Pioneer pilgrimage to Lourdes
Weekly Lectio Divina for young adults
Cemetery Masses 2026
Dates and times for 2026 summer-seas Cemetery Masses have started to be announced.
More details will be added to this post as they become available.
Ballinacourty (Clarinbridge): Friday 31 July, 7:30pm
Claregalway: Monday 1 June, 7:30pm
Oranmore Village: Monday 3 August, 7pm
Kilcamin (Maree) Friday 7th August, 7:30pm
Cemetery Masses or Blessing of the Graves is an annual tradition in Ireland.
One day every year, a priest visits each cemetery and says an outdoor Mass in memory of all the people who have been buried there. In large graveyards, this usually happens on Sunday - so the day becomes known as Cemetery Sunday. In small cemeteries, it often happens on a weekday.
People prepare for this by cleaning and decorating family graves
Galway Polish Community pilgrimage to Knock
Apostolic Visitation 2026 at TREM House of Mercy
Pentecost retreat at Kylemore Abbey
Inner Healing Retreat
Live Jesus! And by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5)
A three day silent retreat, based on the life of St Thérèse of Lisieux, sacred scripture and psychology is being held at Knock retreat centre in Mayo.
Dates: 9am 15th June to 10am 19th June 2026.
The retreat will by led by Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales priest, Rev. Fr. Isaac John MSFS, and include spiritual sharing by Rev. Sr. AnnMaria, S.H who is the Evangelisation Chairperson (Director of New Evangelisation) for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Great Britain.
Contact for bookings is Monica Gahan:
- phone 087 641 9960, or
- email InfoLiveJesusRetreats@gmail.com
Pilgrimage from Galway to Lough Derg
- Anne 086 8381633
- Liam 085 859 1501
![]() |
| Photo from Wikipedia (adapt) |
Pray for Life Novena, May 2026
Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland.
Visit www.prayforlife.ie for the daily novena prayers and to sign up for daily reminders.
The prayers will also be posted on facebook.com/PrayforLifeNovena and @prayforlifenovena on Instagram.
This is an initiative of the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
About Lough Derg
There are two well-known lakes in Ireland which are called "Lough Derg".
Lough Derg (Shannon) is a large lake on the River Shannon, which is a major boating and tourist destination. It borders counties Clare, Galway, and Tipperary - and is usually the only option Google search gives if you've been searching for things in Galway.
It is not a traditional pilgrimage site, but the Lough Derg Way is a 70km walking route from Limerick City to Dromineer, County Tipperary, which includes some religious sites including St Flannan's Cathedral in Killaloe and Millenium Cross on the summit of Laghtea hill.
Lough Derg (County Donegal) is a smaller lake located near the village of Pettigo in County Donegal in the north-west of Ireland. It is famous as an ancient place of Christian pilgrimage.
Station Island, also known as St. Patrick's Purgatory, is an island in the lough which now is the centre of a major pilgrimage programme.
The traditional pilgrimage is a 3-day experience, which includes prayer and quiet reflection which are heightened by physical challenges including bare feet, staying awake for 24-hour Vigil and fasting (one small meal is provided each day). However there are other options for visiting Station Island, including a one-day retreat which does not require fasting or barefoot walking.
More information about retreats at St Patrick's Purgatory is available on their website.
Franciscan youth pilgrimage to Cong / Ross Errily
Rosary rally in Mervue
Embers into Flames: Ignite Ireland evangelisation conference
Galway-based Dominican Fr Conor McDonough is one of the speaker's at this years Ignite Ireland evangelisation conference.
Titled "Embers info flames", the event is being organised by the Irish Dominican friars.
The keynote speaker is American author, theologian, former Presbyterian pastor and now Roman Catholic apologist and teacher at the the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, Dr Scott Hahn.
Other speakers include:
- Michelle Ward -
- Maura Murphy - youth minister, Mission Coordinator and co-founder of the Holy Family Mission in Clonmel
- Fr Patrick Cahill Opus JSS - youth minister, retreat leader and speaker, and co-founder of the Holy Family Mission.
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026,
Time: 9am to 7pm
Location: Dublin Convention Centre
Triduum honouring Our Lady of Galway
Summer retreat at Glenstal Abbey, Co Limerick
The 2026 Summer Retreat (previously called the Ladies and Men’s retreats) at Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick will be held as two one-day retreats on 24th and 25th of June, 2026.
Each day begins with registration and refreshments at 10am.
The programme includes Mass, Lunch, a Holy Hour with optional confession, and afternoon tea.
Each day ends at 5pm, but participants are welcome to stay to stay for Vespers (ie evening prayer) at 6pm.
Places must be booked in advance - by emailing events@glenstal.ie or phoning 091 621 005.
Cost is $50 per person.
Deadline extension: Deacon and Catechist programme
Weekly bible study for young adults
Workshop: A Call for Peace
It is an experiential workshop to gently explore inner conflicts and bring them to the light of peace. Using prayer, meditation and simple rituals, offer compassion to our own woundedness in a safe and supportive atmosphere. And from a place of grace and fullness, we will extend that love to our wounded world.
Facilitator: Ann Marie Horan
Date: Thursday 14th May, 2026
Time: 7.30pm –9.30pm
Fee: €10/Donation
Bookings: CroiNuaCentre@gmail.com
Encounter Revival Weekend, Donegal, June 2026
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland
- Jacob Wenzel - Encounter Worship
- Fr Patrick Gonyeau - Missionaries of the Precious Blood
- Patrick Reis - Co-founder, Encounter Ministries
Father Mike Schmitz Parables Tour, Dublin, July 2026
American priest and digital evangelist, Father Mike Schmitz, will host his Parables Tour show in the National Stadium Dublin’s, on 20 July 2026.
This event will present the message of the Gospel in a novel, energetic and engaging style that speaks into lives today.
Young people (age 14+) from parishes, ecclesial movements and youth groups, and especially those who attended the Jubilee of Youth in Rome are invited to attend.
The Irish Bishops’ Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal, will host a special Mass at 5.00pm on 20 July in Saint Teresa’s Church, Donore Avenue, Dublin, at which Father Schmitz will preach.
Tickets from (from €49.75) Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/artist/5466199?venueId=198253
Galway and Clonfert diocesan pilgrimage to Knock
Programme
- 2pm: Rosary
- 2.30pm: Anointing of the Sick in Knock Basilica
- 3pm: Concelebrated Mass
Transport
Tuam diocese 2026 pilgrimage to Knock
The people from the archdiocese of Tuam joining with Waterford and Lismore for an annual pilgrimage to Knock shrine.
Date: Sunday May 3rd 2026
Programme
- 2pm: Rosary
- 2.30pm: Anointing of the Sick in the Basilica
- 3pm: Concelebrated Mass led by Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore
Followed by a Eucharistic Blessing and outdoor Rosary procession (weather permitting)
Transport
A bus is leaving Athenry (Arch carpark) at 10:30am on the day.
Bookings, call Assumpta 087 27006061 or Vincent 087 293 9367
Becoming Catholic / Adult Confirmation - in Tuam diocese
- Adults who have not yet been baptised in a Christian church, and want to become Catholic.
- Adults who were baptised in another recognised Christian church, and who now want full communion with the Catholic Church.
- Adult who were baptised Catholic, but who have has not yet celebrated Confirmation or First Eucharist - and now want to do this.
Evening prayer with Fr Svet from Medjugorje
He will be leading evening prayer in St Oliver Plunkett church in Renmore on Wednesday 29 April 2026, at 3:30pm. There will be times for Mass, rosary, adoration and personal testimony. All are welcome.
Franciscan youth summer pilgrimage to Assisi
May devotion to Our Lady of Clonfert, 2026
The programme for May devotions at the shrine of our Lady of Clonfert has been announced.
Programme summary:
- Opening Mass on Friday 1st May at 7.30pm,
- Monday to Saturday - Mass at 7.30pm
- Sundays at 10am and 6.30pm., 6pm to 7.15pm
- Rosary daily at 10pm,
- Fridays from 8 May: Mass at 12 noon
- Closing pilgrimage walk at 2:30pm and Mass at 6:30pm on May 31st.
The church is open for private prayer from 7am - 11pm each day.
Confessions are available 6 to 7:15pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Webcam of the church available here: https://www.churchservices.tv/clonfert
For queries or to book Mass-intentions , phone 090 967 5113 or email stBrensEyecourt@clonfertgalway.ie. During May, the parish office is open Monday - Friday, 10am to 2pm.
Scroll down to see full details of the programme as at 24 April.
Further details are available on this website.
See Catholic churches in east Galway for location details of the shrine.
Programme details - 1 to 9 May 2026
Programme details - 10 to 16 May 2026
Programme details - 17 to 24 May 2026
Programme details - 25 to 31 May 2026
Young adult leadership programme at Knock
Relics of St Thérese of Lisieux and Sts Louís and Zelie Martín in Loughrea, 2026
Diocesian priesthood information afternoon
An information-afternoon for men who may be interested in becoming a Catholic priest is being held on Sunday 10 May 2026.
For more information, phone Fr Ian O'Neil on 087 204 8497 or email priesthood@clonfertgalway.ie
Healing Mass in Headford
Easter Adoration and evening prayer with the Poor Clares
Catholic Mothers Connaught retreat
- Br Ronan Sharpley OFM,
- Fr Valerian Castlelino CSC
- A representative from Children's Rosary Ireland
Pray for peace with Pope Leo - 11 April 2026
You are invited to join in - from home, or wherever you might be.
Faith and Fun summer camp for youth
Lough Derg pilgrimage season 2026
Centering Prayer one day retreat at Kylemore Abbey
Participants will also have opportunities to pray the Office with the Benedictine Nuns in their Monastic Church and to participate in the Eucharist.
Facilitated by Caroline Field, OblSB, and Sister Josephine Yator, OSB
No charge; donations accepted.
Register by emailing retreats@kylemoreabbey.ie or phone +353 (0)95 52098
Men of St Joseph, meeting in Tuam, April 2026
The next meeting of Men of St Joseph is:
- On 19 April 2026
- At 7pm
- In Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Tuam
Guest speaker is Fr Chris Hayden
For enquires, contact frmarkquinn@tuamparish.com
What is Men of St Joseph?
It is an international lay-association, .. of Christian men, united under the Catholic Church, who meet weekly to pray together and encourage each other to be the spiritual leaders of their families. The purpose of the Men of St. Joseph is to instill holiness in men and facilitate spiritual leadership in family and community life.
(https://www.menofstjoseph.com/about-us/)
Divine Mercy Sunday devotions at Galway Cathedral
On Divine Mercy Sunday, 12 April 2026, devotions at Galway Cathedral start at 2pm, with Mass being celebrated at 3pm.
Confessions will not be available on the day.
For more details, see https://www.galwaycathedral.ie/news/divine-mercy-sunday-2026
Formation / community opportunity for young people at the Irish College, Rome
- Living in a former convent building at the college, and
- Taking part in structured formation encompassing spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral development.
Divine Mercy Novena, Renmore
The devotions on Divine Mercy Sunday will be prayed at Galway Cathedral.
Sung Lauds for Holy Week
Seminar: The Power of Kindness in Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
Lourdes Pilgrimage staff opportunities for young adults
Medjugorje Group Pilgrimage, 2026
A group pilgrimage between the west-of-Ireland and Medjugorje is being run from 14-21 October 2026.
The Spiritual Directors are Fr Frank O'Grady, Fr Michael Iflora, Fr Jijo Ashariparmbil, Fr Innocent Sunu and Fr Matthew Farrell.
The intended programme is shown on the Marian Pilgrimages website.
Price is €915. A deposit of €200 is required to secure a booking. The package includes:- Flight from Knock to Mostar-Medjugorje.
- Return flight from Split to knock
- 15kg check-in luggage plus carry on per person
- Return transfers to Medjugorje accompanied by a guide
- Full religious program operated by Marian Pilgrimages
- Full assistance of Marian Pilgrimages guides and representatives throughout the pilgrimage
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities (English at 10:00am & Croatian at 6:00pm)
- Accommodation in Exclusive Marian Pilgrimages houses close to St. James' Church
- Daily breakfast and evening meal
- Free Wifi in Guest Houses.
It does not include pilgrimage insurance, single rooms (available for €170 extra) or lunches
For more information, phone Yvonne Igoe 087 417 0959.

















































