Chai Brady
There has been increased interest in priestly vocations during the pandemic, according to some diocesan vocation directors.
Fr Ruairi O’Domhnaill, vocations director in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin told The Irish Catholic that “all of a sudden” there has been “great interest”.
“All kinds of people have been getting in contact with me like I never had before. I’d say from the point of view of meeting people I’d say I’ve never been as busy,” he explained.
“A lot of people are thinking about things like moving to the country, working from home, changing job and it’s probably part of that dynamic because I’ve had people with extraordinary stories coming to me. Now they are not 18-19-year-olds, they are the older lads and I think that’s part of it, it’s something they’ve put off for a long time and maybe Covid just gave them greater time to think so it’s an interesting dynamic at the moment.”
Fr Rory Brady of Raphoe diocese also confirmed he has experienced an uptick in those expressing interest, while Fr Paul Kivlehan of Achonry said of his diocese: “There has been some interest. Two of the priests of the diocese contacted me to say there’s been enquiries about vocations.”
Fr Joseph Walsh of Cashel and Emly, who is “delighted” to have a man starting seminary for the diocese this year, added that he is “struggling”.
“I’ve had a lot of enquiries but that’s as far as it has gone. We are trying to promote it but the bite is not there. There will be great support and great help for people if it’s something that they want,” he said.