Trustees of National Seminary meet in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth
14 new seminarians begin their training for the priesthood
In a statement published on 24 August last, it was announced that Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, has welcomed fourteen new seminarians to start their training for the priesthood. The statement said that, “The Trustees acknowledged the generosity and openness which motivates young men to consider a vocation to the priesthood and to apply themselves to the formation process. The Trustees also paid tribute to the dedication of the staff of the college for their role in formation. The Trustees offered prayers and encouragement for the seminarians and the college staff asking that this will be a time of grace and blessing.” The statement went on to say, “Acknowledging the recent and extensive media coverage regarding the College, and the disquiet that it has caused amongst the faithful, the Trustees emphasise that the Church has clear instructions on the formation of seminarians. It is essential that these are observed in order to form priests “after the heart of the Good Shepherd” (cf. Jer 3.15). There is no place in a seminary community for any sort of behaviour or attitude which contradicts the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.” A review of current resources, procedures and policies, including the use of internet and social media will now be undertaken. See catholicbishops.ie for full statement.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin: ‘New times require new institutions’
In his homily for the final Mass in the chapel of the Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin on 24 August, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said, “We live in an era of change. It is no time for believers to sit and bemoan or to be side-lined into the irrelevant. Believers must regain confidence and courage to face new things in new ways. It is time for tolerance and respect for diversities. It is time for a Church to be present in society in such a way as to help people find that God revealed in Jesus Christ, not as an imposition but as an invitation to fullness of life.” Read the full text of Archbishop Martin’s homily on www.catholicbishops.ie.
Canonisation of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Pope Francis will celebrate the Mass of Canonisation for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta on Sunday 4 September in Rome, on the eve of the 19th anniversary of her death. Coverage of the canonisation Mass will begin on RTÉ One Television from 9.10am. On Monday 5 September, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, will celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Canonisation in Saint Malachy’s Church, Armagh at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
News Snippets
Read all these stories in full on www.catholicnews.ie
- Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor, has condemned the destruction of 13 Jewish graves in Belfast. Bishop Treanor was speaking at Mass in Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast on 28 August, where he told Mass-goers that “these shameful acts are a blemish on our society.”
- During the month of September, Lough Derg will host special days of retreat on themes of ecumenism and living with the aftermath of suicide. They will also continue one-day See www.loughderg.org for more information.
- The 2016 Catholic Grandparents’ Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday 11 September 2016.
- The 2016 Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award will be awarded to Father Shay Cullen SSC.
Pope Francis Tweet of the Month: “Consoling those who suffer we are able to help build a better world. Follow Pope Francis on Twitter @Pontifex.
Produced by the Catholic Communications Office of the Irish Bishops’ Conference.
See www.catholicbishops.ie
