Diocese Celebrates Cathedral Restoration

Bishop Martin Hayes was the principal celebrant of a special Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral of SS. Patrick and Felim in Cavan on the First Sunday of Advent, 27 November 2022, to mark the completion of significant renovations in the Cathedral. He was joined in the concelebration of the Mass by Bishop-Emeritus Leo O’Reilly, Monsignor Liam Kelly PP VG, the priests of the Cathedral Parish of Urney and Annagelliff led by Fr. Kevin Fay, Administrator, and by other priests of the diocese.

A View of the Congregation

The Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council, Neil Doherty, welcomed all present before Mass began with the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling of Holy Water..

Neil Doherty, Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council

Bishop Martin sprinkles the congregation with holy water at the beginning of Mass

The Cathedral Choir led the singing with Thomas Hanley, Diocesan Director of Church Music, as organist.

Bishop Martin accepts the gifts of bread and wine in the Offertory Procession

Some of the concelebrating clergy

Michael Mulvey, Chairperson of the Parish Finance Committee, addressed the congregation before the final blessing and made a presentation to Fr. Fay, acknowledging his hard work in bringing the renovation works to completion.

Michael Mulvey, Chairperson of the Parish Finance Committee

Among those attending the Mass were Councillor John Paul Feeley, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, and his wife, Niamh as well as Canon Mark Lidwell of the Church of Ireland and his wife, Barbara.

Refreshments were served afterwards in St. Patrick’s College.

Bishop Martin’s homily is published on the diocesan website – www.kilmorediocese.ie