PRESS RELEASE
10th April 2007
Two Deacons ordained at the Irish College, Rome
Two students from the Pontifical Irish College were ordained deacons in Rome on Easter Monday. James Crofton from the Diocese of Meath and Colin Crossey from the Diocese of Down & Connor were ordained by the Bishop of Killala, Bishop John Fleming. The ceremony took place in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles, Rome.
Both candidates were joined by their families who came from Ireland for the ordination. James Crofton is the son of John and Ann Crofton from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath and Colin Crossey is the son of Una and the late Vincent Crossey from Glenavy, Co Antrim.
In his homily, Bishop Fleming reminded the candidates that: “In you the torch of Christ’s light and word passes to a new generation. Break the word of God for yourselves and for those who will be entrusted to your pastoral care. As you do, you will discover a new source of life for yourselves as well as for those you will serve. Then a tired, and perhaps estranged, world will find a new source of spiritual nourishment.”
Six students will be ordained to the priesthood from the Pontifical Irish College during the coming months. There are 57 students in the College, 18 of which are seminarians and the remainder are post-graduate priests from Ireland and other countries.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
* A photo of the event is available from the Catholic Communications Office in Maynooth. Please contact us at 00 353 1 5053017. The photo caption should read (looking at it from left to right): Deacon Colin Crossey, Bishop John Fleming and Deacon James Crofton.
* Bishop Fleming was Rector of the Pontifical Irish College from 1993 – 2001. The present rector is Monsignor Liam Bergin from the Diocese of Ossory.
* The Irish College Rome was founded on 1 January 1628 by the Irish Franciscan, Fr Luke Wadding and the Italian Cardinal, Ludivico Ludovisi. See www.irishcollege.org
* The College is the only surviving example of the large number of Irish seminaries established on the European mainland during the penal law period in Ireland to educate priests for the Irish Church. Past pupils include Saint Oliver Plunkett and Blessed Columba Marmion. Today, while the primary function of the College is the formation of seminarians and priests for Ireland, it has also expanded to include the education of clergy from other parts of the world.
* The College also organises different events for the Irish and for the wider international community in Rome. Some 250 couples celebrate their marriage at the College each year; young people are prepared for the sacraments of First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation, while conferences are hosted on different aspects of religion, history and culture. The College serves as a centre for the Irish community in Rome and as a focal point for Irish culture. It is also a popular centre for Irish pilgrims during the summer holiday months.
Further information:
Martin Long Director of the Catholic Communications Office: 00 353 86 172 7678
Irish College, Rome: 0039 0677 2631 and/or by email: [email protected]