"The virtual pilgrimage will give us an opportunity to pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Knock for all our intentions.  Please God, we will be in a position to visit Knock again in person in the not too distant future," said Archbishop Martin.

“Ordinations are much rarer events in Ireland today than 100 years ago, but this beautiful and uplifting celebration is a reminder to all that the Lord never ceases to bring new life to the Catholic community.”

Archbishop Michael Neary extended welcome to Shane Costello and prayers and support on behalf of the people in the Archdiocese of Tuam.

“As I begin my new ministry as Bishop of Meath, pray with me that all who minister in this diocese will treasure and foster that sense of joy that transcends our own worries, failings and shortcomings, and enables us to reach out to others.”

"The ministry of a deacon is a ministry of personal integrity." – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

Bishop McGuckian reminded the two candidates of Mary Magdala’s capacity to follow the Lord even when it seemed as though all was lost. The Bishop urged the two new deacons to live a lifelong commitment to diaconal service especially after ordination as priests.

His knowledge and interest in the environment lends itself to the fifth mark of mission in the Anglican Communion, to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

In the Church of St Alphonsus in Rome Archbishop Diarmuid Martin reminded the ordinands of the dangers of clericalism and urged them to “Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

“It is going to become more and more a normal feature of life ... because many of those ordained will be coming in contact with us at funerals and weddings, baptisms, etc.”

“By virtue of our baptismal vocation we are all called to serve in our Church and to utilise our gifts” – Bishop Francis Duffy.

Youth 2000 and Medjugorje played a part in vocation stories of Rev Brendan McCarrick sac and Rev Jaimie Twohig sac.

Fr Michael Geraghty is the youngest priest in Killaloe. He will spend his summer helping the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes followed by a stint of missionary work in Africa.

One of the particular themes Pope Francis stresses is that the call to be Christians begins on the periphery.

Church in Belgium shocked as psychiatrists assess deacon's mental condition.

Archbishop Martin ordains a new deacon for Dublin.

Kildare and Leighlin to ordain seven Permanent Deacons in Carlow on Sunday.