Sixteen men begin formal studies for the priesthood for Irish dioceses, on Sunday 22nd August. Covering a wide range of ages – from the late twenties up to early sixties – and with an array of life experience, the new seminarians can look forward to a concentrated period of studies in the four principal areas of priestly formation, namely at a human, spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual level.

Ten seminarians will pursue their studies at the national seminary in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth; four in St Malachy’s College, Belfast; one in the Irish College in Rome and one seminarian begins his studies in the Royal English College, Valladolid, in Spain.

Commenting on the intake of new seminarians, Father Patrick Rushe, Ireland’s National Co-ordinator for Diocesan Vocation Directors said "The new seminarians represent a great hope for all our future. As these men step forward we are witnessing the continuation of the work of bringing the good news of Jesus’ message of healing and hope to our troubled world. I admire the strength and conviction as they follow Christ, particularly in these challenging times.

"Having worked with Vocation Directors in every part of the country, many of these men have already been discerning their vocation for a significant period of time before making this important step. This discernment has highlighted their integrity, maturity, knowledge of the human soul, and a capacity to relate to others, all essential qualities in a priest. As priests their responsibility will be to communicate the love of Christ in any meaningful way, and to vigorously promote God’s work through our humanity," Father Rushe said.