'You cannot have the word community without unity': Eucharistic Procession returns on May 26

THE 2024 Eucharistic Procession marking the feast of Corpus Christi is set to return to the streets of Cork city on Sunday, May 26.

Last year’s procession, the first since the covid crisis, exceeded all expectations and saw thousands from across the city and county join in on the day.

This year’s event will begin at 3pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne (North Cathedral) and proceed via Roman St, Christy Ring Bridge, Academy St and Patrick St to St Peter and Paul’s Church on Paul St.

Bishop Fintan Gavin said: “You cannot have the word ‘community’ without ‘unity’. This year’s Eucharistic Procession will celebrate the unity in faith that abounds in Cork, as well as the need to foster further unity in an increasingly complex world.”

The first Cork Eucharistic Procession took place in 1926 under the patronage of Bishop Colahan. The concept for the first Eucharistic Procession was conceived to facilitate healing within communities that were deeply divided in the aftermath of the War of Independence and Civil War. The procession has been a mainstay in the city ever since.

Bishop Gavin invited groups from across the city and county from new faith communities to join the celebration.

“The Eucharistic Procession holds deep-rooted significance for families and communities in Cork, which spans generations of faithful participants,” he said.

“Now, with new communities that have embraced Cork as their home, we have an opportunity to strengthen and celebrate our collective faith, while honouring our heritage.

“It is this unity in faith that will once again take centre stage this year as we look forward to commemorating and celebrating its centennial milestone in two years’ time.”