“There are more men enquiring about priesthood”, according to Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore, who also serves as chair of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
He was speaking ahead of the annual ‘Come and See’ inquiry-day for men discerning a vocation to the diocesan priesthood which will take place on Sunday, July 13, at the Knock House Hotel, Co. Mayo.
Ahead of the meeting, Bishop Cullinan said: “There is something happening in the Irish Church. An increasing number of young Irish people are seeing that what the world alone has to offer is insufficient. There is a spiritual hunger. Only something authentic will do. As Pope Leo has repeated a number of times quoting from St Augustine: ‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in You Lord.’”
Bishop Cullinan continued, “Several Vocations Directors from around the country are receiving more phone calls. It is important to explore such a calling in a deep way, and to do so by making contact with the National Vocations Office”
Ossory priest, Fr Willie Purcell, who is Ireland’s National Vocations Coordinator, said, “Whether you are at the very beginning of your discernment or seeking clarity after some time of reflection, the ‘Come and See’ day will serve as a valuable stepping stone to see where God is calling you at this time. Feedback from previous years indicates that the day provides an important opportunity for men on the same discernment journey to gather to reflect on their calling.”
