By Pedro Esteva & Garry O’Sullivan
Two Irish bishops have told this paper that they are hopeful for the future of the Irish church as they see signs of renewal in their dioceses. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore believe that signs of renewal are already visible. At a recent Come and See day in Maynooth on the feast of Christ the King, he says, “there were 24 guys… and there was a time when, you know, that might have been seven or eight, you know, 15 years ago.” He added, “I do believe that there is something happening underneath the surface… let’s celebrate the fact that there is something happening, I believe, and that numbers are increasing.”
Another bishop agrees. “There are some signs too that a new generation is turning to faith” says Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath diocese. “This is not just an Irish phenomenon but is replicated in the United States and throughout Europe. For example, the figures of those who were receiving Christian Initiation last Easter (RCIA) attracted headlines throughout the Western World. In addition, there are clear signs that there is a slight improvement also in the numbers making enquiries about priesthood in Ireland.”
Bishop Cullinan believes that the promotion of Eucharistic Adoration does help lead to vocations to the priesthood. “The evidence would suggest that where Eucharistic Adoration is really being promoted, not always, but oftentimes there is an increase in vocations to the priesthood in that particular place.”
This connection, he says, is at the heart of a new national vocations initiative centred on a monstrance blessed by Pope Leo. The bishop brought the monstrance, shaped as a Celtic cross, to Rome during a diocesan pilgrimage. “I told him my name, where I was from, that I was here on pilgrimage with a group of 50 pilgrims and that this monstrance will be used as a focus of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life,” Bishop Cullinan said. “He put his hand on it most intentionally and blessed it. And then he said, ‘God bless your work.’ It was a very beautiful encounter, something that I will treasure always.”
From January, the Vocations Monstrance will travel to any parish that wishes to host it, with Bishop Cullinan describing it as “a more intentional focus of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.” The idea follows last year’s visit of the St John Paul II monstrance which “went around to 13 dioceses” and proved “quite popular.”
The Meath diocese has also put a lot of resources into Eucharistic Adoration in the diocese and the bishop says the numbers are consistent.
Growth is also evident in the permanent diaconate. “We had two ordained, I think, four weeks ago now… we will have another one in January,” he said. “So that’s another sign of hope” said Bishop Phonsie.
One of those recently ordained was Garda and Deacon Eric O’Sullivan. He has seen a transformation in Eucharistic Adoration: “Five years ago it would have been very difficult to get adoration… now any day of the week, any time of the day, you can get adoration… And that brings vocation… it’s the power we need for that battery.”
For him, the link between the Eucharist and all vocations is unmistakable. “Without the priests we have no Eucharist. Without the Eucharist we have no Church really.”
