Four novices make their first profession, one makes his solemn profession and five new members join the order.

Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin commends priests from abroad in presence of visiting bishop from Kerala, India.

“People from abroad are often astonished at the level of antipathy to the Church displayed in our country.”

The meeting was organised to explore ways in which the diocese can respond to the pastoral needs of parishioners in light of the declining numbers of priests.

New community in Roscommon will honour Sr Clare Crockett, who died in earthquake last year in Ecuador.

“Vocations are born in prayer and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit” – Pope Francis.

Over the next 13 years, 28 of our 53 diocesan priests will reach the retirement age of 75 years. By the time children baptised this year reach Confirmation our diocese will be a very different place.

One of the things I pray for every day is a sense of humour! – Pope Francis.

Appointment is a way of saying the Diocese of Elphin believes in the future of the priesthood. “We hope that, in the coming years, we will be able to send seminarians both to the Irish College and to Maynooth” – Bishop Kevin Doran.

How can the last priests in Ireland survive the final years of their lives with comfort, esteem and affection?

The permanent diaconate has the capacity and capability of changing the face of the Irish Church – Bishop Denis Nulty.

Audience came at the end of formation course for new bishops organised by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

In an article questioning what lessons have learned from the Maynooth fiasco, Fr Brendan Hoban is highly critical of Irish bishops who accept unsuitable candidates.

New institutions are needed to address a new era says Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

“I think the days of a big big seminary are over. I think if anything good comes from this it is an examination of a better way” - Fr Brendan Purcell.

Forty-one-year-old Rev Warren Collier spent 16 years working as a driver for Bus Éireann before studying for the priesthood at the Beda College in Rome.

“In times of strength, of weakness and great persecution, we remained steadfast, thanks to the support and generosity of you and your ancestors, the people of Limerick.”

New approach will see priests work across different parishes and while there won’t necessarily be a priest living in every parish, there will be a parish priest for every parish.

Over the coming year the diocese will see Sean Jones ordained a priest - exactly ten years since the last priestly ordination in Kerry.

Prayers offered at Masses in the Diocese of Kerry for world peace and for people everywhere who serve in the army of their country.

“We appreciate that there are manpower issues both within the Vincentian community and the diocese. We do not believe the announcement is the correct solution to this situation."

In 1965, 441 priests were ordained in Ireland, but these days it is usually 12/13 annually, Bishop Denis Brennan highlighted at a recent conference for vocations directors.

Ordination of two new deacons will be followed in July by the ordination of two Pallottines to the priesthood.

President of St Patrick’s College Maynooth hopes nine new deacons will build up the ‘Body of Christ’ as they “serve the people of God in their various dioceses".

Ordination coincides with the special Jubilee of Deacons taking place in Rome to mark the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“The Church is at a cross-roads,” he said, “and we could get stuck at the cross-roads unless we decide to respond proactively”.

Lahore seminary rector sees increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life as “a sign of God's blessing” who is “always close to his people.”

One of the first documentaries on Irish television was the Radharc programme ‘The parish with the most vocations in Ireland – Doon, County Limerick.’

“Our ministries continue to thrive despite difficulties like older age, lack of vocations."

Grant totals €268,000 over three years and is intended is help Vocations Ireland support and nurture vocations to the consecrated religious life in Ireland today.