

The Chrism Mass is a high point in the life of a diocese each year. It is a public celebration of the family of faith: people, priests, deacons, and religious gathered together in communion with the Bishop. During this liturgy, the sacramental oils are blessed and consecrated, and the priests, together with the Bishop, renew their priestly promises.
This is the only Mass celebrated in the diocese on Holy Thursday morning. This highlights our unity as one diocesan family and our shared belonging to the family of God.
Overflow parking is available at St. Anthony’s Convent, with light refreshments afterwards in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre. All are welcome to attend.
Attendees heard details about the upcoming pilgrimage, which will take place from 18th–23rd September 2026, and the important role Young Adult Helpers play in supporting pilgrims while in Lourdes.
The evening offered an opportunity to better understand what is involved on the pilgrimage, as well as to reflect on the personal and spiritual benefits of taking part. While on pilgrimage, there will be opportunities for prayer, formation, and reflection, providing young adults with a meaningful way to grow in faith while serving others.
Attendees at the Lourdes Young Adult Helper Information Evening
For further information about participating in the Lourdes pilgrimage as a Young Adult Helper, contact
Bishop Fintan with Bishop Phonsie at the book launch of 'Priesthood in Ireland Today'
The publication brings together 16 reflections from a range of contributors, exploring the role of the priest in contemporary Ireland as leader, prophet, pastor, and servant. The book includes a contribution from one of our own priests, Msgr Gearóid Dullea.
The book seeks to offer encouragement to those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, while also reflecting on the meaning and challenges of priestly ministry in today’s world.
Speaking at the launch, Bishop Phonsie highlighted key themes emerging from the contributions and the importance of supporting vocations in the modern Church. He also met attendees afterwards and signed copies of the book.
The Cathedral Family of Parishes invites people to a Month’s Mind Mass in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, for the late Michael Gavin.
Bishop Fintan’s father, Michael, died on Feb 15th in Dublin.
Bishop Fintan will be the principal celebrant of the Mass on Sunday 29th March at 11.30am and all are welcome.
The late Michael Gavin
At the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, where Paul Ryan was instituted as an Acolyte.
On Sunday, at Mass in the Cathedral in Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin instituted Paul Ryan as an acolyte.
Bishop Fintan explained the meaning of this step.
“The ministry itself is simple and practical — assisting at the altar, serving the celebration of the Mass, and helping in the distribution of Holy Communion.”
But its meaning is much deeper, Bishop Fintan said.
“It’s about being close to Christ in the Eucharist, the source of life, and allowing that closeness to shape the whole of one’s life.
Light Fever is an initiative where churches open their doors at night for Eucharistic adoration, candlelight, and gentle music. Young volunteers invite passersby to come inside, light a candle, and take a moment for prayer.
The evening will begin with Mass at 6pm. Afterwards, for a couple of hours, young people will go out in pairs to gently invite passers-by from the busy city streets into the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of the church. Others will remain inside in prayer for all who enter. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available on the night.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity to give witness to our faith and to share a welcoming, uplifting experience of the Church with others.
All help is greatly appreciated! If you’d like to get involved, please email
