Dublin, Ireland, Aug 25, 2009 / 22:47 pm
The Irish bishops have announced that 36 new seminarians will begin their studies for the diocesan priesthood this year.
The new seminarians range in age from 18 to their mid-40s and come from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds, the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference (ICBC) reports.
Bishop Donal McKeown, chairman of the Vocations Commission of the ICBC, said the news was an encouragement to parishes and other organizations that promote vocations.
“Priests come from families and parish communities across the country; they are sons, brothers and uncles; work colleagues and friends; part of a Christian community,” he said.