"There is a spiritual hunger" bishop says ahead of weekend event
An upsurge in the number of men enquiring about entering the priesthood has been noted by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which is holding its annual ‘Come and See’ inquiry-day for men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood this Sunday July 13, at the Knock House Hotel, Co Mayo.
“Several Vocations Directors from around the country are receiving more phone calls with enquiries,” Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, who serves as chair of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, sai this week.
He sees hope for the future: “There is something happening in the Irish Church. An increasing number of young Irish people are seeing that what the world alone has to offer is insufficient. There is a spiritual hunger.”
He said that for those interested in priesthood, it is important to explore such a calling in a deep way: “I know well from conversations with seminarians, and with newly ordained priests, that they were so appreciative of the witness, encouragement and accompaniment given by another priest during their own discernment process.”
Ossory priest, Father Willie Purcell, who is Ireland’s National Vocations Coordinator, said, “Whether you are at the very beginning of your discernment or seeking clarity after some time of reflection, the ‘Come and See’ day will serve as a valuable stepping stone to see where God is calling you at this time.”
The 'Come and See' day begins with tea, coffee and welcome at 11:00am, followed by a range of reflective and engaging conversations. Father Michael McCullagh will be the main guest speaker on the day, guiding participants through key aspects of discernment and vocation. The day includes personal testimonies, spiritual input, open discussions, and time for prayer and reflection, and so offers participants meaningful insights into the life and ministry of a diocesan priest. Full details of the programme are below:
If you feel you have a calling to the priesthood, irrespective of where you are on your discernment journey, you are invited to contact the National Vocations Office on visit www.vocations.ie or carol.king@vocations.ie