Musical Pilgrimage Gala Concert 2026
Centenary in Song 2026
In collaboration with the highly acclaimed classical musical trio The Priests, the Pontifical Irish College is hosting a Musical pilgrimage in celebration of our 100th anniversary on Rome’s Coelian Hill.
The five-day pilgrimage will include workshops facilitated by The Priests, liturgical celebrations in some of Rome’s most historical Churches, and the opportunity to perform at a final evening concert on the grounds of the Pontifical Irish College.
If you are a Church musician from Ireland and would like to attend this unique experience, this pilgrimage offers an exceptional opportunity to deepen your musical and liturgical skills under the guidance of internationally renowned performers, to take part in a landmark moment in the life of the Irish Church in Rome, and to return home enriched, equipped to share newly acquired insights, repertoire, and inspiration within your own parish and wider faith community.
Who is this Pilgrimage open to?
This pilgrimage invites musicians and singers over 18 from Ireland who are engaged in church music ministry to deepen their craft, expand their repertoire, and bring renewed musical inspiration back to their parish communities.
Who will be leading the workshops?
Workshops, liturgies, and rehearsals will be directed by the Very Rev. Fathers Eugene O’Hagan, Martin O’Hagan, and David Delargy — internationally acclaimed members of the classical trio The Priests. All three are alumni of the Pontifical Irish College and continue their ministry as priests of the Diocese of Down and Connor in Northern Ireland.
Do I need to be able to sing?
Yes. To take part in the workshops and the final evening concert, participants must be accomplished vocalists with the ability to read music and perform choral and liturgical repertoire. Applicants must also know their vocal range and indicate it on their application.
Will I be given music in advance?
Yes. Music will be shared with participants ahead of the pilgrimage, allowing you to become familiar with your parts in advance of the workshops.
How much does the pilgrimage cost?
The cost of the pilgrimage is €1,000 per participant, which includes accommodation and meals at the Pontifical Irish College, workshop facilitation, excursions to historic churches in Rome, and all associated costs for the final evening concert.
NB***This cost does not include flights to Rome. Pilgrimage participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Rome at their own discretion.
How can I apply?
Places are limited and reserved for liturgical musicians with the ability to read music and perform choral and liturgical repertoire.
For any further clarifications please contact Mr. Eoin McCormack on eoin.mccormack@irishcollege.org
Who is this pilgrimage open to?
This pilgrimage invites musicians and singers over 18 from Ireland who are engaged in church music ministry to deepen their craft, expand their repertoire, and bring renewed musical inspiration back to their parish communities.
Who will be leading the workshops?
Workshops, liturgies, and rehearsals will be directed by the Very Rev. Fathers Eugene O’Hagan, Martin O’Hagan, and David Delargy — internationally acclaimed members of the classical trio The Priests. All three are alumni of the Pontifical Irish College and continue their ministry as priests of the Diocese of Down and Connor in Northern Ireland.
Do I need to be able to sing?
Yes. To take part in the workshops and the final evening concert, participants must be accomplished vocalists with the ability to read music and perform choral and liturgical repertoire. Applicants must also know their vocal range and indicate it on their application.
Will I be given music in advance?
Yes. Music will be shared with participants ahead of the pilgrimage, allowing you to become familiar with your parts in advance of the workshops.
How much does the pilgrimage cost?
The cost of the pilgrimage is €1,000 per participant, which includes accommodation and meals at the Pontifical Irish College, workshop facilitation, excursions to historic churches in Rome, and all associated costs for the final evening concert.
NB***This cost does not include flights to Rome. Pilgrimage participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Rome at their own discretion.
How can I apply?
Click the link below to access the application form:
(Places are limited and reserved for liturgical musicians with the ability to read music and perform choral and liturgical repertoire.)
For any further clarifications please contact Mr Eoin McCormack on eoin.mccormack@irishcollege.org
The Pontifical Irish College is pleased to announce a special music concert celebrating 100 years on the Coelian Hill on Friday 3 July at 18.30 in our garden in Via dei Santi Quattro 1, 00184 Rome. 🎶🏛️
The concert will feature performances by the highly acclaimed classical music group “The Priests”, together with a choir who took part in the Music Pilgrimage held here at the college.⚜️🎼
Admission to the concert is free but confirmation via e-mail is necessary. RSVP by the 26th June 2026 to alison.mills@irishcollege.org 📧
