the Mass also had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St Carlo Acutis and receive a blessing with the relic before making their way to the marathon start line.
The visit of the relics forms part of preparations for the 100th Anniversary of the Cork Eucharistic Procession.
A Mass to welcome the relics to the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne took place this morning.
People have been making their way to the North Cathedral throughout the day to venerate the relics of the first millennial saint.
Veneration of the relics continues today until 10pm in the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne.
Tomorrow, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be in Ss Peter and Paul's in the City Centre. There will be a special Mass at 7am for those running in the Cork City Marathon.
Luke Cantillon-Murphy venerates the relic of St Carlo Acutis
The relics arriving to St. Patrick's Cathedral Skibbereen
Over a thousand participated the Welcome Mass this evening in St Patrick’s Cathedral Skibbereen.
There was great excitement in Skibbereen as the relics arrived under garda escort, with the First Holy Communion children forming a guard of honour.
The packed Cathedral gathered in prayer and celebration for what was a deeply moving and historic occasion for the parish and wider diocese as Skibbereen Cathedral celebrates its bicentenary this year.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan spoke of St Carlo’s love for Jesus in the Eucharist and how we can be guided by his example as we prepare for the 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession.
Primary schools from across the diocese were invited to bring their students to the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, and Christ Our Light in Ballincollig to venerate the relics of St Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint.
Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, custodian of St Carlo’s relics, spoke to the students about the young saint’s life. He explained how Carlo enjoyed soccer and video games while also having a deep love for Jesus and the Eucharist. St Carlo described daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration as his “highway to heaven” and encouraged others to discover that active participation in the faith brings true fulfilment and happiness. Monsignor Anthony suggested that this is why St Carlo is such a good role model and witness to help us prepare for our own 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession.
Students in the Cathedral of St Mary and Anne
Mikey and Felicity were in Glanmire Parish speaking as Masses over the weekend
40 of the Cork and Ross mission team were in over 20 parishes this weekend speaking at Masses.
They mission team spoke about the mission plans as they visit parishes and schools, the visit of the relics of St Carlo Acutis and the 100 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration.
They also encouraged parishioners to respond to Bishop Fintan’s invitation to join the whole diocese for the 100th Anniversary of the Eucharistic Procession on Sunday 7th June, leaving the Cathedral at 3pm.
On Saturday morning, the missionaries visited the Poor Clares. They joined the Sisters for Mass and prayed a holy hour together before having the opportunity to meet the sisters and share about the mission plans in preparation for the Eucharistic Procession. The sisters also shared their vocation stories and offered some beautiful advice to our young missionaries.