19 first year seminarians to begin priesthood studies in Maynooth

24 Aug 2005

Press Release

24 August 2005

19 first year seminarians to begin

priesthood studies in Maynooth

 
On Saturday next, 27th August, 19 first year seminarians will commence their
studies for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The total number
of seminarians in the College at the start of the academic year will be 75,
compared to 63 last year.
 
Commenting on the number of diocesan vocations, Monsignor Dermot Farrell,
President of St Patrick’s College Maynooth, said: “I welcome the overall
increase in the number of seminarians in formation at Maynooth.”  
 
Underlining the centrality of the sacraments to the life of the Catholic
Church, Monsignor Farrell noted that “the continuing growth in the number
of students studying for the priesthood is good news for Catholic communities
throughout the country for it guarantees the continuation of that sacramental
life which is at the heart of the Church.”
 
Ends
 
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
                                          
NOTES TO EDITORS
* St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, was founded in 1795 and is the national seminary.
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 together with thirteen other senior bishops.

* The College comprises the seminary and the Pontifical University, which offers
degrees in theology, philosophy and theology and arts.