Diocesan News

Bishop announces additional priest changes in the Diocese of Cork and Ross
In addition to priest changes already announced this summer, Bishop Fintan has made these additional appointments:
Fr Vineesh K Ulahannan MI (Camilians, India), to become Curate pro tem in the Family of Parishes of Douglas & Rochestown, Frankfield & Grange and Turner’s Cross effective from 26th July 2025.
Fr John Fitzgerald MSC, to become Co-Parish Priest in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton, taking effect from 15th August 2025.
Fr Jojo Thalikasthanam CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, India),to become Curate in the the Family of Parishes of Ballinora, Ballincollig, Kilmurry and Ovens & Farran, taking effect from 30th August 2025.
Fr Con Doherty MSC Co-PP in the Family of Parishes of Ballineaspaig, Curraheen Road, Sacred Heart and Wilton has been appointed to the MSC Community in Carrig na bhFear by the MSC Provincial.
Commenting on the changes, Bishop Fintan paid tribute to the priests involved.
"I am grateful to the priests who are generously offering their services in the Diocese of Cork and Ross in undertaking these new appointments. I am grateful to Fr Con Doherty MSC for his ministry in Sacred Heart Parish since 2022.”
Cork and Ross Jubilee of Youth Pilgrims
The Cork and Ross pilgrims joined over 600 young people from across Ireland for the first Irish Catechesis session of the Rome Jubilee of Youth.
The gathering was led by Bishop Robert Barron, renowned Catholic influencer and founder of Word on Fire.
Bishop Barron encouraged the Irish pilgrims to return home with the spirit and mission of St Patrick to spread the faith in new ways in these times. The session concluded with the celebration of Mass, presided over by Bishop Barron.
Day 2 was a busy and enriching day for the Cork and Ross pilgrims in Rome.
The day began with a visit to the beautiful Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where the group passed through their first Holy Door of the pilgrimage. The group held morning prayer outside the basilica, during which Bishop Fintan presented each pilgrim with a special spiritual journal.


There was great excitement at Cork Airport this morning as 53 young people from the Diocese of Cork and Ross departed for Rome.
The pilgrims are taking part in the international Jubilee of Youth celebrations, which will see young people gather from all over the world to celebrate our Catholic faith.
Fifty-three young people from the Diocese of Cork & Ross are making their final preparations ahead of their departure for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome next week.
The group gathered last night at Mardyke House for their final preparatory meeting. The evening included a detailed presentation outlining the practical arrangements and programme of events planned for the week-long pilgrimage.
The evening concluded with Compline, led by Bishop Fintan Gavin. Each pilgrim was then presented with a Bible and two specially designed t-shirts to mark the occasion.
