Seminarian segregation proposal criticised

Catholic priests have expressed serious concern about the visitation team’s proposal that seminarians in Maynooth should spend more time separated from other students if they are to achieve “a well-founded, priestly identity”.

Seminary buildings must be used exclusively by seminarians, the Vatican team argued in their report, and more consistent admission criteria must also be used when men are seeking to enter the priesthood.

The apostolic visitation report also recommends that the dioceses and seminary decide together who are suitable candidates.