Diocesan News
On Thursday December 5th Bishop Fintan Gavin made a Pastoral Visit to Maria Immaculata Community College (MICC) Dunmanway. He was welcomed by Principal Mr. Niall Collins, Deputy Principal Fiona Nic Chárthaigh, School Chaplain Elaine O’Sullivan, Student Council members Ciara Galvin and John Smith and school staff. Local clergy, Fr. Liam Crowley and Fr. Pat O’Donovan, were also present to welcome the Bishop to the school.
Following the Principal’s welcome address to the school assembly, Bishop Fintan celebrated a thoughtfully prepared Prayer Liturgy with staff and students titled “Counting our blessings as we journey through Advent”. The ceremony was beautifully enhanced by the school choir with musical accompaniment from both students and staff.
Bishop Fintan’s message to students was based on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager who will become the first Millennial Saint when he is Canonised by Pope Francis in Rome next April. The Bishop spoke about his visit to the tomb of Blessed Carlo last summer and how Carlo was a typical teenager in so many ways yet he was extraordinary when it came to his remarkable faith. Carlo had a short life and died of leukaemia aged just 15 years in October 2006.
Bishop Fintan receives a gift from Co-chairs of Student Council Ciara Galvin and John Smith
Bishop Fintan with some primary school teachers who attended the gatheringPrimary school teachers in the Diocese attend a Day of Reflection
Recently Bishop Fintan invited primary school teachers throughout the Diocese to a Day of Reflection to support and nourish their own personal faith lives. In response, teachers gathered on Saturday 30th November in Mardyke House, Cork.
The day was led by Fr Chris O’Donnell, a priest of Limerick Diocese, who is a former primary school teacher. He worked for many years in youth ministry and participated in the final stages of the development of the Grow in Love Programme. The peaceful and prayerful surroundings of Mardyke House contributed to a wonderful day for all involved.
The death has of occurred of Fr. Seamus Mac Ginneá (McKenna) in his native Kerry.
Fr Seamus was ordained for ministry in the Diocese of Kerry.
He has also served for many years on the staff of the Cork Regional Marriage Tribunal and also regularly celebrated Mass at the Poor Clares Convent in College Road, Cork.
The funeral arrangements for the late Fr Seamus McKenna are available
May he now rest in the peace of the Lord.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.
The late Fr Seamus McKenna
Bishop Fintan with members of the school's Meitheal Team
Bishop Fintan Gavin recently made a Pastoral Visit to Edmund Rice College, Carrigaline
He was warmly welcomed by Principal Ms. Adele Flynn, Deputy Principal Mr. Peter Hyde, members of the Student Council & Meitheal Team and members of staff. Local clergy were also present to greet the Bishop, including Msgr. Aidan O’Driscoll, Fr. James McSweeney & Fr. Michael O’Connell MSC. Mr. Willie Walsh represented the Board of Management of the College.
During his visit, Bishop Fintan was guided on a tour of the school's facilities by the Meitheal Team, where he had the opportunity to meet with several class groups and their teachers.
Bishop Fintan received a very warm welcome when he arrived at Scoil Bernadette on a recent Pastoral Visit
The school, located on the Cope Foundation campus in Montenotte, Cork, provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 12 to 18, and the visit was a special occasion for the entire school community. On his arrival, Bishop Fintan was welcomed by the school’s principal, Mr. Don Golden, along with members of the student council, staff, and parents.
Bishop Fintan was invited to share in a Prayer Liturgy where the students shone. The liturgy was accompanied by instrumental music with song and sign language, guided by music teacher Marita Murray. Following Bishop Fintan’s final blessing for the whole school community joined together in singing ‘This Little Light of Mine’.
Students then engaged with Bishop Fintan in a Q&A session in which they asked him about his role and his daily life. When asked by a student, Bishop Fintan was quick to say that like everyone else he will have to wait and see what Santa will bring this Christmas.
Students greeted Bishop Fintan as he makes a pastoral visit to Scoil Bernadette