Rising numbers prompts benediction at Cork's historic Eucharistic Procession to move outdoors
Rising attendance at Cork's historic Eucharistic Procession has prompted a return of the outdoors benediction ceremony this year.
The move was announced on Wednesday night as the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, announced details of this year's event next month, a religious event that has been a part of the social fabric of the city for almost a century.
'The Eucharistic Procession is deeply rooted and of huge importance to the people of Cork City and beyond,' Bishop Gavin said.
Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross speaking at the launch. Picture: Brian Lougheed
'We are almost 10 decades on since the first procession through the streets of the city.
'Last year, we had a tremendous turnout and this year we are preparing for the ever growing numbers.
'The most notable innovation to this year's procession is the decision to take the final prayer and benediction back out onto the streets to a specially constructed platform at the National Monument on Grand Parade.
This will allow for greater participation of the growing numbers participating.
'I'm most grateful for everyone's assistance in continuing — and growing — this long-standing Cork tradition.'
The Eucharistic Procession, to mark the feast of Corpus Christi, has been a significant part of the city's religious heritage for 99 years.
The idea of taking the procession through the city emerged in the years after the turmoil of the War of Independence and the Civil War as part of wider efforts to close rifts and facilitate healing in a city deeply divided by the conflicts.
The first procession took place on June 6, 1926, under the auspices of Bishop Colahan, with tens of thousands of people participating.
The Eucharistic Procession on Grand Parade on May 26, 1940.
It grew to become the largest Eucharistic Procession in the country, with tens of thousands of people walking annually from their parish churches to the city centre for benediction outdoors on Daunt Square.
But against the backdrop of a fall-off in church attendance and a near collapse in vocations, attendance at the procession dwindled over the last two decades to just a few hundred faithful, before covid brought the event to a complete halt.
However, in 2023, Bishop Gavin embarked on a mission to rejuvenate and reimagine the event and was blown away by the response when some 4,000 people processed from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne through the streets to attend benediction at Saints Peter and Paul's Church on Paul St, where he delivered the sermon at his first Eucharistic Procession since his appointment as bishop in 2019.
Numbers increased significantly last year, and thousands processed through the streets, before hundreds packed into the church, with hundreds more left standing outside watching the ceremony on big screens.
With a larger crowd expected this year, Bishop Gavin has decided to take the final prayers and benediction of the blessed sacrament outside again, with a stage and altar due to be erected on the Grand Parade.
Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, with Cllr Tony Fitzgerald and members of Mayfield Community School choir. Picture: Brian Lougheed
'This year's procession will have participants from every continent and many countries,' he said.
Cork's Catholic parishes have been welcoming newcomers to Cork for a couple of decades now and they are making a very valuable contribution to the life of our parishes and our diocese as well as working in so many walks of life.
"I'd like to invite individuals and groups from across the city and county to be part of the celebration. You cannot have the word 'community' without 'unity'."
The Eucharistic Procession will take place on Sunday, June 22, leaving from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne at 3pm.
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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Establishment of 24-hour adoration is 'a real sign of hope' for the church, says Cork bishop
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Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Buttevant, Killavullen and Mourneabbey
State exams Local and second level students nationwide are undergoing the annual State examinations in Junior Certificate and Level Certificate. It is an anxious time for pupils teachers and parents. Exam results do not determine the pupils future and many successful business and well-known people have made successful lives without exam success. North Cork Vintage Club The North Cork Vintage and Classic Car Club held a 'Vintage and Classic Car Run' on May 25th in the North Cork and Limerick area with the headquarters in Buttevant. There was a very big turn-out of all makes and models of vehicles on the run which were also available to be seen on their return from the run. The organising committee were more than an delighted and appreciative of all who supported their latest venture. The committee wishes to thank all vehicle owners and drivers who attended and supported the event the proceeds from which will benefit local charities. Your support is greatly appreciated. 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Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Charm and war telegrams under the thatch at €275k Glantane cottage
YOU'D half expect a rabbit in a waistcoat to greet you at The Thatch in Glantane, such is its whimsy and charm. In fact, it was bought by a real-life couple two years ago. One of their first tasks was to have the thatch re-done. They were able to source a thatcher with relative ease, as thatched homes remain a feature of the Blackwater Valley area. It took more than a week to do, and the result is masterful: Folk art and practical magic rolled into one. When the couple bought the house in 2023, it had been renovated by previous owners 20 years earlier but was vacant for a considerable time. The interior has a medieval feel, although the house is not much more than 100 years old. It's known locally as Finnegan's Cottage and selling agent Johanna Murphy, of Johanna Murphy & Sons, says it was a meeting place for units of the Lombardstown Volunteers in the lead-in to the War of Independence, with Liam Lynch a frequent visitor. 'When the house was refurbished, they found Volunteer telegrams hidden in the thatch,' the owners say. The current owners did quite a bit of 'freshening up' and site clearance. 'All the utilities are in place and in good order,' they say. New owners will still have a good bit of work to do but there are grants of up to €50,000 for a vacant property. There's also a thatching grant and insurance is in place. Previous owners extended the cottage and added a patio. Ms Murphy says if new owners wanted to extend further, there's a good example nearby of a modern extension added to a thatched cottage 'which complements it and brings it into the 21st century'. Glantane, near Mallow, is about a 30-minute drive from Cork City. The 119 sq m home is on the market with a €275,000 guide price. VERDICT: Could be quirky Airbnb or starter home. It deserves committed owners. It has fairytale charm, but PVC windows and doors need to go.
