The event took place in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and offered participants an immersive experience of seminary life, including shared prayer with the seminarians and guided opportunities to reflect on the nature of a vocation to diocesan priesthood.
Commenting on this annual gathering, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations said, “A delightful encounter, getting the chance to pray together, to mingle and explore a possible calling to diocesan priesthood. An uplifting experience indeed. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Staff of our National Seminary and the National Vocations Office for their harword during this weekend.
Father Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the initiative, describing the weekend as “a vital introduction for those discerning a call to diocesan priesthood, offering them a genuine insight into the rhythm and reality of seminary formation.”
Father Purcell also acknowledged the commitment of vocations directors nationwide and said “I commend the excellent work being undertaken by our vocations directors in accompanying these men as they seek to hear and respond to the call of God. Their guidance is instrumental as candidates come to a deeper understanding of what it means to serve as a diocesan priest.”