Diocesan News
Canon Michael Riordan RIPThe death has occurred of Canon Michael Riordan in Cork University Hospital, on 6th May 2024.
Canon Michael, a native of Kilmichael Parish, was ordained to the Priesthood on 23rd May 1959 in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, and began his ministry on temporary mission in the Archdiocese of Calabar, Nigeria for two years. On returning to the diocese, he ministered as Assistant Curate in Ballingeary, Curate in Muintir Bháire and Passage West.
He then served in the Cork and Ross South American Mission in El Porvenir, Trujillo, Peru, from 1965 – 1971. On his return home, he ministered as Curate in Watergrasshill, Carrigaline and St. Patrick’s Parish.
Canon Michael returned to Peru to again serve with the Cork and Ross South American Mission in La Esperenza, Trujillo, from 1985 – 1991.
He then ministered as Parish Priest in Togher Parish from 1991 – 2011.
May he rest in the peace of the Lord whom he served.
The 98th Cork City Eucharistic Procession to mark the feast of Corpus Christi will take place on Sunday May 26th and details have been announced by the diocese.
The procession will leave the North Cathedral at 3pm and make its way through the city to Saints Peter and Paul's where there will be a short liturgy and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Parish groups are encouraged to gather at the Cathedral and to process together under their parish banner. For those who may have mobility issues, you will be able to join the procession at the river side of the Opera House under a Eucharistic Banner. The Stewards will facilitate and direct this group to join the Procession.
The news media reported that over 4,000 people processed in 2023, and it is wonderful to see that the Eucharistic Procession continues to unite people of faith across Cork from many different communities and backgrounds.
The procession which will celebrate 100 years in 2026, is a great public witness to our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. People from Parishes throughout the Diocese and especially those around the city are strongly encouraged to join us for this important event for our city and our people of faith united around the Eucharist.
Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork and Bishop Fintan Gavin. at the launch of the 98th Cork Eucharistic Procession. (Pic. Brian Lougheed)
Following the conviction and sentencing in London of James Murphy, a former priest who served for a time in this diocese, the following statement has been issued by the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
James Murphy served in parishes in England until 1992. He returned to Ireland and was appointed to minister in parishes in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. At that time, there was no indication or report that he had abused minors in London parishes.
In 2000, when he pleaded guilty to charges relating to offences committed in London in earlier decades, his right to minister as a priest was immediately withdrawn and he has not ministered anywhere since. The Bishop of Cork and Ross and the priests in the two parishes where he had ministered (St. Patrick’s, Cork and Glounthaune) addressed the issue at Sunday Masses and reassured people who might make contact with concerns that they would receive support.
The diocese has not had any contact with James Murphy since he was sentenced to prison.
The diocese has not received any report that he offended during his time in Cork.
Anyone who may have a concern or a report to make is encouraged to contact the Gardaí or Tusla or the Diocesan Director of Safeguarding.
Bishop John Buckley
On April 29th,1984, Bishop Jojhn Buckley was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Cork and Ross.
Bishop Fintan Gavin has paid tribute to Bishop Buckley for his dedication to his ministry and to the people of the Diocese.
"I'm grateful to Bishop John for all his kindness and support to me since I came to Cork and I congratulate him on his 40 years of episcopal ministry. I wish him many more years of health and happiness," Bishop Fintan said.
Bishop John Buckley was born in Inchigeela (Uibh Laoire parish) in West Cork.
He studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained a priest in 1965.
Bishop continues to serve in the diocese and is conferring Confirmation on some of the young people of the parishes again this year.
The Annual Cork Eucharistic Procession is a milestone in the religious and community life of Cork City since 1926
Each year people from parishes and faith communities throughout the city and beyond walk in the procession or prayerfully participate along the route as the Bishop carries the Blessed Sacrament from the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne to the city centre.
This year will be the 98th celebration of the Cork Eucharistic Procession as we look forward to its 100th anniversary in 2026. Last year people gathered in their thousands to join the first Cork Eucharistic Procession since 2019 due to Covid. This year we hope even more will join us.
Preparations are underway for several months to reach out to many people (particularly young people), parishes, and faith groups to ensure a dignified and prayerful celebration. A programme has been created for primary schools to share the meaning and history of the Eucharistic Procession with children and to encourage them to be part of the procession with their families. Post-primary school students have also been invited to take part this year.
Choirs and music groups throughout the Diocese are invited to join one great choir to raise up voices together in the procession.
I am very grateful to the many people who have helped with the preparations.
I invite you to join the procession on Sunday, May 26th to walk together in faith as people and families from different parishes, age-groups, communities and countries.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
✠ Fintan Gavin
Bishop of Cork and Ross
98th Cork Eucharistic Procession - Sun 26 May 2024Emergency Phone (urgent calls)
Ballyphehane
086 074 9169
The Lough
087 609 3424
Togher
087 249 5075
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