Catholic Church welcomes biggest intake for ten years

Thirty-eight men will begin studies this year to enter the priesthood - the highest number for ten years, it was revealed today.

The Catholic Church said the seminarians are aged from 18 to mid-40s and come from a variety of backgrounds including medicine, IT, education, accountancy and tradesmen.

Twenty-six men will study in St Patrick's College, Maynooth; seven at St Malachy's College, Belfast; two in the Beda College in Rome, whilst one candidate is entering college in Valladolid, Spain.

Two others will begin studies later this year.

Fr Paddy Rushe, national co-ordinator of Diocesan Vocation Directors, said: "I want to acknowledge the hard work of vocation directors around the country who have spent time, in many cases well over a year, guiding and directing these men and preparing them for this step in their lives."

The Church said there were 24 seminarians last year and 20 the previous year and it is the highest number of entrants since 46 seminarians began training in 1999.

Seven seminarians have also transferred from Scotland to Maynooth to complete their studies, following the closure of Scotus College in Glasgow.

All the Irish trained priests will eventually spend time in dioceses around the country after their ordinations.

Monsignor Hugh Connolly, president of St Patrick's, welcomed the seminarians, saying: "You are about to begin a new and exciting journey, one that we share with you.

"This will be a time of tremendous personal growth as you enter formation; a new learning phase that will help you to fully realise your potential spiritually, pastorally and academically.

"It will also be a time of transition as you adjust to a new environment and to a new way of life."