“While we are all aware of the great challenges facing the Church and society at this time, we know also that God the all-powerful is always with us,” said Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations.
"The Ordination of a man to the priesthood is an opportunity to renew again that invitation and sense of support to others who may be discerning a calling to priesthood and religious life," – Bishop Tom Deenihan.
“You are called to be a priest and exercise your ministry in the culture of today. It is not that you simply align yourself with everything that is present in that culture. It is not that you reject modernity. It is not that you feel satisfied with vague cultural Catholicism. As priest, you are called, like Moses, to lead the men and women of our time,” said Archbishop Martin.
For his motto, Bishop Dempsey chose ‘Duc in Altum’, coming from the miraculous fishing event narrated in Luke’s Gospel.
Archbishop Michael Neary told Shane that his responsibilities as a priest will be counter-cultural when he preaches Christ’s gospel: “As a priest of Jesus Christ you will proclaim his message, you will do so utilising your gifts, interests and insights but it will always be his message not your own preferences or prejudices,” said Archbishop Neary.
It is a source of joy for me to know that we now have a rescheduled date of Sunday 30 August for my Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry – Fr Paul Dempsey, PP of Newbridge and Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry.
Our parishes have taken to cyberspace like never before! We’ve been flooding the digital highways with Eucharistic celebration and other prayer moments – so much so that we’ve crashed our live-feeds – Archbishop Eamon 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.”
“The uncomfortable things we say need not be judgemental or harsh, but simply counter-cultural.”
Archbishop Michael Neary extended welcome to Shane Costello and prayers and support on behalf of the people in the Archdiocese of Tuam.
Former Government Minister and Green Party leader ordained to the priesthood at Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford.
“When Christ invited his own disciples to follow him, it was an invitation. That word of encouragement from priests, bishops and parishioners is part of it. We have to invite men to priesthood.”
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin ordains two new priests, Frs Dominic Binh Viet Nguyen and Paul Binh Xuan, for Salesian order at St Patrick's College Maynooth.
Thirty-four-year-old Fr Tony McAleese is a former catering manager and the first priest from St Vincent de Paul's in Belfast to be ordained in the parish in 50 years.
“Church has always given me the beacon of light when I’ve needed it,” says Martin Shanahan.
Final Report of Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse questions mandatory clerical celibacy, the inviolability of the seal of confession, and criticises culture of clericalism.
“A priest is certainly not the man who arrives into a parish, perfectly packaged, with all the answers."
Like St Laurence O'Toole "we need a faith where theology and prayer, witness and care of the poor belong together and can influence the world around us and make society more loving" - Archbishop of Dublin.
“Your lifestyle will be a protest against the stifling hedonism that is presented as the best we can hope for. Belief in God is not repression of our dignity but an invitation to the individual greatness that is God’s dream for each of us.”
Bishop Brendan Kelly ordains Rev Declan Lohan, a former barrister and member of the Legion of Mary and Youth 2000, to the priesthood for ministry in the Diocese of Galway.
Deacon Declan Lohan, a former barrister, is to be ordained a priest for service in his home diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora.
Former Man Utd and Northern Ireland footballer, Fr Philip Mulryne, to join the chaplaincy team at Newbridge College.
“People from abroad are often astonished at the level of antipathy to the Church displayed in our country.”
“Poverty in a priest still touches hearts, while ostentation always alienates.”
Archbishop acknowledges frustration over constant condemnation which has given rise to “justified resentment” among priests, religious and committed Catholics at being “unfairly” attacked.
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.”
Apart from a short time in pastoral work in New York during the Nigerian Civil (Biafran) War and subsequent studies in Nova Scotia, 90-year-old Fr Paddy Foley spent almost all his 60 years of priesthood in Nigeria.
The permanent diaconate has the capacity and capability of changing the face of the Irish Church – Bishop Denis Nulty.
Former Manchester United footballer becomes a Dominican friar.
"Where once communal life was characterised by a resilient faith, today many believers carry a grief and a loss of innocence in faith, in dogma, in religious institutions" - Mary McAleese.
