Paul Keenan
A prayer initiative in Killaloe has seen two-thirds of parishes in the diocese praying regularly for vocations and a rise in the numbers of young men considering the path to priesthood.
According to the diocese, a number of years ago, then Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O’Reilly invited the Lay Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration to become active in the diocese and for them to keep vocations to the priesthood central to their prayers.
Involved
Speaking to The Irish Catholic this week, Fr Iggy McCormack, director of vocations for Killaloe, confirmed that parishes remain actively involved in the prayer initiative and that the diocese has three young men currently studying for the priesthood at St Patrick’s, Maynooth, and another three discerning their vocation.
“This is more positive than for some time,” Fr McCormack said. He added also that at least two of the young men had considered their vocations directly after their Leaving Certificate exams, “a sign that priesthood is once again an acceptable choice for young men”.
Fr McCormack went on to explain that, from an examination conducted by Killaloe of American dioceses where Eucharistic Adoration was introduced, it was clear that this had a bearing on an increase in vocations.
The Diocese of Killaloe has praised the main parties involved in the prayer initiative, the Eucharistic Adoration Apostolate committee and the local branch of the St Joseph’s Young Priests Society.
Anyone wishing to assist in the efforts of the Apostolate and the Young Priests Society can contact Fr Iggy McCormack on 086 277 7139.