Historic changes announced to Cork's annual Corpus Christi Procession 

THE Corpus Christi Procession in Cork will not go through the main thoroughfare of the city for the first time ever.

Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross made the announcement at an event in the Visitor Centre of the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne today.

In a letter, which was read at all Masses in the city and suburbs this weekend, Bishop Fintan Gavin outlined plans to revitalise the Procession in Cork city which takes place annually in June and was first held in 1926.

“Taking the Procession through the commercial heart of the city while the wider culture continues with its afternoon activities is not appropriate any longer,” the bishop said.

Until now, the Procession commenced at the Cathedral and concluded in Daunt Square. 

The new route will see the Procession beginning with prayers at St Mary’s Church, Pope’s Quay, and it will then proceed up Mulgrave Road to the Cathedral. 

Benediction, a homily and a time of prayer will conclude the Procession at the Cathedral.

Addressing the event which launched the plans for the Procession on June 7, Lord Mayor Cllr.John Sheehan said that he supported the plans to put new life into the Procession and he recalled many happy memories from his childhood when he walked in the Procession.

“So it was a very special honour for me to be able to take part in the Procession this past year as the city’s First Citizen,” he said.

Inspector Pat Murphy assured the bishop on behalf of An Garda Siochána that the plans also have the support of the Gardaí.

Bishop Fintan established a working group of laity and clergy to make recommendations regarding the route and format of the Procession. 

People of all ages and from across the expanded city will be invited to be involved in the June 7 Procession.