Dozens of Irish men gather at St Pat's to explore potential call to priesthood

Dozens of men from dioceses across Ireland have attended the national seminary to explore their potential call to vocation. 

Thirty six men from Irish dioceses enrolled in this year's weekend gathering at St Patrick's College, Maynooth to help discern if God is calling them to the priesthood. 

The weekend - which took place on November 18 and 19 - offers those considering a vocation an opportunity to meet with likeminded men on the path of discernment to priesthood. 

Director of the National Vocations Office of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Father Willie Purcell, said, "Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, provides a safe and conducive environment for participants to ask questions of the formation team, while also enabling them to reflect on following the example of the life of Jesus.

"Those attending pray together and join the seminary community in the celebration of Mass, hear accounts of contemporary priestly ministry and meet with students who have begun formation towards priesthood. 

"Our feedback indicates that seminarians, and newly ordained priests, are grateful for the witness, encouragement and accompaniment of another priest during their own discernment process." 

It is the third year the national seminary has hosted the gathering. 

This year's theme - 'Come and See' - was reportedly drawn from the invitation of Jesus in John 1:39 - 41, when disciples asked Jesus where He was staying. Rather than being too busy or important for them, Jesus invited them by saying, 'Come and you will see'.

According to Father Purcell, any man contemplating a vocation who wishes to further explore a calling should contact the National Vocations Office on info@vocations.ie. 

The Year for Vocation - involving organised prayer and awareness initiatives - will conclude on Good Shepherd Sunday (April 21, 2024).