
Cork’s Eucharistic Procession was launched at St. Mary and St. Anne's Cathedral last night
The Diocese of Cork and Ross officially launched the centenary celebrations last night at the Visitors Centre in the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne, where Cllr John Sheehan, Deputising for the Lord Mayor of Cork City; Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross; Sheila Kelleher, Coordinator for Youth Ministry and Jonathan Healy, MC for the launch, addressed over 120 attendees.
In preparation for this milestone, a two-week diocesan mission will take place, accompanied by the visit of the relics of St Carlo Acutis, and 100 hours (for 100 years) of Eucharistic Adoration - marking a century of walking with the Lord in our city and renewing our faith for the future.
Watch the livestream launch of preparations in the Diocese of Cork and Ross on
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Priests and Parish Pastoral Council representatives gathered to hear about the plans for this very special milestone in our Diocese, which will be officially launched next Wednesday, 6th May.
There is a growing sense of excitement as we prepare for this historic celebration in our diocese and city, marking the centenary of the first Eucharistic Procession in Cork on Sunday 7th June.
Priests and Parish Pastoral Council representatives gathered for the briefing
Dudley O’Grady-Woods being baptised at the Easter VigilSome were baptised, confirmed, and received the Eucharist for the first time, while others were confirmed and welcomed more fully into the Catholic Church.
In his homily, Bishop Fintan reflected on the profound significance of this moment, highlighting the visible signs of new hope.
Priests of the diocese leave their own parishes and places of ministry and travel with deacons, religious and lay people to the Cathedral in Cork for Mass celebrated by Bishop Fintan and concelebrated by the priests.
This Mass is known as the Mass of Chrism - after one of the holy oils which are blessed during this Mass each year.
Referring to the oils in his homily, Bishop said the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of Chrism and the Oil of the Sick flow out as streams of grace to all parts of the diocese.
“They will touch the lives of our people in Baptism and Confirmation, in the Anointing of the Sick, in moments of joy and moments of great vulnerability” he said.
“They remind us that God’s grace does not remain here in the Cathedral. It goes out. It reaches people where they are.”
Throughout the night, young volunteers headed out onto the nearby streets, gently inviting passersby to come inside, even if only for a few moments. Many people responded to this simple invitation, lighting candles, sitting quietly in prayer or simply taking time to reflect.
Inside the church, a steady presence of prayer was maintained by volunteers who remained before the Blessed Sacrament, interceding for those who came through the doors.