
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,
Bishop Fintan greeted by students at Colaiste Choilm Ballincollig
As part of these pastoral visits, Bishop Fintan visited Ballincollig Community School, Nagle Community College (Mahon), and Coláiste Choilm (Ballincollig). At each school, he received a warm welcome and had the opportunity to engage with pupils, teachers, staff, and boards of management.
Catholic Schools Week 2026 is celebrated under the theme, “Catholic Schools: Normal Lives, Called to Holiness.” During his visits, Bishop Fintan reflected on how ultimate happiness is found in four pillars: faith, family, friendship, and fruitful service.
The Annual Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity took place in Ardfallen Methodist Church yesterday.
The service was led by Rev. Andrew Robinson, Canon Alan Marley, Bishop Fintan Gavin and Fr. Christy Fitzgerald. Welcoming those gathered, Bishop Fintan expressed gratitude for the spirit of prayer, friendship and openness that marks the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity each year. He noted that Christians across the world are united during this week in a shared longing “that we might become more visibly what God has already made us in Christ — one body, alive in one Spirit, called to one hope.”
Choir directors, choir/music group members, organists, musicians, and individual singers etc. You are warmly invited to Songs of Praise, an afternoon dedicated to reflection, prayer, and spiritual nourishment.
This event will take place on
Music plays a vital role in our worship often demanding time, energy, and commitment. This gathering offers a space to pause, give thanks, and be renewed through sacred song, scripture, and shared prayer, in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral.
This afternoon is for all who are involved in music ministry to come together to learn new music, reflect, listen, and lift our voices in praise, followed by an opportunity to chat over light hospitality.
Please do share this invitation widely with choirs/music groups, and individuals.
We look forward to welcoming you for this time of shared praise and renewal.
This is a free event. Donations will be gratefully accepted on the day to help cover costs.
Booking is essential to facilitate hospitality.
Songs of Praise: Sunday 1 February 2026