Church can’t downplay priesthood for fear of offence – Bishop Cullinan

The Church can’t downplay the centrality of the priesthood to the life of the Church because of not wanting to “offend sensitivities”, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said at the close of the Year for Vocation.

The charism of the priesthood has been an essential in the makeup of the Church since the beginning, the head of the bishops’ council for vocations told The Irish Catholic.

“The healing power of the sacraments would be greatly diminished if we consider that a priest can simply be replaced by other ministries which are not sacramental,” the bishop of Waterford said.

“Every person has a vocation – a calling from God, but let us celebrate the sacredness of the ordained priesthood,” Bishop Cullinan added.

The Year for Vocation opened on Good Shepherd Sunday in 2023 with the theme ‘Take the risk for Christ’ and closed with the celebration of Mass on RTÉ on April 20.

Bishop Cullinan thanked all those involved in organising and carrying out the various events of the year, which included conferences, golf days and the “fervent prayer” for priestly vocations by people up and down the country.

“The hours of adoration, the rosaries, the aspirations and intercessions from countless people are what ultimately produce fruit,” Bishop Cullinan said.

He added: “I wish to thank especially all those who prayed for priestly vocations. They are the real heroes. Please keep it up. It is worth it!”