Seventeen men from across Ireland gathered in Knock on Sunday to explore a possible call to diocesan priesthood at a national Come and See Day. An event described by Fr Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator, as “a very successful and productive day.”
Organised for those at the initial stage of inquiry into priesthood, the event offered a space not just for reflection and prayer, but also for genuine conversation and companionship. “The Come and See events are extremely important,” Fr Purcell said, “because they give men the opportunity to come together and talk among themselves about where they feel their own calling is taking them.”
Attendees came from a variety of backgrounds, including youth faith groups such as Youth 2000 and the Legion of Mary. Others spoke of the influence of priests they had known—men whose generosity and witness to the Gospel had inspired them to consider their own path. “There are still men in every diocese who are inquiring,” Fr Purcell emphasized. “The call to priesthood hasn’t ended—it’s still very much alive.”
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Chair of the Council for Vocations, was present and described the atmosphere as “very uplifting for all involved.” Participants ranged in age from 18 to mid-40s, and came with varying life experiences. “Straight away, the interaction of the guys was very committed,” he said. “They didn’t sit around waiting for somebody to say something exciting. They got involved, listened to each other, and opened up.”
The day included a talk on discernment by Fr Michael McCullagh CM, a visit to the Shrine at the Gable Wall, and a prayerful “conversation in the Spirit”—a group-discernment method rooted in listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit through communal sharing. According to Bishop Cullinan, a recurring theme was the desire “to be part of giving hope to today’s generation,” inspired both by the presence of other men discerning and by priests who had gone before them.
“Priesthood isn’t an individual journey,” Bishop Cullinan said. “It’s an ecclesial calling—part of something bigger than ourselves, rooted in service to the Church and to the people.”
Bishop Cullinan made it clear that the Come and See event “was greatly supported through the generosity of the Knights of St Columbanus.”
The Come and See Day is one of three national events scheduled throughout the year. A second, set for November, will be aimed at men already in active discernment with vocation directors. Regional discernment gatherings also take place throughout the year, providing local support and connection.
Fr Purcell also noted a rise in inquiries to the Permanent Diaconate—particularly among older men who may be rediscovering a long-held sense of vocation. “It’s a beautiful form of service that allows men to live out their vocation within their family and parish communities.”
“In a world that often highlights the decline in vocations,” Fr Purcell said, “this event is a reminder that God is still calling and young men are still listening.”
