An Easter Message
from Bishop William Crean

“Living in Joyful Hope”

A Cháirde,

It is extraordinary to witness the turmoil and suffering that has been inflicted by a few autocratic leaders on the lives of millions of unfortunate and powerless people. It is a tragedy of enormous proportions. We too seem so powerless in the face of so much dark and evil intentions. It is difficult to find the seeds of hope in such a dark landscape.

For us who believe and trust in the action of God in our midst through the Lord Jesus and his disciples we live with hope in our hearts, hope that is rooted in Christ sharing our human trials and afflictions. Holy Week and Easter enables us to spiritually journey with Him through his suffering and death at the hands of his oppressors. But his death on the Cross was not the end rather the seed of victory.

"Raising Hope for our Common Home" - Knock Shrine

This event takes place on April 26th at Knock Shrine and features talks from guest speakers:
Eanna Ni Lamhna -Scientist and Broadcaster
Jane Mellett- Outreach Officer for Trocaire
Dr Brendan O’Keefe- Geographer and Social Scientist

It promises to be an educational and rewarding day of dialogue and discussion.

Full details of the day and how to book is available on our website Knock Shrine

V Rev John McCarthy PP Ballyvourney - Homily

Please note Fr. John McCarthy's Sunday homily will be published in English and 'as Gaeilge' fortnightly in the Irish Catholic which began on Palm Sunday

In this Jubilee of Hope, you are invited to the Chrism Mass - an essential liturgy in the life of the diocese

The bishop will bless the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, and consecrate the Sacred Chrism. These oils will be used in the sacraments throughout the coming year

The priests of the diocese will renew their priestly promises—a public act of commitment at the heart of Holy Week. It is a moment of visible unity between the bishop, clergy, and people

This year, marked by the Jubilee, the Chrism Mass takes on added significance

All are encouraged to attend

V Rev Michael Fitzgerald PP Blarney and V Rev John McCarthy SP Ballyvourney, Vocations Director, promoting vocations to the priesthood at Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney last week

Many thanks to Principal and Staff for the invitation to promote awareness

Art Exhibition by Fr. Peadar O'Callaghan 

Fr. Peadar's Art will be displayed in Cobh Library from April 5th - 30th May 2025

Fermoy and Kilworth Pastoral Area will provide two mini lenten retreats

• For Men and Boys (12 years of age or over, accompanied)
  On Wednesday March 19th, Feast of St Joseph, St Patrick's Church, Fermoy, 7.30pm.
  Fr Philip Mulryne OP, former Manchester United Footballer, will give a personal faith testimony, as part of a Lenten homily
• For Women and Girls (12 years of age or over, accompanied)
  On Tuesday March 25th, Solemnity of the Annunciation, St Patrick's Church, Fermoy, 7.30pm.
  The Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother will provide a Lenten talk

Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of abuse

This year it falls on 7th March 2025.

Helpful resources can be found on the Catholic Bishops website or on the National Board for Safeguarding website

Please click here for some refelctions and prayers 

Letter from Bishop William Crean

Priests of the Diocese attend the 'Well Day' in Tullylease in honour of St Berrihert, welcoming the pilgrim statue of the Sacred Heart which has begun its journey for the Jubilee Year 2025

A full church gathered for the occasion and walked in prayer to the Shrine, the Wells and Cemeteries as part of the 'rounds'.

(Photos with thanks, Fr Liam Kelleher)