Pentecost 2026
Pentecost 2026
Pentecost Sunday was celebrated with great joy as our Parish Community gathered for a beautiful International Mass. The celebration brought together parishioners from many countries and cultures, including the Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic Communities, in a joyful expression of faith, unity and welcome. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Diarmuid Martin alongside Fr Cory and Deacon Victor Garvin.
The Mass was enriched by hymns and prayers in different languages, together with a moving Offertory procession prepared by representatives of the various Communities, each bringing symbols of their faith and heritage. A powerful sign of Pentecost - many languages becoming one voice in the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Archbishop Martin reflected on the role our church has played in helping to build community in a changing Dublin. He challenged us to continue building a Parish Community rooted in welcome, solidarity and belonging. Echoing the spirit of Pentecost, he reminded us that “the language of the Holy Spirit is a language of encounter, respect, care and solidarity.”
A special moment of grace was the Confirmation of Giuseppe, Manuel and Romain, who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit surrounded by the prayers, support and joy of the whole Parish family.
Following Mass, parishioners gathered for a joyful picnic with food generously prepared by the different Communities. It was a lovely afternoon of friendship, conversation and celebration, reflecting the warmth and diversity of the Parish.
With thanks to all who made this day such a success
Salve Regina 2026
Salve Regina 2026
On the 17 May, our Parish Community gathered in the Church of the Holy Family for a beautiful celebration in honour of Our Blessed Lady during this special Jubilee Year marking 150 years of our church. It was a peaceful and prayerful afternoon filled with faith, reflection, and beautiful music as parishioners, families, and friends came together in the month of Mary.
Readings and reflections from saints, and spiritual writers - including St Maximilian Kolbe, St Louis de Montfort, St Thérèse of Lisieux and others - invited us to reflect more deeply on the love and example of Our Lady. Different prayers gradually led us towards the prayer of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, helping us place ourselves, our families, and our Parish under her loving care.
The celebration was enriched by beautiful Marian hymns sung by members of our Parish Community, and by young people who sang hymns in Irish and played the Irish flute, bringing great warmth and joy to the afternoon. Hymns from the Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic traditions, singing by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters, and the gentle harp music and organ accompaniment all added greatly to the beauty of the prayer.
A special word of thanks to Teresa O’Donnell, who organised the event, and for her beautiful harp music, and to Mary for organ accompaniment. We also thank all who participated and shared their gifts so generously throughout the afternoon.
We are especially grateful to the volunteers who helped prepare the church, and the shrine of Our Lady, and the flowers arrangements that added so much beauty and prayerfulness to the celebration.
We were very pleased to welcome Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Fr Paul Thornton, Parish Priest of Cabra and Cabra West, who joined us for this special gathering. We also thank Deacon Victor Garvin for his presence and service to our Parish.
In the words of the concluding prayer, Fr Cory, reminded us that while our Parish bears the name of the Holy Family, we also remember with gratitude Our Lady, who always accompanies us. Mary reminds us that when we gather together around Christ as His Church, we are truly a family.
Thank you to everyone who helped organise and participate in such a grace-filled celebration.
May Our Blessed Lady continue to guide and protect all our families and Community.
Visit of Bishop Donal Roche on 17 March
Golden Jubilee of the Scout Unit
Many people left our Church smiling after a lovely Mass celebrated by our guest of honour Bishop Donal Roche on St Patrick's Day. His very personable telling of the story of St Patrick, the myth versus reality, reminded us of the reason we celebrate St Patrick's Day. It was also lovely to have the Scout Troup with their leaders partake throughout the Mass. They looked so well in their uniforms as they carried out their duties. With the beautiful music and use of Irish at various points throughout, it was a really lovely occasion. (JA)
150 Jubilee Opening Mass
On Sunday 8th February 2026, Holy Family Church, Aughrim Street, joyfully opened its 150th Jubilee Year with a moving Mass presided by Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin. The celebration brought together parishioners, our Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic Communities, and many friends, neighbours and representatives of the wider local community - a living expression of our Jubilee motto: Rooted in Community, Growing in Faith.
The Mass began with a procession of the cross, candles, Jubilee logo, Book of the Gospels, and Jubilee candle, reflecting the rich traditions of the Parish. Representatives of our diverse Communities brought forward an icon of the Holy Family, which Bishop Dempsey blessed before consecrating the Parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - a powerful reminder of our shared call to live as one family of faith.
In his homily, Bishop Dempsey invited us to recognise the signs of hope that continue to shine even in challenging times, reminding us that the Christian Community is called to be “salt of the earth and light of the world.”
Reflecting on the Jubilee, he encouraged us to look back with gratitude to those who, 150 years ago, had the courage, vision, and faith to build this church for future generations. He noted that the founders could never have imagined the vibrant, multicultural Parish that exists today - a testimony to God’s guidance and the work of successive generations. Their sacrifice and hope made possible the living Community we are now entrusted to nurture and strengthen. The diversity of nationalities and languages within the liturgy was a clear sign of a Church continually renewed by the Holy Spirit.
Looking to the future, Bishop Dempsey posed an important question: what will this Parish be like in fifty years’ time? While recognising the challenges facing faith today, he encouraged us to look ahead with confidence, trusting that, as in the past, the Holy Spirit will continue to open new paths, inspire courage, and guide the Parish towards opportunities beyond our imagining.
The Prayer of the Faithful included prayers in several languages, highlighting the cultural richness of Parish life. During the Offertory Procession, ministries and groups representing many aspects of Parish life brought forward gifts, celebrating the contribution of all who help make Holy Family Parish a welcoming and active Community. Hymns in English, Italian, and Romanian added warmth to the Eucharistic celebration.
The Mass concluded with the Jubilee Solemn Blessing, as Bishop Dempsey entrusted the Parish to God and encouraged all present to bear joyful witness to the Gospel in the months ahead. Parishioners then gathered for refreshments after Mass, enjoying a time of fellowship and celebration. All went forth inspired and grateful as the Jubilee Year begins as a time of thanksgiving, celebration, and renewed commitment to faith and community.
We offer our warm thanks to Bishop Paul Dempsey for presiding at this opening Mass, and to all who concelebrated or participated, including Fr. Coriolan Muresan, Parish Administrator, Fr. Bryan Shortall OFM Capuchin and Archbishop Emeritus Diarmuid Martin.
Our gratitude extends to all who helped prepare and support the celebration, including the altar servers, Ministers of the Word, and Ministers of the Eucharist, the Hospitality Team, Parish Youth Group, Sacramental Team, Jubilee Committee, Parish Pastoral Council and Safeguarding Team, Parish Finance Committee, Finance and Church Collections Team, and volunteers for their faithful service, the Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic Communities, and all who serve the Parish in so many generous ways.
We also acknowledge, with appreciation, the presence of religious sisters and brothers from various Congregations, parishioners and visitors, and representatives of our schools, Scouts, local organisations, charities and community groups, including Councillor Ray McAdam, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, with Paul Carolan, his Aide-de-Camp, and Inspector John McCarthy from Bridewell Garda Station. Your presence, support and prayer are a valued sign of the living spirit of our Holy Family Parish.
As we begin this Jubilee Year, we give thanks for the past, rejoice in the present, and look forward with hope to the future, trusting in the power of Christ to guide and sustain us.