to the website for the Catholic Diocese of Cork and Ross, Ireland
I hope that whatever you are seeking you may find some steps here that will lead you to know the God of Love in your life. You are welcome to walk with us on our social media channels, too.
Bishop Fintan Gavin
Diocesan news direct to your email
Maranatha, the second annual faith-based high energy music for Post-Primary Schools in the Diocese of Cork & Ross took place at Cork City Hall featuring pupils from all over Cork City and County.
The Maranatha 2026 concert featured post-primary school students from parishes throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Twenty-three schools came together for the celebration, transforming the historic venue into a powerful showcase of talent and conviction.
Maranatha blends music, faith and fun — creating a space where students can express who they are, celebrate their identity and build lasting connections and friendships in an atmosphere of joy and community.
It is with great sadness that I, along with so many people across Cork City and beyond, have learned of the decision of the Augustinian community to withdraw from St Augustine’s Church this coming summer. For generations, the Augustinian community at St Augustine’s has been an important and cherished part of the cultural, spiritual and faith life of our city. Many people have found there a place of prayer, welcome, and belonging.
With the declining number of religious vocations within the Augustinian Order, and the advancing age profile of many of its members, I fully understand and respect the reasons behind this decision, which has clearly been made after careful discernment about their future mission and resources.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Augustinian friars, past and present, for their faithful ministry, their preaching of the Gospel, and their generous service to the people of Cork over so many generations. Their contribution to the spiritual life of the city will long be remembered with gratitude and affection.
I will have an opportunity in the coming months to thank the Augustinians more publicly for their immense contribution to the faith life of our city.
I am particularly mindful that this news will come as a sadness to many who have found in St Augustine’s a spiritual home over the years. I want to reassure all of you that I will endeavour, as your Bishop, to respond pastorally to that need, even as the Holy Spirit may now be inviting us to live and express that faith in new ways and in new places.
Bishop Fintan Gavin
Kinsale parish hosts a special liturgy on Sunday 22nd when a parishioner in our diocese takes the next step towards being ordained a Permanent Deacon.
Paul Ryan, a native of Co Clare, lives in Timoleague Parish and was accepted three years ago as a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. Since then he has been participating in formal formation and personal prayer and reflection. He has also been experiencing parish life in Kinsale Parish.
On Sunday, he will be instituted as a Lector by Bishop Fintan Gavin during 12 noon Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale.
This next step on his path to ordination means Paul will be mandated to proclaim God’s Word and, through his reflection on the Word of God, prepares himself further for answering the call to service in our diocese as a Permanent Deacon.
The Word of God serves as a means to come to know God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ even more and, through the Holy Spirit, helps us to deepen our relationship with him.
Bishop Fintan Gavin has asked that people across the diocese pray for Paul on Sunday as Paul also asks for God’s blessing and help.
Paul Ryan, his wife Bríd, their daughter Anne and son Tomás, with Bishop Fintan Gavin in May 2024. (Pic. Mariana Wirsam)
The late Michael Gavin
The death has occurred in Dublin of Michael Gavin, father of Bishop Fintan Gavin.
The diocese has announced that Bishop Fintan Gavin's father has died in Dublin. Michael Gavin, a native of Swinford, Co Mayo, died peacefully at Nazareth House Nursing Home, Malahide, Co Dublin.
Michael's death is mourned by his wife Angela, their family Michael, Bishop Fintan, Sheena, Darragh, Donna and Fr. Morgan Francis, and his extended family. He is predeceased by their son Conor.
Michael will be reposing at the Fanagan Kirwan Funeral Home, Fairview Strand on Wednesday (18th, February) from 5pm to 7pm, with family in attendance.
Removal to the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, Marino, on Thursday (19th, February) for 12 Noon Requiem Mass followed by burial at Balgriffin Cemetery.
May he rest in the peace of the Lord.
Over 300 parishioners attended Songs of Praise at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork Feb 1, 2026 Pic: Brian Lougheed.Choir directors, musicians, cantors, singers and members of the wider faith community came together for an afternoon of prayer and song. Hymns and music were led by John Casey and the Cathedral Choir, Honor O’Brien and Kinsale Choir, Ursula Mulvihill and Ballinora Choir, Mary O’Brien and St Columba’s Choir, Douglas.
The celebration combined shared learning, communal singing, prayer and reflection, highlighting the role of music in deepening faith and supporting worship.
Celebrated on the threshold of Candlemas, the liturgy of Evening Prayer highlighted Christ as Light of the Nations and reflected on consecrated life as a vocation that receives, reflects and shares that light with a world often marked by weariness and division.
The Liturgy was prepared b y a representative group of religious including Sr. Sheila Kelleher, Sr. Monica Mohally, Br. Denis Aherne, Fr. Laurence Kettle, and Br. Simon Fernandes.
The Gospel of the Beatitudes was proclaimed by Fr. Patrick Younge OFM and it is a fitting portrait of religious life — rooted in Christ, shaped by mercy and humility, and quietly fruitful in service.
Celebrating Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Cork and Ross at St. Francis' Church,
Make a secure donation to
the Diocese of Cork and Ross
