Courtney McGrailSometimes it can seem that the sole narrative of religious life in Ireland is one of decline. But, if a recent Dublin gathering is anything to go by, religious life is very much alive and kicking.
Over the weekend of October 16-18 – fittingly Mission Sunday weekend – over 65 people gathered in Marianella in south Dublin to celebrate religious life.
The occasion was the fifth annual conference of young religious in formation, an opportunity for young people that are in training with various religious communities in Ireland come together and reflect on their vocation.
This year saw one of the most varied and well-represented conferences whereby over 20 different religious communities were present. The weekend was, perhaps, best summed up in the theme: Flourishing together: religious life in a global context – keep watch!