Twenty new seminarians to commence priesthood studies at Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth
“ … have the courage to go against the tide of the culture of pragmatism and efficiency.” Pope Francis
Today, Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth welcomed twenty new seminarians, who will commence their formation for the priesthood at the National Seminary. At the conclusion of the Introductory Programme at the end of September, three of the new seminarians from Northern dioceses will continue their studies at Saint Malachy’s Seminary in Belfast.
Welcoming the new candidates, their families and friends to Maynooth, the President of the College, Monsignor Hugh Connolly, recalled the recent words of Pope Francis in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in July: “Dear seminarians who are preparing for ministry: have the courage to go against the tide of the culture of pragmatism and efficiency. Be courageous! Be servants of communion and of the culture of encounter.”
Monsignor Connolly continued:
“As the Church continues to celebrate this Year of Faith may the year ahead be an opportunity for all of us to appreciate the gift of our faith, deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our commitment to sharing our faith with others.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- At the end of September the total number of resident seminarians in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, will be approximately seventy. [A further twenty non-resident students from religious congregations pursue their academic studies there].
- Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth is the National Seminary for Ireland and has been forming men for the priesthood since 1795.
- The Trustees of the College are the Governing Body of the College. The membership is defined by successive Acts of Parliament. The current Trustees are the four Archbishops of Ireland together with 13 other senior bishops.
- The College comprises the Seminary and the Pontifical University, which offers degrees in theology, philosophy and theology and arts.
- A breakdown, by diocese, of the seventeen [+3] first year seminarians for 2013 is as follows:
- Ardagh & Clonmcanois 1
- Clogher 1
- Cloyne 2
- Cork & Ross 1
- Derry 4
- Elphin 1
- Ferns 1
- Kilmore 2
- Limerick 1
- Raphoe 2
- Tuam 1
- Down & Connor 3 [These students will continue their academic studies in Belfast after one month of formation work in Maynooth]
For media contact: President’s Office, Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Tel: 01 708 3958
Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
