A SENIOR Bishop has attempted to reverse the sharp decline in the number of people joining the priesthood by extolling the virtues of religious life.Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh says he has no hesitation in enthusiastically recommending the religious life to people considering their future career.
In a pastoral letter to mark the Irish Catholic Church's special year of vocations, Bishop Walsh says he felt it his duty as a bishop to place particular emphasis on the vocation to the priesthood and religious life.
This recruitment drive comes after 20 years in which there has been significant decreases in the numbers of young people entering religious life.
This decline, he admits, has been caused by manifold reasons including a weakening of faith, smaller families, Church scandals, and emphasis on material goods.
After speaking of his own fulfilment and difficulties in his 50 years as a priest, Bishop Walsh says: "The reality is that the call to priesthood and religious life is very challenging for our young people today."
Describing the priesthood as one of God's unique gifts to the world, Bishop Walsh says it is offered not only to young people but also to older people.
"I have no hesitation in recommending this way of life to anyone who is discerning their life's direction."
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(Source: II)