Pentecost 2016 – Photos of Bishop William bestowing the Gift of the Holy Spirit

On the day of Pentecost the Church was made made manifest to the world. In a supreme act of God’s mercy, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Church. Through the Church, and the work of the Holy Spirit within in, the salvific work of Christ is continued through the ages.

In the Sacrament of Confirmation – which is ministered to those who have already been baptised – the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed; the same Spirit that was promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the apostles at Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more fully to Christ for the building up of the Church in faith and love.

For the last few months, in ceremonies of great joy, Bishop William Crean has been bestowing on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the young faithful around our diocese. The following photos capture some moments from these ceremonies.

Great joy for the O’Dwyer family, Castlemartyr (parish of Imogeela)

Bishop William Crean with the Fleming family, Castlemartyr (parish of Imogeela). Twin joy in this family!

Great joy for the Gurbal family in Cobh. With Bishop William outside St Colman’s Cathedral Cobh.

Bishop William with the Joyce family (Castlemartyr, Parish of Imogeela) in Sacred Heart Church, Mogeely.

In line with policy, the names of children have been withheld. Permission for showing of photos has been received from parents.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

Amen.

(St Augustine)

Confirmation Dates 2016 (all presided by Bishop William Crean)

FEBRUARY

Grenagh                      16^th Tuesday

Mitchelstown              17^th Wednesday

Midleton                    23^rd Tuesday

Aghada                       24^th Wednesday

Ballymacoda               25^th Thursday

Carrigtwohill              26^th Friday

MARCH

Cloyne                        1^st Tuesday

Imogeela                     2^nd Wednesday

Youghal                      3^rd Thursday

Churchtown                15^th Tuesday

APRIL

Buttevant                    5^th Tuesday

Charleville                  6^th Wednesday

Killavullen                  8^th Friday

Cobh                           9^th Saturday    (Two Ceremonies)

Mallow                       12^th Tuesday

Shandrum                   13^th Wednesday

Castlemagner              14^th Thursday

Glantane                     19^th Tuesday

Kanturk                       20^th Wednesday

Newmarket                 21^st Thursday

Aghabullogue             26^th Tuesday

Aghinagh                    27^th Wednesday

Blarney                       28^th Thursday  (Two Ceremonies)

MAY

Cill na Martra             3^rd Tuesday

Donoughmore             4^th Wednesday

Inniscarra                    10^th Tuesday   (Two Ceremonies)

Macroom                    11^th Wednesday

Castlelyons                 12^th Thursday

Fermoy                       17^th Tuesday

Glanworth                   18^th Wednesday

Kildorrery                   19^th Thursday

Kilworth                     24^th Tuesday

Rathcormac                25^th Wednesday