Clergy and lay representatives from across the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross gathered in St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery, on Maundy Thursday, 2 April 2026, for the annual Chrism Eucharist.

The Chrism Eucharist is a central moment in the life of the diocese during Holy Week. It is a time when clergy renew their ordination vows and reaffirm their shared ministry, while the bishop blesses the oils used in baptism, confirmation, ordination, and the ministry of healing throughout the coming year. This year’s service held particular significance as it marked Bishop Paul Colton’s final Chrism Eucharist before his retirement at the end of April.

During the service, Bishop Paul led the gathered clergy and lay ministers in the renewal of their vows, a moment that reflects both the continuity and the shared commitment of ordained ministry across the diocese. The blessing of the oils, presented and received during the service, serves as a visible expression of unity between parishes and the cathedral, and of the pastoral and sacramental life that connects communities throughout Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The service brought together clergy from across the dioceses, along with readers and parishioners, in a shared act of worship at the beginning of the Triduum. The choir of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral sang the Grayston Ives Missa Brevis and Anton Bruckner’s Christus factus est under the direction of Peter Stobart and with Matthew Breen on the organ. As in previous years, the Dean of Ross and members of his parish prepared a large spread for lunch in the narthex of the cathedral after the service.

In his sermon, Bishop Paul reflected on the deep connection between ministry and a genuine love for the people and places we are called to serve, drawing on both personal experience and the example of Christ as the Good Shepherd. He encouraged those gathered to continue their ministry with that same spirit of faithful, self-giving love, rooted in belonging and service. His words carried added resonance as this occasion marked the final time he would preside at the Chrism Eucharist as bishop of the diocese.