On 11th December, the Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes, the Rev. Canon Paul Arbuthnot, led the act of worship at the 79th anniversary of the Cork Harbour Tragedy. On the 12th December 1942, five men from the Marine Service died during a storm in the harbour.
This annual commemoration, which takes place in Cobh, was also attended by members of the Defence Forces, the RNLI, Cork Port Authority, the Organisation of Ex-Service Personnel – Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hEireann, and family members of those who died in the tragedy. Also in attendance were David Stanton TD, and Councillor Cathal Rasmussen.
The Rev. Canon Paul Arbuthnot commented:
This commemoration reminds us starkly of the dangers which those who work on the sea encounter and the sacrifices which they make. We commend the lives of those who died in this tragedy to the gracious keeping of God. We also give thanks to God for all who maintain the maritime life of our country.
On Saturday, 11th December 2021 Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise presented a copy of “An Bíobla Naofa” to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork. An Bíobla Naofa is a translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek Bible texts into Irish which was completed in 1981.
The Rev. Ted Ardis, Dean’s Vicar, and the Rev. Tony Murphy
After the presentation, Daniel Fleming, curator at The Cotton Library Lismore, gave a talk and allowed the congregation to have a closer look at an original translation of the Old Testament from 1685.
Daniel Fleming, curator at The Cotton Library Lismore, giving a talk Original copy of the Old Testament in Irish from 1685
Members of the congregation with Daniel Fleming
The Rev. Tony Murphy said:
Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise (The Irish Guild of the Church) is delighted to have had the opportunity to present a copy of “An Bíobla Naofa” to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral in recognition of the hospitality that Dean Nigel and the Rev. Ted offer us in both holding our monthly service and making it available on the internet.
The first Irish Language translation of the New Testament was completed by Uilliam Ó Domhnaill, Archbishop of Tuam in 1602. The task of translating the Old Testament was undertaken by William Bedell, an English Man and Bishop of Kilmore. Bedell learned the Irish Language and with the aid of two native speakers undertook the much bigger task of translating the Old Testament. This task was completed in 1640.
It was over forty years later before the full Bible, Old and New Testament, was published under the patronage of scientist Robert Boyle. The Roman Catholic Church for many years did not encourage the production of the Bible in the vernacular. For that reason there was little work carried out on further translation of the Bible in Irish.
In 1970, nearly 300 years later, Canon Cosslett Ó Cuinn published an Tiomna Nua on behalf of Cumann Gaelach an hEaglaise. During this time work was also underway in the Roman Catholic Church on the modern publication of a full edition of An Bíobla Naofa in 1981. This was a massive effort and a life longs work by an tAthair Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, Beannacht Dé ar a anam.
The size of the book is not suitable for the average person in the pews. An ecumenical project led by Cumann na Sagart, the National Bible Society of Ireland, the Bible Society of Northern Ireland, and Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise works on the publication of An Bíobla Naofa in a size that each person can hold.
A campaign has started to raise €50,000 to support this publication, so that a free copy can be presented to all Gaelscoileanna and language bodies. Archdeacon Gary Hastings, a man who learned Irish in his adult years, has been heavily involved in this project and the introductory comments have been signed by the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates.
In this last video of “People and Places” before Christmas, the Rev. David Bowles shows us around the churches of Moviddy Union, including some spectacular ruins.
On Saturday, 20th November 2021, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton attended the re-opening of Cork Airport after having been closed for ten weeks due to the reconstruction of the main runway.
Bishop Paul Colton and Bishop Fintan Gavin. Photo: Brian Lougheed
In attendance were An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and members of the cabinet, as well as about 400 guests. Along with Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop Paul blessed the new runway for safe flying for the next twenty years and beyond.
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Gearoid Lohan, CEO of Colas Ireland, and Bishop Paul Colton. Photo: Brian Lougheed
Carrigrohane Union of Parishes (the Church of Ireland parishes in and around Carrigrohane, Blarney, Ballincollig & Inniscarra) are hosting a weekend of Christmas cheer and reflection this weekend – 10th to 12th December 2021. Details of events can be found on https://www.christmasfestivalcork.ie
The festival – which builds upon a festival held for five years – is a celebration of the Christmas Nativity story and whilst also taking time to reflect upon the times that are currently being experienced in 2021.
At the heart of the festival are 50+ trees which tell the gospel story. These are decorated by schools, individuals and community groups in the area, and some are dedicated to prayer and remembrance of those who have died during the pandemic. The majority of trees are outside to allow for social distancing. Inside masks are required and hand sanitiser is provided. In addition to the trees, each venue has a Sheep Hunt for younger children.
On Saturday a pop-up market is being held in the West Wing of the Carraig Centre in Ballincollig. The market Stalls include: books, crafts, tasty treats, a local wood turner, art and handmade bears and more.
St. Peter’s Church at Carrigrohane has a number of reflective prayer stations. Inside the building, there is a special focus on the journey made by Mary and Joseph and an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon their own faith journey following reflective prayer stations in the peace and space of the church building.
On Sunday, the parish is hosting a carols by car light service in St. Senan’s Church, Inniscarra, where families and individuals are welcome to drive in and join in with some familiar carols from the comfort of their car. This is a ticketed event – 1 ticket per car – and details are available on christmasfestivalcork.ie/events.
The Rev. Robert Ferris, Rector of Carrigrohane Union says:
No matter what the weather we encourage people to come along to Carrigrohane Union this weekend! Wrap up warm and experience the Christmas story with us this weekend in this unique way. At the end of a crazy year the hope of the Christmas story and the joy of community is important. I encourage all of our neighbours, and those reading this near or far to pop along to our tree trail across our four locations and to take a bit of time to reflect upon the story which has changed the world.
Admission is free for all and buckets will be available for donations towards parish mission and ministry appeal. A collection cup is available beside the ‘homeless tree’ to support the work of St. Vincent de Paul. We will also be collecting gifts of non-perishable foods which will be donated to a local food bank.
Pop-up choirs will be performing outside at random times during the festival to bring an extra level of festival cheer. If you are coming after dark you might want to bring a torch with you as you tour the trees!
Each of the church buildings is open during the festival for private prayer. A programme and news sheet is available.
Timings of all events are as follows:
Friday 10th December
12noon-7pm Reflective Prayer stations – St. Peter’s Church Carrigrohane
12.30pm-2pm Seniors Lunch (Tickets Required) – The Carraig Centre
St Peter’s Field, Church Hill, Carrigrohane, T12 TX89
Grounds of St Senan’s Church, Canon’s Cross, Inniscarra, P31 NX78
Grounds of Church of the Resurrection, The Square, Blarney, T23 HH90
The West Wing, The Carraig Centre, Old Fort Road, Ballincollig, P31 PV20
For information on the festival contact info@cupcork.ie or phone 0874137560
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