'Thank God for them' - Meet the 21 men now training to become priests in Ireland

21 new seminarians have commenced their 2024-2025 academic programme and priestly formation for Irish dioceses

Welcoming the new student intake, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations, said, “It is really heartening that twenty-one men have started as seminarians in various locations to study on propaedeutic courses. This brings the number of men training for the priesthood for Irish dioceses to 74 in total. We thank God for each of them.

“Over the last year, in a special way, the Bishops’ Conference promoted vocations to Diocesan priesthood. All around the country people prayed that the call to priesthood would be heard. Thanks to efforts in parishes, and via traditional media as well as on social, the vocation of priesthood was discussed in family settings, parishes and in communities. In addition, and based on feedback, faith-filled encounters with priests and committed lay people encouraged the idea that God is still calling men to priesthood. Such a positive notion was firmly planted in minds and hearts.

“So, today, I thank God to those who have responded to His call. We are all well aware that we need many more to respond. Therefore, there can never be any sense of complacency. The example of good priests up and down the country who walk with and lead their people to worship God, and care for their neighbours in good times and in bad, continues to inspire. Let us pray that all those who have chosen the path of priesthood will find fulfilment and bring the truth and the healing of Christ to our broken world,” Bishop Cullinan said.

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Also welcoming the new seminarians Father Willie Purcell, National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator, said, “The 21 men who are beginning their vocational journey by entering the propaedeutic year demonstrates to the world that God never ceases to call men to diocesan priesthood. While today’s number is good news, I pray that vocations to the priesthood will continue in the coming years. The Church and the faithful need priests.

“As the faithful in Ireland and around the world 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 diocesan priesthood,” Father Purcell said.

The 21 new students are currently undertaking their Propaedeutic Programme in: the Redemptoris Mater Seminary Dundalk, Archdiocese of Armagh; Royal English College Valladolid, Spain; Royal Scots College Salamanca, Spain; and, the International Seminary of Ars, France. These 21 bring the total number of seminarians studying for the priesthood for Irish dioceses to 74.