Fr Edwin Mc Callion SM, outgoing Parish Priest of St Brendan’s Church, Coolick, handing over the keys to Fr Gerard Doyle, incoming Parish Priest, at a special mass on August 2. The occasion marked the beginning of the Mill Hill Missionaries’ administration over the parish, and the end of the Marist Fathers’ 30 years of service at St Brendan’s. Photo: John McElroy The centenary of Cork’s Eucharistic Procession and the growing devotion to St Carlo Acutis in Ardfinnan were highlighted in an RTÉ Nationwide programme broadcast on Wednesday, August 5.
The programme looked back at this year’s procession, when more than 5,000 people accompanied the Blessed Sacrament through Cork despite persistent rain. Led by Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin, it travelled from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne to the Grand Parade.
Established in 1926 as an act of prayer for peace and reconciliation following the War of Independence and Civil War, the procession is one of Cork’s longest-running religious traditions. Reporter Marian Malone met organisers and participants to explore its history and continuing significance.
The programme also examined devotion to St Carlo Acutis, whose relics were brought from Assisi for the centenary celebrations. Reporter Colm Flynn visited Holy Family Church in Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary, which houses a shrine containing first and second-class relics of the young saint.
He spoke to parish priest Fr Michael Toomey about the pilgrims drawn to the shrine. Young parishioners Rian and Isobel O’Keeffe and Milly O’Sullivan also discussed how St Carlo’s example had influenced their faith.
The segment showed how devotion to the millennial saint has reached Catholics of different generations across Ireland.
The programme is available to watch on the RTÉ Player.