Diocesan News
Mass with the Anointing of the Sick
Our third day in Lourdes was a reminder of why so many people come to this special place, seeking comfort in times of suffering, strength in times of uncertainty and a renewed sense of hope.
The morning began with an alternative Stations of the Cross held indoors due to restrictions in preparation for the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Our student and young adult helpers processed with the Stations, bringing each one forward to the Pilgrim Cross, blessed by Archdeacon Kerry Murphy O’Connor in 2014, as a reminder that we can bring our pain and worries to Jesus who offers us the hope of healing and new life.
Fr. Charlie Kiely led pilgrims on a walking tour in the footsteps of St. Bernadette to learn more about Bernadette and the way in which God chose her to share Our Lady’s message with the world.
The second day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes brought pilgrims together for a day of prayer and reflection, culminating in the Candlelight Rosary Procession, led by our diocese.
The morning began with the International Mass at the St. Pius X Underground Basilica, where our pilgrims joined thousands of people from across the world in celebrating the Eucharist. Many pilgrims remarked on how moving it was to see people from across the world, speaking different languages and coming from different cultures, united in prayer. It was a powerful reminder of the universal Church and the faith that connects us.
Later in the day, pilgrims gathered at Côté Carmel for a moving Penitential Service. Amid the busyness of the pilgrimage, this was an important opportunity for personal reflection, reconciliation and an encounter with God’s love and mercy.
Cork and Ross had the honour of leading the Candlelight Rosary Procession tonight
The Blessed Sacrament Procession, which was led by the Diocese of Cork and Ross, as pilgrims from across the world gathered in prayer.
Whatever You Are Carrying, the Lord Is With You
Today marked the first full day of the Diocese of Cork and Ross Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Over 450 pilgrims, including assisted pilgrims, doctors, nurses, young adult and student helpers, adult helpers, carers and parishioners from across the diocese, gathered this morning for our Opening Mass at Côté Grotte.
People come to Lourdes for many different reasons, each carrying their own prayers, hopes and intentions. During his homily, Bishop Fintan reminded us that, whatever we may be carrying, the Lord is with us: “The Lord is with you in your illness and in your worries. The Lord is with you in your questions. The Lord is with you when your faith feels strong and when it feels fragile.” These words were particularly meaningful as we brought the prayers and petitions entrusted to us by people at home to the Grotto this afternoon, remembering all those who could not be with us in Lourdes.
Are you considering the Poor Clare vocation or would you like to know more about the enclosed contemplative life of a religious sister?
You are invited to join the Sisters for a:
Vocations Afternoon
Saturday 3 October 2026
2:00pm to 4:00pm
at the Poor Clare Monastery, College Road, Cork
Poor Clares Vocations Afternoon - Sat 3 October 2026Each year people from across the Diocese of Cork and Ross gather at Gougane Barra to honour St Finbarr one of the Patrons of our Diocese
This year, Gougane Sunday takes place on:
Sunday 27 September
For more than 1,400 years Gougane Barra has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage, associated with St Finbarr and the beginnings of the Christian story in Cork.
Today it continues to be a special place where people come to pray, to give thanks and to seek God’s blessing.
Bishop Fintan Gavin invites people from parishes and faith communities throughout the Diocese to join together for this annual diocesan Mass and pilgrimage.
- 1:30pm: Confessions
- 2:30pm: Rosary
- 3:00pm: Mass
celebrated by Bishop Fintan Gavin
Everyone is welcome to join us at Gougane Barra as we honour St Finbarr and pray together for our Diocese, our families, our parishes and faith communities, and for the pastoral year ahead.
All are welcome
Gougane Barra Sunday 2026