Bishop Fintan: The Church in Ireland today needs your voice, witness, energy and hope

18 Jun, 2025 | Bishops, Church, Jubilee 2025, News

This past Saturday, 14 June, over 300 young adults gathered at the International Eucharistic Marian Shrine in Knock for a faith event titled Dare to Hope.  The gathering served as a preview of the upcoming Jubilee of Youth pilgrimage to Rome, taking place this July and August.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of workshops focused on faith, community, and personal growth.  The event concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Shrine’s parish church.  Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork and Ross presided over the Mass, joined by several other bishops and clergy including Parish Priest and Rector of the Shrine, Father Richard Gibbons,  who concelebrated the Mass.

In his homily, speaking especially to young adults, Bishop Gavin said, ” If you were to think of the happiest moments in your life, chances are they involved other people.  A birthday, a holiday, a special meal, or night out – what made it memorable?

“It’s likely, it was the people you shared it with, some element of communion, some experience of relationship.  Even in our age of great individualism, we know instinctively that no person is an island.

“This is true in faith life too.  Think of our Baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, or Final Profession or Ordination.  These are sacred milestones, and they are never experienced alone.  They are moments we share with those who love us – family, friends, community.  People who know us and care for us and want to share in our joy.”

Bishop Gavin continued, “Today we celebrate not some abstract fact but the incredible truth that lies at the heart of our Christian faith; God has opened his heart to us and invited us to share in his life.  In this evening’s Gospel, Jesus says: ‘Everything the Father has is mine.  All the Spirit tells you will be taken from what is mine.’  And Saint Paul in the second reading reminds us: ‘The love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.'”

The uplifting day also marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the new €1.5 million Knock Youth Village.  Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam led the opening ceremony and offered a special blessing for the village.  Keynote speaker Father Conor McDonough OP delivered a talk on lesser-known blesseds and saints, highlighting how their lives can inspire and guide young people today.

Visit CatholicBishops.ie to read the full text of Bishop Gavin’s homily.

ENDS

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