"COME FOLLOW ME"

Since 1980 twenty-three priests have been ordained for our diocese. Proportionally this is a good number. It is difficult to foresee anything approaching this number being ordained in the coming twenty years and yet, we live in hope and pray for vocations. At present there are fifty-two priests of the Achonry Diocese. Forty-Five of these live and minister within the diocese, though three are retired, and seven are working and living outside the diocese. One of these is retired.

We have one seminarian in St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. He is Paul Kivlehan from the parish of Mullinabreena. A point for consideration .... how would we feel if, from the entire Diocese of Achonry there was only one person training for the Garda? Only one studying medicine or training to be a nurse? How would it be if only one person was willing to be a farmer? Needless to say, there would be widespread alarm. Why then, does it seem acceptable to have one student for the priesthood?

Achonry, a small diocese, affords its priests the luxury of knowing each other and living in relative closeness. In years past, many of our priests worked in far flung dioceses throughout Europe, America and Africa. This was seen as worthwhile, giving the priests a wider vision of ministry and allowing them return home with a diversity of vision that served only to enrich the soil at home. In the event of our numbers declining, it is difficult to imagine the diocese being able to supply priests to other ministries and locations. This would be regrettable.

If you have ever considered the possibility of a religious vocation, why not make contact with our Vocations Director or any priest in the diocese. If you have thought of a Religious Vocation, why not make contact with any of the Religious houses listed on our site? As the advertisement says, "it is good to talk". Why not avail of the opportunity.