With almost four centuries of experience in priestly formation, the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, is now extending its mission of intentional Catholic formation to lay young adults between the ages of 18-30 seeking to deepen their faith on the path of Christian discipleship. This semester-long experience is offered in collaboration with a consortium of Catholic studies departments in the USA.
Participants reside on the Irish College campus, which accommodates three distinct communities: Clergy, Seminarians, and Laity. Nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, the campus is just minutes away from iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Papal Basilica of Saint John Lateran (Cathedral of Rome), the Holy Stairs and the Colosseum.
Living at the Irish College provides students with a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Rome. Weekly field trips complement the formation programme, offering immersive experiences at historic churches, archaeological sites and significant locations central to the story of Christianity.
The programme is structured around the traditional four pillars of formation tailored for the lay vocation: Spiritual Accompaniment; Intellectual Growth; Human Development and, Community Engagement.
Spiritual Accompaniment: With access to daily Mass on Campus and a regular community Holy Hour, fostering a rhythm of prayer and worship is central to the formation programme. The importance of the Sunday Eucharist is highlighted through vibrant community celebrations, which bring together the three resident communities and a congregation of parishioners and English-speaking pilgrims visiting Rome. Spiritual direction is also available to guide participants in their personal faith journey.
Human Development: A tailored human development programme is offered to both male and female participants, designed to help them mature as individuals and prepare for the challenges of living as Christians in the modern world. This pilar of formation encourages growth in self-awareness, emotional resilience, and interpersonal skills, fostering a strong foundation for authentic relationships and meaningful engagement in both personal and professional spheres.
Intellectual Growth: The programme includes a certified, accredited course in Catholic studies, with the opportunity for participants to take introductory courses in Theology and Philosophy at a Roman university. This academic component is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the faith, providing them with the intellectual tools necessary for informed discipleship and engagement in the life of the Church.
Community Engagement: Participants partake in weekly community formation nights, which nurture a sense of belonging and shared mission in a synodal Church. They are also involved in hospitality and outreach efforts, engaging with visiting pilgrims to the Irish College. These experiences provide practical opportunities to live out the call to service, fostering a spirit of generosity and openness that is at the heart of the Christian life.
Watch a video of the programme here. For applications, inquiries, or details about programme costs please email [email protected].
Photo caption: Students at Saint Peter’s for a Papal Audience
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