Studying for the priesthood

Twenty-six men today began their studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

The Catholic Church revealed there will be 71 seminarians studying in the college from September.

Monsignor Dermot Farrell, president of the National Seminary, said he was encouraged by the numbers entering the college this year.

“There are always individuals who sense that they have a vocation; what we need is to find ways to invite them personally to consider the priesthood,” he said.

“The seminary is more than bricks and mortar. It is an experience of the Church’s life that enables candidates to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. One day, God willing, these seminarians, will be ordained to the priesthood.”

Six of the new seminarians will continue their studies at St Malachy’s College in Belfast from the end of September.

Eight men were ordained to the priesthood from Maynooth earlier this year, and the same number in 2005 and 2004.

The 26 seminarians beginning their studies this year are from 13 dioceses around the country. Armagh, two, Cloyne, one, Cork and Ross, two, Derry, five, Donegal, three, Dublin, five, Kildare and Leighlin, three, Kerry, one, Meath , one, Raphoe, one, Tuam, one and Waterford and Lismore, one.