Bishop Gavin extends support and prayers after Cork priest dies

The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin has extended his support and prayers to family of Fr. Criostóir MacDonald.

Fr Criostóir, who served as co-parish priest in the Mayfield Family of Parishes, died suddenly this week while travelling with a pilgrimage group in Rome.

A native of Skibbereen, Fr. Criostóir was ordained to the priesthood on 8th June 1985.

He began his ministry as Curate in the Lough Parish (1985 – 1990) and later served as Curate in Crosshaven Parish (1990 – 1998), Bantry Parish (1998 – 1999) and The Cathedral Parish (1999 – 2001).

Following a period of study in Rome, he then served as Curate in Dunmanway Parish (2002 – 2006) and Curraheen Road Parish (2006 – 2010), before becoming Parish Priest in Glounthaune Parish (2010 – 2011), Administrator of The Cathedral Parish (2011 – 2013), Parish Priest of Curraheen Road Parish (2013 – 2021). He had served as Parish Priest at St Joseph’s Mayfield since 2021.

In a statement, the Diocesan Office said that Bishop Fintan was extending prayerful support to his sister Ann and her family at this difficult time.

“As well as praying for Fr. Criostóir, we also pray for his family, friends, parishioners and the pilgrimage group with which he was travelling when he died,” the statement said.