Ten seminarians have begun their 2022-2023 academic programme and priestly formation for Irish dioceses. This brings to 56 the total number studying for the priesthood.
Commenting on this year’s intake of seminarians, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, said, “The men who have gone forward for training for priesthood in Maynooth are to be applauded. They are certainly going against the cultural norm, but they are so much needed.
“Amid the chaos of today, within and outside the Church, these men give hope to many. God is still calling, and there are men of courage who are answering Him. May all of us support them with our prayers and encouragement.”
Father Willie Purcell, National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator for the Bishops’ Conference, said, “These men are counter-cultural and by entering the seminary they show the world that God never ceases to call men to priesthood. Every vocation is missionary and is lived out in witnessing to the unconditional love of God in our lives expressed in our service of those whom we are called to minister to.
“As the faithful in Ireland and around the work continue to journey together on the Synodal Pathway, the generosity of these men calls us to reflect on our own vocation story as we take our part in the renewal of the Church in our respective dioceses and parishes. I wish to especially thank all the vocations directors across the country for their work in accompanying those who are discerning a vocation to priesthood.”
To read more and to see the full list of where seminarians are currently undertaking their formation, click here.
ENDS
