Members of religious congregations in the Diocese of Cork and Ross gathered in St Francis’ Church, Cork, on Saturday, January 31^st for the Diocesan Celebration of Consecrated Life, led by Bishop Fintan Gavin. 

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

Bishop Fintan visited a number of post-primary schools across the diocese during Catholic Schools Week, taking time to meet with students, staff, and school communities.

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.

Christians from across Cork gathered in prayer and fellowship on Sunday, January 25th for the Annual Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, hosted this year by Ardfallen Methodist Church.

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.”