As Bishop Alan M cGuckian SJ begins his time as bishop of the diocese he would love everyon e in the diocese to join him in nine days of prayer\, asking Jesus to give us a new heart. Many people among us are weary or wounded\, hurting in on e way or another. He wants us to make a novena for each other\, aware that we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
\nThe prayers will be available i n a booklet you can pick up at Mass or read online\; it will also include a pi ece of scripture and a reflection for each day for those who wish to go a little deeper. Bishop Alan’s hope is that this novena will be prayed eith er individually or together by parishes\, groups\, schools or families.
\nEven young children can join in with the short prayers!
\n< /p>\n
Join the Novena Online
\n| Date | \nL ocation | \nOnline Link | \n|
| Thursday 30th May | \nSacred Heart Parish\, Belfast | \n10am | \nLink\n |
| Friday 31st May | \nChurch of the Sacred Heart\, Cloughmills | \n7.30pm | \nLink | \n
| \n | \n | \n< td style='width: 33.3333%\; height: 24px\;'> \n | |
| Sunday 2nd June< /td>\n | Church of the Sacred Hea rt\, Cargan | \n10.30am | \nLink | \n
| Saul | \n3pm | \n\n | Mo nday 3rd June | \nParish of St Michael’s | \n10am | \nLink | \n\n
| Tuesday 4th June | \nChurch of the Sacr ed Heart\, Dundrum | \n10am | \nLink | \nWe dnesday 5th June | \nChurch of the Sacred Heart\, Ballyclare | \n7pm | \nLink | \n\n
| Thursday 6th June | \nParish of Lisburn | \n10am | \nLink | \n
| Friday 7th June< /td>\n | St Mary’s Church\, Chape l Lane\, Belfast | \n1pm\n | Link | \n
| \n | St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast | \n7pm | \nLin k | \n
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Prayer Resources
\nDownload a Copy of the Sacred Heart Novena Booklet
\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18613@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:To mark Laudato Si’ Week 2025\, Bishop Alan McGuckian will be p lanting a tree in the beautiful grounds of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Ch urch on Tuesday 27th May which is a small symbolic act of commitment to th e principles of Laudato Si’. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250527 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250528 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Laudato Si’ Week – Tree Planting URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/laudato-si-week-tree-planting/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
To mark Lauda to Si’ Week 2025\, Bishop Alan McGuckian will be planting a tree in the be autiful grounds of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Tuesday 27th May which is a small symbolic act of commitment to the principles of Laudato Si’.
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18644@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Irish Bishops call for prayer and fasting for Gaza\n\n“We call on all Catholics to make 6 June\, a day of prayer and fasting for Gaza” – Irish Bishops \n\nIrish Bishops offered prayers for peace in the Holy Land \, for Ukraine\, Sudan and in other troubled parts of the world at their S tanding Committee meeting in Maynooth on 26 May. In particular\, bishops discussed the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza\, stating:\n“From all over Ireland\, parishioners are reporting their horror and helplessness on seei ng images of death and communal destruction in Gaza. Exhausted mothers ca n no longer nourish their young\, children are dying of malnutrition\, whi le aid lorries full of supplies are being refused entry into the territory \, or are not safely arriving at their destination.\n“We in Ireland must p ray for a change of heart. Throughout the month of June – the month of th e Sacred Heart of Jesus – we call on everyone to pray for an outpouring of the compassion of God on a heartless world. \n“To see the relentless bomb ardment of civilian areas\, the deliberate withholding of food from the st arving\, as well as the callous holding of hostages\, it appears that huma nity has lost its heart. In the face of these horrors\, we invite everyon e to turn to the heart of Jesus throughout the month of June by praying fo r the renewal of heart that our world so desperately needs. In particular \, we call on all Catholics to make 6 June\, a day of prayer and fasting i n solidarity with our sisters and brothers who are suffering at this time in the Holy Land.\n“We echo Pope Leo XIV’s recent appeal to allow into Gaz a ‘the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostil ities\, whose heart-breaking price is paid by the children\, elderly\, and the sick.’” DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250606 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250607 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Day of Prayer and Fasting for Gaza URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/day-prayer-fasting-gaza/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/06/502500129_1115974277228230_5791231575293923167_n-150x150.jpg\;150 \;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06 /502500129_1115974277228230_5791231575293923167_n-300x169.jpg\;300\;169\;1 \,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/50250012 9_1115974277228230_5791231575293923167_n-1024x576.jpg\;1024\;576\;1\,full\ ;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/502500129_111597 4277228230_5791231575293923167_n.jpg\;1920\;1080\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Irish Bishops offered prayers for peace in the Holy Land\ , for Ukraine\, Sudan and in other troubled parts of the world at their St anding Committee meeting in Maynooth on 26 May. In particular\, bishops d iscussed the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza\, stating:
\n“From all over Ireland\, parishioners are reporting their horror and helplessness o n seeing images of death and communal destruction in Gaza. Exhausted moth ers can no longer nourish their young\, children are dying of malnutrition \, while aid lorries full of supplies are being refused entry into the ter ritory\, or are not safely arriving at their destination.
\n“We in I reland must pray for a change of heart. Throughout the month of June – th e month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – we call on everyone to pray for an outpouring of the compassion of God on a heartless world.
\n“To see the relentless bombardment of civilian areas\, the deliberate withholding of food from the starving\, as well as the callous holding of hostages\, it appears that humanity has lost its heart. In the face of these horrors \, we invite everyone to turn to the heart of Jesus throughout the month o f June by praying for the renewal of heart that our world so desperately n eeds. In particular\, we call on all Catholics to make 6 June\, a day of prayer and fasting in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who are suf fering at this time in the Holy Land.
\n“We echo Pope Leo XIV’s rece nt appeal to allow into Gaza ‘the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities\, whose heart-breaking price is paid by t he children\, elderly\, and the sick.’”
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18652@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nDown & Connor Diocesan Novena to The Sacred Heart\nJune 19 th to June 27th\, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. \nIt is with g reat joy as a diocese we celebrate the Novena to The Sacred Heart. This ye ar we celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Hea rt to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Sacred Heart Novena invites you to n ine days of prayer\, cumulating in the celebration of the Feast of the Sac red Heart. These days offer a special opportunity to deepen your relations hip with Jesus\, to entrust your needs and intentions to His loving heart\ , a prayerful expression of our hope in this Jubilee Year.\nThe prayers wi ll be available in a booklet you can pick up at Mass or read online\; it w ill also include a piece of scripture and a reflection for each day for th ose who wish to go a little deeper. The images used in this year’s Novena book are by students from our schools from across the diocese. Bishop Ala n’s hope is that this novena will be prayed either individually or togethe r by parishes\, groups\, schools or families. Even young children can joi n in with the short prayers!\nResources\nSacred Heart Novena Booklet\nSacr ed Heart Novena Prayers DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250619 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250628 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Diocesan Sacred Heart Novena URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/diocesan-sacred-heart-novena/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/06/Sacred-Heart-Novena-Facebook-Post-25-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,me dium\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sacred-Hear t-Novena-Facebook-Post-25-300x225.jpg\;300\;225\;1\,large\;https://www.dow nandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sacred-Heart-Novena-Facebook-Pos t-25-1024x768.jpg\;1024\;768\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-co ntent/uploads/2025/06/Sacred-Heart-Novena-Facebook-Post-25-scaled.jpg\;256 0\;1920\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n \n
Down & Connor Diocesan Novena to The
Sacred Heart
June 19th to June 27th\, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
\nIt is with great joy as a diocese we celebrate the Novena to The Sacred Heart. This year we celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the apparitions of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Sacred Heart Novena invites you to nine days of prayer\, cumulating in the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. These days offer a special opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus\, to entrust your needs and intentions to His loving heart\, a prayerful expression of our hope i n this Jubilee Year.
\nThe prayers wil l be available in a booklet you can pick up at Mass or read online\; it will also include a piece of scripture and a reflection for each day for those who wish to go a little deeper. The i mages used in this year’s Novena book are by students from our schools fro m across the diocese. Bishop Alan’s hope is that this novena will be pray ed either individually or together by parishes\, groups\, schools or famil ies. Even young children can join in with the short prayers!
\n
Down and Connor Lourdes Pilgrimage July 2025
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Further Information:
\n\nDown and Connor Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 (Details)
\n2025 Poster on D&C Pilgrimage to Lourdes
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PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ON THE 5 DAY PILGRIMAGE ARE N OW FULLY BOOKED
\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18556@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi – Last Places Remaining!\nJoin the Alumni & Friends of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s for a Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi\, from 25 August to 1 September 2025 . \nEnjoy 4★ hotel accommodation\, private coach travel\, guided visits to key religious and cultural sites\, and selected meals—this promises to be the trip of a lifetime. \nAdditions to the itinerary include a visit to Pope Francis’ tomb in the Basilica of St Mary Major\, and a General Audien ce with our newly elected Pope. \nWith just four double/twin rooms left ( and a waiting list for singles)\, don’t miss this unforgettable opportunit y. \nWhether you’re a graduate\, a parent\, or simply a friend—we consider you part of the Chaplaincy family. \nFor more information\, contact Shan non Campbell at: catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250825 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250902 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/pilgrimage-rome-assisi/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
< span style='color: black\;'>Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi – Last Places Rema ining!
\nJoin the Alumni & Friends of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s for a Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi\, from 25 August to 1 September 2025.
\nEnjoy 4
Additions to the itinerary include a visit to Pope Francis’ tomb in the Ba silica of St Mary Major\, and a General Audience with our newly elected Po pe.
\nWhether you’re a graduate\, a parent\, or simply a friend—we consider you part of the Chaplaincy family.
\nFor more information\, contact Shannon Campbell at: catholicchaplaincy@qub.ac.uk
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18921@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nAbide Women’s Conference are organising a conference next weekend from November 21st to 23rd 2025 in Donegal. This will be their sec ond conference. Last year\, over 450 women travelled to join\, and their e nthusiasm and desire for a second one made it very natural to host another one this year. Women from all over Ireland are attending.\nThe conference is centred on encountering Christ in His Real Presence in the Eucharist a nd in His Word. There will be more than twenty priests present for ministr y\, along with several religious sisters who will witness to the beauty of consecrated life\, speak with the women\, and build friendships and conne ctions throughout the weekend.\nFor more information:\nhttps://www.eventbr ite.com/e/abide-in-his-love-womens-conference-2025-tickets-1283997654549?a ff=ebdssbcategorybrowse\n DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251121 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251124 LOCATION:Great Northern Hotel\, Bundoran SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Abide in His Love – Women’s Conference URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/abide-womens-conference/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/11/Abide-in-His-Love-1-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www .downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Abide-in-His-Love-1-212x300. png\;212\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/11/Abide-in-His-Love-1.png\;508\;720\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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Abide Women’s Conference are organising a conference ne xt weekend from November 21st to 23rd 2025 in Donegal. This will be their second conference. Last year\, over 450 women travelled to join\, and thei r enthusiasm and desire for a second one made it very natural to host anot her one this year. Women from all over Ireland are attending.
\nThe conference is centred on encountering Christ in His Real Presence in the E ucharist and in His Word. There will be more than twenty priests present f or ministry\, along with several religious sisters who will witness to the beauty of consecrated life\, speak with the women\, and build friendships and connections throughout the weekend.
\nFor more informat ion:
\n\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18924@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nColumbanus Festival 22-23rd November 2025 in Bangor. \nMus ic/workshops/talk/guided walk/church service.\nFor more information https: //friendsofcolumbanusbangor.co.uk/events\nIncludes a special lecture on ea rly Irish manuscripts by UCC professor.\nTickets can be purchased by conta cting Bangor VIC Office – 02891 270069 or bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.u k DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251122 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251124 LOCATION:Bangor SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Columbanus Festival in Bangor URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/columbanus-festival-bangor/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/11/FoCB-Logo-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandco nnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FoCB-Logo-300x151.png\;300\;151\;1\,la rge\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/FoCB-Logo-10 24x516.png\;1024\;516\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/u ploads/2025/11/FoCB-Logo.png\;1200\;605\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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Columbanus F estival 22-23rd November 2025 in Bangor.
\nMusic/wo rkshops/talk/guided walk/church service.
\nFor more information https://friendsofcolumbanusbangor.co.uk /events
\nIncludes a special lecture on early Irish manuscripts by UCC professor.
\nTickets can be purchased by contacting Bangor VI C Office – 02891 270069 or bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19072@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nDiscernment Retreat for Diocesan Priesthood\n6th–8th March 2026\n\nFor young men who are open to the question: “Is God calling me to be a priest?”\nA chance to step away from the noise and busyness of every day life.\nTime for prayer\, silence\, and honest conversation.\nNo pressu re to decide anything — just space to listen and reflect.\n\n \nFor more i nformation\, contact Fr Conor McGrath\n c.mcgrath@downandconor.org DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260306 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260309 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Discernment Retreat for Diocesan Priesthood URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/discernment-retreat-diocesan-p riesthood/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2026/02/Vocations-2026-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.down andconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Vocations-2026-200x300.png\;200\; 300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Vo cations-2026-683x1024.png\;683\;1024\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.o rg/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Vocations-2026.png\;1024\;1536\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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Discernment Retreat for Diocesa n Priesthood
\n6th–8th March 2026
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For more information\, contact Fr Cono r McGrath
\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19133@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Feast of Divine Mercy – 12th April 2026\nSt. Peter’s Cathedral\ , Belfast\nRosary (2:30pm). Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Mass (3:00pm).\n Sacred Heart Church\, North Belfast\nRosary (2:15pm). Divine Mercy Chaplet \, Holy Mass and Blessing with relic of St. Faustina.\nYou are most welcom e to join us in St Peter’s cathedral or the Sacred Heart Church for the ce lebration of this wonderful Feast. We would remind everyone coming to the celebration that there is no obligation to go to the Sacrament of Reconcil iation on the Feast Day itself\, as long as you avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the octave of the Feast (eight days). St. Faustina went to the sacrament on the day before the Feast day.\nFor those who are unable to join us in person\, you may wish to join us through the webcam\n \n\n\nSt Peter’s Cathedral Belfast – Cathedral House\, St Peter’s Square\, Belfast\, Northern Ireland\nhttps://www.sacredheartparishbelfast.com/Webc am/\n\n\n\n DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260412 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260413 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Feast of Divine Mercy Celebrations URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/feast-divine-mercy-celebration s/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/03/Divine-Mercy-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downan dconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Divine-Mercy-300x191.jpg\;300\;191\ ;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Divine -Mercy-1024x653.jpg\;1024\;653\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp- content/uploads/2025/03/Divine-Mercy.jpg\;1200\;765\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Feast of Divine Mercy – 12th April 2026
\nSt. Peter’s Cathedr al\, Belfast
\nRosary (2:30pm). Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Mass (3:00pm).
\nSacred Heart Church\, North Belfast
\nRosary (2:15pm). Divine Mercy Chaplet\, Holy Mass and Blessing wi th relic of St. Faustina.
\nYou are most welcome to join us in St Peter’s cathedral or the Sacred Heart Church for the celebration of this wonderful Feast. We would remind everyone coming to the celebration that there is no obligation to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on th e Feast Day itself\, as long as you avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliati on within the octave of the Feast (eight days). St. Faustina went to the sacrament on the day before the Feast day.
\nFor those who are unabl e to join us in person\, you may wish to join us through the webcam
\n< ul>\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19208@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260418 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260427 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Novena for Vocations URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/vocations-sunday-good-shepherd -sunday/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2026/04/Invitation-to-Pray-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www. downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Invitation-to-Pray-214x300.pn g\;214\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/20 26/04/Invitation-to-Pray-731x1024.png\;731\;1024\;1\,full\;https://www.dow nandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Invitation-to-Pray.png\;1428\;20 00\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Knock Pilgrimage to Pray for Peace in the Holy Land
\nPeople from all over Ireland are invited to Knock Shrine on Satu rday May 16\, for a special pilgrimage to pray for peace in the Holy Land.
\nThe pilgrimage – organised by the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need – will be led by Bishop William Shomali from Bethlehem.
\nB ishop Shomali will offer a message of hope at 11am\, and celebrate Mass at 3pm.
\nAll are welcome.
\nMore information at www.acnireland.org
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19062@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Down and Connor Lourdes Pilgrimage July 2026\n\nFurther Informa tion:\nPilgrim Booking Form 2026\nDown and Connor Pilgrimage to Lourdes 20 26 (Details)\n2026 Poster on D&C Pilgrimage to Lourdes\n\n \n DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260708 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260716 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Down and Connor Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026 URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/connor-diocesan-pilgrimage-lou rdes-2026/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2022/02/Lourdes-3-1-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downand connor.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lourdes-3-1-300x156.jpg\;300\;156\;1 \,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lourdes- 3-1-1024x533.jpg\;1024\;533\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-con tent/uploads/2022/02/Lourdes-3-1.jpg\;1039\;541\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\nDown and Connor Lourdes Pilgrimage July 2026
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Further Information:
\n< a href='https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pilgrm-bo oking-form-2026.pdf'>Pilgrim Booking Form 2026
\nDown and Connor Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026 (Detail s)
\n2026 Poster on D&C Pilgrimage to Lourd es
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END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19345@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:24 Hours of Prayer for Vocations\nFeast of St John Vianney\n3–4 August\nOn the Feast of St John Vianney\, the patron saint of parish prie sts\, we warmly invite the faithful from across the Diocese to join us for 24 Hours of Prayer for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood.\nThe vigil w ill begin with Holy Mass at 7pm on Monday\, 3 August\, and conclude with H oly Mass at 7pm on Tuesday\, 4 August.\nThroughout the 24 hours\, the Bles sed Sacrament will be exposed for Eucharistic Adoration. Priests will be a vailable at various times during the night to celebrate the Sacrament of R econciliation\, offering an opportunity to encounter the Lord’s mercy as w e pray together.\nWe especially invite our parishes\, prayer groups\, scho ols\, religious communities\, youth groups\, families\, and individuals to come\, whether for a few minutes or a longer period\, to pray that the Lo rd of the harvest will continue to raise up generous men to serve His peop le as diocesan priests. St John Vianney once said\, “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.” As we celebrate his feast\, let us unite in asking the Lord to inspire new vocations and to strengthen those already c alled to serve.\nWhether you can stay for an hour\, join us for Mass\, or simply drop in to pray\, your presence and your prayers will make a real d ifference. All are welcome. Please email Fr Conor – c.mcgrath@downandconno r.org DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260803 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260805 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:24 Hours of Prayer for Vocations – Feast of St John Vianney URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/24-hours-prayer-vocations-feas t-st-john-vianney/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/02/Vocation-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandcon nor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Vocation-300x198.png\;300\;198\;1\,larg e\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Vocation-1024x 676.png\;1024\;676\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uplo ads/2025/02/Vocation.png\;1414\;934\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\nFeast of St John Vianney
\n3–4 August
On the Feast of St John Vianney\, the pat ron saint of parish priests\, we warmly invite the faithful from across th e Diocese to join us for 24 Hours of Prayer for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood.
\nThe vigil will begin wit h Holy Mass at 7pm on Monday\, 3 August\, and conclude with Holy Mass at 7 pm on Tuesday\, 4 August.
\nThroughout the 24 hours\, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Eucharistic Ador ation. Priests will be available at various times during the night to cele brate the Sacrament of Reconciliation\, offering an opportunity to encount er the Lord’s mercy as we pray together.
\nWe especially invite our parishes\, prayer groups\, schools\, religio us communities\, youth groups\, families\, and individuals to come\, wheth er for a few minutes or a longer period\, to pray that the Lord of the har vest will continue to raise up generous men to serve His people as diocesa n priests. St John Vianney once said\, “The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.” As we celebrate his feast\, let us unite in asking the Lo rd to inspire new vocations and to strengthen those already called to serv e.
\nWhether you can stay for an hour\ , join us for Mass\, or simply drop in to pray\, your presence and your pr ayers will make a real difference. All are welcome. Please email Fr Conor – c.mcgrath@downandconnor.org
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18440@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nFeast of Divine Mercy – 27th April 2025\nSt. Peter’s Cathe dral\, Belfast\nRosary (2:30pm). \nDivine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Mass (3:0 0pm).\n \nSt. Paul’s Church\, Belfast \nExposition of Blessed Sacrament\, Rosary and Reflections from St. Faustina’s diary (2pm)\nDivine Mercy Chapl et\, Benediction\, Blessing of Image and Holy Mass (3pm).\n \nSt. Mary’s C hurch\, Belfast \nExposition of Blessed Sacrament\, Blessing of Divine Mer cy Image and Divine Mercy talk (2:30pm)\nDivine Mercy Chaplet (3pm). Holy Mass (5pm).\n \nSacred Heart Church\, North Belfast\nRosary (2:15pm)\nDivi ne Mercy Chaplet\, Holy Mass and Blessing with relic of St. Faustina.\n \n You are most welcome to join us in St Peter’s cathedral\, St Paul’s\, St M ary’s or the Sacred Heart Church for the celebration of this wonderful Fea st. We would remind everyone coming to the celebration that there is no ob ligation to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the Feast Day itself\ , as long as you avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the octav e of the Feast (eight days). St. Faustina went to the sacrament on the da y before the Feast day.\nFor those who are unable to join in person\, you may wish to join through the webcam. Webcam Links:\nSt Peter’s Cathedral\n St Paul’s Church\nSt Mary’s Church\nSacred Heart Church DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250427T143000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Divine Mercy Sunday URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/divine-mercy-sunday/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/03/Divine-Mercy-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downan dconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Divine-Mercy-300x191.jpg\;300\;191\ ;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Divine -Mercy-1024x653.jpg\;1024\;653\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp- content/uploads/2025/03/Divine-Mercy.jpg\;1200\;765\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n\n
Feast of Divine Mercy – 27th April 2025
\nSt. Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast
\nRosary (2:30pm).
\nD ivine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Mass (3:00pm).
\n\n
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament\, Rosary and Reflections from St. Faustina’s diary (2pm)
\nDivine Mercy Chaplet\, Benediction\, Blessing of Image and Holy Mass
(3pm).
\n
St. Mary’s Church\, Belfast
\nExposition of Blessed Sacrament\, Blessing of Divine Mercy Image and Divine Mercy talk (2:30pm)
\nDivine Mercy Chaplet (3pm). Holy Mass (5 pm).
\n\n
Sac red Heart Church\, North Belfast
\nRosary (2 :15pm)
\nDivine Mercy Chaplet\, Holy Mass and Bless ing with relic of St. Faustina.
\n\n
You are most welcome to join us in St Peter’s cathedral\, S t Paul’s\, St Mary’s or the Sacred Heart Church for the celebration of thi s wonderful Feast. We would remind everyone coming to the celebration that there is no obligation to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the Fe ast Day itself\, as long as you avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation w ithin the octave of the Feast (eight days). St. Faustina went to the sacr ament on the day before the Feast day.
\nFor those who are unable to join in person\, you may wish to join through the webcam. Webcam Links:\n
\n\n\n\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18541@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will celebrate Solemn Requiem Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Wednesday 30th April at 7 pm in St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast.\nAll are welcome. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250430T190000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis in St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belf ast URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/solemn-requiem-mass-pope-franc is-st-peters-cathedral-belfast/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/04/FB-Post-Requiem-30.04.25-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https: //www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FB-Post-Requiem-30.04.2 5-300x251.jpg\;300\;251\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-conten t/uploads/2025/04/FB-Post-Requiem-30.04.25.jpg\;940\;788\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will celebrate Solemn Requiem Mass for t he happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Wednesday 30th April at 7pm in St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast.
\nAll are welcome.
\n< /HTML> X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18605@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Laudato Si’ Week 2025\n‘Raising Hope – Living Laudato Si’ confe rence on Sunday 25 May\, Clonard Monastery Belfast\nOn behalf of Down and Connor Laudato Si Group\, we invite you and representatives from your Pari sh to attend a conference ‘Raising Hope – Living Laudato Si’ on Sunday 25 May in Clonard Monastery Belfast\, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of th e encyclical. (Register for the Conference)\nThe conference will start at 2.30pm\, ending at 4.30pm\, and will be opened by Professor John Barry\, Q UB\, with presentations from Eco – Congregation Ireland\, Trócaire and Lau dato Si’ animators. Contributors will share the support that is available – helping us in our journey to implement the messages of the encyclical. \nThere will be opportunity to meet with friends from Parishes within the Diocese and to hear at first hand details on projects that they have in pl ace and how these are being resourced. All of us can cooperate as instrume nts of God for the care of creation\, each according to his or her own cul ture\, experience\, involvements and talents (LS14).\nYou are also invited to a photographic exhibition on ‘Care for Our Common Home’ which will be on display. The exhibition was undertaken by the Westcourt Centre\, Belf ast (part of the global Edmund Rice network) to mark the 10th anniversary of publication of the encyclical. Rather than a problem to be solved\, th e world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise (L S12).\nDown and Connor Laudato Si’ Group\nRegister for the Conference\n \n Further Resources\n\nPoster to promote the Laudato Si’ Diocesan Conference on Sunday 25 May\nSpeakers at the Conference\nThe website laudatosiweek.o rg contains further online resources for Laudato Si’ Week.\nA-Z guide for Laudato Si’\nQuotations from Laudato Si’ selected by a local group called ‘Ephata’ (Also available translated into Irish)\n100 ways for Parishes to implement Laudato Si’\n\n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250525T023000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250525T043000 LOCATION:Clonard Monastery\, Belfast SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:‘Raising Hope – Living Laudato Si’ Conference URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/raising-hope-living-laudato-si -conference/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/04/Laudato-Si-Goals-1-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www. downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laudato-Si-Goals-1-300x280.pn g\;300\;280\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/20 25/04/Laudato-Si-Goals-1.png\;900\;839\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Laudato Si’ Week 2025
\n‘Raising Hope – Living Laudato Si’ conference on Sunday 25 May\, Clonard Monastery Belfast
\nOn behalf of Down and Connor Laudato Si G roup\, we invite you and representatives from your Parish to attend a conf erence ‘Raising Hope – Living Laudato Si’ on Sunday 25 May in Clonard Mona stery Belfast\, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the encycl ical. (Register for the Conference)
\nT he conference will start at 2.30pm\, ending at 4.30pm\, and will be opened by Professor John Barry\, QUB\, with presentations from Eco – Congregatio n Ireland\, Trócaire and Laudato Si’ animators. Contributors will share the support that is available – helping us in our journey to implement the messages of the encyclical.
\nThere will be opportunit y to meet with friends from Parishes within the Diocese and to hear at fir st hand details on projects that they have in place and how these are bein g resourced. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the car e of creation\, each according to his or her own culture\, experience\, in volvements and talents (LS14).
\nYou are also invited to a photographic exhibition on ‘Care for Our Common Home’ which will be on display. The exhibition was undertaken by the Wes tcourt Centre\, Belfast (part of the global Edmund Rice network) to mark t he 10th anniversary of publication of the encyclical. Rather than a p roblem to be solved\, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated wit h gladness and praise (LS12).
\nDown and Connor Laudato Si’ Group
\n\n\n
Further Resources
\n\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18546@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\n\n\n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250607T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250608T150000 LOCATION:St Oliver Plunkett Church @ Toome BT48 3PE SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Ablaze Pentecost Ireland URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/ablaze-pentecost-ireland/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/04/pentecost-poster-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.do wnandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pentecost-poster-212x300.jpg\;2 12\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/0 4/pentecost-poster-724x1024.jpg\;724\;1024\;1\,full\;https://www.downandco nnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pentecost-poster.jpg\;1131\;1600\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18634@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nChurches Together Pentecost Service\nSunday 8th June at 4. 30pm\nClonard Monastery\, Belfast\nPreacher: Rev Danielle McCullagh (Chapl ain\, Q.U.B)\n \nAs we celebrate 1700 years of the Council of Nicaea\, our theme is ‘The Spirit of Unity’.\nEveryone is welcome. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250608T163000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250608T173000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Churches Together Pentecost Service URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/churches-pentecost-service/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/05/Churches-Together-Pentecost-2025-advert-150x150.jpeg\;150\;150\;1 \,medium\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Churche s-Together-Pentecost-2025-advert-300x169.jpeg\;300\;169\;1\,large\;https:/ /www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Churches-Together-Pentec ost-2025-advert.jpeg\;720\;405\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
Churches Toge ther Pentecost Service
\nSun day 8th June at 4.30pm
\nClonard Monast ery\, Belfast
\nPreacher: Rev Danielle McCullagh (Chaplain\, Q.U.B)
\n\n< p>As we celebrate 1700 years of the Council of Nicaea\, our theme is ‘The Spirit of Unity’.\n
Everyone is welcome.
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18669@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nHearts on Fire – A Call to Prayer and Renewal\nIn this Jub ilee Year of Hope\, the Diocese of Down and Connor will host a special two -day gathering of parish leaders from across our parish families\, and ext ending throughout Ireland and beyond on 25 and 26 June in Belfast. Focuse d on renewing our vision for evangelisation\, Hearts on Fire will invite p arish leaders to explore ways to inspire and equip Families of Parishes to reignite the Church’s missionary spirit.\nWe warmly invite all to join us in prayer at the opening Mass for Hearts on Fire in St Peter’s Cathedral\ , Belfast\, at 7:00pm on Tuesday\, 24 June 2025.\nWe deeply value and appr eciate your prayers for the success of this important time of sharing and discernment. May the Holy Spirit reignite the hearts of the faithful\, emb olden our witness and guide the renewal and growth of our Church in Down a nd Connor and across Ireland. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250624T200000 LOCATION:St Peter's Cathedral\, Belfast SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Hearts on Fire – A Call to Prayer and Renewal URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/hearts-fire-call-prayer-renewa l/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/06/Hearts-on-Fire-2-1-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www. downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hearts-on-Fire-2-1-300x143.jp g\;300\;143\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/20 25/06/Hearts-on-Fire-2-1.jpg\;928\;442\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
Hearts on Fire – A Call to Prayer and Renewal
\nIn this Jub ilee Year of Hope\, the Diocese of Down and Connor will host a special two -day gathering of parish leaders from across our parish families\, and ext ending throughout Ireland and beyond on 25 and 26 June in Belfast. Focuse d on renewing our vision for evangelisation\, Hearts on Fire will invi te parish leaders to explore ways to inspire and equip Families of Pa rishes to reignite the Church’s missionary spirit.
\nWe warmly invite all to join us in prayer at the op ening Mass for Hearts on Fire in St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast\, at 7:00pm on Tuesday\, 24 June 2025.
\nWe deeply value and appreciate your prayers for the success of this important time of sharing and discernment. May the Holy Spirit reigni te the hearts of the faithful\, embolden our witness and guide the renewal and growth of our Church in Down and Connor and across Ireland.
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18698@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nRemembering Srebrenica Genocide 30th Anniversary Interfait h Walk\nSunday 6 July\, gathering at 1.45pm at the NI Muslim Family Associ ation (7 Rugby Rd\, BT7 1PS) leaving there at 2pm\, stopping midway at St Malachy’s Parish (24 Alfred St)\, and finishing around 3.15pm at the Belfa st Islamic Centre (13-19 University Rd\, BT7 1NA).\nAll welcome. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250706T134500 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Remembering Srebrenica Genocide 30th Anniversary Interfaith Walk URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/remembering-srebrenica-genocid e-30th-anniversary-interfaith-walk/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/07/Picture1-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandcon nor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Picture1-300x278.png\;300\;278\;1\,larg e\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Picture1.png\; 470\;435\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
Remembering Srebrenica Gen ocide 30th Anniversary Interfaith Walk
\nSunday 6 July\, gathering at 1.45pm at the NI Muslim Fam ily Association (7 Rugby Rd\, BT7 1PS) leaving there at 2pm\, stopping mid way at St Malachy’s Parish (24 Alfred St)\, and finishing around 3.15pm at the Belfast Islamic Centre (13-19 University Rd\, BT7 1NA).
\nAll welcome.
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18735@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:VOLUNTEERS NEEDED OVERSEAS\nMake a Difference!\nYou can help us make a difference and promote equality\, justice and equal opportunity fo r all!\nViatores Christi was founded in Dublin in 1960 and since then has sent over 2000 lay missionary volunteers overseas to share their skills\, knowledge and enthusiasm.\nOur roles are varied\, based on the need identi fied by our overseas partners. Examples of areas we have worked in includ e education\, agriculture\, social work\, law\, healthcare\, ICT\, pastor roles and project support.\nNext Volunteer Info Day\nSat 26th July 2025\, 2.00 to 4.00 pm\nViatores christi House\, 8 New Cabra Road\, Phibsboro\, Dublin D07T1W2 \nFor further information email sally@viatoreschristi.com or Phone 00 353 87 2745422 DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250726T160000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Viatores Christi – Volunteers Needed Overseas – Information Session URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/viatores-christi-volunteers-ne eded-overseas-information-session/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/07/Picture1-1.png\;121\;102\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Viatores Christi was founded in D ublin in 1960 and since then has sent over 2000 lay missionary volunteers overseas to share their skills\, knowledge and enthusiasm.
\nOur roles are varied\, based on the need identified by our overseas partners. Examples of areas we have worked in include ed ucation\, agriculture\, social work\, law\, healthcare\, ICT\, pastor rol es and project support.
\nSat 26th July 2025\, 2.00 to 4.00 pm
\nViatores christi House\,
For further information email sally@viatoreschristi.com or Phone 00 353 87 2745422< /em>
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18701@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nThe diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes\, Moneyglass\, will take place on Sunday 10th August at 3pm.\n Beginning at St. Ergnats GAA Taylorstown Road\, the pilgrimage will make i ts way to the National Shrine in the parish of Duneane and will conclude w ith Benediction and light refreshments.\nAll are welcome.\n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250810T150000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes\, Moneyglass URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/diocesan-pilgrimage-national-s hrine-lady-lourdes-moneyglass/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-04-113834-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;ht tps://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07- 04-113834-212x300.png\;212\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/w p-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-04-113834-724x1024.png\;724\; 1024\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sc reenshot-2025-07-04-113834.png\;827\;1170\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
The diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shr ine of Our Lady of Lourdes\, Moneyglass\, will take place on Sunday 10th A ugust at 3pm.
\nBeginning at St. Ergnats GAA Taylorstown Road\, the pilgrimage will make its way to the National Shrine in the parish of Dunea ne and will conclude with Benediction and light refreshments.
\nAll are welcome.
\n\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18821@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nCelebration of Mass and Blessing with Holy Relic of Saint Padre Pio\nSunday 28th September at 7pm\nSaint Vincent de Paul Parish\nAll welcome. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20250928T190000 LOCATION:St Vincent de Paul Parish @ 171 Ligoniel Road\, Belfast\, BT14 8DP SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Mass and Blessing with Relic of St. Padre Pio URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/mass-blessing-relic-st-padre-p io/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/09/Padre-Pio-1-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downand connor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Padre-Pio-1-205x300.png\;205\;300\;1 \,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Padre-Pi o-1.png\;492\;720\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
Sunday 28th Septe mber at 7pm
\nSaint Vi ncent de Paul Parish
\nAll wel come.
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18868@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:From Lament to Liberation\nIn Conversation with Rev. Ashraf Tan nous of the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem\nTuesday\, 21 October a t 7.30pm in Knock Methodist Church (Belfast\, BT5 6HS)\nCome and hear Rev. Ashraf’s Palestinian Christian perspective in light of October 7th 2023\, the genocide in Gaza these past two years\, settlement expansion and anne xations in the West Bank\, and the recent ceasefire and peace plan. All ar e welcome. \nOrganised by Kairos Ireland. \n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20251021T193000 LOCATION:Knock Methodist Church @ Belfast\, BT5 6HS SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:From Lament to Liberation – Conversation with Rev. Ashraf Tannous ( Lutheran Church in Bethlehem) URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/lament-liberation-conversation -rev-ashraf-tannous-lutheran-church-bethlehem/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\nFrom Lament to Lib eration
\nIn Conversation with Rev. Ashraf Tannous of the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem
\nTuesday\, 21 Oc tober at 7.30pm in Knock Methodist Church (Belfast\, BT5 6HS)
\nCome and hear Rev. Ashraf’s Palestinian Christian perspective in light of October 7th 2023\, the genocide in Gaza these past two years\, settlement expansion and annexations in the West Bank\, and the recent ce asefire and peace plan. All are welcome.
\nOrganised by Kairos Ire land.
\n\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18916@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nAbout the Event:\nLet’s Step Up is a joyful celebration of faith — a day filled with music\, fellowship\, and worship. It’s an invit ation to take one more step closer to Jesus\, deepening our relationship w ith Him through prayer and community.\nWord of God:\n“For to this you have been called\, because Christ also suffered for you\, leaving you an examp le\, that you should follow in his steps.”\n— 1 Peter 2:21\nOrganised by J esus Youth Northern Ireland\nJesus Youth is an International Catholic Miss ionary Movement approved by the Holy See\, committed for serving the Churc h and evangelizing through personal witness and community life.\nMission: \nTo bring youth and young families closer to Jesus and help them grow as His disciples.\nContact:\nMelbin George Manjapallil – Regional Coordinator \, Jesus Youth NI – 07796 500297\nIsona Joseph– Assistant Regional Coordin ator\, Jesus Youth NI – 07732 916536\nRegistration Form:\n\n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20251206T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20251206T170000 LOCATION:St. Anne’s Parish Centre\, Kingsway\, Belfast\, BT10 0NE SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Let’s Step Up – Faith Encounter for Youth and Young Families URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/step-faith-encounter-youth-you ng-families/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/11/Step-Up-1-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandco nnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Step-Up-1-213x300.png\;213\;300\;1\,la rge\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Step-Up-1.pn g\;510\;720\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
\n
About the Event:
\nLet’s Step Up is a joyful celebration of faith — a day filled with music\, fellowship\, and worship. It’s an invitation to take one more step closer to Jesus\, deepening our relationship with Him through prayer and community.
\nWord of God:
\n“For to this you h
ave been called\, because Christ also suffered for you\, leaving you an ex
ample\, that you should follow in his steps.”
\n— 1 Peter 2:21
Jesus Youth is an International Catholic Missionary Movement approved by the Ho ly See\, committed for serving the Church and evangelizing through persona l witness and community life.
\nMission:
\nTo
bring youth and young families closer to Jesus and help them grow as His d
isciples.
Contact:
\nMelbin George Manjapall
il – Regional Coordinator\, Jesus Youth NI – 07796 500297
\nIsona Jos
eph– Assistant Regional Coordinator\, Jesus Youth NI – 07732 916536
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18974@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nYou are warmly invited to join the Black Mountain family o f parishes here at St Oliver Plunkett Parish\, Glenveagh Drive\, Belfast this New Years Eve.\nWe will be bringing in the New Year with the Lord and welcoming 2026 together as a faith community.\nThere will be Mass startin g at 11pm and we will conclude in the Parish hall afterwards for a few nib bles and a Toast to the New Year.\nWe look forward to seeing you there and bringing in 2026 with the promise of spending time with the Lord this mor e this coming year. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20251231T230000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:New Year’s Eve Mass in St Oliver Plunkett Parish URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/years-eve-mass-st-oliver-plunk ett-parish/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/12/NYE2025-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandconn or.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NYE2025-300x300.jpg\;300\;300\;1\,large\ ;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/NYE2025-1024x102 4.jpg\;1024\;1024\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploa ds/2025/12/NYE2025-scaled.jpg\;2560\;2560\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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You a re warmly invited to join the Black Mountain family of parishes here at St Oliver Plunkett Parish\, Glenveagh Drive\, Belfast this New Years Eve.\n
We will be bringing in the New Year with the Lord and welcoming 202 6 together as a faith community.
\nThere will be Mass starting at 11 pm and we will conclude in the Parish hall afterwards for a few nibbles an d a Toast to the New Year.
\nWe look forward to seeing you there and bringing in 2026 with the promise of spending time with the Lord this mor e this coming year.
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18991@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\n \nTHE CLOSE OF THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025\nBishop Alan McGucki an will celebrate the Rite of the Closing of the Jubilee Year with Mass at 3.00pm in St Peter’s Cathedral\, Belfast on Sunday 4th January 2026. He would like to invite as many as possible\, from across the Diocese\, to jo in him for the Mass and some refreshments afterwards in St Comgall’s Centr e. While the Jubilee Year of Hope will formally close\, the task ahead wi ll be to carry it’s Message of Hope with us into the New Year 2026. \n DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260104T150000 LOCATION:St Peter's Cathedral\, Belfast SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Close of the Jubilee of Hope Year 2025 URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/close-jubilee-hope-year-2025/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2024/12/Jubliee-2-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www.downandco nnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jubliee-2-300x119.jpg\;300\;119\;1\,la rge\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jubliee-2-10 24x405.jpg\;1024\;405\;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/u ploads/2024/12/Jubliee-2.jpg\;1280\;506\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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THE CLOSE OF THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025
\nBishop Alan McGuckian will celebrate the R ite of the Closing of the Jubilee Year with Mass at 3.00pm in St Peter’s C athedral\, Belfast on Sunday 4th January 2026. He would like to invite as many as possible\, from across the Diocese\, to join him for the Mass and some refreshments afterwards in St Comgall’s Centre. While the Jubilee Year of Hope will formally close\, the task ahead will be to carry it’s Message of Hope with us into the New Year 2026.
\n\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-18985@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Following the impactful visit of Church leaders to Lough Neagh in July 2025\, a moment that highlighted both the beauty of our shared nat ural heritage and the urgent ecological challenges it faces\, the Irish Co uncil of Churches and the Irish Inter Church Meeting invite you to “Let Ju stice Flow Like Rivers”\, a Creation Care Conference on Saturday 17th Janu ary 2026 in the Canal Court Hotel\, Newry (10.00am–3.30pm).\nRooted in fai th\, justice and responsibility for creation\, this conference brings toge ther theology\, science and lived experience to inspire concrete action fo r the care of our land and waters. With keynote contributions from Dr Jim McAdam (agricultural and environmental research\, NI Government sector and Queen’s University Belfast)\, Dr Hilary Marlow (Girton College\, Cambridg e)\, Dr Gail Heffner (author of Reconciliation in a West Michigan Watershe d) and a rich presentation of local actions from church and community grou ps\, the day will inspire insight\, challenge and hope.\nTickets (£10) are available via Eventbrite: https://letjustflow.eventbrite.ie\nFurther info from: info@irishchurches.org DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260117T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260117T153000 LOCATION:Canal Court Hotel\, Newry SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Irish Inter Church Meeting Creation Care Conference URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/irish-inter-church-meeting-cre ation-care-conference/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2025/12/January-Conference-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www. downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/January-Conference-237x300.jp g\;237\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/20 25/12/January-Conference-809x1024.jpg\;809\;1024\;1\,full\;https://www.dow nandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/January-Conference.jpg\;936\;118 5\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Following the impactful visit of Church leaders to Lough Neagh in July 2025\, a moment that highlighted both the beauty of our shared na tural heritage and the urgent ecological challenges it faces\, the Irish C ouncil of Churches and the Irish Inter Church Meeting invite you to “Let J ustice Flow Like Rivers”\, a Creation Care Conference on Saturday 17t h January 2026 in the Canal Court Hotel\, Newry (10.00am–3.30pm).
\nRooted in faith\, justice and responsi bility for creation\, this conference brings together theology\, science a nd lived experience to inspire concrete action for the care of our land an d waters. With keynote contributions from Dr Jim McAdam (agricultural and environmental research\, NI Government sector and Queen’s University Belfa st)\, Dr Hilary Marlow (Girton College\, Cambridge)\, Dr Gail Heffner (aut hor of Reconciliation in a West Michigan Watershed) and a rich presentatio n of local actions from church and community groups\, the day will inspire insight\, challenge and hope.
\nTicke ts (£10) are available via Eventbrite: ht tps://letjustflow.eventbrite.ie
\nFurther info from: info@irishchurc hes.org
\n END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19066@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \nDay of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse (Click link for NSBCCCI Resources)\nIn Ireland\, a Day of Prayer for Victims and Surv ivors of Abuse is marked each year on the Friday immediately following Ash Wednesday. This year it will be marked across Ireland on Friday 20th Febr uary 2026.\nThis day is not only for victims and survivors who have been s o severely injured inside our Church\, but also for the families and commu nities affected by the pain and grief of their loved ones.\n\nBishop Alan McGuckian SJ will celebrate Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral on\nFriday 20th F ebruary 2026 at 6:00pm.\nAll are invited to attend the Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral\, particularly Chairs and members of Parish – Family of Parishes Safeguarding Committees\, and join with Bishop Alan in praying for all th ose who have been affected by abuse.\n \n“It is essential that we\, as a C hurch\, be able to acknowledge and condemn\, with sorrow and shame\, the a trocities perpetrated by consecrated persons\, clerics\, and all those ent rusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnera ble. Let us beg forgiveness for our own sins and the sins of others. An aw areness of sin helps us to acknowledge the errors\, the crimes and the wou nds caused in the past and allows us\, in the present\, to be more open an d committed along a journey of renewed conversion”[1]. \n \nAbuse happened within the Catholic Church in Ireland.\n Abuse happened in our Diocese of Down and Connor.\n \n[1] Extract from the Safeguarding Resource package p repared for the Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse 20th Febr uary 2026 DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260220T180000 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Abuse URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/day-prayer-survivors-victims-a buse/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2024/01/Safeguarding-Logo-2-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;https://www .downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Safeguarding-Logo-2-300x123. jpg\;300\;123\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2024/01/Safeguarding-Logo-2.jpg\;650\;266\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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Day of Prayer fo r Survivors and Victims of Abuse (Click link for NSBCCCI Resources)
\nIn Ireland\, a Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse is marked each year on the Frida y immediately following Ash Wednesday. This year it will be marked across Ireland on Friday 20th February 2026.
\nThis day is not only for victims and survivo rs who have been so severely injured inside our Church\, but also for the families and communities affected by the pain and grief of their loved one s.
\n
Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ will c elebrate Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral on
\nFriday 20th February 2026 at 6:00pm.
\nAll are invi ted to attend the Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral\, particularly Chairs and m embers of Parish – Family of Parishes Safeguarding Committees\, and join w ith Bishop Alan in praying for all those who have been affected by abuse.< /span>
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“It is essential that we\, as a Church\, be able to ack nowledge and condemn\, with sorrow and shame\, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons\, clerics\, and all those entrusted with the missio n of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable. Let us beg forgiv eness for our own sins and the sins of others. An awareness of sin helps u s to acknowledge the errors\, the crimes and the wounds caused in the past and allows us\, in the present\, to be more open and committed along a jo urney of renewed conversion”[1].
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Abuse happened within the Catholic Church in Ireland.
\nAbu se happened in our Diocese of Down and Connor.
\n\n
[1] Extract from the Safeguarding Resource pac kage prepared for the Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse 20< sup>th February 2026
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19121@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION:Saint Patrick’s Dawn Prayer Gatherings\n \nChristians from all denominations will gather at Saint Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick at 5:45 am 17th March to pray The Our Father/ Lord’s Prayer\, one hundred times for peace and unity in Christ.\nEveryone welcome.\nPlease spread the word and consider organising a Saint Patrick’s Dawn Prayer Gathering in your ow n area.\nFor a straightforward guide contact legacyofsaintpatrick@gmail.co m DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260317T054500 SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Saint Patrick’s Dawn Prayer Gatherings URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/saint-patricks-dawn-prayer-gat herings/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\nSaint Patr ick’s Dawn Prayer Gatherings
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Christians from all den ominations will gather at Saint Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick at 5:45 am 17th March to pray The Our Father/ Lord’s Prayer\, one hundred times for peace and unity in Christ.
\nEveryone welcome.
\nPlease sprea d the word and consider organising a Saint Patrick’s Dawn Prayer Gathering in your own area.
\nFor a straightforward guide contact legacyofsaintpatrick@gmail.com
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19212@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260421T190000 LOCATION:St Peter's Cathedral\, Belfast SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:First Anniversary Mass for Pope Francis URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/anniversary-mass-pope-francis/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2026/04/Pope-Francis-1st-Anniversary-Mass-150x150.png\;150\;150\;1\,mediu m\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pope-Francis-1 st-Anniversary-Mass-300x251.png\;300\;251\;1\,large\;https://www.downandco nnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pope-Francis-1st-Anniversary-Mass.png\ ;940\;788\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
Laudato Si’ Conference
\nA great opportunity to hear from Dr Lorna Gold\, Executive Director Laudato Si’\, and also to meet with Lorna in p erson. Join others who share a common interest in living more sustainably \; discuss actions that are being implemented and their impact\; explore bold alternatives to our economic system. Your presence and contribution is very welcome.
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WORDS OF SPIRIT AND LIFE: An e vening with Jeff Cavins
\nSunday 26th July 2026\, 7pm Voco Hotel Belfast
\nSpend an inspiring evening with Jeff Cavins\, the i nternationally renowned Bible teacher\, author\, and creator of The Great Adventure Bible Timeline that shaped the hugely popular Bible in a Year po dcast. Whether you’re a catechist\, a young adult\, or simply drawn to Scr ipture\, come to meet others who love the Word\, share in a time of prayer led by Fr Conor McGrath\, and be reminded that the words of Jesus are Spi rit and they are life.
\nRegister Online: https://tinyurl.com/5h483c83
\n\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:ai1ec-19352@www.downandconnor.org DTSTAMP:20260813T220603Z CATEGORIES: CONTACT: DESCRIPTION: \n\nExperience the soul of Ireland with Fuaimlaoi—a captivatin g ensemble that blends ancient Irish tradition with powerful sacred music by renowned Irish liturgical composer Ronan McDonagh.\nTheir rich harmonie s\, lyrical beauty and authentic spirit create a deeply moving concert exp erience\, connecting audiences with Ireland’s heritage\, faith and timeles s song. This unforgettable performance is sure to be one of the highlights of the Fleadh Belfast Fringe programme.\n🎟️ Tickets: £5.50\nBook now: htt ps://fleadhfringe.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173683951\nDon’t miss this special evening of music in the stunning surroundings of St Peter’s Cathedral.\n————————————————————————————————–\nJoin us for the inaugural F éile tours of St Peter’s Cathedral\, led by Stevie Corr\, as we celebrate its 160th anniversary!\nOfficially opened with great ceremony on 14 Octobe r 1866\, St Peter’s Cathedral\, with its iconic twin spires\, has stood at the heart of West Belfast ever since.\nThis special guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore areas of the Cathedral that are rich in hist ory and significance\, including:\nThe Chapel of the Resurrection\, where three Bishops of Down and Connor are laid to rest.\nThe Sanctuary\, home t o the Bishop’s Cathedra (official seat).\nThe Aumbry\, which houses the Ho ly Oils donated in memory of Fr Hugh Mullan and Fr Noel Fitzpatrick\, who lost their lives while anointing the wounded during the Ballymurphy shooti ngs.\nTour dates:\n\n Monday 3 August at 3pm\n Tuesday 4 August at 3pm\n W ednesday 5 August at 3pm\n Thursday 6 August at 3pm\n\n Tickets: £5 per pe rson\, payable at the entrance (please bring the exact amount).\nCome and discover the history\, heritage\, and stories of one of Belfast’s most tre asured landmarks. DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260806T190000 LOCATION:St Peter's Cathedral\, Belfast SEQUENCE:0 SUMMARY:Fuaimlaoi in Concert URL:https://www.downandconnor.org/blog/event/fuaimlaoi-concert/ X-COST-TYPE:free X-WP-IMAGES-URL:thumbnail\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads /2026/07/Were-part-of-the-Fleadh-SM-150x150.jpg\;150\;150\;1\,medium\;http s://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Were-part-of-the-Flea dh-SM-300x300.jpg\;300\;300\;1\,large\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-co ntent/uploads/2026/07/Were-part-of-the-Fleadh-SM-1024x1024.jpg\;1024\;1024 \;1\,full\;https://www.downandconnor.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Were-p art-of-the-Fleadh-SM.jpg\;1080\;1080\; X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:\\n\\n\\n
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Experience the soul of Ireland with Fuaimlaoi—a captivating ensemble tha t blends ancient Irish tradition with powerful sacred music by renowned Ir ish liturgical composer Ronan McDonagh.
\nTheir ric h harmonies\, lyrical beauty and authentic spirit create a deeply moving c oncert experience\, connecting audiences with Ireland’s heritage\, faith a nd timeless song. This unforgettable performance is sure to be one of the highlights of the Fleadh Belfast Fringe programme.
\n< p>🎟️ Tickets: £5.50Don’t miss thi s special evening of music in the stunning surroundings of St Peter’s Cath edral.
\n————————————————————————————————–
\nJoin us for the i naugural Féile tours of St Peter’s Cathedral\, led by Stevie Corr\, as we celebrate its 160th anniversary!
\nOfficially opened with great cere mony on 14 October 1866\, St Peter’s Cathedral\, with its iconic twin spir es\, has stood at the heart of West Belfast ever since.
\nThis speci al guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore areas of the Cathedr al that are rich in history and significance\, including:
\nThe Chap el of the Resurrection\, where three Bishops of Down and Connor are laid t o rest.
\nThe Sanctuary\, home to the Bishop’s Cathedra (official se at).
\nThe Aumbry\, which houses the Holy Oils donated in memory of Fr Hugh Mullan and Fr Noel Fitzpatrick\, who lost their lives while anoint ing the wounded during the Ballymurphy shootings.
\nTour dat es:
\nTickets: £5 per person\, payable at the entra nce (please bring the exact amount).
\nCome and discover the history \, heritage\, and stories of one of Belfast’s most treasured landmarks.
\n X-INSTANT-EVENT:1 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR
