Homily for the Feast of St. Colman of Cloyne
24th November 2025
Today we gather to celebrate the feast of St. Colman of Cloyne, one of the remarkable saints who helped weave the fabric of our Christian heritage here in Ireland. His life, marked by conversion, courage, and pastoral zeal, offers us an inspiring example as we strive to live out our faith in 2025 and beyond.
We are also celebrating this year - The Jubilee Year of Hope.
The logo shows four stylized figures, representing all of humanity, coming from the four corners of the earth. They embrace each other to indicate the solidarity and fraternity which should unite all peoples.
The figure at the front is holding onto the cross. It is not only the sign of the faith which this lead figure embraces, but also of hope, which can never be abandoned, because we are always in need of hope, especially in our moments of greatest need.
There are the rough waves under the figures, symbolising the fact that life’s pilgrimage does not always go smoothly in calm waters. Often the circumstances of daily life and events in the wider world require a greater call to hope. As a Diocese and as a church we are in a time of great change and enormous challenges. The waters are not smooth but choppy.
Photo taken in St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh
That’s why we should pay special attention to the lower part of the cross which has been elongated and turned into the shape of an anchor which is let down into the waves.
The anchor is well known as a symbol of hope. In maritime jargon here in Cobh the ‘anchor of hope’ refers to the reserve anchor used by vessels involved in emergency manoeuvres to stabilise the ship during storms. No ship sets out without its reserve anchor – it’s anchor of hope.
The cross in the logo is by no means static, but it is also dynamic. It bends down towards humanity, not leaving human beings alone, but stretching out to them to offer the certainty of its presence and the security of hope. We are not alone. In the Gospel of Matthew read today we have the words. “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time”. We are not alone…. At the bottom of the logo is the motto of the 2025 Jubilee Year - Pilgrims in hope. We are pilgrims of Hope.
Living in 21st-century Ireland, we face our own challenges: secularism, divisions in society, and uncertainties. Yet, the witness of St. Colman teaches us that faith can bring light into darkness and hope into discouragement.
Like Colman, we are invited to listen to God’s Word, allow our hearts to be changed, and become instruments of love and truth in our world. To become instruments of Hope.
For us as a Diocese – St. Colman is our reserve anchor – our anchor of Hope. As people and priests have we really prayed to St. Colman? Have we asked his help with the challenges we are facing? Have we opened our hearts and put our trust in him? St. Colman is the Patron of our Diocese and of this Cathedral. He is always with us.
Before his conversion, Colman was renowned as a poet and bard at the royal court—a man gifted with words and learning. Yet, it was the encounter with Christ that transformed his life. Baptised later in life and ordained a priest, Colman channelled his talents into spreading the Good News.
In founding the monastery and church at Cloyne, Colman gave himself wholly to God’s service and to the service of his people. He became a gentle pastor, a teacher, and a shepherd, guiding his flock not only in faith but also in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
He is still our pastor, our teacher and shepherd.
He is our ‘reserve anchor’ our anchor of Hope. Let us move forward as a Church and Diocese in confidence knowing that our anchor of hope is always with us.
The following is a poem inspired by St. Colman.
A Light Among the Cloyne Fields
Between emerald meadows and the restless sea,
where the mists of Munster meet the morning dew,
walked Colman—scribe, shepherd, soul set free—
His heart as gentle as the sky is blue.
Once prince and poet, woven into song,
he turned from courtly halls to cloistered stone,
with ink-stained fingers righting ancient wrong,
he built a haven, where lost souls found home.
O bell of Cloyne, O voice on wind and tide,
you call the weary to a quiet peace—
where faith and learning, side by side,
lift every heart and bid the darkness cease.
The oak and ash remember still his tread,
the waters murmur words he used to pray.
With every psalm, with every loaf of bread,
he blessed the land—and blesses still today.
So let us walk the paths he once did roam,
With eyes for wonder and with hands for care.
In Colman’s name, let kindness be our home,
And knowledge be the light we humbly bear.
As we honour St. Colman of Cloyne today, let us ask his prayers for our Diocese. I also have some homework for all us to do - Let us not go to sleep tonight without turning to him and praying for our Church and Diocese. May we, like him, be open to God’s call, faithful in our service, and creative in our mission. May he always be our reserve anchor and our anchor of hope.
St. Colman of Cloyne, pray for us. Amen.
