Greg Daly
The Capuchin Vocation Team at the World Meeting of Families stand with Killaloe’s Bishop Fintan Monahan. (l-r) Bro. Richard Hendrick, Bro. Martin
Bennett (Provincial Promoter of Vocations), Bro. Bryan Shortall, Bishop Monahan and Bro. Seán Kelly. Extensive experience should give Ireland’s Capuchins grounds for ongoing hope, the new provincial of the Irish friars has said.
Speaking in his closing address to the Irish Capuchins’ provincial chapter, Leitrim’s Fr Seán Kelly said while all those gathered at the Emmaus retreat centre in Swords, Co. Dublin, were fully aware of the order’s lack of vocations in Ireland, there was still grounds for hope.
“I am aware as all of you are of the declining number of vocations coming to us; we are not getting younger but the experience of our years and ministries gives us hope,” the newly-elected provincial said, continuing: “I have hope, hope that is rooted in our way of life, hope that the witness of our lives as brothers will inspire many men to say yes to the call of God to our order.”
Urging his fellow friars to remain open to God’s plans and to have courage, he recalled the advice of the Pope.
“Like St Francis and in the words of Pope Francis for World Day of Prayer for Vocations ‘we must take risks’,” he said. “We move forward in the vision of our chapter theme and recommendations to ‘rebuild my house’.”
Fr Kelly will lead the Irish Capuchin Franciscans for the next three years, and will have responsibility for the province’s missions in South Korea, South Africa, and Zambia.