Diocesan News, Announcements, Notices and Events
News
At a recent meeting of the Cloyne Diocesan Chapter on St. Colman’s Day 2024, Bishop Crean announced the appointments of Fr. Neilius O’Donnell P.E Rathcormac as Archdeacon and Fr. Patrick Linehan P.P. Cloyne as an Honorary member.
Fr. Neilius O’Donnell a native of Castlelyons was ordained priest in 1961 for service in the Diocese of Cloyne. While he served briefly in Wales for the first three years of his ministry since 1964 he has served with distinction as Chaplain, Diocesan Inspector, Curate and Parish Priest from which he retired in 2014. In retirement he has continued to serve with great generosity in several parishes when required.
His appointment as Archdeacon is recognition of his contribution over all the years along with his current pastoral involvement in his ‘Retirement’.
Fr. Patrick Linehan P.P. Cloyne, serves as parish priest of the quintessential home of the Diocese. By tradition and practice the holder of that Office is an Honorary member of the Chapter.
We pray Gods continued blessing on their ministry.
P.S. The office of Archdeacon of the Diocesan Chapter assists the Bishop in his office as overseer and shepherd.
+ William Crean
Bishop of Cloyne
Jubilee Pilgrimage
Jubilee Pilgrimage
Today the Diocese of Cloyne celebrates the feast of its founder and patron, St. Colman. Historians tell us that Colman was born in Emly in 530 A. D. West Cork is also mentioned as a possible place of his birth. He was educated as a file, a poet, and became the Royal Bard at the court of the King of Munster in Cashel. His poems are among the earliest examples of written Irish.
In mid-life, under the influence of St. Brendan, he answered a call to priesthood. He made his way southward to Cloyne, where he laid his most important foundation on lands given to him by the King of Munster. That foundation was the beginning of the Diocese of Cloyne. Bishop Colman died in Cloyne on 24th November about the year 600 A. D. and there he was buried.
Cloyne developed into a great mother church and diocesan see. The Diocese gradually grew to its present extent and, until the penal times, included some of south Co. Limerick. Cloyne was a household name long before it gave us Christy Ring.
On one occasion the late Bishop John Ahern was visiting Cloyne National School. He asked the pupils to name the famous bishop who once lived in Cloyne. One bright pupil answered: “Bishop Berkeley”, much to the amusement of Bishop Ahern and to the embarrassment of the teacher.
Photo taken in St. Colman's Cathedral, CobhThe current General Election campaign is distinguished by the fact that it hasn’t ‘caught fire’.
This is disturbing because it indicates something of a tacit consensus ‘round what the important national issues are.
It is disconcerting to find that the total silence ‘round the critical issue of Assisted Suicide/Assisted Death.
On an evening just prior to the calling of the General Election a vote took place to accept the recommendation of the Oireachtas Committee’s Report on the issue. In substance, a majority of the Oireachtas approved proceeding with the provision of a framework to assist in the death of some in certain circumstances.
Bishop William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne
Pope John Paul II Blessed Monstrance to visit St. Colman's Church, Macroom
My friends,
I wish to draw your attention to the new “Light a Candle” feature on the Diocesan Website.
This is not a virtual candle. For those who wish to participate, a candle will be placed in the Cathedral in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for your intentions.
For the month of November, the focus will be on remembering our deceased loved ones. “Indeed, the church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian Religion, has honoured with great respect the memory of the dead.” (Directory on Popular Piety and the liturgy, 251)
Themes will vary during the year, following to some extent the Liturgical Calendar but also including other celebrations and occasions as they arise.
Donations received will be used for the ongoing maintenance of St Colman’s Cathedral.
With gratitude always for your support and prayer.
Yours sincerely,
+ Wm. Crean
Most Rev. William Crean, D.D.,
Bishop of Cloyne.
February
Ballyclough - Tuesday 11th
Banteer - Wednesday 12th
Glantane - Thursday 13th
Meelin - Tuesday 18th
Milford - Wednesday 19th
Aghabullogue - Thursday 27th
March
Blarney - Tuesday 4th
Ballyvourney - Thursday 6th
Clondrohid - Tuesday 18th
Inniscarra - Wednesday 19th
Mallow - Thursday 20th
Ballyhea - Tuesday 25th
Charleville - Wednesday 26th
Mourneabbey - Thursday 27th
Confirmation Dates 2025Thousands of people came to pray, reflect, and give thanks and to venerate the relics. The crowds included people of all ages - from children brought by parents, to children from National Schools and students from Secondary Schools - to adults of all ages, healthy and sick, mobile and wheelchair bound
The experience is difficult to put into words, it had to be experienced. Lourdes has often been described as a little bit of Heaven here on earth. The visit of the relics of St Bernadette brought some of that experience to the thousands who attended, many people noting that what they experienced during the visit could not be put into words. For this to have happened, gratitude and thanks are due to so many people who volunteered their time and talents and gave freely so that all of us would have this wonderful experience.
Visit of the Relics of St. Bernadette
Parish Family Day 20th Oct 2024 All are welcome to participate in this joyful celebration of the Dominicans contribution to our history of faith and their spreading of devotion to Our Lady of Graces.
For full details please see below.
Visit of the image of Our Lady of Graces to YoughalReceive diocesan news and announcements direct to your email
